Safeguarding
Here you’ll find information regarding safeguarding students during their work placement.
We have a statutory duty to ensure that we make arrangements to safeguard and promote the welfare of children and young people that we work with.
By combining our procedures with the Local Safeguarding Children Board procedures (LSCB) you can ensure full safety for all pupils.
Your school’s safeguarding lead will receive all information in full, and any issues will be reported directly to them.
The safeguarding of pupils is a joint responsibility between all involved. Through management and accountability, we deliver safe and effective services in accordance with statutory, national, and Local Safeguarding policies.
Here’s what we do to ensure everything runs smoothly and safely:
- We ensure that systems are in place, which enable all staff to comply with LSCB Procedures and the Children Act 2004, and follow DFE guidance
- We ensure constructive relationships at all levels, from senior managers, to employers
- Clear lines of accountability within the organisation
- Continual staff training on safeguarding
- Developments we make take account of the need to safeguard all service users
- Effective information sharing between schools, students, parents and employers
- All of our staff have full DBS checks in place
- We have a lead staff member to whom all allegations of abuse or complaints should be directed to
- All of our contacts are in line with GDPR
We take all reasonable measures to ensure that the risks of harm to children’s welfare are minimised. Where there are concerns about children and young people’s welfare all we take all appropriate actions to address those concerns, working to agree with local policies and procedures in partnership with other agencies.
We ensure the provision of training which meets the standards and objectives of LSCB training requirements and has been accredited and endorsed by the LSCB training committee. All staff who are likely to come into contact with children or families in the course of their work, have access to and receive appropriate level of training, updating, and access to professional advice and support.
Risk Assessments
We run risk assessments as standard with all of our employers. The employer completes an assessment internally of all of their own safeguarding measures and systems.
We never place students in a sole trader work environment unless this is through a family connection. Schools are able to use their final discretion to accept or deny a placement at any time.
Responsibility of all Employees
Employers have a responsibility to make sure that all staff, including administrative staff, get chances to attend local courses about protecting and promoting the well-being of children. Alternatively, they should ensure that their team members receive training on safeguarding. Managers in charge of hiring must make sure that all staff who work with children apply for enhanced screening by the Criminal Records Bureau before they are hired.
Managers must also ensure that staff involved in child protection have access to advice and support. All staff should have access to clinical supervision. If they suspect child abuse, they must follow the guidance provided by the Local Safeguarding Children Board (LSCB).
All employees should be aware of the signs of possible abuse or neglect in children and know how to act on their concerns following local guidelines. They should also know how to contact Named and Designated Professionals for guidance and support. Employees should be familiar with and follow their organization’s policies and procedures for protecting and promoting the welfare of children in their area. It’s the responsibility of all employees to attend training related to safeguarding children that is appropriate for their role. This helps them stay skilled and knowledgeable about the procedures for safeguarding children.
All employees should understand the importance of confidentiality and sharing information according to local and government guidelines. When requested, they should contribute to multi-agency meetings established to safeguard and protect children. Employees directly involved in child protection work should seek supervision and peer review provided by their employer.
Comprehensive records of all concerns, discussions, decisions, and even telephone conversations related to safeguarding children should be kept in line with the local LEA policy on records and record keeping.
Sharing Information to Keep Everyone Safe
When we talk with children, young people, and families, we will be open and honest about what information we need to share and why. We will also ask for their agreement before sharing anything. The information we share will be accurate, up to date, and only given to those who need to see it.
Protecting Children and Young People’s Data (GDPR Policy)
As part of our legal obligations under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), Changing Education Limited needs to keep and process certain information about our staff members, customers, students, and employer partners. We take data privacy seriously, and this policy explains how we comply with GDPR principles.
When and Why We Share Information:
In some situations, we may need to share confidential information without consent if it’s in the best interest of the child or young person’s safety. These situations include when there is evidence of significant harm or a risk of harm to the child. The child’s safety is always our top priority.
Maintaining Records and Confidentiality
We keep clear and organised records of concerns about children, including discussions with other professionals and agencies. Confidential information about a child should never be shared casually and should only be shared with those who need to know. There are situations where employees may be expected to share information, especially if child abuse is suspected. In such cases, individuals must pass on the information promptly following the Local Safeguarding Board procedures. Employees must document when, with whom, and for what purpose information was shared. The law places some restrictions on disclosure, such as the common duty of confidence, the Human Rights Act 1998, and the Data Protection Act 2018, which governs the storage and processing of personal information about children and young people.
Disagreements Between Professionals or Agencies
If there are disagreements between professionals or agencies, designated professionals should be informed. If mediation doesn’t resolve the issue, a professional meeting should be arranged according to LSCB procedures.
Request for A Change of Worker
In some cases, it may be necessary for a change of worker if relationships between parents or family members are not productive in safeguarding and promoting the welfare of their children. Organisations should be sympathetic to such requests if it benefits the child’s well-being.
Allegations of Abuse and Serious Incidents
Any allegations of abuse against a worker or serious untoward incidents involving a child should be reported to the Head of Children & Families promptly. The management of such allegations should follow The Changing Education Group’s Disciplinary Procedures.
Training Framework
All training is aligned with statutory guidance, including “Keeping Children Safe in Education” and “Working Together to Safeguard Children.” Employees will be trained to recognize signs of child welfare concerns, know who to contact for advice and supervision, and be aware of the referral process. They will also be familiar with Safeguarding Children Policies and their responsibilities in safeguarding children.
Audit and Performance Indicators
Compliance with this policy will be monitored by Senior Managers. Knowledge and skills related to safeguarding children will be considered during the appraisal process. Performance will be measured through key indicators, such as providing child protection information to all staff upon employment, ensuring staff with direct contact with children receive appropriate training, and conducting annual audits related to safeguarding children.
Useful resources and information from other organisation
The Protection of Children in England – A Progress Report
Making Arrangements to Safeguard and Promote the Welfare of Children
Information Sharing Guidance for practitioners and managers
Statutory guidance on making arrangements to safeguard and promote the welfare of children under section 11 of the children Act 2004:
What to do if you’re worried a child is being abused:
