Safeguarding Policy 2013-14
Origination date:
May 2003
Last Approved:
Effective date:
July 5th 2013
Person responsible:
Andy Hulme
Approved by:
For action by:
All staff and Corporation members
For Information to:
All staff and learners
Date assessed and reviewed: July 5th 2013
Rationale
Preston College recognises its statutory and moral duty to promote and secure the welfare of its learners,
adopting a risk based approach to safeguarding, which assures the highest possible level of safety for
learners and the most positive impact on learning.
The Policy aims to
Provide a safe and welcoming learning environment, in which all learners are respected and valued, and
are capable of making excellent progress in their learning.
Assure safe staff recruitment procedures built around DBS checks, thorough scrutiny of references and
ongoing monitoring and review of practice.
Help staff and learners alike to equip themselves with the information and awareness necessary on how to
keep themselves and others safe.
Maintain and explicitly promote those procedures, which help to identify suspected cases of abuse, report
and act upon them.
Provide appropriate support to learners or staff who have been the victim of abuse.
Contribute to effective partnership working between all those in the wider community involved in
providing safeguarding services and the College itself.
Work with those partners to provide a co-ordinated offer of help when the additional needs of children are
identified.
The outputs of the Policy are to
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Provide for an environment where safeguarding is thoroughly understood, embraced by all members of
the College and applied with a high degree of consistency.
Assure that College resources in safeguarding are focused within a risk management approach that serves
those groups identified as being relatively vulnerable.
Assure compliance to the Equality Act, recognising the potentially relatively high risk of some learners with
particular protected characteritics.
Support the College Teaching, Learning and Assessment strategy by promoting positive behavioural
attitudes and creating an environment in which students feel safe, confident and able to make excellent
progress in their learning.
Associated policies and procedures
Preston College Safeguarding Procedures
Guidance for Safe Working Practice for Children, Young
People, Vulnerable Adults and Staff in Education
Confidentiality Statement & Framework
External Support Workers Code of Conduct & Procedural
Guide
Home Visits Procedure
Health & Safety Policy
Anti-Bullying and Harassment Procedure
Student Disciplinary Procedures
Staff Disciplinary Policy and Procedures
Disciplinary Policy & Procedures for Senior Postholders
Recruitment Policy
Recruitment Procedures
DBS Code of Practice and Operational Guidance
Policy Statement on the employment of ex- offenders
Computer Network Acceptable Use Policy
Drugs and Alcohol Procedures
Accommodations and Facilities Procedure
Contractors guidelines
Manager responsible
Designated Senior Person
Designated Senior Person
Designated Senior Person
Head of Human Resources
Innovation & Excellence Manager
Health & Safety Manager
Student Services Manager
Student Services Manager
Head of Human Resources
Head of Human Resources
Head of Human Resources
Head of Human Resources
Head of Human Resources
Head of Human Resources
ICT Manager
Student Services Manager
Head of Buildings & Facilities
Health and Safety Manager
1. Introduction and safeguarding ethos
Preston College is committed to ensuring the highest standards of safeguarding for its learning community and staff.
It embraces a spirit of continous improvement where risks are proactively identified and opportunities to improve
the quality of safeguarding provision to make it the best it can be are promoted and supported by senior leadership
and the active involvement of Designated Governors. It places the learners first, at the heart of the College’s
corporate values.
The Policy aims to recognise the key role that safeguarding plays in assuring the College’s legal compliance, not only
to safeguarding legislation, but also to the Equality and Diversity agenda and a range of procedures and mechanisms,
such as the Social Cohesion Programme, which underpin both the safety of the College’s Learning Community and
through a sense of safety and security, effective learning. This is consistent with the College Mission to provide the
best opportunities for all to succeed and progress and the vision to ‘raise ambition and achieve excellence’. Effective
safeguarding also removes barriers to learning and promotes an inclusive approach to learner achievement.
2. The purpose of this Policy
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The Policy framework represented by the Preston College Safeguarding Proceduresi lays out the operational aspects
of safeguarding practice. The Policy aims and outputs are embodied and clearly detailed in these practices. In the
spirit of a ‘One College’ approach the Policy and associated procedures are designed to support and engage all
interested parties within the College and to manage the rights and responsibilities within and between those parties.
The College embraces its external partnership working and sees this as a vital source of support and guidance, as
well as a means to assuring excellence in practice.
Essentially the Policy outlines the College’s commitment to assuring legal compliance to all aspects of safeguarding
together with a commensurate desire to achieve the highest possible standards of safety for learners and staff in the
promotion of excellence in learning. Strategically, in recognistion of our statutory and moral obligations, the College
demonstrates its commitment to safeguarding through the following strategic aims;
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To promote and embed a learning environment that is inclusive, celebrates diversity, safeguards learners
and does not discriminate against any group.
To ensure we evidence our commitment and ability to safeguard our learners.
