SAFEGUARDING & CHILD PROTECTION POLICY

Policy adopted:   September 1st 2023

Review date: not later than August 31st 2024

AC Tuition believe that it is unacceptable for a child or young person to experience abuse of any kind and recognises its responsibility to safeguard the welfare of all children and young people.

“Everyone who works with children has a responsibility for keeping them safe. No single practitioner can have a picture of a child’s needs and circumstances and, if children and families are to receive the right help at the right time, everyone who comes into contact with them has a role to play in identifying concerns, sharing information and taking prompt action.” Working Together to Safeguard Children 2018.

The aim of the policy:

• Provide procedures to follow if there is cause to suspect a child or young person may be experiencing or be at risk of harm
• To promote and prioritise the safety and wellbeing of young people and children under 18, who receive tutoring services
• Provide assurance to parents, carers and other parties that reasonable steps are taken to manage risks and keep children safe
• Ensure that everyone understands their roles and responsibilities in respect of safeguarding and is provided with the necessary information, training and support on safeguarding matters
• Prevent the employment of individuals in work with children where they have been barred by the DBS or are an unacceptable risk to vulnerable groups
• Ensure that appropriate action is taken in the event of any allegations or suspicions regarding harm to children

Purpose of the policy

To ensure that all members of AC Tuition are aware:

• It is a mandatory requirement that everyone is aware of their responsibilities in relation to safeguarding and child protection
• Procedures should be followed if they have a cause for concern
• How to report concerns or suspicions
• Where to go to find additional information regarding safeguarding
• Key indicators relating to child abuse

 Child Protection Policy

This policy applies to all staff and anyone working on behalf of AC Tuition

Legal framework

This policy has been drawn up based on law and guidance that seeks to protect children, namely: 

Children’s Act 1989

United Convention of the Rights of the Child 1991 Data Protection Act 1998

Education Act 2002 

Sexual Offences Act 2003

Female Genital Mutilation Act 2003 

Children Act 2004

Protection of Freedoms Act 2012

Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2015

Counter Terrorism and Security Act 2015

Children and Social Work Act 2017 

Keeping Children Safe 2018

Working Together to Safeguard Children

We recognise that:

• All staff have responsibility for safeguarding children at AC Tuition
• Children, regardless of age, disability, gender, racial heritage, religious belief, sexual orientation or identity, have a right to equal protection from all types of harm or abusive behaviour
• Some children are additionally vulnerable because of the impact of previous experiences, their level of dependency, communication needs or other issue
• Working in partnership with children, young people, their parents and other agencies is essential in promoting young people’s welfare

We seek to safeguard children by:

• Valuing them, listening to and respecting them
• Adopting child protection practices through procedures
• Developing and implementing an effective e-safety policy and related procedures
• Sharing information about child protection and good practice with children and parents
   

Role of  tutor

• Act immediately if worried and through written form as detailed below
• Provide a safe environment in which children can learn
• Access support and advice from the designated safeguarding lead
• Identify signs of abuse and concerns  early
• Provide help
• Prevent concerns escalating
• Follow referral process
• Maintain an attitude ‘it can happen here

Information Sharing

Essential for early identification of need, assessment and provision to keep children safe. It is also important for the identification of patterns of behaviour. Fears about sharing information must not be allowed to stand in the way of the need to promote welfare and protect the safety of children.

Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)

Alan Cottington is the designated safeguarding lead and has knowledge and skills in recognising and acting on child protection concerns. The designated lead will act as a source of expertise and advice and attend relevant training in order to stay informed of changes in safeguarding practice and procedure.

The Designated Safeguarding Lead will act swiftly and make appropriate referrals to the Local Authority Designated Officer where an allegation is made that a member of staff has committed an offence against a child, harmed a child, or acted in a way that calls into question their suitability for working with children.

All members of staff and volunteers who have a suspicion or concern that a child may be suffering, or may be at risk of suffering significant harm, refer such concerns to the Designated Safeguarding Lead, who will refer on to Children’s Social Care Assessment and Joint Investigation Service.

Recruitment

Should AC Tuition recruit staff or volunteers in the future, we will ensure through the recruitment and selection of candidates that all people who work for AC Tuition are safe to work with children. Candidates will be carefully selected and screened. Specific mandatory questions will be asked including any reason why the prospective teacher should not be employed or work with children.

AC Tuition will have had sight of an applicant’s:

• Birth certificate, passport and/or driving licence
• Academic qualifications, to ensure that qualifications are genuine
• Professional and character references prior to offering employment
• Satisfy conditions as to health and physical capacity
• Previous employment history and any gaps accounted for
• Is disabled and has specific additional needs
• Has special educational needs (whether or not they have a statutory EHC Plan)

DBS Checks

We ensure all staff are DBS checked prior to employment with an Enhanced DBS check. DBS checks will be undertaken on all staff a minimum of every 2 years

Children who may require help

If early help is required, the Designated Lead will lead on liaising with other agencies and set up an inter-agency assessment.

