Blossom Young Minds makes a positive contribution to a strong and safe community and recognizes the right of every individual to stay safe.

Blossom Young Minds comes into contact with children and / or vulnerable adults through the following activities:

English Sessions

Maths Sessions

Computer Programming Sessions

 

The types of contact with children and / or vulnerable adults are regulated.

This policy seeks to ensure that Blossom Young Minds Ltd undertakes its responsibilities with regard to protection of children and / or vulnerable adults and will respond to concerns appropriately. The policy establishes a framework to support paid and unpaid staff in their practices and clarifies the organisation’s expectations.

 

POLICY AIMS

The purpose of this policy is to:

• To raise awareness to all staff of the importance of safeguarding and child protection.

• To make it clear to children and parents that this company takes child protection seriously and will follow all procedures in-line with LSCB

• To support our students in developing confidence, good self esteem, an autonomous attitude and to increase awareness of independence in a safe environment

• Set out expectations in respect of training

• Ensure that those responsible for recruitment are aware of how to apply safeguarding principles in employing staff

• Set out expectations of how to ensure children are safeguarded when there is potential to come into contact with non-school staff, e.g. volunteers, contractors etc.

• Outline how complaints against staff will be handled

• Set out expectations regarding record keeping

• Clarify how children will be kept safe

• Outline how the implementation of this policy will be monitored

 

 

GOVERNING LEGISLATION

The principal pieces of legislation governing this policy are:

 

“Every Child Matters”, duties conferred by the Children Acts 1989 and 2004 and the guidance contained in “Working Together to Safeguard Children”, “What To Do If You’re Worried A Child Is Being Abused”, the DfE Circular – “Safeguarding Children and Safer Recruitment in Education” (2007), the DfE guidance – “Dealing with Allegations of Abuse Against Staff” (2011), Ofsted Guidance issued in 2011 and procedures produced by the London Safeguarding Children Board. The policy is applicable to all on and off-site activities undertaken by children whilst they are the responsibility of the company.

 

Safeguarding is about embedding practices throughout the organisation to ensure the protection of children and / or vulnerable adults wherever possible. In contrast, child and adult protection is about responding to circumstances that arise.

 

Abuse is a selfish act of oppression and injustice, exploitation and manipulation of power by those in a position of authority. This can be caused by those inflicting harm or those who fail to act to prevent harm. Abuse is not restricted to any socio-economic group, gender or culture.

It can take a number of forms, including the following:

1. • Physical abuse

   • Sexual abuse

   • Emotional abuse

   • Bullying

   • Neglect

   • Financial (or material) abuse

   • Child exploitation and gangs

 

Definition of a child

A child is under the age of 18 (as defined in the United Nations convention on the Rights of a Child).

 

Definition of Vulnerable Adults

A vulnerable adult is a person aged 18 years or over who may be unable to take care of themselves or protect themselves from harm or from being exploited.

This may include a person who:

• Is elderly and frail

• Has a mental illness including dementia

• Has a physical or sensory disability

• Has a learning disability

• Has a severe physical illness

• Is a substance misuser

• Is homeless

 

All staff (paid or unpaid) have responsibility to follow the guidance laid out in this policy, and related policies, and to pass on any welfare concerns using the required procedures.

We expect all staff (paid or unpaid) to promote good practice by being an excellent role model, contribute to discussions about safeguarding and to positively involve people in developing safe practices.

 

The Designated Senior Manager is: Aletha Brown

The responsibilities of the DSM are:

• To ensure all staff are familiar with the LSCB procedures and guidelines for identifying and reporting abuse, including allegations of abuse against staff

• To ensure sufficient resources are allocated to ensure that the policy can be effectively implemented

• To promote the welfare of children and vulnerable adults

• To ensure that staff (paid or unpaid) have access to appropriate training/information

• Receive staff concerns about safeguarding and respond to all seriously, swiftly and appropriately

• To maintain accurate and secure records

 

 

RELATED POLICIES ADHERED TO

At Blossom Young Minds we understand that the scope of this Safeguarding Policy is broad ranging and in practice, it will be implemented via a range of policies and procedures within the organisation. These include:

Anti-Bullying Policy

Behaviour Policy

Health and Safety

Staff Code of Conduct

Whistle blowing

E Safety

 

 

SAFE RECRUITMENT

Blossom Young Minds ensures safe recruitment through the following processes:

Disclosure and Barring Service

The organisation commits resources to providing DBS checks on staff (paid or unpaid) whose roles involve contact with children and /or vulnerable adults.

 

• Providing the following safeguarding statement in recruitment adverts or application details –‘recruitment is done in line with safe recruitment practices.’

• Job or role descriptions for all roles involving contact with children and / or vulnerable adults will contain reference to safeguarding responsibilities.

• Interviews are conducted according to equal opportunity principles and interview questions are based on the relevant job description and person specification

• In order to avoid DBS gaps, the organisation will:

• Ensure that all references will be taken up and verified by telephoning the referees

• That at interview candidates will be asked to account for any gaps in their employment history

• To ensure evidence will be recorded in a single, central and secure location

• All documentation sent out to potential candidates will make it clear that child protection is a high priority to the company and rigorous checks will be made of any candidates before any appointment is made.

