1. Policy Statement
The safety and wellbeing of children and young people placed within our home is our highest priority. We are fully committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children in our care.
We operate in line with current legislation, statutory guidance, and best practice standards to ensure that young people are protected from harm, abuse, neglect, exploitation, and discrimination.
Safeguarding is the responsibility of every member of staff.
2. Purpose of This Policy
This policy outlines:
- Our commitment to safeguarding
- The responsibilities of staff and leadership
- Procedures for reporting and responding to concerns
- Preventative safeguarding measures
- Safer recruitment practices
3. Legal & Regulatory Framework
Our safeguarding practices are informed by relevant legislation and statutory guidance, including:
- Children Act 1989 and 2004
- Working Together to Safeguard Children
- Children’s Homes (England) Regulations 2015
- Guide to the Children’s Homes Regulations including the Quality Standards
All safeguarding procedures align with local safeguarding partnership protocols.
4. Definitions of Safeguarding
Safeguarding includes:
- Protecting children from abuse and neglect
- Preventing impairment of children’s mental and physical health
- Ensuring children grow up in safe and effective care
- Taking action to enable the best possible outcomes
Forms of abuse may include:
- Physical abuse
- Emotional abuse
- Sexual abuse
- Neglect
- Exploitation (including criminal and sexual exploitation)
- Online abuse
- Radicalisation
5. Roles & Responsibilities
Responsible Individual
Provides strategic oversight of safeguarding governance and ensures compliance with regulatory requirements.
Registered Manager
Leads safeguarding practice within the home and ensures all concerns are managed appropriately.
Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)
Responsible for receiving concerns, liaising with external agencies, and ensuring referrals are made promptly.
All Staff
- Remain vigilant
- Report concerns immediately
- Maintain professional boundaries
- Participate in safeguarding training
Failure to report concerns may result in disciplinary action.
6. Safer Recruitment
We are committed to safer recruitment practices, including:
- Enhanced DBS checks
- Two satisfactory references
- Identity and right-to-work verification
- Employment history scrutiny
- Structured interviews assessing safeguarding competence
No staff member will begin unsupervised work until all checks are complete.
7. Recognising & Reporting Concerns
Any safeguarding concern must be reported immediately to the Registered Manager or DSL.
If a child is in immediate danger:
- Emergency services will be contacted without delay
- The relevant Local Authority will be notified
All concerns are:
- Recorded in writing
- Risk assessed
- Escalated where appropriate
- Managed in partnership with external agencies
Whistleblowing procedures are in place to ensure staff can raise concerns safely.
8. Preventative Safeguarding Measures
We actively promote safety through:
- Clear risk assessments
- Individualised care planning
- Staff supervision and reflective practice
- Structured routines
- Online safety guidance
- Positive behaviour support
- Regular review meetings
9. Training & Development
All staff receive:
- Mandatory safeguarding training
- Annual refresher training
- Child exploitation awareness
- Behaviour management training
- Ongoing supervision and reflective practice sessions
10. Allegations Against Staff
Any allegation against a staff member will be:
- Reported to the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO)
- Managed in line with statutory procedures
- Investigated fairly and promptly
The safety of the young person remains paramount throughout.
11. Monitoring & Review
Safeguarding practices are regularly reviewed through:
- Internal audits
- Supervision sessions
- Incident monitoring
- Quality assurance processes
- External inspection
This policy is reviewed annually or sooner if legislative changes occur.
12. Commitment Statement
We are committed to creating a safe, nurturing, and accountable environment where young people feel heard, protected, and supported to thrive.
Safeguarding is embedded in our culture, leadership, and daily practice.