SAFEGUARDING & CHILD
PROTECTION POLICY V2.2
CHECKLIST GUIDECONTENTS
Definitions................................................................................................................ 2
Rationale & Scope of the Policy........................................................................... 2
Guiding principles................................................................................................... 2
Relevant legislation................................................................................................ 2
Main areas of Risk................................................................................................... 3
Policy Statements
1.

Whole School Approach.................................................................................3

2.

Safer Recruitment, Selection and Follow up...........................................33.

Staff Support......................................................................................................44.

Student Support...............................................................................................4

5.

Those having additional Safeguarding needs.........................................5

6.

Supervision & Children Missing from Education...................................67.

Accommodation...............................................................................................6

8.

Online safety and Cyber bullying.................................................................69.

Prevent.................................................................................................................7

10. Training.................................................................................................................7
11. Visitors.................................................................................................................8
12. Confidentiality and information sharing...................................................8
13. Communication with parents.......................................................................8
14. Record keeping..................................................................................................8
Roles and Responsibilitiesy All staff........................................................................................................................ 8y Operational Leadership..................................................................................... 10
y Centre Director/Centre Manager.................................................................. 10
y Prevent Lead Contact......................................................................................... 11y DSL/DSO.................................................................................................................. 11
y Directors of Studies............................................................................................. 11y Teachers....................................................................................................................12y Homestay hosts.....................................................................................................12

EC Safety and Child Protection Policy - V2.2 - Revision date 9/9/2022

SAFEGUARDING & CHILD PROTECTION POLICY CHECKLIST GUIDEDEFINITIONSy

Safeguarding is defines as: protecting children from maltreatment; preventing impairment 		
of children’s health or development; ensuring children grow up circumstances consistent withthe provision of safe and effective care; and taking action to enable all children to have the 		
best outcomes Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE, 2022).

yChild Protection refers to the situation where a child is suffering significant harm, or is likely
to do so, and action is required to protect that child.

y‘Children’ includes everyone under the age of 18yDSL: Designated Safeguarding Leady

DSO: Designated Safeguarding OfficeryLooked after children: Children in care (being looked after by the local authority)y

FGM: Female Genital Mutilation

RATIONALE & SCOPE OF THE POLICYThis policy applies to all members of the EC community (including staff, students, volunteers,visitors, partners) who work both inside and outside of EC premises, and sets out how the schooldischarges its responsibilities relating to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of students atthe school.
This safeguarding and child protection policy has links with the wider safeguarding agenda; otherrelevant policies, external links and procedures are referenced on the final page of this document.
This policy will contribute to the safeguarding of pupils/students at EC schools by:yProviding a clear plan for the provision of safeguarding at EC.

yReducing the potential risks pupils/students face of being exposed to abuse, extremism,
racalisation, exploitation or victimisation.

yOutlining responsibilities of all staff and specific roles.

y

The establishment of a safe, resilient and robust safeguarding ethos in the school, built on 		
mutual respect, and shared values.

		

GUIDING PRINCIPLESy

EC recognises that the welfare of its students is paramount.

y

All staff at EC have a responsibility to safeguard children and young people attending		
our schools, irrespective of their role within the school. Through their day-to-day			
contact with students, staff at the school have a crucial role to play in noticing indicators		
of possible abuse and reporting them.

yEC fully recognises its responsibility to have arrangements in place to safeguard and			promote the welfare of students under 18 years of age, and vulnerable adults, especially		
as it’s students have the added vulnerability of being away from their home country,			culture and family.

RELEVANT LEGISLATIONyChildren Act 1989 and 2004y

Education Act 2002 and 2011yEducation and Inspection Act 2006yCounter Terrorism and Security Act 2015y

The Prevent Duty Guidance 2015

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2 OF 12SAFEGUARDING & CHILD PROTECTION POLICY CHECKLIST GUIDEyWorking Together to Safeguard Children (2018), which sets out the multi-agency working
arrangements to safeguard and promote the welfare of children and young people and protect
them from harm; in addition, it sets out the statutory roles and responsibilities of schools.

yKeeping Children Safe in Education (September 2022) is statutory guidance issued by 		the Department for Education which all schools and colleges must have regard to 			when carrying out their duties to safeguard and promote the welfare of children.

y

The Teacher Standards 2012 state that teachers, including head teachers, shouldsafeguard children’s wellbeing and maintain public trust in the teaching profession as part oftheir professional duties. Key documentation, procedures and guidelines are detailed in thereference section on the last page of this policy.

