At Amberley Court School, our policies are designed to reflect who we are an inclusive, trauma-informed school where every child is supported to feel safe, understood, and able to thrive. Our approach is rooted in compassion and built on clear, consistent guidance that helps create a calm and predictable environment for everyone in our community.
We are committed to transparency, safety, and high standards. The policies available here outline how we work, how we support our pupils and families, and how we ensure a learning environment where all can shine.
If you would like any of our policies in a different format or have questions about what they mean in practice, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
Policy 1
Safeguarding and Child Protection
At Amberley Court School, safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility. We are committed to creating a safe, nurturing environment where pupils feel protected, respected, and able to speak up. Our safeguarding policy outlines how we identify concerns, respond to disclosures, and work in partnership with families and external agencies to keep children safe.
We follow national guidance, including Keeping Children Safe in Education, and all staff—including our Coaches—receive regular training and supervision to ensure best practice. Safeguarding runs through everything we do, from daily routines to curriculum planning, helping pupils feel secure and supported every step of the way.
Designated Safeguarding Lead: James Eagle (Headteacher)
Deputy Safeguarding Lead: Claire Collacott (Deputy Head)
Policy 2
Admissions
Amberley Court School is a specialist independent school for pupils aged 6 to 16 with Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs), often linked to neurodivergence and Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs.
We understand that many of our pupils have had disrupted educational journeys and may be feeling unsure about school. Our admissions process is designed to be thoughtful, relational, and child-centred, ensuring that every placement is right for the child and that we can meet their needs safely and effectively.
Policy 3
Behaviour
At Amberley Court School, we don’t see behaviour as something to “fix”, we see it as communication. Our Behaviour Policy is grounded in compassion, curiosity, and the belief that every child can grow and thrive when they feel emotionally safe and understood.
We use a relational, trauma-aware approach that prioritises connection over correction. Our Coaches work closely with each pupil to understand the ‘why’ behind their behaviour, offering consistent support, clear boundaries, and space to reflect and repair.
We focus on co-regulation, building trust, and developing the emotional literacy and skills pupils need to navigate challenges. Every moment is an opportunity for learning, growth, and reconnection.
Our approach to behaviour is deeply embedded in our culture—and supported by ongoing training, supervision, and reflection.
Policy 4
Anti-Bullying
At Amberley Court School, every child has the right to feel safe, valued, and included. We are committed to creating a culture of kindness, respect, and belonging—where bullying in any form is never tolerated.
We understand that some of our pupils may have experienced bullying in the past or may find social interactions challenging due to their needs. That’s why we take a proactive, relational approach to preventing and responding to bullying. We teach empathy, emotional regulation, and respectful communication through our curriculum, daily routines, and therapeutic support.
If bullying does occur, we respond quickly, supportively, and restoratively. Pupils are helped to reflect, repair, and rebuild relationships—always with adult guidance and consistent boundaries.
Bullying, whether physical, verbal, emotional or online, goes against our core values of compassion, curiosity and belonging. Everyone in our community plays a part in ensuring that Amberley Court is a place where all can shine.
Policy 5
Curriculum Policy
At Amberley Court School, our curriculum is designed around the unique needs of our pupils—many of whom have missed out on learning, experienced disrupted education, or struggled to feel safe in school settings.
We provide a flexible, supportive curriculum that balances academic progress with emotional and social development. Core subjects like English, Maths, and Science are taught in small groups, with lessons adapted to meet each pupil where they are. Alongside this, we offer creative arts, life skills, PSHE (including Relationships and Sex Education), physical education, and therapeutic interventions.
Our aim is to help every child re-engage with learning, rebuild confidence, and discover what they are capable of. As pupils grow, they can work towards recognised qualifications or more practical pathways—always based on what is right for them.
We believe that meaningful relationships and emotional safety are key to meaningful progress. That’s why our curriculum is built on curiosity, connection, and care—helping every child take steady steps forward at their own pace.
Policy 6
Complaints Policy and Procedure
At Amberley Court School, we are committed to working in close partnership with parents, carers, and professionals. We aim to provide a high standard of education and care for every child—and we welcome feedback that helps us improve.
