1. Policy Statement
Connexin Academy is fully committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare, safety, dignity, and well-being of all children, young people, and adults at risk. We recognise our statutory, moral, and Ofsted-defined responsibilities to protect all learners and ensure they feel safe, respected, heard, and supported.
This policy reflects: - Keeping Children Safe in Education
(2024)
- Working Together to Safeguard Children (2023)
-
Care Act (2014)
- Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act (2006)
-
Prevent Duty (2015)
- Children & Families Act (2014)
-
Data Protection Act (2018)
- Equality Act (2010)
We commit to creating a safe, inclusive, non‑threatening learning environment where: - learners are treated with respect and dignity - learners’ wishes and feelings are central - emotional resilience and wellbeing are promoted - risk is minimised across all learning environments including remote delivery and workplace settings
We promote British Values and support learners to mix with others from diverse backgrounds.
Safeguarding is everyone’s
responsibility.
Staff will always maintain the attitude:
“It could happen here.”
2. Scope of the Policy
This policy applies to: - all Connexin Academy staff - volunteers and visiting professionals - directors, governors and SLT - subcontractors and delivery partners - employers involved in work-based learning - contractors with learner access
It covers: - Children (0–18) - Adults with care and support needs - all delivery environments: onsite, remote, hybrid, and workplace
3. Definitions
3.1 Child
Anyone under the age of 18.
3.2 Adult at Risk / Vulnerable Adult
A person aged 18+ who is unable to protect themselves from harm or exploitation due to: - care or support needs - disability or illness - cognitive impairment - mental health need - coercive control - environmental or circumstantial vulnerability
3.3 How Vulnerability Occurs
Physical factors:
disability, chronic or acute illness, frailty, injury
Mental/cognitive factors:
dementia, mental health issues, developmental disabilities
Social factors:
isolation, abusive relationships, economic hardship
Environmental factors:
homelessness, unsafe neighbourhoods, natural disasters
Personal circumstances:
substance misuse, bereavement, major life changes
3.4 Types of Abuse
Physical abuse
Emotional abuse
Sexual abuse
Neglect
Domestic abuse
Financial abuse (adults)
Discriminatory abuse
Radicalisation/extremism
Grooming
Online abuse
Self-neglect
CSE, CCE, county lines, FGM, trafficking
4. Organisational Commitment
Connexin Academy will ensure: - a safe environment where learners feel secure and listened to - safeguarding is embedded into every programme, curriculum, and learner review - staff challenge unsafe practice - early identification of needs and risks - safe working practices at all times - safeguarding is communicated consistently across teams - work-based learning environments are safe and vetted
Use of Equipment
Learners may only access exam laptops running secure locked-down examination software. Invigilators complete regular walk‑arounds.
5. Roles and Responsibilities
5.1 Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)
Karen Walters – k.walters@connexin.co.uk
Responsible for: - oversight and coordination of all safeguarding activity - internal and external referrals - maintaining secure chronological safeguarding logs - annual and ongoing safeguarding briefings for staff - delivering or commissioning training - reporting to SLT and Directors
5.2 Deputy DSL
Alison Kirk – a.kirk@connexin.co.uk
5.3 All Staff
All staff must: - report concerns immediately - complete SRAC02 accurately and promptly - never investigate or promise confidentiality - attend all required safeguarding and Prevent training - act professionally online and offline
5.4 Leadership & Governance
Leaders must: - have strategic oversight of safeguarding - scrutinise safeguarding reports - ensure safer recruitment compliance - ensure staff know procedures and thresholds - evaluate safeguarding effectiveness regularly
6. Safer Recruitment
We follow statutory safer recruitment guidelines including: - Enhanced DBS checks - identity and right-to-work checks - full employment history and references - interview questions exploring safeguarding competence - at least one Safer Recruitment-trained panel member - risk assessment for staff starting before DBS clearance
7. Staff Training
Training includes: - annual safeguarding and Prevent - extremism and radicalisation recognition - online safety and cyber awareness - safer working practice - mental health awareness (KCSIE requirement) - FGM, county lines, CCE/CSE - whistleblowing - staff responsibilities & reporting routes
Lesson observations include safeguarding checks.
A central training matrix tracks compliance.
8. Safeguarding in Work-Based Learning
We ensure: - employers understand safeguarding duties in writing - risk assessments are completed before placement - learners receive safeguarding guidance before placements - tutors complete well-being check-ins at every visit - concerns in workplace settings follow the SRAC02 process
9. Online & Remote Delivery
Remote delivery must follow face‑to‑face safeguarding standards, with additional controls: - secure video conferencing software only - identity verified through lobby or waiting room - blurred or neutral backgrounds recommended - cameras/microphones can be disabled by tutors - personal data handled securely - no public posting of session links - pastoral support sessions risk-assessed; additional staff present if needed
Cyber Essentials monitoring detects extremist or harmful online content.
10. Reporting a Concern
If Immediate Risk:
Call 999
Inform DSL immediately
Complete SRAC02 within 1 hour
If Non-Immediate Risk:
Staff must: - listen calmly - avoid leading questions - note exact wording - reassure the learner - explain that information must be shared for their safety - complete SRAC02 within 24 hours - send to DSL + Line Manager
If DSL cannot be reached within 10 minutes in an urgent case, staff must contact the local authority where the learner lives.
Staff must not act alone or in isolation.
11. DSL Procedure
DSL will: - review SRAC02 - gather further information if appropriate - assess thresholds (Early Help, Section 47, Section 42, Prevent) - consult with Directors when required - complete a full chronological log - set timeframes and expectations for follow-up - archive and close cases when complete
12. Communication Flow
SLT and Directors approve policy and updates
Communicated during induction, email updates, staff meetings
DSL reports safeguarding monthly to SLT
Safeguarding included in all team meetings
Hot Topics calendar shared with staff and learners
Learner and staff views collected regularly
ID cards display safeguarding quick guides
Job adverts contain safeguarding statements
Policy shared with employers and subcontractors
Safeguarding embedded in learner induction and tutorials
Learners encouraged to self-refer using SRAC02
13. Monitoring & Review
DSL monitors implementation continuously
SLT reviews policy annually or sooner if needed
Termly safeguarding audits completed
File audits ensure compliance with KCSIE and Ofsted expectations
Lessons learned shared across the Academy
14. Related Guidance and Policies
Safer Working Practice Guidance (2020)
No Secrets Guidance
Information Sharing Advice (2018)
Prevent Strategy (2011)
Health & Safety Policy
Data Protection Policy
Recruitment Policy
Lone Working Policy
Quality Policy
IAG Policy
Whistleblowing Procedure
Modern Slavery Policy
15. Local Authority Contacts
Key contacts: - Hull Children’s EHASH: 01482 448879 - Hull Adults: 01482 300300 - National Safeguarding Line: 0808 800 5000
Full regional directory in Appendix D.
16. Appendices
Appendix A – SRAC02 Concern Form
Appendix B – Tutor Quick Guide
Appendix C – Flowchart
Appendix D – Regional Contacts
Appendix E – “What Counts as a Concern?” Flowchart