SAFEGUARDING policy
Effective date: Sep 24, 2024
Introduction
Hood Lessons Ltd is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children, young people, and vulnerable adults. We recognise our responsibility to take all reasonable steps to promote safe practice and to protect children, young people, and vulnerable adults from harm, abuse, and exploitation. Staff and volunteers will adhere to this policy and ensure that concerns about the safety and welfare of children, young people, and vulnerable adults are appropriately addressed.
Purpose
The purpose of this policy is to:
1. Protect children, young people, and vulnerable adults who receive Hood Lessons Ltd’s services.
2. Provide staff and volunteers with the overarching principles that guide our approach to safeguarding and child protection.
Scope
This policy applies to all staff, volunteers, and anyone working on behalf of Hood Lessons Ltd.
Legal Framework
This policy has been drawn up based on legislation, policy, and guidance that seeks to protect children, young people, and vulnerable adults in the UK. Key documents include:
• The Children Act 1989 and 2004
• Working Together to Safeguard Children 2018
• The Care Act 2014
• The Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006
• Keeping Children Safe in Education 2023
• Data Protection Act 2018 and UK GDPR
Definitions
• Child/Young Person: Anyone under the age of 18.
• Vulnerable Adult: A person aged 18 or over who may need community care services by reason of mental or other disability, age, or illness and who is or may be unable to take care of themselves or unable to protect themselves against significant harm or exploitation.
• Safeguarding: Protecting children, young people, and vulnerable adults from maltreatment, preventing impairment of their health or development, ensuring that they grow up in circumstances consistent with the provision of safe and effective care, and taking action to enable all children, young people, and vulnerable adults to have the best outcomes.
Principles
Hood Lessons Ltd is committed to the following principles:
1. The welfare of the child, young person, or vulnerable adult is paramount.
2. All children, young people, and vulnerable adults have an equal right to protection from harm.
3. Everyone has a responsibility to support the protection of children, young people, and vulnerable adults.
4. Children, young people, and vulnerable adults should be respected and listened to.
5. All suspicions and allegations of abuse will be taken seriously and responded to swiftly and appropriately.
6. All staff and volunteers must be aware of the safeguarding policy and procedures.
Responsibilities
Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)
The DSL at Hood Lessons Ltd is responsible for:
• Ensuring that safeguarding policies and procedures are in place and followed.
• Receiving and acting upon any reports of safeguarding concerns.
• Liaising with external agencies such as local authorities, social services, and the police.
• Ensuring that all staff and volunteers are trained and aware of their safeguarding responsibilities.
• Keeping detailed, accurate, and secure records of any concerns or referrals.
Staff and Volunteers
All staff and volunteers are responsible for:
• Be familiar with and follow this safeguarding policy and related procedures.
• Attending safeguarding training as required.
• Reporting any concerns about the welfare of a child, young person, or vulnerable adult to the DSL.
• Promoting a safe environment for children, young people, and vulnerable adults.
Recognising Abuse
Abuse can take many forms, including:
• Physical Abuse: Hitting, shaking, throwing, poisoning, burning, or otherwise causing physical harm.
• Emotional Abuse: Persistent emotional maltreatment that causes severe and persistent adverse effects on emotional development.
• Sexual Abuse: Forcing or enticing a child, young person, or vulnerable adult to take part in sexual activities.
• Neglect: Persistent failure to meet basic physical and psychological needs, resulting in serious impairment of health or development.
• Financial Abuse: Illegal or unauthorised use of a person’s property, money, pension book, or other valuables.
Reporting and Responding to Concerns
If a child, young person, or vulnerable adult discloses information regarding abuse:
1. Listen carefully and stay calm.
2. Reassure them that they have done the right thing by telling you.
3. Do not promise confidentiality; explain that you will need to share this information with the appropriate people.
4. Do not investigate or ask leading questions.
5. Record what was said using the person’s own words as soon as possible.
6. Report the concern to the DSL immediately.
The DSL will:
1. Assess the information and take appropriate action.
2. Contact relevant external agencies, such as social services or the police, if necessary.
3. Ensure that detailed and accurate records are maintained.
Safer Recruitment
Hood Lessons Ltd is committed to safer recruitment practices to ensure that all staff and volunteers are suitable to work with children, young people, and vulnerable adults. This includes:
• Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks for all staff and volunteers.
• Checking references for new staff and volunteers.
• Interviewing candidates to assess their suitability for the role.
Training
All staff and volunteers will receive safeguarding training appropriate to their role. This includes:
• Induction training for new staff and volunteers.
• Regular refresher training to keep up-to-date with current safeguarding practices and legislation.
• Specialist training for the DSL and any staff with specific safeguarding responsibilities.
Confidentiality
All concerns and referrals will be handled sensitively and confidentially. Information will only be shared with individuals who need to know and will be in accordance with current data protection legislation.
Reviewing the Policy
This safeguarding policy will be reviewed annually, or more frequently if necessary, to ensure it remains up-to-date with legislation and best practices.
Approved by: Andrew Fuller, Chief Executive Hood Lessons Ltd