1. Policy Statement

 No Skool CIC is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children and young people who attend our provision. We recognise our responsibility to take all reasonable steps to protect children from harm, abuse, neglect, and exploitation.

Many children attending No Skool experience emotionally based school avoidance (EBSA), are neurodivergent, and may be particularly vulnerable. Safeguarding is therefore central to all aspects of our work.

No Skool CIC operates on the principle that parents or carers must remain on site with their child at all times. No Skool staff do not take on a parental role, nor do we provide unsupervised care.

2. Legal Framework

 This policy is informed by and complies with relevant UK legislation and guidance, including: 

• Children Act 1989 & 2004
• Working Together to Safeguard Children (2023)
• Keeping Children Safe in Education (as relevant to alternative provision)
• The Care Act 2014
• Equality Act 2010
• Human Rights Act 1998

 3. Definitions

• Child / young person: Anyone under the age of 18
• Parent/carer: A person with parental responsibility or a delegated caregiver
• Staff: Paid staff, directors, volunteers, and sessional workers
• Safeguarding: Protecting children from maltreatment and preventing impairment of health or development

 4. Roles & Responsibilities

 Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)

•  Name: Christopher Gordon
• Role: Director, No Skool CIC 

The DSL is responsible for:

• Oversight of safeguarding practices
• Responding to safeguarding concerns
• Making referrals to appropriate agencies
• Maintaining safeguarding records

 A deputy DSL will be appointed as No Skool CIC expands.

5. Supervision Model (Parent-Present Provision)

 No Skool CIC is not a childcare provider.

• Parents/carers must remain on site for the full duration of attendance
• Parents retain full responsibility for their child’s supervision, behaviour, and welfare
• No Skool staff do not provide one-to-one unsupervised care
• Children must not be left alone with staff or volunteers

If a parent/carer leaves the premises, the child must leave with them.

6. Safer Recruitment & DBS
 

• All staff and volunteers will undergo appropriate DBS checks
• References will be taken where applicable
• Safeguarding training will be provided and refreshed regularly
• Staff will receive induction covering safeguarding expectations

 7. Code of Conduct

 All staff and volunteers must: 

• Treat children with dignity and respect
• Maintain professional boundaries at all times
• Avoid physical contact unless necessary for safety and appropriate
• Never be alone with a child without their parent present
• Avoid private or secretive communication with children

8. Responding to Safeguarding Concerns

If a child discloses or a concern is identified: 

1. Listen calmly and take the concern seriously
2. Do not promise confidentiality
3. Record the concern factually and promptly
4. Report immediately to the DSL
5. The DSL will decide whether a referral is required

Where there is immediate risk, emergency services or Children’s Social Care will be contacted without delay.

9. Recording & Confidentiality 

• All safeguarding records are kept securely
• Information is shared only on a need-to-know basis
• Records comply with GDPR and data protection legislation

10. Behaviour, Bullying & Peer-on-Peer Abuse

 No Skool CIC does not tolerate:

• Bullying or harassment
• Discriminatory language or behaviour
• Physical or emotional harm

Concerns involving peer-on-peer abuse will be taken seriously and managed in line with safeguarding procedures.

 11. Online Safety
 

• No unsupervised internet access is provided
• Parents remain responsible for their child’s device use
• Photography and social media use is strictly controlled

 12. Allegations Against Staff or Volunteers

 Any allegation against a member of staff or volunteer will be taken seriously and managed in line with statutory guidance. External agencies will be informed where appropriate.

 13. Whistleblowing

 Staff and volunteers are encouraged to report any concerns about poor practice or safeguarding failures without fear of reprisal.

14. Review & Monitoring
 

This policy will be reviewed annually or sooner if:

• Legislation changes
• A safeguarding incident occurs
• The operating model of No Skool CIC changes