- Policy Statement
Vision Academy is fully committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children and young people in our care. We recognise our moral and statutory responsibility to protect children from harm, and we work to create an environment where students feel safe, supported, and able to learn.
We will:
- Safeguard the rights of every child who attends Vision Academy.
- Ensure that all staff, tutors, and volunteers are trained and vigilant in recognising and reporting safeguarding concerns.
- Work in partnership with parents and, where appropriate, external agencies to safeguard children effectively.
- Legal Framework
This policy is based on and informed by the following:
- Children Act 1989 and Children Act 2004
- Working Together to Safeguard Children (latest edition)
- Keeping Children Safe in Education (latest edition)
- Local Safeguarding Children Partnership (LSCP) guidance
- The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC)
- Scope
This policy applies to all staff, tutors, volunteers, contractors, and any individual working on behalf of Vision Academy.
It covers all activities taking place within the academy, including:
- Tuition sessions at hired venues.
- Online learning (if applicable).
- Off-site activities and trips.
- Roles and Responsibilities
Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL):
Vision Academy will appoint a Designated Safeguarding Lead responsible for:
- Acting as the first point of contact for safeguarding concerns.
- Ensuring all staff receive safeguarding training and updates.
- Maintaining confidential safeguarding records.
- Referring cases of suspected abuse to the local safeguarding authority.
Deputy DSL:
A deputy will be appointed to cover when the DSL is unavailable.
Staff and Tutors:
- Must be vigilant and immediately report any safeguarding concern to the DSL.
- Must follow the code of conduct at all times.
- Are required to hold a valid Enhanced DBS certificate.
Parents:
- Will be informed of this policy at enrolment.
- Are encouraged to share relevant information about their child’s needs or vulnerabilities.
- Safer Recruitment
Vision Academy follows safer recruitment practices, including:
- Enhanced DBS checks for all staff and tutors before starting work.
- Verification of identity, qualifications, and professional references.
- A safeguarding interview question during recruitment.
- Induction training on safeguarding and child protection.
- Staff Conduct
All staff are expected to maintain the highest standards of behaviour. Specifically:
- Staff must not form personal relationships with students or their families outside of academy purposes.
- Communication with students outside tuition hours must only occur through official academy channels and with parental awareness.
- Staff must avoid being alone with a student in an unsupervised space whenever possible.
- Physical contact is only permitted when necessary to protect a child from harm or provide first aid, and must always be appropriate.
- Recognising Signs of Abuse
Staff will receive training to identify possible signs of:
- Physical abuse – unexplained injuries, frequent absences.
- Emotional abuse – withdrawal, excessive fear, low self-esteem.
- Sexual abuse – inappropriate knowledge, disclosures, sudden changes in behaviour.
- Neglect – poor hygiene, hunger, untreated medical issues, persistent lateness.
- Responding to Concerns
If a child discloses abuse or a member of staff suspects abuse:
- Listen carefully and calmly.
- Do not promise confidentiality.
- Record the concern factually and immediately.
- Report to the DSL the same day.
The DSL will decide whether to refer to the Local Safeguarding Children Partnership (LSCP) or other agencies.
- Record Keeping
- All safeguarding concerns will be recorded factually and kept securely.
- Access to safeguarding records is restricted to the DSL and Deputy DSL.
- Records will be retained in line with statutory requirements.
- Allegations Against Staff
If an allegation is made against a member of staff:
- It must be reported immediately to the DSL (or to the Chair of Trustees/Directors if the allegation concerns the DSL).
- The academy will follow statutory guidance for managing allegations, including referral to the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO).
- Staff subject to allegations will be treated fairly while ensuring child safety is paramount.
- Online Safety (if applicable)
- All online lessons are delivered on secure, approved platforms.
- Tutors must ensure they are in an appropriate setting when teaching online.
- Students must not be left unsupervised in breakout rooms.
- Parents are encouraged to supervise younger children during online sessions.
- Whistleblowing
Vision Academy encourages all staff to report concerns about the conduct of colleagues or safeguarding practices.
- Reports can be made directly to the DSL or to external authorities if necessary.
- Whistleblowers will be protected from victimisation.
- Training and Review
- All staff will undergo safeguarding induction training before commencing work.
- Refresher training will be provided annually.
- This policy will be reviewed every year, or sooner if legislation changes.
- Commitment to Children and Parents
Vision Academy pledges to:
- Always act in the best interests of children.
- Maintain an open, transparent, and accountable safeguarding culture.
- Work in partnership with parents and external agencies where necessary.
Signed:
Fahima Khanom
Vision Academy Designated Safeguarding Lead
fahima.khanom@vision-academy.co.uk
Ibrahim Ali
Deputy DSL
ibrahim.ali@vision-academy.co.uk
Date: 02.09.2025