Safeguarding Policy for uDesign Learn Kids Tutoring Company

Policy Statement:

uDesign Learn Kids Tutoring Company (hereafter referred to as ‘the Company’) is committed to providing a safe and nurturing environment where all children can learn, grow, and succeed. This Safeguarding Policy provides clear direction to staff and others about expected behavior and our legal responsibility to safeguard and promote the welfare of all children at our Company.

Definitions:

A “child” is defined as anyone under the age of 18.

“Safeguarding” involves keeping children safe from harm, ensuring their welfare, and protecting their rights.

Policy Objectives:

1. To provide adequate and appropriate resources to implement this policy and to ensure that it is communicated and understood.
2. To ensure that all staff are clear about their roles and responsibilities in respect of safeguarding and are provided with appropriate learning opportunities to recognize, identify, and respond to signs of abuse, neglect, and other safeguarding concerns.
3. To respond quickly and effectively to all suspicions or allegations of abuse, providing appropriate support to the child.
4. To ensure robust safeguarding arrangements and procedures are in operation.

Staff Responsibilities:

All staff have a responsibility to provide a safe environment in which children can learn. They are required to adhere strictly to this policy and any supporting procedures, including maintaining an attitude of ‘it could happen here.’

Procedure for Managing Suspicions or Allegations of Abuse:

If a child is in immediate danger or is at risk of harm, a referral should be made to children’s social care and/or the police immediately. All suspicions or allegations of abuse must be reported to the designated Safeguarding Officer, who will then take necessary actions.

Recruitment and Selection of Staff:

The Company operates safe recruitment processes, including appropriate Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks and reference checks.

Training:

All staff are provided with safeguarding training appropriate to their roles and responsibilities. Training is refreshed regularly.

Use of Technology:

The Company has a clear e-Safety policy that sets out the responsibilities of all users. Staff are aware of the importance of good e-Safety practice in the classroom to safeguard children online.

Partnership with Parents:

The Company is committed to working in partnership with parents to safeguard children. We will always undertake appropriate discussion with parents prior to involvement of another agency unless to do so would place the child at further risk of harm.

Confidentiality:

Personal information about children and families is kept confidential and only shared with personnel who need to know in order to safeguard and promote the welfare of the child.

Policy Review:

This policy will be reviewed at least annually or sooner if there is a significant change in legislation or in response to any significant incidents.

By adhering to this policy, uDesign Learn Kids ensures that every child in our care is protected, supported, and given the best opportunity to succeed in their learning journey.

Designated Safeguarding Officer:

The Company will designate an appropriate senior member of staff to oversee safeguarding and child protection. This Designated Safeguarding Officer (DSO) will undergo appropriate and specific training to provide them with the knowledge and skills required to carry out their role.

Record Keeping:

A clear and precise record of any safeguarding or child protection concerns should be made as soon as possible. The records should accurately reflect the child’s words and actions. The record should be signed, dated and, where possible, timed, noting the action taken in response to the concerns.

Online Tutoring:

In the context of online tutoring, all of the usual safeguarding considerations apply. Communication with a child or their parent/carer must not take place outside the agreed communication channels. Tutors must be appropriately dressed and in a suitable setting, free from distractions and background noise. Lessons should be held at appropriate times and not too late in the evening.

Code of Conduct for Staff:

All staff members will be provided with a code of conduct outlining the standards of behaviour expected from them. This will include guidelines on appropriate relationships with children, online communication, and procedures for reporting concerns.

Whistleblowing:

We maintain an open culture that encourages staff to express their views and concerns. If a member of staff has a concern about poor or unsafe safeguarding practices within the Company, these concerns should be raised promptly with the management or the DSO. The Company will not tolerate any harassment or victimization of whistleblowers.

Allegations Against Staff:

Allegations against staff must be reported immediately to the DSO. All allegations will be taken seriously in line with our company’s policy, and necessary actions will be taken, including referral to statutory agencies when required.

Partnership with Other Agencies:

The Company will work in partnership with local and national agencies to ensure that we fulfill our responsibilities to safeguard and protect children. These agencies may include Local Authority Children’s Social Care Services, the police, health services, and the Local Safeguarding Children’s Board.

Visitors:

All visitors to the Company, including contractors and service providers, will be informed of our safeguarding policy and expected to comply with it.

Equality Statement:

This policy applies to all children regardless of their age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation. The Company ensures that children with special educational needs and disabilities are not negatively affected, and additional support is provided where necessary.

Policy Availability:

This policy will be available and accessible to all staff, parents/carers, children, and relevant external bodies through our official website and upon request from our premises.

This policy will be reviewed and updated in line with any changes in legislation or guidance from statutory agencies to ensure the Company’s ongoing compliance and commitment to safeguarding children.