MAIN AREAS OF RISK
The main areas of risk identified are as follows:y

EC staff/students suffering abuse and/or neglect.

y

EC staff/students becoming victims of radicalisation, exploitation and/or victimisation.

y

Welfare of EC staff/students under threat through external factors or self-harm/neglect.

POLICY STATEMENTS
1.

WHOLE SCHOOL APPROACH
1.1 	All policies which address issues of power and potential harm, for example antibullying,equal opportunities, handling, positive behaviour, will be linked to ensure
a whole school approach.
1.2 	The safeguarding policy cannot be separated from the general ethos of the school,which should ensure that students are treated with respect and dignity, taught totreat each other with respect, feel safe, have a voice, and are listened to.
1.3	Staff members working with children are advised to maintain an attitude of ‘it could
happen here’ where safeguarding is concerned. When concerned about the welfare
of a child, staff members should always act in the best interests of the child.

2.

SAFER RECRUITMENT, SELECTION AND FOLLOW UP
2.1 	EC pays full regard to the safer recruitment practices detailed in ‘Keeping Children
Safe in Education’ (2022) including:– Scrutinising applicants, including interview questioning designed to ascertain
motive– Verifying identity and academic or vocational qualifications– Obtaining professional and character references– Checking previous employment history– Ensuring that a candidate has the health and physical capacity for the job.
– Undertaking appropriate checks through the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS)prior to employment commencing.
– Checking teachers from outside the UK do not have restrictions imposed in theirown country.
2.2	All recruitment materials will include reference to EC’s commitment tosafeguarding and promoting the wellbeing of pupils.
2.3

EC staff background checks will be renewed every 3 years.

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2.4	Where services or activities are provided separately by another body, EC will seek
assurance that the body concerned has appropriate policies and procedures in place
for safeguarding children and child protection, staff have appropriate backgroundchecks and there are arrangements to liaise with EC on these matters whereappropriate.
2.5 	EC will ensure that any disciplinary proceedings against staff relating to childprotection matters are concluded in full even when the member of staff is no longer
employed by EC and that notification of any concerns is made to the relevant
authorities and other potential employers, and is included in references whereapplicable.
2.6 	EC will ensure that staff and volunteers are aware that sexual relationships withstudents aged under 18 are unlawful and could result in legal proceedings taken againstthem under the Sexual Offences Act 2003 (Abuse of trust).
2.8	Should the result of a DBS check still be outstanding, EC will ensure that additionalsafety precautions are implemented,
		In the case of a teacher:– they will not be assigned to a class that has U18 students in attendance– they will not be assigned any one-to-one lessons– classroom door where they are assigned will be kept open during all lessons– they will not be assigned to any extra-curricular activities– they will not hold any one-to-one staff/student meetings– they will not supervise/attend any student activities– they will not make any accommodation visits/inspections

3.

STAFF SUPPORT
3.1 	Details of the DSL and DSO will be made available on individual centre websites,
newsletters and on centre notice boards, together with contact details for the local
LSCB and LADO.
3.2	It is recognised the stressful and traumatic nature of safeguarding and child protection
work. EC will support staff by providing an opportunity to talk through their anxieties
with the DSL and to seek further support, as appropriate.

4.

STUDENT SUPPORTEC recognises that:yYoung people who are abused or witness violence may:
– Find it difficult to develop a sense of self-worth and to view the world as benevolent
and meaningful.
– Feel helplessness, humiliation and some sense of self-blame.

yEC may be the only stable, secure and predictable element in the lives of students at risk. 		
Nevertheless, when at school their behaviour may be challenging and defiant or they may be
withdrawn.

yThat some young people actually adopt abusive behaviours and that appropriate support andintervention may be required.