• Where it is not appropriate to instigate an enhanced DBS check for volunteers, they may be required to provide references and will be asked to sign a declaration that they have not been convicted of any criminal or disciplinary offence which could preclude their employment as a worker with children. Volunteers will work under the direct supervision of an established staff member and will be subject to the same code of conduct as paid employees of the company. Volunteers will at no time be given responsibility for the personal care of children. Voluntary sector groups that operate within this company, provide off-site services for our children or use company facilities will be expected to adhere to this policy or operate a policy which is compliant with the procedures adopted by the London Safeguarding Children Board.

​

 

 

STAFF TRAINING AND SUPPORT

Blossom Young Minds commits resources for induction, training of staff (paid and unpaid), effective communications and support mechanisms in relation to Safeguarding.

Company training on safeguarding issues will be organised on at least a three yearly basis and the next CP session for all staff will take place by winter 2022.

All newly recruited staff (teaching and non-teaching) will be apprised of this policy and will be required to attend relevant LA or Safeguarding training. In addition, all new staff and temporary staff will be required to attend an induction session with the Designated Person. The Designated Person will undertake the appropriate safeguarding course and then refresher training at least every two years. Designated staff will be encouraged to attend appropriate network meetings.

 

 

Induction will include:

• Discussion of the Safeguarding Policy (and confirmation of understanding)

• Discussion of other relevant policies

• Ensure familiarity with reporting processes, the roles of line manager and Designated Senior Manager

• Initial training on safeguarding including: safe working practices, safe recruitment, understanding child protection and the alerter guide for adult safeguarding

• Formal assessment of new members of staff’s competence in applying safe practices during probation period.

 

Training

All staff who, through their role, are in contact with children and /or vulnerable adults will have access to safeguarding training at an appropriate level. Sources and types of training will include:

 

• Safeguarding children courses

• Safer recruitment training

 

Through external agencies, such as NSPCC and SAFECIC.

 

Communications and discussion of safeguarding issues

 

Commitment to the following communication methods will ensure effective communication of safeguarding issues and practice:

 

• Team meetings

• One to one meetings (formal or informal)

• Participation in multi agency safeguarding procedures and meetings in order to be involved in child/ adult protection procedures

• Provision of a clear and effective reporting procedure which encourages reporting of concerns.

• Encouraging open discussion (e.g. during supervision and team meetings) to identify barriers to reporting so that they can be addressed.

• Inclusion of safeguarding as a discussion prompt during supervision meetings/ appraisals to encourage reflection

 

 

 

Support

 

We recognise that involvement in situations where there is risk or actual harm can be stressful for staff concerned. The mechanisms in place to support staff include:

 

• Debriefing support for paid and unpaid staff so that they can reflect on the issues they have dealt with.

• Seeking further support as appropriate e.g. access to counselling.

• Staff who have initiated protection concerns will be contacted by the line manager /DSM within one week.

 

 

Professional boundaries

 

Professional boundaries are what define the limits of a relationship between a support worker and a client. They are a set of standards we agree to uphold that allows this necessary and often close relationship to exist while ensuring the correct detachment is kept in place.

 

Blossom Young Minds expects staff to protect the professional integrity of themselves and the organisation.

The following professional boundaries must be adhered to via the Blossom Young Minds Code of Conduct. All staff are issued with this, before commencement of appointment.

 

Any gifts that have been given to members of staff will be subject to the Blossom Young Minds Code of Conduct, of course not all scenarios can be accounted for and so if for any reason not stipulated in this policy, a discussion will be held between the member of staff and a senior member of staff to ascertain the right way to handle a given situation.

 

In order to minimise risk of allegations being made against staff as a result of their daily contact with pupils, all staff must familiarise themselves with the Blossom Young Minds Code of Conduct - Safe Working Practices for the Protection of Children and Staff sections 9 – 13

 

 

REPORTING

 

The process outlined below details the stages involved in raising and reporting safeguarding concerns at Blossom Young Minds.

Flow Chart for LSCB.

All staff will have been trained to follow through with the flow chart in-line with the LSCB procedures.

Blossom Young Minds will be expected to complete the local authorities initial contact form when informing them of a concern about a child. The use of this form and compliance with the policy is mandatory.

 

 

COMPLAINTS/ALLEGATIONS MADE AGAINST STAFF

Blossom Young Minds recognises its duty to report concerns or allegations against its staff (paid or unpaid) within the organisation or by a professional from another organisation.

 

Blossom Young Minds recognizes its legal duty to report any concerns about unsafe practice by any of its paid or unpaid staff to the Independent Safeguarding Authority (ISA), according to the ISA referral guidance document.

 

Blossom Young Minds Ltd takes seriously all complaints made against members of staff. Procedures are in place for children, parents and staff to share any concern that they may have about the actions of any member of staff (paid or unpaid). All such complaints will be brought immediately to the attention of the Managing Director, in order that they may activate the appropriate procedures. If the allegation concerns alleged minor physical restraint, mishandling or verbal abuse, this will normally be dealt with under the Company’s Complaints Procedure.

