Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy

1. Introduction

Changing Behaviour is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. This policy sets out the safeguarding procedures for all staff, including freelancers working within educational settings, and outlines the responsibilities for reporting concerns and protecting children in our care.

2. **Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)

The Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) for Changing Behaviour is Clare Edmondson, Director of the company. The DSL is responsible for overseeing safeguarding across all activities, ensuring that all safeguarding procedures are followed, and that concerns are appropriately managed.

Responsibilities of the DSL include:

• Acting as the main point of contact for all safeguarding issues.
• Ensuring that all staff are aware of safeguarding policies and procedures.
• Receiving and acting upon safeguarding concerns in accordance with this policy.
• Liaising with local safeguarding agencies, as needed, to ensure concerns are escalated appropriately.

3. Safeguarding Allegations Against the DSL

In the event of a safeguarding concern or allegation involving the DSL, the matter should be referred to Dave Smallwood, who will act as the independent safeguarding contact. (Please note: Dave Smallwood has been approached but has not yet confirmed his role in this capacity.) 14/10/24.

Until such time as he confirms, an alternative external safeguarding contact or the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) will be engaged to handle concerns.

Responsibilities of the external safeguarding contact (if confirmed) include:

• Receiving any allegations or concerns regarding the DSL.
• Ensuring that appropriate action is taken, including referral to the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) or other relevant authorities.

4. Safeguarding for Freelancers Working in Schools

Freelancers and external staff working with Changing Behaviour who operate within school environments are expected to comply with the safeguarding policies and procedures of the school they are working in.

In schools:

• All safeguarding concerns or issues that arise on school premises or during school activities must be reported  through the school's Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) and follow their procedures.

Outside of schools:

• Any safeguarding concerns that occur outside of the school environment (such as in private sessions or during transport) will be managed in accordance with Changing Behaviour's safeguarding procedures, with the company's DSL (Your Name) acting as the primary contact.

5. Safeguarding Training

All staff, including freelancers, must undergo appropriate safeguarding training to ensure they can identify and respond to signs of abuse, neglect, or exploitation. The DSL will complete refresher training every two years to ensure that safeguarding knowledge remains current and complies with statutory guidance.

6. Reporting and Responding to Safeguarding Concerns

• Within Schools: Any safeguarding concern that arises within a school setting should be reported to the school's DSL immediately, following the procedures laid out by the school.
• Outside of Schools: Any safeguarding concerns that arise outside of school settings must be reported to Changing Behaviour's DSL. This includes situations during extracurricular activities, private sessions, or interactions outside of school premises.

If a safeguarding issue is raised involving the DSL, it must be reported directly to **Dave Smallwood** (if confirmed), or the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO), to ensure impartiality.

7. Review of Policy

This policy will be reviewed annually, or sooner if required due to updates in safeguarding legislation or guidance. All staff and freelancers are required to familiarise themselves with this policy and adhere to its contents.