yHigh self-esteem, confidence, supportive friends and good lines of communication with a 		trusted adult help to protect students. Therefore:
4.1
EC will promote a culture where abusive or bullying behaviour between students is		unacceptable.
4.2 	EC will establish and maintain an ethos where students feel secure and are encouraged
to talk, and are listened to.
4.2 	Centres will ensure students know that there are people in the school whom they canapproach if they are worried or in difficulty

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4.3 	An induction meeting will be held with Under 18s to explain rules and EC’s legal ‘Duty ofCare’. This will be followed by weekly meetings to check on their welfare and offer themthe chance to disclose any concerns.
4.4 	Opportunities will be provided for students to develop skills, concepts, attitudes andknowledge that promote their safety and wellbeing.
4.5 	The discovery that a young person is using illegal drugs or reported evidence of theirdrug use is not necessarily sufficient in itself to initiate child protection proceedings
but the school will consider such action in the following situations:yWhen there is evidence or reasonable cause:– to believe the young person’s drug misuse may cause him or her to be vulnerable toother abuse such as sexual abuse.
– to believe the student’s drug related behaviour is a result of abusing or endangeringpressure or incentives from others, particularly adults.
– where the misuse is suspected of being prompted by serious parent/ carer drug
misuse.
4.6

5.

 he school has a Code of Conduct for students (section IV), explained to students onTtheir first day and displayed around the school, which advises students that the must“never be unkind to another student”, and should “treat everyone with respect”.

THOSE HAVING ADDITIONAL SAFEGUARDING NEEDS
5.1 	EC centres will endeavour to produce a weekly photo guide of all Under 18s and thosewith increased safeguarding needs, so that all staff are aware of who they are and canreport any concerns.
5.2 	EC recognises that certain groups of students within school are more likely to be
identified as requiring extra support to meet their safeguarding needs. These could
include:– Under 18s.
– Vulnerable adults.
–

Students with greater cultural differences.

– Students with disabilities.
– Students with special educational needs (SEN).
–

Looked after children

5.3 	Those students at greater risk will be regularly monitored and appropriate measures
put in place to support their needs.
5.4 	EC welcomes and will do its best to provide appropriate support to any student withany type of disability and will advise on what level of support is possible before any
decision to book a course is taken.
5.5	EC does not consider its centres an ideal location for wheelchair users. However, EC
welcomes wheelchair users if, having been advised as above, they still wish to book acourse.
5.6 	EC centres with wheelchair access will be highlighted on the centre website and the
EC Admissions team will be provided with a detailed list of centres with wheelchair
access.
5.7 	EC aims to provide appropriate support for students with special educational needs
and will advise on a case by case basis what support it can offer before any course
booking is made.

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6.

SUPERVISION & CHILDREN MISSING FROM EDUCATION
A child going missing from education is a potential indicator of abuse or neglect
6.1

EC centres will have clear procedures for monitoring and reporting on unauthorised
absence and for dealing with children that go missing from school/accommodation,
particularly on repeat occasions, to help identify the risk of abuse and neglect, including

6.2
7.

EC will have a clear supervision policy, with set curfew times for under 18s.

ACCOMMODATION
7.1 	EC will accommodate under 18 students (attending its main centres) in homestay
accommodation only.
7.2 	EC will endeavour to only use residence accommodation with adequate security. EC
centres have a large and ever-changing database of homestay hosts. Due to this andthe fact that the household members within homestays can change without priorwarning, EC acknowledges it cannot guarantee that every adult member of every
homestay has been DBS checked. However, its aim is to do so and will put active
measures in place to try to meet this aim.
EC will:
7.3 	Carry out DBS checks on all EC Homestay hosts and will incorporate safer recruitment
practices in its homestay recruitment procedures.
7.4

Require EC Homestays to update DBS checks every 3 years.

7.5 	Do everything within its power to ensure students under 18 are placed in homestays
where every adult member of the household has been DBS checked.
7.6 	Strive to ensure that our accommodation provider carries out DBS checks on all adult(18+ years) members of every homestay household.
7.7 	Immediately remove any student from a homestay where any suspicion of abusive or
inappropriate behaviour is raised.

8.

7.8

Refer to Children’s Services any private fostering arrangement.

7.9

Provide a clear set of rules and curfew times to students who are under 18.

