Safeguarding Awards 2026

External auditor, Rebecca Riley (Education Safeguarding Trainer and Consultant), has awarded several Heartwood Learning Trust schools with The Safeguarding Culture Growth Award and The Safeguarding Excellence in Practice Award.

We are delighted to share that the following schools have been recognised.

George Pindar School - This school has shown an unwavering commitment to growth and reflection, approaching its safeguarding arrangements with thoughtfulness and care. Their dedication to learning from practice ensures that every improvement positively impacts both students and staff. With the support of the deputy DSLs, the DSL has been central to strengthening the school’s safeguarding culture, showcasing a collective commitment to creating a safer, more supportive environment where the whole school community can thrive.

Poppleton Ousebank Primary School - This award recognises the school’s exceptional dedication to safeguarding and its commitment to continuous development. The school has established clear, robust systems and procedures, shaped by leadership that is supportive and restorative in its approach. A key strength is the school’s focus on people — actively listening to staff and pupils, valuing their perspectives, and using feedback to inform meaningful, positive change. Their approach is considered, transparent, and reflective, helping to create a culture where everyone feels safe, respected, and able to be heard.

Newland St John's - The school has approached the safeguarding self-assessment with sincerity, curiosity, and a genuine drive for continuous improvement, demonstrating that safeguarding is not just a compliance requirement, but a moral responsibility. The Principal remains committed to embedding safeguarding at the heart of the school’s culture, rather than treating it as an add-on. Her proactive approach reflects a dedication to listening, understanding, and leading with integrity.

Compass Academy - This award recognises the school’s exceptional whole-school commitment to safeguarding and its ongoing drive for improvement. Under strong and supportive leadership, the school has established a culture where safeguarding underpins every interaction and decision. Leaders promote a reflective, learning-focused environment, ensuring safeguarding is embedded throughout the school as a shared responsibility. As a result, the school has developed a strong culture of care, awareness, and collective commitment that positively supports the entire school community.

Burton Green Primary School - This award recognises the school for its exemplary safeguarding practices, which are deeply embedded within its culture. The school’s ongoing commitment to student safety is clear and highly commendable. Of particular note is its collaborative approach - building strong relationships with external agencies to support not only pupils but also their families. Through valuing openness, shared responsibility, and continuous improvement, the school sets a benchmark for safeguarding across the whole community

Aspire Academy - This award recognises the school for its exemplary leadership in safeguarding. Through its self-assessment and ongoing practices, the school has not only maintained secure safeguarding standards but has progressed to exemplary levels across key areas. What sets the school apart is its commitment to creating a culture where safeguarding is embedded in every interaction, ensuring psychological safety for students and fostering a trauma-informed environment that prioritises wellbeing, learning, and resilience.

Liberty Academy - This award recognises the school for its consistently exemplary safeguarding practices embedded within its culture. The school’s unwavering commitment to student safety is clear and highly commendable. Through proactive collaboration—both within internal teams and with multi-agency partners -the school demonstrates a collective dedication to safeguarding, ensuring that the wellbeing of every student is central to all decisions and practices.

Barlby High School - This award recognises the school for its outstanding commitment to safeguarding, demonstrated through a whole-school culture of relational practice and exemplary preventative PSHE education. The DSL’s unwavering commitment—to both safeguarding and their own professional growth - is evident in the school’s everyday practice, fostering a safe and supportive environment. This relational approach by staff has cultivated a community where students are not only safe but consistently kind and respectful towards one another.