Context and general principles
The College has a statutory duty under the Children Act 1989 and Section 175 of the Education Act 2002 to safeguard
and promote the welfare of its students. In fulfilling this duty regard has been taken of the guidance in “Working
Together to Safeguard Children” DFE 2013, “What to do if you are worried a child is being abused” DfES 2006 and
“Keeping Children Safe in Education” DFES 2013.
Under the legislation a child is classed as a person under the age of 18 (in this policy they are referred to as young
people). The College has included adults, who might be deemed vulnerable because of their circumstance in the
scope of this Policy.
The welfare of the young person or vulnerable adult is paramount and all, regardless of age, gender, ability, culture,
race, language, religion or sexual identity, have equal rights to protection.
All staff have an equal responsibility to act on any suspicion or disclosure that may suggest that a young person or
vulnerable adult is at risk of harm.
All staff have been made aware that inappropriate behaviour towards learners is unacceptable and that their
conduct towards learners must be beyond reproach. Staff also understand that it is a criminal offence under the
Sexual Offences Act 2003 for a person over the age of 18 in a position of trust, to enter into a sexual relationship
with any learner under 18 years old, even if the relationship is consensual. This means that any sexual activity
between a member of the College staff and a pupil under 18 may be a criminal offence, even if that learner is over
the age of consent.
3.
Governor responsibilities for safeguarding
The Governing Corporation holds the overall responsibility for ensuring that the College has policies, procedures and
structures in place to support and promote the safety and well being of all learners in its care. In practical terms this
means ;
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The Chair of Governors has a specific role should an allegation be made against the Principal
Ensuring that the College has procedures and policies which are consistent with legal guidelines and local
needs
Considering the College Safeguarding Policy on an annual basis
Ensuring that each year the Governing Body is informed of how the College and its staff have complied with
the Policy, including a report on the training that staff have undertaken
Showing a commitment to safeguarding by completing the College’s Level 1 safeguarding training, and
updating it regularly and thus satisfying the requirements of the Local Authority Designated Officer
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Having an awareness of how much safeguarding work is carried out at the College, to ensure that the
College’s statutory responsibilities are adequately resourced
Ensuring that the College operates ‘safer recruitment’ practice including DBS checks and the keeping and
updating of the Single Central Record
Ensuring that allegations of abuse against members of staff are managed within the local authority
procedures
Ensuring that the College complies with Health and Safety regulations, including the necessary risk
assessments of curriculum activities
Through representation by three Designated Governors on the Safeguarding Panel, including the Principal and
Chair, the Board should consider The Panel’s advice in the discharge of its responsibilities for safeguarding. The
Safeguarding Panel’s specific terms of reference, to which the Board must comply are;
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To advise on the effectiveness and appropriateness of Safeguarding Policies and Procedures;
To assess and review policy and procedures in relation to safeguarding to ensure compliance with the
associated legal frameworks and the rights and responsibilities of staff and learners within the College
To consider and advise the Board on key developments in safeguarding practice
To be aware of the scope of safeguarding practice within the College and any changes to that practice as
they develop
To scrutinise and challenge the effectiveness of the operational aspects of Safeguarding in the management
and implementation of practice to ensure it is responsive to the specific local needs of the College’s
‘Learning Community’
To review staff development in safeguarding practice.
It is the specific responsibility of the two Designated Governors who are members of the Safeguarding Panel to
ensure that protocols are followed to ensure that the College is discharging its duty of care. Designated Governors
must not be given specific details of safeguarding cases.
4.
College staff with responsibilities for safeguarding
All staff working in education have a responsibility to protect children, young people, and vulnerable adults. There
are, however, key people within the College who have specific responsibilities under safeguarding legislation and
procedures. The roles of those carrying these responsibilities for this policy are listed below.
Principal and Vice Principal (VP): Excellence & Learning responsibilities:
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To ensure that the Lead Designated Senior Person (LDSP) fulfils his/her responsibilities to ensure that all
children, young people, and vulnerable adults in the College are suitably safeguarded.
To ensure that appropriate procedures are in place, adhered to and reviewed on a regular basis.
To ensure all allegations made against staff are thoroughly investigated by suitably trained staff.
To make any decisions relating to suspension of staff after taking advice from those involved.
To be responsible to the Corporation Board for any actions taken.
To make any decision relating to referrals to the police.
The Governing Body has Designated Governors with special responsibility for safeguarding and child protection
issues and they have been provided with the appropriate training.
Lead Designated Senior Person for Safeguarding (LDSP) responsibilities:
The Designated Senior Person with lead responsibilities for safeguarding and child protection issues is:
Andrew Hulme
Head of Learner Services
Telephone: 01772 225465
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[email protected]
The Designated Senior Person with Lead Responsibility is responsible for the following:
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To lead and chair the Board Safeguarding Panel and ensuring that there are policies, procedures and systems
in place to safeguard and promote the welfare of all young people and adults.
To oversee the referral of staff allegations to the LADO (Local Authority Designated Officer).
To maintain a proper record of any referral, complaint or concern in respect of abuse or safeguarding
involving staff (even where that concern does not lead to a referral).