ONLINE SAFETY AND CYBER BULLYING
EC is aware that the internet provides individuals access to a wide-range of content, some ofwhich may be harmful and that extremists/groomers use the internet to share messages.
8.1 	EC will ensure the filtering systems used in its centres blocks inappropriate content,
including extremist content and our IT department will alert senior staff where there
are concerns and prevent further access when new sites that are unblocked are found.
8.2 	EC will put into place procedures to support and promote E-safety for its students andstaff. This will be outlined in the EC E-Safety policy.
8.3 	EC is aware that individuals have access to unfiltered internet when using their mobile
phones or personal devices. EC staff will be alert to the need for vigilance, especially for
those students who are under 18, whilst at the same time respecting our student’s rightto privacy.
8.4 	EC recognises ‘Sexting’ as a form of Peer on Peer abuse and this is referenced inEC’s Anti-Bullying policy.
8.5 	EC recognises the dangers inherent in online streaming apps. EC’s approach to this isreferenced in EC’s E-Safety policy.

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PREVENTEC accepts students aged 16+ throughout the year and from many different countries aroundthe world. In their busiest weeks, EC centres may have 600 students, 100 staff and work with 10
external providers of accommodation and other services. EC has always prompted a multi-culturalenvironment where tolerance of other’s beliefs is required and this forms part of EC’s mission
statement of “helping students succeed in a global community”. EC understands its responsibilities
under the Counter Terrorism & Securities Act 2015 to prevent people of all ages being radicalised or
drawn into terrorism and seeks to meet its obligations in the ways shown below:
9.1 	EC will nominate a Lead Prevent Contact who will liaise with the Centre Directors/
Centre Managers and other staff about issues to do with protecting students and staff
from radicalisation.
9.2 	Responsibility for ensuring the PREVENT policy is carried out lies with the Centre
Director/Centre Manager and/or Prevent Lead Contact, whose duties are to ensure thatthe centre and its staff respond to preventing radicalisation on a day-to-day basis.
9.3 	EC will promote the core British values of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty
and respectful tolerance of different faiths or beliefs; where possible within its lesson
content, through its pastoral care to students and on noticeboards in its centres.
9.4 	EC Centres will establish communication channels with the local police PREVENT and
CHANNEL teams, and up to date information will be shared with all staff.
9.5 	EC recognizes that there are many potential areas, events and channels where
extremist views can be shared and where students & staff may come into contact withthese views. EC will make students, staff and key partners (subcontractors) aware of
the potential dangers, and highlight that some of these are unlawful and dangerous.
9.6 	EC will promote a safe and supportive international environment, via clear expectationsof accepted behaviours and those, including radicalisation and extremism, that will not
be tolerated.

10. TRAINING
10.1 	In addition to this policy, all staff should read and understand Part One of Keeping
Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) (September 2022) and Annex A. Mechanisms will bein place at school level to assist staff to understand contents.
10.2 	All staff members will receive appropriate safeguarding and child protection training,which is regularly updated. In addition, all staff should receive safeguarding andchild protection up dates (for example, via email, e-bulletins and staff meetings), as
required, but at least annually, to provide them with relevant skills and knowledge tosafeguard children effectively. Training will include: Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE),
Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), Whistleblowing - legal obligation on staff to report,
preventing radicalisation, Peer-on-peer abuse (especially bullying/gender issues), so
called ‘Honour based’ violence, individual to report FGM to police direct (as well as
to DS), increased vulnerability of pupils with SEND (Special Educational Needs andDisability), dealing with cases of sexting.
10.3 	Whistle blowing procedures will be covered in whole school training so that staff knowwhat to do if they have concerns relating to safeguarding practice within the school.
10.4

All training will be effective and comply with the law at all times.

