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Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy​

 

1. Policy Statement

The SpLD Hub is committed to safeguarding the welfare of all children and young people we work with, in line with NSPCC guidelines, Working Together to Safeguard Children (2018), and relevant local safeguarding protocols.

All children have the right to protection from abuse, neglect, exploitation, and discrimination. This policy outlines my duty of care, responsibilities, and the procedures I follow to ensure children and vulnerable people are protected while receiving tutoring or therapeutic services.

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2. Scope

This policy applies to:

  • All children and young people under the age of 18.

  • Vulnerable adults (where applicable).

  • All services delivered by The SpLD Hub, whether in-person or online.

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3. Legal and Regulatory Framework

This policy complies with:

  • Children Act 1989 & 2004

  • Working Together to Safeguard Children (2018)

  • Keeping Children Safe in Education (2023)

  • The Education Act 2002

  • The Children and Social Work Act 2017

  • GDPR and Data Protection Act 2018

  • NSPCC Safeguarding Standards

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4. Definitions of Abuse (from NSPCC)

  • Physical abuse – Causing physical harm or injury.

  • Emotional abuse – Persistent emotional ill-treatment affecting emotional development.

  • Sexual abuse – Forcing or enticing a child to take part in sexual activities.

  • Neglect – Persistent failure to meet a child’s basic needs.

Other concerns may include: domestic abuse, bullying, online abuse, child sexual or criminal exploitation, radicalisation, FGM, forced marriage.

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5. Roles and Responsibilities

As a sole trader, I serve as my own Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL).

Name: Emma Stokes
Contact: 07724 733230, emma@spldhub.com
DBS Certificate No.: 001647833672 – Enhanced, with children’s barred list check
Issue Date: 17 November 2022

I am responsible for:

  • Recognising and responding to safeguarding concerns

  • Keeping accurate, confidential records

  • Reporting to the local authority designated officer (LADO) if required

  • Attending training and maintaining safeguarding knowledge

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6. Recognising and Responding to Concerns

If I have any concern that a child is at risk of harm:

  1. Listen carefully to the child without making assumptions or promises.

  2. Record the concern clearly and factually (who, what, where, when).

  3. Report immediately to the relevant safeguarding body or LADO.

  4. Refer to children's social care or police if needed — no delay.

I do not investigate but follow official referral pathways.

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7. Confidentiality and Information Sharing

Information will only be shared:

  • With the appropriate authorities

  • On a need-to-know basis

  • In line with GDPR and safeguarding protocols

All records are stored securely and confidentially.

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8. Safe Practice and Code of Conduct

To ensure a safe working environment:

  • Sessions are conducted in safe, professional settings or on secure platforms.

  • Parents/carers are informed of session times and formats.

  • No private or secret contact with children outside of agreed methods.

  • Professional boundaries are always maintained.

  • Online safety measures are followed in line with NSPCC and CEOP guidance.

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9. Online Safety

When delivering remote sessions:

  • A secure, GDPR-compliant platform is used (e.g., Zoom, Microsoft Teams).

  • Parental consent is obtained before sessions begin.

  • Sessions are conducted in appropriate settings (not bedrooms).

  • No session is ever recorded without explicit prior consent.

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10. Training and Policy Review

  • Safeguarding training is undertaken every year.

  • This policy is reviewed annually or after a safeguarding incident.

  • I stay up to date via NSPCC and local safeguarding partnerships.

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11. Contacts and Referrals

Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO):
 

Luton: 01582 548069 | LADO@luton.gov.uk

Central Bedfordshire: 0300 300 8142 |  LADO@centralbedfordshire.gov.uk

Bedford Borough: 0300 300 8142 | LADO@centralbedfordshire.gov

Hertfordshire: 0300 1234043 | LADO.Referral@hertfordshire.gov.uk

Milton Keynes: 01908 254307 | LADO@milton-keynes.gov.uk

 

Children’s Social Care Referral Line:

Luton: 01582 547653 (office hours) or 01582 547659 (out of hours)

Central Bedfordshire: 0300 300 8303 (office hours) or 0300 300 8123 (out of hours)

Bedford Borough: 01234 718700 (office hours) or 0300 300 8123 (out of hours)

Hertfordshire: 0300 123 4042 (24-hour line)

Milton Keynes: 01908 253169 or 01908 253170 (office hours) or 01908 265545 (out of hours)

NSPCC Helpline: 0808 800 5000
Childline (for children): 0800 1111

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12. Declaration

I understand and accept my responsibility to safeguard children and vulnerable people under my care. I will adhere to this policy and update it regularly in line with best practices.
 

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