Safegaurding Policy

Introduction

Animal Antiks and Different Steps CIC are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all learners. We recognize that as a provider of education and training for young people aged 16+ with Education, Health and Care plans (EHCPs), we have a particular responsibility to ensure the wellbeing of vulnerable young adults in our care. This policy outlines our approach to safeguarding and child protection, reflecting current statutory guidance and legislation.

Purpose and Scope

This policy applies to all staff, volunteers, visitors, and contractors working with or on behalf of Animal Antiks and Steps CIC. Its purpose is to:

• Protect learners at Animal Antiks/Different Steps CIC from harm

• Provide staff and volunteers with the principles and procedures that guide our approach to safeguarding

• Establish a safe environment where learners can learn and develop

• Demonstrate our commitment to safeguarding to the wider community

Legal Framework

This policy has been developed in accordance with the principles established by:

• The Children Act 1989 and 2004

• The Education Act 2002

• Working Together to Safeguard Children 2018 (updated 2023)

• Keeping Children Safe in Education 2024

• Care Act 2014

• Counter-Terrorism and Security Act 2015

• Data Protection Act 2018 and GDPR

• Equality Act 2010

• Human Rights Act 1998

Definition of Safeguarding

Safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people is defined as:

• Protecting from maltreatment

• Preventing impairment of health or development

• Ensuring provision of safe and effective care

• Taking action to enable all to have the best outcomes

• Protecting from the risk of radicalization, exploitation, and harmful influences

Safeguarding Principles

Our approach to safeguarding is based on the following principles:

• The welfare of the learner is paramount

• All learners, regardless of age, disability, gender, racial heritage, religious belief, sexual orientation, or identity, have the right to equal protection from all types of harm or abuse

• Some learners are additionally vulnerable because of their level of dependency, communication needs, or other issues

• Working in partnership with learners, their parents/carers, and other agencies is essential in promoting welfare

• All staff have a responsibility to provide a safe environment in which learners can learn

Key Personnel

The Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) is: Elizabeth Serradimigni

Contact details: [email protected]

The Deputy Designated Safeguarding Leads are:

Matt Maunder and Bryony Raimbach

Contact details: [email protected] : [email protected]

The nominated Safeguarding Trustee is: Sarah Kettlety

Contact details: [email protected]

The Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) can be contacted at:

01296 382 070 : [email protected]

If you have a safeguarding concern please email: [email protected]

Types of Abuse

Staff should be aware that abuse can take many forms:

Physical abuse: A form of abuse which may involve hitting, shaking, throwing, poisoning, burning or scalding, drowning, suffocating or otherwise causing physical harm.

Emotional abuse: The persistent emotional maltreatment of a person such as to cause severe and adverse effects on their emotional development.

Sexual abuse: Involves forcing or enticing a person to take part in sexual activities, not necessarily involving violence, whether or not they are aware of what is happening.

Neglect: The persistent failure to meet a person's basic physical and/or psychological needs, likely to result in the serious impairment of their health or development.

Financial abuse: Including theft, fraud, exploitation, pressure in connection with wills, property or inheritance or financial transactions, or the misuse or misappropriation of property, possessions or benefits.

Contextual safeguarding issues: Including (but not limited to):

• Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE)

• Child Criminal Exploitation (CCE)

• County Lines

• Domestic abuse

• So-called 'honour-based' abuse

• Female Genital Mutilation (FGM)

• Forced marriage

• Radicalisation

• Peer on peer abuse

• Sexual violence and sexual harassment

• Upskirting

• Online abuse

Procedures for Staff

Responding to Disclosure

If a learner discloses abuse to a member of staff, they should:

• Listen carefully and attentively

• Take the allegation seriously

• Reassure the learner they have done the right thing in telling

• Not promise confidentiality

• Use open questions, not leading ones

• Record the discussion accurately

• Report to the DSL immediately

Reporting Concerns

• All concerns, discussions, and decisions made, and the reasons for those decisions, should be recorded in writing

• If in doubt about recording requirements, staff should discuss with the DSL

• Records should be factual, dated, and signed

• Concerns should be reported to the DSL without delay using the designated reporting form/system

Responding to Concerns

The DSL will:

• Assess the information promptly

• Update the safeguarding log

• Consult with other agencies as appropriate

• Consider the wishes of the learner and the parents/carers where appropriate

• Refer to Children's Social Care or Adult Services where necessary

• Support the learner and staff throughout the process

Referrals to External Agencies

• The DSL will make referrals to external agencies in accordance with local procedures

• The DSL will follow up referrals if information is not forthcoming

• If after a referral the learner's situation does not appear to be improving, the DSL will press for reconsideration

Safer Recruitment

Animal Antiks / Different Steps CIC ensures that all appropriate measures are applied in relation to everyone who works in the provision who is likely to be perceived by the learners as a safe and trustworthy adult.