10.5 	The designated safeguarding lead and any deputies will undergo training to provide
them with the knowledge and skills required to carry out the role. The training will be
updated every two years.
10.6 	Governing bodies and proprietors will ensure that all staff members undergo 		safeguarding and child protection training at induction. The training will be regularly
updated. Induction and training will be in line with advice from local Safeguarding
Children Boards.
10.7 	Each DSL will undertake Prevent awareness training and in turn will provide advice andsupport to staff on protecting children from the risk of radicalisation.
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10.8 	Online safety training for staff will be integrated, aligned and considered as part of theoverarching safeguarding approach.
10.9 	All staff, including sub-contracted and agency staff and volunteers, will be given
training to help them understand, their Prevent related responsibilities; the issues ofradicalisation, how to recognise the signs of vulnerability and/or radicalisation andknow how to report their concerns.
10.10 	The Prevent duty and EC’s Safeguarding responsibilities will be integrated into
Service Level Agreements with sub-contractors and partner organisations andprivate homestay providers will receive training on their Safeguarding and Prevent
responsibilities and reporting processes.
11.

VISITORS TO EC PREMISES
11.1 	Visitors will be made aware of EC’s Safeguarding and Child protection related policies
on arrival at the school and will be given information about what to do if they areconcerned about any aspect of vulnerability.
11.2 	EC will never allow external speakers, consultants, guides or agencies direct access tostudents or staff without thoroughly vetting material and individuals beforehand. When
external lecturers are brought in, they are often from the police, local educational
establishments or companies that work in the community.
11.3 	EC is aware of the possibility that out-of-hours hire of EC premises may be requested bypeople wishing to run an event where extremist views may be presented. EC does not
accept bookings from individuals or organisations that are extremist in their views andwill thoroughly vet any individual/organisation wishing to do so.

12.

CONFIDENTIALITY, INFORMATION SHARING AND INTER-AGENCY WORKING
12.1

To ensure confidentiality, Information will only be shared appropriately.

12.2 	Information about a student will be disclosed to members of staff on a need to knowbasis only.
12.3 	EC understands the importance of data sharing between agencies, especially in casesof sexual exploitation, and will work in partnership with local authorities in the bestinterests of children.
13.

COMMUNICATION WITH PARENTS
Wherever possible undertake appropriate discussion with parents unless the circumstances
preclude this action.

14. RECORD KEEPING
EC will:
14.1 	Keep clear detailed written records of concerns about students (noting the date,
event and action taken), even where there is no need to refer the matter to Social Care
immediately.
14.2

Ensure all records are kept securely.

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIESThe following section outlines the roles and responsibilities of all EC staff together with role
specific responsibilities in relation to this policy.
ALL STAFF
All staff should be made aware of their responsibility to maintain confidentially and aware of
their duties to report and record any safeguarding or child protection concerns they may have inaccordance with centre safeguarding and child protection procedures. All staff need to be awareof the systems within EC which support safeguarding and child protection – this forms part of theinduction process but also on-going training which is regularly updated.
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8 OF 12SAFEGUARDING & CHILD PROTECTION POLICY CHECKLIST GUIDEAll staff should:yUnderstand and accept that staff who work within a school have a duty of care to model
appropriate social behaviours and to ensure that the professional role of trust is not abused.
yRead, understand, sign and adhere to EC’s Safeguarding & Child Protection Policy - UK Policy,
and revisit it annually or when significantly amended.

y

Be clear on the difference between safeguarding and child protection.

yPromote EC’s policies and guidance.

yKnow the names of the DSL and DSO at their centre and how to contact them.

yKnow how to contact their local LSCB & LADO directly if needed.

yKnow Senior Management members responsible for safeguarding.

yRead Part 1 of Keeping Children Safe in Education (2022) and Annex A.

yRead the UKCCIS guidance on responding to cases of Sexting.

yAttend Safeguarding and Prevent training.

yBe aware of the school’s procedures in order to identify those pupils in need of earlyintervention/help and take appropriate action where there are concerns for the welfare 		and protection of children and young people.

yAdhere to EC’s staff code of conduct as set out in the EC staff handbook and behaviour
management policies.

yKnow what to do if a child tells them he/she is being abused or neglected. Staff should know
how to manage the requirement to maintain an appropriate level of confidentiality whilst at
the same time liaising with relevant professionals such as the designated safeguarding lead(DSL) and local authority agencies.

y

Never promise a child that they will not tell anyone about an allegation- as this may ultimately
not be in the best interests of the child.

yReport concerns about a child/young person immediately or as soon as it is practicable to the
DSL. However, if a child is in immediate danger or is at risk of harm a referral should be madeto children’s social care or the police immediately.