Any child may benefit from early help, but AC Tuition are particularly alert to the potential need for early help for a child who:

• Is a young carer
• Is showing signs of being drawn in to anti-social or criminal behaviour, including gang involvement and association with organised crime groups
• Is frequently missing/goes missing from care or from home
• Is misusing drugs or alcohol themselves
• Is at risk of modern slavery, trafficking or exploitation
• Is in a family circumstance presenting challenges for the child, such as substance abuse, adult mental health problems or domestic abuse
• Has returned home to their family from care
• Is showing early signs of abuse and/or neglect
• Is at risk of being radicalised or exploited
• Is a privately fostered child

Abuse

Surrey Safeguarding Children’s Board define abuse as 'a form of maltreatment of a child.’

Child abuse happens when a person– adult or child– harms a child or fails to act to prevent harm. It can be physical, sexual or emotional, but can also involve a lack of love, care and attention. Children who suffer abuse may struggle to find the words to speak out, so it’s vital that anyone working with children or young people is vigilant for the signs of abuse.

Any physical or sexual abuse of a child or tutor is an offence under UK law. 

If a tutor receives information about such abuse from the student or other person present, they should reassure the person that they can get assistance for them. It is the responsibility of the tutor to contact the Designated Lead and report what has been witnessed.

Children may be abused:

• In a family
• In an institution
• In a community setting
• By a stranger
• Online
• By an adult or adults
• By another child

Physical Abuse

‘Actual or risk of physical injury to a child or failure to prevent physical  injury (or suffering) to a child, including deliberate poisoning, suffocation and factitious illness by proxy. This includes excessive punishment. ‘ SSCB 2018.

Symptoms:

• Behaviour changes/wet bed/withdrawal/regression
• Finger marks
• Frequent unexplained injuries
• Broken bones
• Afraid of physical contact
• Cuts and grazes
• Violent behaviour during role play
• Cigarette burns
• Unwillingness to change clothes
• Cowering
• Aggressive language and use of threats
• Bruising in unusual areas
• Changing explanation of injuries

Neglect

‘The persistent failure to meet a child’s basic physical and or/psychological needs, likely to result in the serious impairment of the child’s health or development.’ SSCB 2018

Tutors must be concerned if there is actual or risk of persistent or severe neglect of a child or the failure to protect a child from exposure to any kind of danger, including cold or starvation.

Extreme failure to carry out important aspects of care, resulting in the significant impairment of the child’s health or development, including failure to thrive.

Symptoms:

• Not wanting to go home with parent or carer Lack of appropriate clothing
• Dirty
• Cold
• Complaining of body sores
• Hunger – complaining of urine smells
• Unkempt hair
• No parental interest
• Not wanting to communicate
• Behaviour problems
• Attention seeking
• Lack of respect
• Often in trouble – police
• Bullying
• Use of bad language
• Always out at all hours
• Lack of confidence – low self-esteem
• Stealing
• Jealousy
• Significantly underweight

Emotional Abuse

‘Persistent emotional maltreatment of a child such as to cause severe and adverse effects on the child’s emotional development.’ SSCB 2018

Tutors must be aware of actual or if there is a risk of persistent emotional ill-treatment or rejection of a child. Emotional abuse has a severe adverse effect on the emotional and behavioural development of a child. It is important to remember that all abuse involves some emotional ill- treatment.

Symptoms:

• Crying
• Rocking
• Withdrawn
• Not wanting to socialise
• Cringing
• Bad behaviour
• Aggression
• Behaviour changes
• Bribery by parent
• Self-infliction
• Lack of confidence
• Attention seeking
• Isolation from peers – unable to communicate
• Clingy
• Afraid of authoritative figures
• Treating others as you have been treated

Sexual Abuse

‘Actual or risk of sexual exploitation of a child or adolescent. The child may be dependent and/or developmentally immature. The involvement of dependent, immature children and adolescents in activities to which they are unable to give informed consent or that violate the social taboos of family roles. ‘SSCB 2018

Sexual abuse is often perpetrated by people who are known and trusted by the child. Children can be subject to child sexual exploitation.

