"I found Safe Start at a time I was desperate and my child was not able to cope with school. Safe Start has saved us; I dread to think where we would be now without the school."
Parent of a Student at Safe Start (2022)
Headteacher's Welcome
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Welcome to Safe Start School!
It gives me great pride and pleasure to extend a warm and heartfelt welcome to our students, families, and partners. As an independent school, Safe Start School is a truly unique place of learning, and I am honoured to lead such a dedicated and compassionate community.
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At Safe Start, we understand that for many of our students, the journey through education has not been a straightforward one. Our mission is to work with young people aged 11–16 who may have been disengaged from education due to childhood trauma or other adverse experiences. We believe that every child deserves the chance to reach their full potential, and our trauma-informed, nurturing approach is designed to help them do exactly that.
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Our students are at the heart of everything we do. We offer a bespoke curriculum and small class sizes to ensure a personalised and effective learning experience. More importantly, our primary focus is on building secure and trusting relationships. We use a 'primary model' where students have a consistent teacher and mentor, which creates a stable, secure, and familiar environment where they can thrive.
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We work collaboratively with families, social workers, and other agencies to provide a holistic and supportive network for every child. Our curriculum is designed to not only deliver qualifications in Maths, English, and Digital Skills but also to equip our students with the life skills, confidence, and resilience needed for a positive future. We want our students to not only leave us with qualifications but with a renewed love of learning and a sense of optimism for what comes next.
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We are committed to our ongoing journey of growth and excellence, celebrating the progress and achievements of our students every step of the way. We are a diverse, welcoming, and accepting community, and I look forward to working together to ensure a happy, safe, and successful experience for all.
Thank you for choosing Safe Start School. I look forward to a successful and rewarding year ahead.
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Ms Kate Collins
Headteacher
Safe Start School, Tameside
Events and
Support
SJ, Parent, (Survey) June 2025
“The school works very closely with parents and carers in all areas. I am listened to and any concerns are resolved ."
Year 7 student - Letter to Ofsted Inspector - Jan 2025
"This school helps me feel safe because staff are caring and understand us."
Year 7 Student - Letter to Ofsted Inspector - Jan 2025
“In our class it is calm, and we do our work around the building everyone is kind and always says hello.”