yRecognise that to allow or condone bullying constitutes a lack of duty of care.

y

Be aware of signs of abuse or neglect, including Peer on Peer abuse.

yChallenge and report radical or extremist views in any context via stated procedures.

yBe aware of whistleblowing procedures to the senior leadership team if they have concerns
about safeguarding practices within the school. Where a staff member feels unable 		to raise an issue with the senior leadership team or feels that their genuine concerns are notbeing addressed, other whistleblowing channels may be open to them such as the NSPCC 		
whistleblowing helpline: 0800 028 0285 Email: help@nspcc.org.uk.

yBe aware of the need for maintaining appropriate and professional boundaries in theirrelationships with students as advised within the document “Staff Handbook”, supplied to all
new members of staff as part of their training and induction.

yPersonally report to the DSL cases where they discover that an act of FGM appears tohave been carried out.

yReport their concerns to the Prevent Lead/Channel referral programme if they think apupil/student may be at risk of radicalisation or involvement in terrorism.

yReport any potential safeguarding concerns about an individual’s behaviour towards 		
children and young people immediately. Allegations or concerns about colleagues andvisitors must be reported directly to the DSL. If the concern relates to DSL it should bereported to the DSO (if the centre has an appointed DSO) or the senior management
member responsible for safeguarding, who will liaise with the Local Authority DesignatedOfficer (LADO) and decide on any action required.

y

Be aware that if staff are employed in provision covered by the Childcare Regulations 2009
and fall within the scope of Disqualification under the Childcare Act 2006, they mustcomplete a self-declaration form in addition to the enhancedDBS.

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9 OF 12SAFEGUARDING & CHILD PROTECTION POLICY CHECKLIST GUIDEOPERATIONAL LEADERSHIPThe Operational leadership is responsible for the approval of and reviewing the effectivenessof this policy. This will be carried out through the receiving of regular information regarding
Safeguarding & Child Protection incidents and monitoring reports.
The Operational leadership will ensure that:y

EC has a safeguarding policy in accordance with relevant legislation and this is reviewed 		
annually.

y

EC operates, “safer recruitment” procedures and ensures that appropriate checks are carriedout on all new staff and relevant volunteers.

yMembers of each centre’s senior leadership team is appointed as the DSL and DSO, which 		forms part of their job description.

y

DSLs & DSOs attends appropriate refresher training every two years.

yCentres remedy any deficiencies or weaknesses brought to their attention without delay.

yCentres have procedures for dealing with allegations of abuse against staff/volunteers.

yA member of the Operational Leadership is appointed with a specific brief for safeguarding
and child protection and will liaise with the Centre Directors/Centre Managers and DSLs.
The role is strategic rather than operational – they will not be involved in concerns about
individual pupils/students.

y

The member of the Operational Leadership nominated to be responsible for safeguarding will
be responsible for liaising with the local authority and other partner agencies in the event ofallegations of abuse being made against the Centre Directors/Centre Managers/DSL.

CENTRE DIRECTOR/CENTRE MANAGER
The Centre Director/Centre Manager will:y
Hold overall responsibility for the provision of safeguarding of staff, students and anyone elsein the centre, including teachers, non-teaching staff, students and visitors, (including
contractors).
y

Together with the Prevent Lead Contact, ensure the PREVENT policy is carried out by
ensuring that the centre and its staff respond to preventing radicalisation on a day-to-day
basis, ensuring that staff conduct is consistent with preventing radicalisation and the deliveryof an effective policy.

yEnsure their centre has a DSL and DSO, who have undertaken, as a minimum, Level 2
safeguarding training and ideally Level 3.

yEnsure DSO & DSL training is updated every two years in accordance with government
guidance.

y

Together with the DSL, ensure all staff in the centre have received appropriate childprotection and safeguarding training.

y

Recognise the importance of the role of the DSL & DSO and ensure s/he has the time andtraining to undertake her/his duties.

yReport incidents to the Operational leadership, especially cases where a referral ismade.

yEnsure the availability of the DSL (or DSO) during term time and school hours for staff at thecentre to discuss any safeguarding concerns.

yEnsure there are contingency arrangements should the DSL/DSO not be available.

yEnsure that the DSL takes advice from a child protection specialist when managing complex cases.

