Legal

Safeguarding Policy

Last updated: [INSERT DATE – once finalised]

Policy statement

The safety and wellbeing of every child who takes part in a Succeed 11+ mock exam, course or session is our top priority. This policy sets out how we work to keep children safe, and applies to every member of staff, tutor, exam invigilator and volunteer who has contact with children through our mocks, courses and other activities. We are committed to creating an environment where children feel safe, respected and able to raise any concern they may have.

Who this policy applies to

This policy applies to everyone who works with or on behalf of Succeed 11+, including tutors, exam invigilators, course leaders, administrative staff present at venues, and any freelance or contract staff who have contact with children during mocks, courses or events. It also applies to volunteers or parents assisting at a Succeed 11+ event.

Legal framework

This policy draws on the principles set out in the Children Act 1989 and 2004 and the statutory guidance Working Together to Safeguard Children. It also reflects good practice drawn from guidance written for schools and colleges, such as Keeping Children Safe in Education, adapted here for a private tutoring and exam provider.

[Recommended: have a solicitor or safeguarding consultant confirm which duties apply specifically to Succeed 11+ as a private business, since some of this guidance is written for schools rather than independent tutoring providers.]

Designated Safeguarding Lead

[Name] is Succeed 11+’s Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) and is responsible for safeguarding decisions within the business. Any safeguarding concern should be raised with [Name] in the first instance, by phone on [phone number] or by email at [email address]. If [Name] is unavailable, concerns should be raised with [deputy DSL name], who acts as deputy.

Recruitment and vetting of staff

Everyone who works directly with children at Succeed 11+ mocks or courses undergoes an enhanced DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check before starting, renewed [every three years, or via the DBS Update Service – confirm actual interval]. References are taken up for all new tutors and invigilators before they begin working with children. At every mock exam and course session, at least one member of staff present holds a current paediatric or emergency first aid certificate.

Code of conduct

  • Treat every child with respect, patience and encouragement.
  • Avoid being alone with a single child wherever possible; sessions are run in groups or within sight of other staff and parents.
  • Only communicate with children through channels agreed with their parent or guardian, never through personal phone numbers or social media.
  • Ask a parent or guardian’s permission before taking any photograph or video of a child, and use it only for the purpose agreed.
  • Report immediately any behaviour, from a colleague or otherwise, that falls short of these standards.

Recognising signs of abuse or neglect

Staff are asked to stay alert to signs that a child may be at risk, which can include but are not limited to:

  • Unexplained injuries, or injuries inconsistent with the explanation given.
  • Sudden changes in behaviour, mood or confidence.
  • Reluctance to go home, or fear of a particular person.
  • Signs of neglect, such as being consistently hungry, tired or inappropriately dressed.
  • A child disclosing something concerning, directly or indirectly.

This list is not exhaustive, and no single sign confirms abuse is taking place. Staff do not need to be certain before raising a concern.

[The NSPCC publishes free, regularly updated guidance on recognising signs of abuse, which can be used to expand this section and to inform staff training.]

Reporting a concern

If a member of staff has any concern about a child’s welfare, they should:

  1. Make sure the child is safe.
  2. Report the concern to the Designated Safeguarding Lead as soon as possible, and always on the same day.
  3. Write down what was seen or heard, using the child’s own words where possible, as soon as they can afterwards.
  4. Not investigate the concern themselves, or promise the child confidentiality.

The Designated Safeguarding Lead will decide on next steps, which may include contacting the child’s parents, local children’s social care, or the police, depending on the nature of the concern. Parents or members of the public who have a concern about a child’s safety, or about the conduct of any Succeed 11+ staff member, can raise it directly with the Designated Safeguarding Lead using the contact details above.

Confidentiality and information sharing

Information relating to a safeguarding concern is shared only with those who need to know, and is recorded and stored securely in line with UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018. Safeguarding records are kept separately from general business records, with access limited to the Designated Safeguarding Lead. Where a child may be at risk of harm, information may need to be shared with external agencies such as children’s social care or the police; in these circumstances confidentiality cannot be guaranteed, as a child’s safety takes priority.

Training

The Designated Safeguarding Lead receives safeguarding training appropriate to the role, refreshed every [interval, e.g. two years]. All other staff and tutors complete an introduction to child protection before working unsupervised with children, covering how to recognise signs of abuse and how to report a concern.

[Confirm actual training provider and refresh interval.]

Policy review

This policy is reviewed annually by the Designated Safeguarding Lead, or sooner following a change in legislation or guidance, or after any safeguarding incident.

Contact

Safeguarding concerns can be raised with [Name], Designated Safeguarding Lead, at [email] or [phone]. General enquiries can be sent to [email protected].