1.0 Child Protection Policy

At Anselhill Academy, we prioritize safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all learners. We believe every individual, regardless of age, ability, or background, deserves a safe and supportive environment. This Child Protection Policy outlines our procedures, responsibilities, and expectations for ensuring learner safety during in-person and online tutoring sessions. All staff and tutors are expected to comply with this policy, upholding our commitment to protecting learners from harm, abuse, or exploitation.

 

1.1 Safeguarding Principles

Anselhill Academy upholds the right of every child to feel safe and protected during each learning session. All tutors and staff are expected to be vigilant, responsible, and proactive in identifying and addressing any safeguarding concerns. We are committed to:

• Preventing harm or abuse by creating a safe and supportive learning environment. This involves implementing robust safeguarding policies and procedures, conducting regular risk assessments, and ensuring that all tutors and staff are trained to recognize potential issues.
•  Anselhill Academy responds swiftly and appropriately to ensure safeguarding concerns. This involves having clear reporting procedures in place, responding promptly to incidents or concerns, and collaborating with relevant authorities and agencies. The Academy’s swift response helps to mitigate the impact of the concern and provides reassurance to learners that their safety and wellbeing are taken seriously.
• The Academy empowers children to speak up and boldly. It fosters a culture of trust and openness, where learners feel confident expressing their concerns and worries. By encouraging self-advocacy and teaching learners how to report issues safely.

 

1.2 Legal and Ethical Duty

Anselhill Academy acknowledges its legal and ethical duty to safeguard learners. We are committed to complying with all relevant UK laws and guidance, including:

• The Children Act 1989 and 2004
• Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) guidance
• Local authority safeguarding protocols

All tutors must understand that they have a duty of care to protect learners from harm, abuse, exploitation, and neglect. By adhering to these laws and guidelines, we prioritize the safety and wellbeing of our learners and ensure a secure learning environment.

 

1.3 Recognising Signs of Abuse

Tutors and staff at Anselhill Academy must remain vigilant to the possible indicators of abuse and neglect. While no list can be exhaustive, the following signs may suggest that a child is at risk and may require safeguarding intervention:

a. Physical Abuse

• Unexplained injuries, bruises, cuts, or burns
• Fear of physical contact or flinching
• Frequent absences or injuries that prevent participation
• Wearing long sleeves in hot weather to cover injuries

b. Emotional Abuse

• Low self-esteem or extreme withdrawal
• Fearfulness or sudden changes in behaviour
• Excessive need for approval or attention

c. Sexual Abuse

• Age-inappropriate sexual knowledge or behaviour
• Avoidance of a specific person or place
• Unexplained soreness or discomfort in private areas

d. Neglect

• Poor hygiene or consistently unclean clothing
• Unmet physical needs (e.g. malnutrition or constant hunger)
• Frequent absences or tiredness in sessions

 

1.4 Tutor Responsibilities

All tutors at Anselhill Academy are required to complete mandatory safeguarding training before starting any tutoring activities and undergo annual child protection training updates. This ensures tutors are equipped with the knowledge and skills to identify and respond to safeguarding concerns, prioritizing learner safety and wellbeing.

• Tutors are not expected to investigate allegations of safeguarding concerns, but rather to report them promptly and accurately to the designated safeguarding lead. Additionally, tutors must not promise confidentiality to learners if a safeguarding issue is disclosed, ensuring that concerns are shared and addressed appropriately. They should report any suspicions or disclosures of abuse to the Designated Safeguarding Officer (DSO) within 24 hours.

• Avoid private one on one communication with students outside of official platforms. For in-person tutoring, sessions should take place in open, visible environments, or within the home under the supervision or awareness of a parent/guardian. Tutors must not meet students outside of scheduled sessions unless authorized, supervised and with third party.

 

1.5 Designated Safeguarding Officer (DSO)

Anselhill Academy shall appoint a Designated Safeguarding Officer (DSO) to lead and coordinate all safeguarding efforts across the organisation. The DSO must act with professionalism, confidentiality, and urgency where child protection is concerned.

The DSO is responsible for:

• Handling safeguarding concerns with confidentiality and sensitivity
• Liaising with external child protection agencies and services as needed
• Maintaining accurate and dated records of concerns and actions taken
• Supporting tutors and staff in understanding their safeguarding duties
• Ensuring safeguarding training is provided regularly to all tutors and staff.
• Monitoring the implementation of safeguarding policies and recommending improvements when needed.

1.6 Reporting Process

Anselhill Academy maintains a clear reporting process to address concerns about a child’s safety or wellbeing promptly. All tutors and staff must report suspicions, disclosures, or evidence of abuse to the Designated Safeguarding Officer (DSO) without investigating themselves. If abuse or any safeguarding concern is suspected, the following steps must be taken promptly and responsibly:

a. Tutor/Staff Completes an Internal Report

• The individual who identifies or receives a concern must document the issue using the Academy’s Safeguarding Concern Report Form.
• The report should include factual, objective information (what was seen, heard, or disclosed), and avoid assumptions or personal judgments.

b. Report Submission to the Designated Safeguarding Officer (DSO)

• All safeguarding reports must be submitted immediately and confidentially to the Academy’s Designated Safeguarding Officer (DSO).

• Reports should be submitted in hard copy or through the secure reporting portal, depending on urgency and accessibility.

c. DSO Assesses and Determines Next Steps

The DSO will review the report and decide on the appropriate course of action. This may include:

• Monitoring the situation internally;
• Engaging in a sensitive conversation with the learner and/or parent/guardian;
• Making a formal report to external child protection authorities or local safeguarding boards, in line with legal obligations.

Important: Reporting a concern is a professional and legal duty. The responsibility is not to investigate but to report accurately and promptly. Tutors and staff must not confront the child or alleged abuser, attempt to investigate the issue independently, or promise confidentiality to the student. Instead, they must reassure the student that their concern will be taken seriously and reported to the appropriate person who can help.