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SAFEGUARDING & CHILD PROTECTION POLICY CHECKLIST GUIDEPREVENT LEAD CONTACT
The Prevent Lead Contact is responsible for:yEC has a safeguarding policy in accordance with relevant legislation and this is reviewed
annually.
y

EC operates, “safer recruitment” procedures and ensures that appropriate checks are carriedout on all new staff

DSL / DSOThe Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) is a senior member of centre staff, who undertakes lead
responsibility for safeguarding and child protection within a centre. The Designated Safeguarding
Officer (DSO) is a senior member of centre staff, who undertakes to assist the DSL with theprovision of safeguarding and child protection within a centre. Whilst the activities of the DSL
can be delegated to appropriately to DSOs, the ultimate lead responsibility for safeguarding childprotection remains with the DSL.
The DSL has responsibility for:yManaging referrals to other agencies including:– The local authority children’s social care - in cases of suspected abuse– The Channel Programme - where there is a radicalisation concern– The Disclosure and Barring Service - in cases where a person is dismissed or left
due to risk/harm to a child–

The Police - in cases where a crime may have been committed in relation tosafeguardingyWork with others to fulfil statutory responsibilities in relation to children and young
people subject to a child protection plan by attending child protection conferences andimplementing the multiagency child protection plan; and liaise with the Local AuthorityyDesignated Officer (LADO) where there are concerns about the conduct or an allegation
is made against a member of staff or volunteer at the school (N.B. if there is an allegation
against the DSL, the member of the Operational Leadership nominated to be responsible forsafeguarding will liaise with the LADO).

yUndertake Training to ensure they have the knowledge and skills required to carry out the role.

yRaise Awareness to ensure EC’s safeguarding and child protection policies are known,
understood and used appropriately. The DSL will also report to the Centre Director/Centre
Manager on safeguarding and child protection activity within the school.

y

Together with the Centre Director/Centre Manager, ensure all staff in the centre have received
appropriate child protection and safeguarding training.

yManage safeguarding information through the collection, monitoring, reviewing, safe storage
and transfer of safeguarding and child protection files.

y

Be availability for staff at the centre to discuss any safeguarding concerns.

A more detailed description of the role of the DSL is explained in more detail in Keeping Children
Safe in Education (2022)
DIRECTOR OF STUDIES
Director of Studies are responsible for (either by assuming this responsibility themselves or byappointing an academic staff member to undertake)yEnsuring under 18s in the centre are highlighted to all academic staff.

yAbsences and behavioural issues with under 18s are reported to the DSL/DSO immediately.

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SAFEGUARDING & CHILD PROTECTION POLICY CHECKLIST GUIDETEACHING STAFF
Teaching staff will:
Report absences of under 18s to DOS/ADOS immediately.
HOMESTAY HOSTS
Homestay hosts will:yKnow the names of the DSL and DSO at their centre and how to contact them.
ySupport EC in promoting good practice and endorse the Safeguarding & Child Protection 		
Policy – UK.

yLiaise with the centre DSL/DSO on safeguarding issues and the welfare of the students
residing with them.

yReport issues with under 18s to the centre immediately. E.g. illness, absence, breaking of curfew.

y UK Staff handbooky List of Key Safeguarding areas

Relateddocumentsy Guidance on dealing with a disclosurey Types of abuse and neglecty Whistleblowingy Code of Conduct for studentsy Code of conduct for those working with Under 18s

RelatedSOPs

y SOP 173 - Performing Background Checks UK
y SOP 107 – Report identifying U18s in adult schools
and informing all Staff
y Recruitment and Selection policies
y Supervision policy

Related
Policiesy Whistleblowingy Anti-Bullying policy
y E-Safety policyy Attendance policyy NSPCC whistleblowing helpline: 0800 028 0285
y Email: help@nspcc.org.uk

Related
Policiesy UKCCIS guidance: Sexting in schools and collegesy UK safer Internet Centre: www.saferinternet.org.uk
y Employer Access Team:
qts.enquiries@education.gsi.gov.uk

EC Safety and Child Protection Policy - V2.2 - Revision date 9/9/2022

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