Safeguarding statement

Our commitment

Kelden Education Group Ltd and all of its brands are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. Everyone who works with us, whether employed, self-employed or volunteering, shares that responsibility. We act in the best interests of the child at all times.

Our approach follows the principles of Working Together to Safeguard Children and Keeping Children Safe in Education, and the Department for Education's guidance for out-of-school settings, and is reviewed at least once a year.

Designated Safeguarding Lead

Our Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) is [TODO: name of Designated Safeguarding Lead]. The DSL is responsible for our safeguarding policy, for training, and for responding to concerns, including making referrals to children's services, the police or the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO).

[TODO: name a deputy DSL so concerns are always covered.]

Safer recruitment

Before anyone works with children through one of our brands, we:

• verify their identity and right to work in the UK;
• obtain an enhanced DBS certificate with a check of the children's barred list, or confirm a current certificate through the DBS Update Service;
• take up at least two references, including one from their most recent employer where possible;
• check qualifications and explore any gaps in employment history;
• interview them, including questions about safeguarding;
• require them to complete safeguarding training and agree to our code of conduct.

DBS status is rechecked [TODO: e.g. annually through the Update Service].

Code of conduct for tutors

• Tutors communicate with pupils only through approved channels, and copy in parents or carers for pupils under 18.
• Tutors do not contact pupils on personal social media or messaging accounts.
• In-person lessons in the home take place with a responsible adult present in the home.
• Tutors do not give lifts, meet pupils outside agreed sessions, or give or accept personal gifts beyond token amounts.
• Tutors must report any concern, disclosure or allegation to the DSL the same day.

Online safety

• Online lessons take place on approved platforms using accounts provided or approved by us.
• Tutors use a neutral background and appropriate dress, and keep sessions to the agreed time.
• A parent or carer should be available nearby during online sessions for pupils under 18.
• [TODO: state whether sessions are recorded, and if so how recordings are stored and who can view them.]

How we respond to concerns

Any concern about a child's welfare, or about the behaviour of a tutor or member of staff, is passed to the DSL, recorded and acted on promptly. Where a child may be at risk of harm, we refer to local children's services or the police. Allegations against anyone working with us are referred to the LADO within one working day, and the person may be suspended from work while the matter is investigated. Where we remove someone from working with children because they may pose a risk, we make a referral to the DBS as required by law.

We keep safeguarding records securely and separately from other records, and share information only with those who need it to protect a child, as described in our privacy policy.

Whistleblowing

Anyone working with us can raise a concern about practice within the group without fear of reprisal. If you feel unable to raise it with us, you can contact the NSPCC Whistleblowing Advice Line on 0800 028 0285.

Full policy

This statement summarises our safeguarding policy. A copy of the full policy is available on request from safeguarding@keldeneducation.co.uk. [TODO: write the full safeguarding and child protection policy, and confirm every commitment above reflects actual practice.]