Building on Module 1, this section outlines your core safeguarding actions. Remember:

• Protecting children (under 18s) is our highest priority. Safeguarding involves not only protecting children from maltreatment but also preventing impairment of their health or development, ensuring they grow up in safe and effective care, and taking action to enable them to have the best outcomes. Child protection focuses specifically on protecting children identified as suffering or likely to suffer significant harm.  

• You must have read and understood the full SKOLA Safeguarding Policy. This policy applies to all SKOLA students (under 18) and all adults working with the school in any capacity.  

• Immediate reporting of any concern is mandatory. All staff have a duty to safeguard and promote the welfare of children.  

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Your Key Safeguarding Actions (Remember: Recognise, Reassure, Respond, Record & Report, Refer):  

• Recognise Potential Concerns: Stay vigilant for signs of potential abuse (Physical, Emotional, Neglect, Sexual - remember PENS ) or broader welfare issues (e.g., bullying, changes in behaviour, online safety risks). Trust your professional judgment – you do not need proof to report a concern.  

• Report Concerns Immediately & Correctly:

  • When: Report any safeguarding or welfare concern, however small, without delay.  

  • Who: Report directly to a Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL). (The DSLs are Connor Middleton, David Stephenson, Malgosia, and Teddy).

  • How: Complete the official SKOLA Incident Report Form. This is found on the drive. 

• Use the Incident Report Form: Fill out the form accurately and objectively. Record the facts: what you saw or heard directly, date, time, location, and individuals involved. Avoid adding personal opinions, assumptions, or interpretations.  

• Handle Disclosures Carefully (Respond): If a child discloses potential abuse or a serious concern directly to you:

  • Listen calmly and attentively without interruption, accepting what they say.  

  • Reassure them they did the right thing by telling someone. Be understanding but do not give your opinion.  

  • Do NOT promise secrecy. Gently explain you must share the information with a DSL to help keep them safe. Do not make promises you cannot keep.  

  • Do not ask leading questions, investigate, make judgments, speculate, or interrupt unnecessarily.  

  • Record what the child said accurately using their own words as much as possible on the Incident Report Form (Record).  

  • Report the disclosure immediately to a DSL (Report/Refer).  

  • If the child is in immediate danger, report to the police immediately and ensure the child is kept safe.  

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• Maintain Professional Conduct: Your behaviour is integral to safeguarding.

  • Strictly adhere to the Staff Code of Conduct at all times.  

  • Maintain clear professional boundaries (physical, social media, online). Physical contact should be brief, necessary, appropriate, sought with permission where possible, culturally sensitive, and never indecent. If demonstrating something (e.g., in sports), follow the procedure: show alone > ask permission > show with student, in an open environment.  

  • Communicate appropriately and professionally.

  • Follow the SKOLA dress code (T-shirt & Lanyard when on duty).

  • Report any gifts received from students or adults to your manager, showing the gift, and open gifts only in the presence of another staff member. The manager will record the details. Gifts to students should be given publicly for positive behaviour, not to show favouritism.  

  • Do not reply to social media messages from students; record the details and notify your manager. Never add current or former students on social media.  

  • If you have concerns about a colleague's conduct, report it immediately to a senior manager/DSL or follow the Whistleblowing Policy. This policy covers concerns beyond illegal acts, including malpractice, health and safety issues, unethical conduct, or acting contrary to the Code of Conduct. Reports can go to the Director (Ben Toettcher) or Principal/senior management.  

• Attend Mandatory Safety Briefings: You must attend safety briefings before all trips and excursions as part of risk assessment procedures.

• Ongoing Training: Safeguarding knowledge is regularly updated in staff meetings. You are also required to complete an online Safeguarding course before starting work.