Meet the Safeguarding Team

Miss Downing

Deputy Headteacher and Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)

I am Miss Downing and I am a member of the safeguarding team at Polesworth.  I am also the strategic behaviour lead at the school and the designated teacher for children who are looked after.

There is nothing more rewarding than having an impact on young minds and supporting young people as they develop and grow.   I am immensely proud to be a member of staff at Polesworth and I really enjoy working with our students both as a teacher and as part of the pastoral team.  I have worked at Polesworth for over twenty years and during that time I have been lucky enough to work with and support many students who have progressed from Polesworth to have successful and happy lives.

I love teaching English and Media Studies and enjoy spending quality time with my family and friends.  My non-negotiable is kindness – being kind costs nothing and can make a huge difference to the lives and outlook of so many young people.

Mr White

Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead and Assistant Headteacher

My name is Mr White. I am a member of the Safeguarding Team at The Polesworth School and approach this role with the same mindset I approach every aspect of my professional life “how would I want my child to be treated/look after”. I genuinely believe that this way of thinking helps focus my actions.

My core beliefs revolve around two core principles; work hard and be kind. I try to teach all children these values. If we can all aim to achieve those two goals the world will be a happy place and our young children will go on to have happy lives.

All children require additional support and guidance and different times and to differing degrees. I take great pride in being part of a network who can help support young people.

I have been a proud member of staff at The Polesworth School since 2005 and thoroughly enjoy teaching Maths. I enjoy most sports and am a busy father to two energetic boys!

 

Mrs Williams

Student Support Manager—Arden and Stratford

School Counsellor

My name is Dawn Williams and I am a Student Support Manager, Deputy Safeguarding Lead and Counsellor at the school. I am lucky to have had the chance to work in and experience the many different cultures in countries around the world and often use those experiences to help me in my various roles within the school. I have been told I have a quirky sense of humour and I can live with that. A quote that I feel sums me up best is:-
‘To make a difference in someone’s life, you don’t have to be brilliant, rich, beautiful or perfect. You just have to care, and I do.

Mrs Grigg

Student Support Manager

Attendance Intervention

My name is Mrs Grigg.  I’m a Student Support Manager and have been part of the Student Support and Safeguarding Teams at The Polesworth School for a little over five years now, after having worked in the corporate sector for many years. I love working with all of our Polesworth students and can honestly say there is never a dull day! I’m a big believer in treating others the way you wish to be treated and being mindful that everyone has their own story.