Symptoms:

• Inappropriate behaviour – language
• Withdrawn
• Change of behaviour
• Role play
• Rejecting physical contact or demanding attention
• Rocking
• Physical evidence – marks, bruising
• Knowledge
• Pain going to toilet, strong urine
• Stained underwear
• Bruising/marks near genital area
• Drawing – inappropriate knowledge
• Relationships with other adults or children for example, being forward

Peer on peer abuse

Education settings are an important part of the inter-agency framework not only in terms of identifying, evaluating and referring concerns to Children’s Services and the Police, but also in the assessment and management of risk that the child or young person may pose to themselves and others in the education setting. If one child or young person causes harm to another, this should not necessarily be dealt with as abuse. When considering whether behaviour is abusive, it is important to consider:

• Whether there is a large difference in power (for example age, size, ability, development) between the young people concerned
• Whether the perpetrator has repeatedly tried to harm one or more other children;
• Whether there are concerns about the intention of the alleged perpetrator
• Peer on peer abuse can manifest itself in many ways. This is most likely to include, but may not be limited to
• Bullying (including cyberbullying)
• Physical abuse such as hitting, kicking ,shaking, biting, hair pulling, or otherwise causing physical harm

Sexual violence and sexual harassment

• Sexting (also known as youth produced sexual imagery)
• Initiation/hazing type violence and rituals
• Youth produced sexual imagery, or the sharing of images and videos is unlawful to those under 18

Child Sexual Exploitation

‘Child sexual exploitation is a form of sexual abuse. It occurs where an individual or group takes advantage of an imbalance of power to coerce, manipulate or deceive a child or young person under the age of 18 into sexual activity.’ SSCB 2018

The victim may have been sexually exploited even if the sexual activity appears consensual. It can occur through use of technology.

Child Criminal Exploitation

Children are at risk by gang activity, through participation in and victims of, gang violence. Children are vulnerable to recruitment into gangs and is a typical feature of “county Lines.” This is serious organised crime such as carrying drugs and money.

Modern Day Slavery

It is estimated there are 21-70 million people being used and it refers to “human trafficking.” 

Modern Day Slavery Act 2015 sets out offences of slavery, servitude and forced labour as being an offence.

Honour Based Violence

A collection of practices, which are used to control behaviour within families or other social groups to protect perceived cultural and religious beliefs and/or honour.

Violence can occur when perpetrators perceive that a relative has shamed the family and/or community by breaking the honour code.

It is considered a violation of human rights and may be a form of domestic/sexual abuse.

Forced Marriage

Forcing or coercing a person into a marriage is a crime. Coercion may include, physical, psychological, financial, sexual and emotional pressure. It may also involve physical or sexual violence and abuse.

Children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND):

Additional barriers can exist when recognising abuse and neglect in this group of children. This can include:

• Assumptions that indicators of possible abuse such as behaviour, mood and injury relate to the child’s impairment without further exploration
• Assumptions that children with SEN and disabilities can be disproportionally impacted by things like bullying - without outwardly showing any signs
• Communication barriers and difficulties
• Reluctance to challenge carers, (professionals may overly empathise with carers because of the perceived stress of caring for a disabled child)
• Disabled children often rely on a wide network of carers to meet their basic needs and therefore the potential risk of exposure to abusive behaviour can be increased
• A disabled child’s understanding of abuse
• Lack of choice/participation
• Isolation

Female Genital Mutilation

Female genital mutilation (FGM) is illegal. It is a form of child abuse and violence against women. A mandatory reporting duty requires teachers to report ‘known’ cases of FGM in under 18’s to the police immediately. It does not go via the DSL but they should be informed.

Prevent Duty

Staff receive training on the Prevent agenda. They have the knowledge and confidence to identify children at risk of being drawn into terrorism, and to challenge extremist ideas which can be used to legitimise terrorism and are shared by terrorist groups.  Any concerns over views or opinions expressed should be reported to the Designated Lead.

On line safety

Under 18’s should not be left with any internet device whereby they can access adult sites.

Missing Child

A child that goes missing could potentially be at risk of abuse or neglect. This is taken seriously. Should this happen:

• Inform the Designated Safeguarding Lead
• They will inform the parent/guardian
• They will notify the Police and take advice
• All relevant authorities will be notified when it is deemed necessary

Dealing with a disclosure

All staff will have safeguarding training so if a child discloses that they have been abused in some way, the member of staff will know it is their responsibility to:

• Listen to what is being said without displaying shock or disbelief, accept what is being said
• Allow the child to talk freely
• Reassure the child, but not make promises which it might not be possible to keep
• Never promise a child that they will not tell anyone as this may ultimately not be in the best interests of the child.
• Reassure him or her that what has happened is not his or her fault
• Stress that it was the right thing to tell
• Listen, only asking questions when necessary to clarify
• Not criticise the alleged perpetrator
• Explain what must be done next and who has to be told
• Make an accurate signed written record(see Record Keeping)
• Pass the information to the Designated Senior Person without delay

Record Keeping

All practitioners should be confident of the processing conditions under the Data Protection Act 2018 and the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) which allow them to store and share information for the police and social services, including information which is sensitive and personal, and should be treated as ‘special category personal data’.

