Safeguarding Policy

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AccessEDU is fully committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children and young people we work with. We believe that every child has the right to be safe, protected and supported, and we take our safeguarding responsibilities seriously.

Safeguarding is central to our culture, governance and service delivery, and applies to everyone working on behalf of AccessEDU.

Who This Policy Applies To

This policy applies to all individuals working with or on behalf of AccessEDU, including:

• Directors
• Staff and tutors
• Volunteers and sessional workers
• Contractors and delivery partners

All individuals are expected to understand and follow our safeguarding procedures.

Our Safeguarding Standards

AccessEDU safeguards children and young people by:

• Maintaining a zero-tolerance approach to abuse, neglect and exploitation
• Valuing and listening to children and young people
• Ensuring all delivery takes place in supervised group settings
• Maintaining clear professional boundaries at all times
• Working in partnership with parents, carers, schools and safeguarding agencies

Safer Recruitment & Training

To ensure a safe environment:

• All staff and tutors working with children hold enhanced DBS checks
• Safeguarding training is provided and refreshed regularly
• Staff are made aware of safeguarding risks, online safety and appropriate conduct
• Safeguarding responsibilities are reinforced through supervision and communication

Delivery & Safeguarding Controls

Online Delivery

When delivering online sessions, AccessEDU ensures that:

• Sessions are delivered in group settings only
• One-to-one private sessions are not conducted
• Private messaging between staff and students is not permitted
• Communication takes place with parents or carers via official channels
• Appropriate platform security controls are used

In-Person Delivery

When delivering in schools or community settings:

• AccessEDU works in line with the host organisation’s safeguarding procedures
• Staff remain visible and do not isolate individual children
• Any concerns are reported through both AccessEDU and host safeguarding routes where appropriate

Recognising and Responding to Concerns

All safeguarding concerns are taken seriously and acted upon promptly.

Anyone working on behalf of AccessEDU must report concerns if:

• A child has been harmed or may be at risk of harm
• A criminal offence may have occurred
• An adult’s behaviour raises safeguarding concerns

If a child is in immediate danger, emergency services must be contacted on 999.

Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)

AccessEDU has a Designated Safeguarding Lead responsible for managing safeguarding concerns and liaising with relevant agencies.

Designated Safeguarding Lead:
Azeem Miah
Email: enquiries@access-edu.org.uk

All safeguarding concerns must be reported to the Safeguarding Lead without delay.

Confidentiality & Information Sharing

AccessEDU respects confidentiality and complies with data protection legislation. However, safeguarding concerns override confidentiality where a child may be at risk of harm.

Information will be shared:

• On a need-to-know basis
• With appropriate safeguarding agencies
• In line with statutory guidance

Consent is not required to share information where safeguarding concerns exist.

Legal & Policy Framework

This policy is informed by current UK legislation and guidance, including:

• Children Act 1989 and 2004
• Working Together to Safeguard Children
• Keeping Children Safe in Education
• Data Protection Act 2018 and UK GDPR
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This policy operates alongside AccessEDU’s internal safeguarding and confidentiality policies.

Review of This Policy

This Safeguarding Policy is reviewed annually or sooner if there are changes to legislation, guidance or service delivery