Nicola Sproule B.Ed.honours:

I qualified as a teacher in 1992 and as a Head teacher in 2016. As Assistant Head teacher in Meadows School, Rochdale (A school for Looked After Children with challenging behaviour) I was responsible for Curriculum, Personal Development, Behaviour and Welfare. Recognising that the school had instances of poor behaviour, I evaluated and restructured the school’s policies and procedures on behaviour and produced the Safe Schools behaviour management system. A Safe Schools staff training package was rolled out resulting in incidents of physical intervention being reduced from 47 in 2014-2015 to 7 in 2015-2016. This achievement was cited by Ofsted in April 2016 as an outstanding feature of the school. See quotes from the OFSTED report directly below.
"On occasion, there are instances of poor behaviour. Staff are frequently aware of the things that can trigger this poor behaviour and take steps to ensure that it does not develop. When it does the school has clear strategies in response..... Such instances are followed up in restorative meetings which aim to help those involved understand what has gone wrong and how they can make amends." 

OFSTED Report April 2016

Having set out clear objectives for staff, the Safe Schools system soon became integrated into the fabric of the school’s broader curriculum. Citizenship was clearly evident as pupils showed respect to each other, teaching staff and there was clear pupil recognition that there is no place for bullying, homophobic or any other unacceptable behaviours in the school. This behaviour was recognised as an outstanding feature of the above report.
“ Pupils generally behave well. There are well understood systems for dealing with instances of poor behaviour." 

OFSTED Report April 2016

Since leaving Meadows School I have set up a Safe Schools consultancy and training company. Numerous schools across the North West have benefitted from bespoke Safe Schools interventions seeing their attendances rise, exclusions reduced and a continuous improvement in pupil behaviour.
The underpinning ethics of my Safe School system enhance a schools efforts to achieve OFSTEDS benchmarks for personal development, behaviour and attitudes. The testamonies following are clear evidence of my achievements with Safe Schools. 

Professional development is ongoing and has included:
BTec level 3 Advanced physical intervention trainer updated 2019
NFPS Alternative Injection Sites for IM medication 2019
NFPS Using Force to maintain good order and discipline 2019
BTec level 3 Handcuff and Softcuff Trainer updated 2019
BTec level 3 Conflict Management Trainer 2018
BTec level 3 Advanced Self Defence Instructor 2018
BTec level 3 Physical Intervention trainer to the Private Security Industry 2018
UK Coaching level 2 judo instructor 2017
Government accredited WRAP trainer for Prevent. 2015
BTC PI & Restorative Practise Trainer 2012
Ignite Training Safeguarding Children & Young People course 2021
Working with the Youth Justice Board reviewing handcuffing specifically to improve standards following the Charlie Taylor report. 2021
Soft Restraint System 2020
Functional Edge Training 2020
UK Coaching Duty of Care 2020
First Aid, Fire Safety, Health & Safety, Risk Assessment 2020
GDPR 2020

Testimonials

“An excellent study day, good balance of information, practical and opportunity to ask questions. Good teaching method of gradual build-up of using different techniques. Will make myself, other staff and patients safer in the department – Thank you.

Fiona Hayward – Matron Royal Surrey Hospital

“I thought training was brilliant, Nicola’s experience and insight were invaluable. Really enjoyed myself and have gained skills that will stay with me for life.”

Tawfe’eq Babou – Professional Security Head Doorman at The Ivy, Manchester

 "I just wanted to express my gratitude at being able to work alongside you at Eden school. It has given me so much more confidence working with challenging behaviours. As the behaviour manager I feel ready to tackle any obstacle in my way.  

What you have brought to the table at Eden has reduced the total of Physical interventions by 86.7% and increased the overall attendance from 65% whole school to 87.9% whole school. Working restoratively within the school has had such a positive effect on both staff and pupils, increasing staff morale and making the pupils feels as though they are heard and appreciated."

Chris Ford – Behaviour Lead, Eden school, Blackburn

"A superb use of an INSET day, has empowered the staff to improve their practice.
Has dramatically reduced the likelihood of having to resort to exclusion.
Staff at all levels are better able to remove low level disruption and the issues which can arise as a result.
The training has led to a tangible improvement in approach to unwanted behaviours across school."
Ian Matthews, Head Teacher, Ashleigh Primary School, Darwen.

"Nicola is knowledgeable practical and informative the discussion regarding de-escalation personal development plans and selling it to staff were extremely useful. A very well spent Saturday morning with SLT."

Jane Parsons, Head teacher, St Steven’s primary school, Bury.

"The training was 100% right for our setting.” 

A.Hill, Middle leader, Meadows School, Rochdale.

"Thank you for a great course we will definitely be recommending you."

Sally Denney, Deputy Head teacher, St Stephen’s school, Bury.

Our Clients

Safe Schools Ltd is a Bild ACT certified and RRN approved training service;  The Safe Systems Model is the accredited course.
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