We ensure that:

• DBS checks are undertaken for all staff and regular volunteers

• References are taken up and verified

• Identity and qualifications are verified

• Staff suitability is checked in line with statutory guidance

• All recruitment panels include at least one person trained in safer recruitment

• All recruitment documentation reflects the safeguarding ethos of the provision

• Single Central Record is maintained and regularly updated

Staff Training

Animal Antiks / Different Steps CIC is committed to providing safeguarding training for all staff:

• All staff receive safeguarding induction training

• The DSL and deputies receive advanced training every two years

• All staff receive regular updates and refresher training at least annually

• Staff are trained to recognize the signs of possible abuse and neglect

• Training is adapted to meet the specific needs of our learners

Learner Education

We recognize the importance of teaching learners how to keep themselves safe. We ensure that:

• Personal safety is embedded in the curriculum

• Relationships and sex education is provided in an accessible and appropriate way

• Online safety is actively taught

• Learners know who they can approach if they are worried or in difficulty

• SEND-specific resources are used to ensure understanding

Online Safety

Animal Antiks / Different Steps CIC recognizes the importance of online safety:

• A comprehensive online safety policy is in place

• Appropriate filtering and monitoring systems are in place

• Learners are taught about online risks

• Staff receive training on online safety issues

• Parents/carers are provided with information and support regarding online safety

Supporting Vulnerable Learners

We recognize that our learners with EHC plans may be particularly vulnerable. We ensure that:

• Communication needs are taken into account when sharing safeguarding information

• Additional pastoral support is provided for vulnerable learners

• Risk assessments are undertaken where necessary

• Multi-agency working is prioritised for vulnerable learners

• Transition planning includes safeguarding considerations

Working with Parents/Carers

We recognise the importance of working in partnership with parents/carers:

• We will discuss concerns with parents/carers where appropriate

• We will provide information about safeguarding to parents/carers

• We will seek consent for referrals where appropriate

• We recognise that some parents/carers may need additional support

Allegations Against Staff

Animal Antiks / Different Steps CIC follows clear procedures for managing allegations against staff:

• Allegations are reported to the Senior DSL immediately

o If the allegation is about the Senior DSL then reported to a Deputy DSL

• The LADO will be contacted within one working day

• Appropriate support will be provided to all parties

• Confidentiality will be maintained

• Disciplinary proceedings will follow where appropriate

• Referrals to DBS/TRA will be made where appropriate

Whistle-blowing

Animal Antiks / Different Steps CIC has a culture where staff can raise concerns about poor or unsafe practice:

• A separate Whistle-blowing Policy is in place

• Staff are encouraged to raise concerns without fear of reprisal

• Concerns are taken seriously and investigated appropriately

• Staff can contact the NSPCC Whistleblowing Helpline if needed

Confidentiality and Information Sharing

Animal Antiks/Different Steps CIC handles information securely and appropriately:

• We respect the right to privacy and confidentiality

• We share information in line with GDPR and Data Protection Act 2018

• We recognize that safeguarding concerns override confidentiality

• Staff understand the importance of sharing information promptly

Monitoring and Review

This Safeguarding Policy will be reviewed:

• Annually as a minimum

• Following any significant changes in legislation or guidance

• Following any significant organizational changes

• Following any safeguarding incidents to incorporate learning

Related Policies

This policy should be read in conjunction with:

• Health and Safety Policy

• Behaviour Policy

• Anti-Bullying Policy

• Staff Code of Conduct

• Whistle-blowing Policy

• E-Safety Policy

• Recruitment Policy

• SEND Policy

• Equality and Diversity Policy

• Complaints Procedure

Appendices

1. Safeguarding Reporting Form

2. Body Map for Recording Injuries

3. Local Safeguarding Contacts

4. Flowchart of Procedures

5. Definitions and Indicators of Abuse

Changes to the Safeguarding Policy

This policy is reviewed regularly and updated as required. The last review was carried out in September 2026.