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Safeguarding & Child Protection Policy

1. Policy Statement

Aslan Academies is fully committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people.

We believe that:

  • Every child has the right to feel safe and protected.

  • Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility.

  • The welfare of the child is paramount.

We operate a zero-tolerance approach to abuse, neglect, bullying, or unsafe practice.

2. Scope of this policy

This policy applies to:

  • All directors

  • All employed staff

  • Self-employed coaches

  • Volunteers

  • Contractors

  • Anyone working on behalf of Aslan Academies

It covers all extra-curricular provision delivered in schools, community venues, and events.

3. Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)

The Designated Safeguarding Lead for Aslan Academies is:

Name: Georgina Ingram
Role: Director / Safeguarding Lead
Email: 
Phone: 07539247902

In the absence of the DSL, safeguarding concerns should be reported to the school’s DSL immediately.

4. Safer Recruitment

Aslan Academies follows safer recruitment practices:

  • Enhanced DBS checks (with barred list check where applicable)

  • Identity verification

  • Reference checks

  • Safeguarding interview questions

  • Verification of qualifications

  • Ongoing supervision and monitoring

All staff must:

  • Complete safeguarding training

  • Complete Prevent awareness training

  • Understand the Staff Code of Conduct

5. Staff Training

All staff receive:

  • Safeguarding & Child Protection training

  • Prevent Duty training

  • Behaviour management guidance

  • Clear reporting procedures

  • Annual refresher updates

The DSL undertakes enhanced safeguarding training every 2 years (or in line with local authority guidance).

6. Recognising Abuse

Staff are trained to recognise signs of:

  • Physical abuse

  • Emotional abuse

  • Sexual abuse

  • Neglect

  • Child-on-child abuse

  • Online abuse

  • Exploitation

  • Radicalisation (Prevent duty)

We understand that abuse may present in many forms and may not always be immediately visible.

7. Reporting Concerns

If a child makes a disclosure or a concern arises:

  1. The staff member listens carefully.

  2. They do not promise confidentiality.

  3. They record factual information as soon as possible.

  4. They report immediately to:

    • The School’s DSL (where provision is school-based), and

    • Aslan Academies’ DSL.

We do not investigate concerns ourselves.
We refer concerns appropriately to the school or relevant authority.

8. Working with schools

When delivering provision within schools:

  • The school retains overall safeguarding responsibility.

  • Aslan Academies staff follow the school’s safeguarding procedures.

  • Any concerns are reported directly to the school’s DSL.

  • We cooperate fully with safeguarding investigations.

9. Code of Conduct

All staff must:

  • Maintain professional boundaries.

  • Avoid one-to-one isolated situations where possible.

  • Never communicate privately with children via personal devices.

  • Never exchange personal social media details with pupils.

  • Never engage in physical contact beyond what is appropriate for instruction and safety.

  • Never use inappropriate language.

Breaches of conduct will result in disciplinary action.

10. Photography & Video

  • Consent is obtained from parents before photographs or videos are used.

  • Images are stored securely.

  • Full names are never published alongside images.

  • Staff may not use personal devices to capture images of children.

11. Online Safety

Aslan Academies recognises the importance of online safety.

We ensure:

  • No direct private messaging between staff and pupils.

  • Parental consent for any online sessions.

  • Secure platforms are used for communication.

  • Clear boundaries around digital conduct.

12. Health & Safety

Safeguarding also includes physical safety.

We ensure:

  • Risk assessments are carried out.

  • Appropriate supervision ratios are maintained.

  • Emergency contact details are available.

  • First aid provision is accessible.

  • Medical information is recorded securely.

13. Whistleblowing

Staff are encouraged to report concerns about:

  • Unsafe practice

  • Inappropriate behaviour

  • Breaches of safeguarding procedures

Concerns can be raised with the DSL or directly with the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO).

No member of staff will suffer detriment for raising genuine concerns.

14. Managing Allegations against Staff

If an allegation is made against a member of staff:

  • The DSL will inform the school (where applicable).

  • The Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) will be contacted.

  • The individual may be suspended pending investigation.

  • Full cooperation will be given to authorities.

We follow local authority procedures.

15. Prevent Duty

Aslan Academies recognises its duty under the Counter-Terrorism and Security Act 2015.

We:

  • Promote fundamental British values.

  • Train staff to identify signs of radicalisation.

  • Refer concerns appropriately.

  • Work with schools to support early intervention.

16. Data Protection

Safeguarding information is:

  • Stored securely

  • Shared only on a need-to-know basis

  • Retained in line with legal requirements

We comply with UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018.

17. Policy Review

This policy is reviewed annually or sooner if:

  • Legislation changes

  • Guidance is updated

  • An incident requires review

Aslan Academies takes safeguarding extremely seriously. All staff hold Enhanced DBS checks and safeguarding training. We work closely with partner schools and follow strict child protection procedures to ensure every child is safe, supported, and protected.

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