If any of the symptoms above are noticed and there are concerns then this should be discussed with the Designated Safeguarding Lead and then all concerns, discussions and decisions made and the reasons for those decisions should be recorded in writing.

When a child has made a disclosure, the tutor must:

• Record on paper as soon as possible the conversation. Record the date, time, place and any noticeable non-verbal behaviour and the words used by the child. This is handwritten and not typed.
• Draw a diagram to indicate the position of any injuries when appropriate
• Record statements and observations rather than interpretations or assumptions

All records need to be given to the Designated Safeguarding Lead promptly. No copies should be retained by the member of staff or volunteer.

The Designated Safeguarding Lead will ensure that all safeguarding records are managed in accordance with the Education(Pupil Information) (England) Regulations 2005. Reports will be kept in a secure location with access restricted to safeguarding leads.

You should be informed by the DSL what has happened. If you do not receive this information seek it out or contact MASH if you are concerned.

Photographing children

We will not allow images of pupils to be used on AC Tuition websites, social meadow, publicity, or press releases, without express permission from the parent, and if we do obtain such permission, we will not identify individual children by name. Permission is sought using the photo consent form.

Confidentiality and Information Sharing

All data about pupils is handled in accordance with the requirements of the law, and any national and local guidance. Anyone who has access to sensitive information about a child or the child’s family must take all reasonable steps to ensure that such information is only disclosed to those people who need to know.

Implementation monitoring and review

The Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy is available on the AC Tuition website and in hard copy at the registered business address: 32 Albert Road, Addlestone, Surrey, KT15 2PX. All Adults will be asked to sign to say that they have read and agree to follow its procedures. In the event that AC Tuition recruit new staff, this will be introduced to them on their induction prior to commencing any work (including online) with children. Safeguarding and child Protection will be reviewed annually.

Safeguarding Children: Whistle Blowing

Staff must acknowledge their individual responsibility to bring matters of concern to the attention of the designated lead. Although this can be difficult this is particularly important where the welfare of children may be at risk. The teacher may be the first to recognise that something is wrong but may not feel able to express their concerns because of disloyalty. These feelings must never result in a child or young person continuing to be unnecessarily at risk. This is a mandatory and disciplinary breach if abuse is known. It is often the most vulnerable children or young people who are targeted. These children need someone to safeguard their welfare.

Don't think what if I'm wrong - think what if I’m right

Reasons for whistleblowing

• There is no negative impact on whistleblowing. Everyone has a responsibility for raising concerns about unacceptable practice or behaviour to:
• Prevent the problem worsening or widening
• Protect or reduce risks to others
• Prevent becoming implicated yourself

What stops people from whistleblowing

• Starting a chain of events, which spirals
• Disrupting the work or project
• Fear of getting it wrong
• Fear of repercussions or damaging careers
• Fear of not being believed

How to raise a concern

If symptoms of abuse are observed or there are, suspicions and uneasiness then it must be reported as soon as possible to the designated lead. The earlier a concern is expressed the easier and sooner action can be taken

•Define accurately the concern in writing using the record of concern in the safeguarding file , outlining the background and history, giving names, dates and places

Steps

• Make an initial record of the information related to the concern
• Report it to the DSL immediately
• The DSL will consider if there is a requirement for immediate medical intervention, however urgent medical attention should not be delayed if the DSL is not immediately available
• Make an accurate record (which may be used in any subsequent court proceedings) as soon as  within 24 hours of the occurrence, of all that has happened, including details of the case
• The records must be signed and dated by the author or / equivalent on electronic based records
• In the absence of the DSL, you must be prepared to refer directly to MASH (and the police if appropriate) if there is the potential for immediate significant harm

What happens next

• You should be given information on the nature and progress of any enquiries
• AC Tuition has a responsibility to protect you from harassment or victimisation
• No action will be taken against you if the concern proves to be unfounded and was raised in good faith.

Training

WISE is committed to attending relevant safeguarding and protection training at least once per year

Making a Referral

Referrals should be made through Alan Cottington, the Designated Safeguarding Lead. His contact details are: 

07966451690 (phone)

alan.cottington@actuition.co.uk (email)

If the DSL is not present or you are not satisfied with the response, then you should make a referral to:

MULTI_AGENCY SAFEGUARDING HUB (MASH) or the Police MASH: 

0300 470 9100

csmash@surreycc.gov.uk (children)

ascmash@surreycc.gov.uk (adults)

Emergency Duty Team: 01483 517898 (outside of hours) Surrey Police: 101

The required Multi-Agency referral form (MARF)is available from www.surreyscb.org.uk

You can contact them for advice but will be asked to give the child’s name in case they have other information.

Some concerns will be dealt with through the universal or targeted services(e.g. Early Help Assessment) Others through the children’s services.