Safeguarding Policy

Safeguarding Policy

Last Updated: November 2025

1. Introduction

Bowen Education Group is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children and young people. This policy applies to all staff, volunteers, and anyone working on behalf of our organization.

2. Our Commitment

We are committed to:

• The welfare of all children and young people in our care
• Creating and maintaining a safe learning environment
• Identifying children who may be at risk and taking appropriate action
• Recruiting staff safely and ensuring they are properly trained
• Working in partnership with parents, carers, and other agencies

3. Key Principles

3.1 The Welfare of the Child is Paramount

All decisions and actions are guided by what is best for the child.

3.2 Zero Tolerance of Abuse

We have zero tolerance for any form of abuse or neglect.

3.3 Everyone's Responsibility

Safeguarding is everyone's responsibility. All staff and volunteers are required to report concerns.

3.4 Prevention

We actively work to prevent harm through education, awareness, and safe practices.

4. Types of Abuse

We recognize and respond to all forms of abuse:

4.1 Physical Abuse

Causing physical harm to a child, including hitting, shaking, throwing, poisoning, burning, or otherwise causing physical injury.

4.2 Emotional Abuse

Persistent emotional maltreatment causing severe and persistent adverse effects on the child's emotional development.

4.3 Sexual Abuse

Involving a child in sexual activities, whether or not the child is aware of what is happening.

4.4 Neglect

Persistent failure to meet a child's basic physical and/or psychological needs, likely to result in serious impairment of health or development.

5. Safer Recruitment

5.1 DBS Checks

All staff and volunteers working with children undergo enhanced DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) checks.

5.2 References

We obtain and verify references for all staff.

5.3 Identity Verification

Photo ID and proof of address are required from all staff.

5.4 Qualifications

Teaching staff must provide evidence of relevant qualifications and certifications.

6. Staff Training

All staff receive:

• Induction training including safeguarding procedures
• Regular refresher training (at least annually)
• Updates on changes to safeguarding legislation and guidance
• Access to additional specialist training as needed

7. Designated Safeguarding Leads (DSL)

We have appointed Designated Safeguarding Leads who are responsible for:

• Acting as the main point of contact for safeguarding concerns
• Coordinating safeguarding actions
• Liaising with external agencies
• Maintaining confidential records
• Providing advice and support to staff

Current DSL Contact: safeguarding@boweneducation.org

8. Reporting Procedures

8.1 If You Have Concerns

If any staff member or volunteer has concerns about a child, they must:

1. Report immediately to the Designated Safeguarding Lead
2. Record the concern in writing within 24 hours
3. Maintain confidentiality

8.2 Recording

All concerns must be recorded including:

• Date, time, and place
• What was observed or reported
• Exact words used by the child (if applicable)
• Action taken
• Signature of the person reporting

8.3 Confidentiality

Information is shared only on a "need to know" basis and always in the best interests of the child.

9. Working with External Agencies

We work closely with:

• Local Authority Safeguarding Teams
• Police
• Children's Social Care
• Healthcare professionals
• Schools and other educational settings

10. Online Safety

We recognize risks children face online and:

• Monitor internet use during our programmes
• Educate children about online safety
• Use filtered and monitored internet connections
• Have clear policies on use of personal devices and social media

11. Photography and Images

• Written parental consent is obtained before taking photographs
• Images are stored securely
• Children's names are not published with photographs
• Images are only used for legitimate educational or promotional purposes

12. Physical Contact

• Staff maintain appropriate professional boundaries
• Physical contact should be appropriate to the activity (e.g., teaching chess moves, badminton coaching)
• Staff avoid being alone with a single child in closed spaces
• Two-adult rule applied where possible

13. Allegations Against Staff

We take allegations against staff seriously:

1. Immediate suspension may be necessary pending investigation
2. Investigation conducted in line with statutory guidance
3. Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) notified
4. Full cooperation with police and social services
5. Disciplinary procedures followed as appropriate

14. Bullying

We maintain a zero-tolerance policy on bullying:

• Clear anti-bullying procedures
• Education about bullying prevention
• Swift action to address incidents
• Support for both victims and perpetrators

15. Health and Safety

Safeguarding includes:

• Safe premises and equipment
• Appropriate supervision ratios
• Fire safety procedures
• First aid provision
• Risk assessments for all activities

16. Missing Children

Procedures if a child goes missing:

1. Immediate search of premises
2. Notification of DSL
3. Contact parents/carers
4. Contact police if not located quickly
5. Full incident report

17. Parental Involvement

We encourage parental involvement by:

• Sharing our safeguarding policy
• Open communication about concerns
• Regular updates about activities
• Parent consultations
• Accessible complaints procedure

18. Complaints

Parents who have concerns about safeguarding should:

1. Speak to the Designated Safeguarding Lead
2. If unresolved, escalate to the Organization Director
3. Contact external agencies if necessary (LADO, Ofsted)

19. Policy Review

This policy is reviewed annually or following:

• Changes in legislation
• Serious safeguarding incidents
• Changes to organizational structure
• Recommendations from inspections

20. Regulatory Compliance

We comply with:

• Children Act 1989 and 2004
• Working Together to Safeguard Children (2023)
• Keeping Children Safe in Education guidance
• Ofsted regulations
• UK GDPR and Data Protection Act 2018

21. Contact Information

Designated Safeguarding Lead:
Email: safeguarding@boweneducation.org
Phone: 0161 969 3071

Organization Director:
Email: director@boweneducation.org

External Contacts:

Trafford Children's Services:
Phone: 0161 912 5125 (Office hours)
Phone: 0161 912 2020 (Out of hours)

Police (Non-emergency): 101

NSPCC Helpline: 0808 800 5000

Childline (for children): 0800 1111

This policy demonstrates our commitment to keeping all children safe. Everyone working with Bowen Education Group has a responsibility to understand and follow these procedures.