 

The following situations should always be referred to the Local Authority Designated person (LADO):

• An allegation that a member of staff has seriously harmed a child

• An allegation that has been reported to the Police or Children’s Services by the child or parent.

• An allegation involving a child who is Looked After in Public Care.

• An allegation involving a child who has a disability or Statement of Special Educational Needs.

• The member of staff concerned has been subject to previous complaints.

  • The allegation is one of sexual abuse or inappropriate behaviour.

 

The LADO is based within the Quality Assurance Service in Children’s social care. A referral will lead to a Strategy Meeting or Discussion being held in accordance with the London SCB procedures. This process will agree upon the appropriate course of action and the time-scale for investigations.

In considering whether or not a referral to Children’s Services is appropriate, the Managing Director may seek advice from the LADO for allegations against staff.

If the company has a current liaison with e.g. the senior child welfare social worker in the Social Services Area Office, this person can be contacted during office hours in lieu of the Duty Social Worker. Where the Duty Social Worker cannot be located, the Police should be informed and told of this problem in locating the Social Services officer. Where a child seems at imminent harm of danger/ injury or worse, then the Designated Senior Manager is authorised to make a complaint to the Police in order to secure immediate action and protection of a child. NO PROTOCOL SHOULD EVER INHIBIT THIS COURSE OF ACTION IF IT IS TRULY WARRANTED.

 

 

Parents should also be advised of their independent right to make a formal complaint to the Police. Temporary and visiting staff will be subject to the same procedures.

 

Any complaint concerning alleged abuse by the Designated Person whether it is a member of management or another member of staff should be reported to the Duty Officer at Social Services and/or the police. NO PROTOCOL SHOULD EVER INHIBIT THIS COURSE OF ACTION IF IT IS TRULY WARRANTED.

 

Staff who are formally disciplined for the mistreatment of children (or who resign before disciplinary action can be completed), will be notified to the Independent Safeguarding Authority. Please see guidance -http://www.isa-gov.org.uk/PDF/ISA%20Referral%20Guidance%20%20V2009-02.pdf

 

Any member of staff (paid or unpaid) from Blossom Young Minds is required to report any concerns in the first instance to their Senior Manager/ Designated Senior Manager/ Peer. ‘A written record of the concern will be completed by the member of staff who raised the concern.

 

 

 

 

 

 

RECORDS

Brief and accurate written notes will be kept of all incidents relating to individual children. This information may be shared with other agencies as appropriate. Parental consent will be sought before making a Child in Need (S17) referral to Children’s Social Care (Children’s Services). If consent is withheld, consideration will be given to the potential impact of this for the child and to the need for a child protection referral (S47), which does not require parental consent. The company will take into account the views and wishes of the child who is the subject of the concern but staff will be alert to the dangers of colluding with dangerous “secrets”.

 

Contact local authority for advice:

 

• Megan Brown, Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) for referral and

management of allegations against staff (Tel: 020 8753 5124, Mobile: 07775 554

389, Email: Anna.Carpenter@lbhf.gov.uk)

 

• ICAT Initial Consultation and Advice Team – 0208 753 6600

Out of hours – 0208 748 8588

 

 

The organisation will monitor the following Safeguarding aspects:

• Safe recruitment practices

• DBS checks undertaken

• References applied for new staff

• Records made and kept of supervision sessions

• Training – register/ record of staff training on child/ vulnerable adult protection

• Monitoring whether concerns are being reported and actioned

• Checking that policies are up to date and relevant

• Reviewing the current reporting procedure in place

• Presence and action of Designated senior manager responsible for Safeguarding is in post

 

SAFETY ON SITE

No internal doors to workspaces will be locked whilst children are present in these areas.

Entry to premises will be controlled by doors that are secured physically or by constant staff supervision or video surveillance ( except during times when parents are bringing or collecting children at the beginning or end of sessions). Authorised visitors to the premises will be logged into and out of the premises and will be asked to wear their identity badges or be issued with visitor badges. Unidentified visitors will be challenged by staff or reported to a Senior member of staff. Carelessness in closing any controlled entrance will be challenged.

The presence of intruders and suspicious strangers seen loitering near the premises or approaching children, will be reported to the Police.

 

CURRICULUM

 

Blossom Young Minds acknowledges the important role that the curriculum can play in the prevention of abuse and in the preparation of our children for the responsibilities of adult life and citizenship to recognise and manage risks in different situations and then decide how to behave responsibly:

• Developing pupil self esteem

• Developing communication skills

• Informing about all aspects of risk

• Developing strategies for self protection

• Developing a sense of boundaries between appropriate and inappropriate behavior in adults

• Developing non-abusive behavior between children

 

WORKING IN PARTNERSHIP WITH PARENTS

 

It is our policy to work in partnership with parents or carers to secure the best outcomes for our children. We will therefore communicate as clearly as possible about the aims of this school.

• We will use clear statements in our brochures and correspondence.

• We will be alert to the needs of parents/carers who do not have English as their first language.

• We will keep parents informed as and when appropriate.

 

 

This policy will be reviewed by Aletha Brown every 2 years and when there are changes in legislation.