We recognise that sometimes concerns may arise, and we encourage open, respectful communication so that issues can be resolved quickly and informally wherever possible. If a concern cannot be resolved in this way, our Complaints Policy outlines a clear step-by-step process for raising and handling formal complaints.
All complaints are taken seriously and handled with sensitivity, fairness, and transparency. We are committed to listening, learning, and maintaining strong relationships built on trust and mutual respect.
A full copy of our Complaints Policy, including response times and procedures for formal complaints, is available on request or can be downloaded from this page.
Policy 7
Health and Safety
At Amberley Court School, the safety and wellbeing of our pupils, staff, and visitors is a top priority. We are committed to providing a calm, secure, and supportive environment where everyone can learn, work, and grow with confidence.
Our Health and Safety Policy outlines how we identify and manage risks, maintain safe premises, and respond to emergencies. From daily routines to educational visits, we take a proactive approach to keeping everyone safe—emotionally and physically.
Staff are trained in health and safety procedures relevant to their roles, including first aid, fire safety, and safeguarding. Regular checks, risk assessments, and reviews are carried out to ensure high standards and compliance with all relevant legislation.
We believe that a safe environment is the foundation for learning and belonging—and we work together as a whole school community to uphold it.
Policy 8
First Aid
At Amberley Court School, we want every pupil to feel safe, cared for, and supported—especially when they are unwell or injured. Our First Aid Policy ensures that appropriate care is available at all times during the school day, including on trips and off-site activities.
We have trained first aiders on site and clear procedures for responding to accidents, illness, or medical needs. First aid supplies are well maintained and easily accessible, and incidents are recorded and communicated with parents or carers promptly.
Staff are also trained to recognise when a child’s physical symptoms may be linked to emotional distress, and we respond with the same care and compassion that underpin all we do.
We work closely with families to support individual medical needs, and care plans are put in place where needed to ensure pupils can access learning safely. the child and that we can meet their needs safely and effectively.
Policy 9
Special Needs & Disabilities (SEND)
Amberley Court School exists to meet the needs of children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities. All of our pupils have an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP), and many have faced significant challenges in their previous educational settings.
We recognise that every child is unique—and so are their needs. Whether a pupil is autistic, has ADHD, sensory processing differences, or social, emotional and mental health (SEMH) needs, we work closely with families and professionals to create the right support package.
Support at Amberley Court is not one-size-fits-all. We build trusting relationships, use therapeutic approaches, and adapt the curriculum to ensure each child can engage, learn, and grow in a way that works for them. From classroom strategies to specialist interventions, everything is designed to remove barriers and celebrate each pupil’s potential.
We are committed to inclusion, dignity, and enabling every child to feel that they belong.
If you would like to know more about our SEND provision or how we support specific needs, please get in touch—we’re always happy to talk.
Policy 10
Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural (SMSC) Development
At Amberley Court School, we believe that education is not just about academics—it’s about helping young people grow into thoughtful, kind, and responsible individuals.
SMSC development is woven through everything we do, from curriculum content to everyday conversations and whole-school experiences. We support pupils to explore their own values, beliefs, and identity in a safe, respectful environment—building emotional literacy, empathy, and a sense of self.
Spiritual: Pupils are encouraged to reflect, wonder, and make meaning in their own way. We value creativity, curiosity, and emotional expression.
Moral: Through real-life situations and discussion, pupils learn to make good choices, understand right from wrong, and consider the impact of their actions.
Social: We support pupils to develop positive relationships, navigate social challenges, and become part of a kind and inclusive community.
Cultural: Pupils explore different traditions, perspectives, and communities—developing respect for diversity and a sense of belonging in the wider world.
SMSC isn’t a single lesson—it’s the heart of how we help children learn, connect, and thrive.
Policy 11
Relationships and Sex Education (RSE)
Amberley Court School is a specialist independent school for pupils aged 6 to 16 with Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs), often linked to neurodivergence and Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs.
We understand that many of our pupils have had disrupted educational journeys and may be feeling unsure about school. Our admissions process is designed to be thoughtful, relational, and child-centred, ensuring that every placement is right for the child and that we can meet their needs safely and effectively.