To ensure Preston College’s procedures stay in line with the DfES guidelines for safeguarding.
To undertake any training necessary to perform the role of Lead DSP.
To oversee the updating of the Safeguarding Policy and Procedures for learners and to monitor
implementation of the policy.
To ensure all staff receive basic training in safeguarding and child protection issues and are aware of the
College Safeguarding Policy and Procedure
o when they begin working at Preston College.
o and every 3 years thereafter.
To report to and advise the Governing Body on safeguarding issues.
To report to and advise the Principal and/or VP Excellence & Learning on safeguarding issues.
To ensure that parents or carers of young people or vulnerable adults within the College are aware of the
College’s Safeguarding Policy.
To liaise with employers and training organisations (including work placements for young people and
vulnerable adults at College) in relation to safeguarding and child protection issues to ensure that
appropriate safeguards are put in place.
To be responsible for producing an annual report to the Governing Body of the College setting out how the
College has discharged its duties.
To be responsible for reporting deficiencies in procedure or policy identified by the LADO (Local Authority
Designated Officer) or other recognised safeguarding body to the Governing Body at the earliest
opportunity.
To ensure that the Designated Senior Person (DSP) fulfils his/her responsibilities to ensure that all children,
young people, and adults in the College are suitably safeguarded.
Designated Senior Person (DSP) responsibilities:
The Designated Senior Person for safeguarding and child protection issues is:
Tina Southworth
Senior Safeguarding & Welfare Officer
Telephone: 01772 225658
[email protected]
The Designated Senior Person is responsible for the following:
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To lead and chair the College Operational Safeguarding Committee.
To report to the senior member of staff with lead responsibility.
To support the senior staff member in the review of policies, procedures and systems to promote the
welfare of all young people and vulnerable adults.
To ensure all staff receive basic training in safeguarding and child protection issues and are aware of the
College Safeguarding Policy and Procedure
a) when they begin working at Preston College.
b) and every 3 years thereafter.
To provide advice and support to staff and volunteers on issues relating to safeguarding and child protection.
To deal with individual cases, including attending child protection case conferences and review meetings as
appropriate.
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To receive training in safeguarding issues and inter-agency working as required by the LADO and will receive
refresher training at least every 2 years.
To make safeguarding referrals to other agencies.
To liaise with and seek advice from other agencies.
When and if appropriate, to refer any potential disciplinary issues onto the Head of Human Resources.
In the absence of the DSP, other appropriate staff have been trained to deputise. These are currently:
Dave Foy
Health & Safety Manager
Telephone: 01772 225101
[email protected]
Louise Birchall
Additional Learning Support Manager
Telephone: 01772 225327
[email protected]
Alison Humphreys
Learning & Development
Telephone: 01772 225786
[email protected]
Head of Human Resources responsibilities:
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To seek advice from Principal or VP: Excellence & Learning when HR procedures may be commenced.
To ensure investigation and disciplinary record keeping practices remain in line with current legislative
requirements.
To provide professional advice in the application of best practice.
To ensure that the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS)) are informed of any dismissals relating to
Safeguarding.
To ensure that the DBS are informed of any employee resignations that have been submitted before the
disciplinary process is completed that are relative to Safeguarding issues.
To practice safe staff recruitment in line with the recruitment policy, recruitment procedures and legislative
requirements.
To provide a framework where unpaid workers (or workers providing a service to the College) have been
adequately vetted in accordance with legislative requirements.
All Preston College staff (paid or unpaid):
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To behave in accordance with staff guidelines on safeguarding issues.
To ensure they have completed any training required of them and to update as required.
To inform the DSP about any allegations that are made relating to abuse.
To inform the DSP if staff have concerns about learners or staff and not to deal with them personally.
To be honest and provide information if required for any investigation.
To advise learners that they must inform the DSP of any disclosures relating to safeguarding issues and
cannot maintain confidentiality.
Nursery Manager
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The Learning Tree Nursery Manager has responsibility for safeguarding issues within the Nursery. He/she will
liaise with the DSP when appropriate.
Safeguarding Officers
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To act as a point of referral when staff have either clearly identified a low risk safeguarding issue, or seek
clarification, or are asked by staff to follow up any second hand/third party referrals.
Deputy DSPs
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To deputise for the Lead DSP or DSP in their absence to assure a continuity of senior supervision of the
safeguarding function in their absence.
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The Preston College Safeguarding Procedures encompass
Procedural guidelines for staff
Procedural guidelines for learners
Procedural guidelines for managing staff allegations
Departmental Safeguarding Standard
Critical Safeguarding Incident Procedure
Learners who may be a potential risk
Confidentiality statement and framework
Procedure for dealing with the death of a learner
Safer recruitment
Esafety
Staff training
Safeguarding and residential visits procedure
Departmental Safeguarding Standard
Critical Safeguarding incident Procedure
Appendix – Roles and responsibilities of key staff
Appendix – What do we mean by abuse and neglect
Appendix – Glossary of terms and definitions
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