West Derby School

West Derby School endeavours to nurture the caring, trusting and strong relationships between pupils, staff and families. The core aim of our school comes from our tireless pursuit of achieving excellence in all aspects of school life. Our values determine the way in which we pursue that goal, namely through collective cooperation, mutual respect and courtesy.

When our children feel safe, happy and optimistic about their future they are more likely to succeed. Each member of the community of West Derby School plays an important role in creating these foundations for successful lives; personally, academically and professionally.

We are a popular and oversubscribed school with a very special and warm ethos. We offer a full range of academic and enrichment opportunities to all and we are very proud of our pupils' achievements. All students are entered for an extensive range of examinations.

We want our students to be happy and successful, to be good citizens and to enjoy their years with us. Our ethos is founded upon the principles of right and wrong, and dignity and respect for all. All members of our community should be committed to these values and live up to them.

On arriving at West Derby School visitors immediately notice the calm, purposeful learning environment and the excellent relationships which are evident between students and staff. with this foundation, our students' journey to becoming confident, independent and well-rounded adults has already begun.

It is because we are a confident community that we acknowledge that we can improve further and we will always seek strategies to work even more effectively, with all stakeholders, in this journey of continual improvement.

West Derby School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people; we expect all pupils, staff, volunteers and visitors to share this commitment. The school ensures children learn in a safe, caring and enriching environment. Children are taught how to keep themselves safe, to develop positive and healthy relationships, how to avoid situations where they might be at risk including by being exploited.

The school also has a statutory responsibility to share any concerns it might have about a child in need of protection with other agencies and in particular police, health and children’s services. Schools are not able to investigate concerns but have a legal duty to refer them. In most instances the school will be able to inform the parents/carer of its need to make a referral. However, sometimes the school is advised by children’s services or police that the parent/carer cannot be informed whilst they investigate the matter. We understand the anxiety parents/carers understandably feel when they are not told about any concerns from the outset. The school follows legislation that aims to act in the interests of the child.

The school will always seek to work in partnership with parents and other agencies to ensure the best possible outcomes for the child and family.