Policies Safeguarding

Download the Safeguarding Child Protection Statement Policy Document Here

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What is Safeguarding

In relation to children and young people, Martec adopts the definition used in the Children Act 2004 and the Department for Education (DfE) guidance document:

Working Together to Safeguard Children 2013 (paragraph 2), which define safeguarding and promoting children and young people's welfare as:

• protecting children from maltreatment
• preventing impairment of children's health or development
• ensuring that children are growing up in circumstances consistent with the provision of safe and effective care
• taking action to enable all children to have the best outcomes.

Safeguarding Arrangements

All activities relating to Safeguarding at Martec are intended to have a positive impact on the safety and welfare of children and learners at Martec. Martec has a trained Safeguarding Officer who is accountable to the Directors of the company.

Where students wish to raise a Safeguarding issue there is clear guidance which is communicated to students during their induction and throughout their time at Martec. Students can communicate and raise concerns with the Safeguarding officer either face to face or initially via the Safeguarding mobile phone. All students have contact details at induction and posters are displayed throughout the centre.

Where a student has raised Safeguarding issues with another member of staff, or a member of staff suspects Safeguarding concerns this should be reported immediately to the designated Safeguarding Officer.

Staff should also be aware that Safeguarding covers a broad area including:

• Drug/alcohol abuse
• Vulnerable to radicialstion
• Self harming
• Missing students
• Repeat offending

Reporting Safeguarding

Once a safeguarding issue has been reported to the Safeguarding Officer written documents relating to the issues raised should be written immediately and shared appropriately, and where necessary with consent. This may involve speaking to and sharing information with the relevant local authority/social workers and police if necessary. Parents should be made aware of concerns and their consent is sought in accordance with local procedures unless doing so would increase the risk of harm to a child.

All records are retained and there is sufficient evidence that prompt action has been taken to protect the child from any further harm.

An annual report should be presented to the directors at the end of the academic year.

Safeguarding Training

All staff working with students should know and understand the indicators that may suggest that a child, young person or vulnerable adult is suffering or is at risk of suffering abuse, neglect or harm and they take the appropriate and necessary action.

To be able to identify the above all staff at Martec should take part in Safeguarding training at least every 3 years. As a minimum this should be done via their EduCare account.

Learners should also be taught the issues around safeguarding to help them protect themselves, learning right from wrong. Learners should be taught how to treat others with respect. This should take place during lessons and behaviour challenged. Any concerns should be raised immediately with the Safeguarding Officer.

Use of Technology

All staff should be aware of the risks posed by the use of technology including te internet, to bully, groom, radicalise or abuse children or learners. Further guidance can be taken from the E-Safety policy.

Disclosure and Barring Service

The company has a responsibility to ensure safe recruitment and employment practices.
New and existing staff who frequently or intensively work with children, young people and vulnerable adults in training, supervision, care, advice, treatment and transport have to be checked through the Home Office for criminal record information

Review

Martec's Safeguarding Policy is reviewed annually and its provisions monitored by the Board and Quality. The review process includes analysis of monitoring data, consultation with and feedback from learners, clients, staff and other stakeholders to determine the impact of the policy and any action required.