SAFEGUARDING POLICY

Safeguarding Children and Young People Policy

The Autism Teaching Company acknowledges the duty of care to safeguard and promote the welfare of children and is committed to ensuring safeguarding practice reflects statutory responsibilities, government guidance and complies with best practice and DfE guidance ‘Keeping Children Safe in Education’ April 2014.

The policy recognises that the welfare and interests of children and young people are paramount in all circumstances. It aims to ensure that regardless of age, gender, religion or beliefs, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation or socioeconomic background, all children

  • have a positive and enjoyable experience of support with autism in a safe and child centred environment
  • are protected from abuse whilst learning with the Autism Teaching Company or outside of the activity.

The Autism Teaching Company acknowledges that some children, including disabled children and young people or those from ethnic minority communities, can be particularly vulnerable to abuse and we accept the responsibility to take reasonable and appropriate steps to ensure their welfare.

All partners and sub-contractors of the Autism Teaching Company are required to sign a form stating that they are in possession of a valid Enhanced Certificate from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) and an up to date certificate of attendance at Child Protection Awareness Training from Bucks County Council Children’s Services.

Every child living in this country is entitled to be given the protection of the law regardless of her/his background (16.10 Victoria Climbie Inquiry).

As part of our safeguarding policy the Autism Teaching Company will:

  • promote and prioritise the safety and wellbeing of children and young people
  • ensure everyone understands their roles and responsibilities in respect of safeguarding and is provided with appropriate learning opportunities to recognise, identify and respond to signs of abuse, neglect and other safeguarding concerns relating to children and young people
  • ensure appropriate action is taken in the event of incidents/concerns of abuse and support provided to the individual/s who raise or disclose the concern
  • ensure that confidential, detailed and accurate records of all safeguarding concerns are maintained and securely stored
  • prevent the employment/deployment of unsuitable individuals
  • ensure robust safeguarding arrangements and procedures are in operation.

The DfE has clear guidelines on what educational professionals should do if they suspect that a child has been abused or assaulted. It is not, however, the responsibility of teachers and other staff to investigate suspected abuse. They should not take action beyond that agreed in the procedure established by the BSCB (Buckinghamshire Safeguarding Children’s Board). The Partners are responsible for referring cases of suspected abuse or allegations to the relevant investigating agencies according to their local safeguarding children’s board and LA.

The policy and procedures will be widely promoted and are mandatory for everyone involved in the Autism Teaching Company. Failure to comply with the policy and procedures will be addressed without delay and may ultimately result in dismissal/exclusion from the organisation.

Monitoring

The policy will be reviewed a year after development and then every three years, or in the following circumstances:

  • changes in legislation and/or government guidance
  • as required by the Local Safeguarding Children Board
  • as a result of any other significant change or event.

Legal Authority (not exhaustive):

  • The Children Act (2004)
  • The Children Act (1989)
  • The Education Act (2012)
  • Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act (2006)
  • Working together to Safeguard Children (2013)
  • The Police Act (1997)
  • The Police Act 1997 (Criminal Records) (No2) Regulations 2009, as amended
  • The Equality Act (2010)
  • The Education (Health Standards) (England) Regulations 2003
  • The Protection of Freedoms Act 2012

(Last reviewed August 2019)