Safeguarding & Child Protection Policy

Statement of intent

Mending Lines is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children and young people (CYP) within our provision. We recognise our statutory duty of care under the Education Act 2002 and our responsibility to follow all guidance in Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) and Working Together to Safeguard Children.

This policy applies to all staff, volunteers, contractors, and visitors who interact with children and young people.

Roles & responsibilities

Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)

The DSL is responsible for:

• Acting as the first point of contact for safeguarding concerns.
• Liaising with local authority Children's Social Care and other relevant agencies.
• Referring cases to the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) for allegations against staff.
• Raising awareness and providing safeguarding training for all staff and volunteers.
• Ensuring all safeguarding records are accurately maintained and securely stored.

Escalation

A Deputy DSL is currently not appointed; in the DSL's absence, concerns must be reported directly to the Local Authority MASH or LADO. Where a concern involves or relates to the Head of Provision, it must be reported directly to the organisation's safeguarding Director/Trustee or the LADO.

Local safeguarding contacts

• Nottinghamshire MASH: 0300 500 80 90 · MASH.Safeguarding@nottscc.gov.uk
• Out of Hours Emergency Duty Team: 0300 456 4546
• Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO): 0115 804 1272 · LADO@nottscc.gov.uk
• Police (non-emergency): 101 · Emergency: 999
• NSPCC Helpline: 0808 800 5000 · Childline: 0800 1111

Indicators of concern

Staff should be vigilant for signs that a child may be at risk of harm, including:

• Physical abuse: unexplained injuries, bruises, burns, or marks.
• Emotional abuse: low self-esteem, anxiety, withdrawal, inappropriate emotional responses.
• Neglect: poor hygiene, inadequate clothing, persistent hunger, unsafe living conditions.
• Sexual abuse: knowledge or behaviour beyond age-appropriate expectations, or distress.
• Online harms: cyberbullying, exposure to harmful content, concerning online relationships.
• Extremism and radicalisation (Prevent Duty).
• Child-on-child abuse: bullying, physical or sexual abuse between children.

Reporting concerns

• Report any concern immediately to the DSL — orally first, then in writing using the safeguarding incident form.
• Do not investigate concerns yourself; your role is to report, not to establish proof.
• Never promise confidentiality to a child — concerns must be shared with the DSL and relevant authorities.
• The DSL refers to Children's Social Care where there is suspicion of harm, and liaises with police and health services as necessary.

Safer recruitment

Only suitable individuals work with children and young people. This includes identity checks, at least two professional references, an enhanced DBS check, online checks for shortlisted candidates, and compliance with statutory safer recruitment guidance.

Record keeping

The DSL maintains accurate, secure and up-to-date records, kept separate from general pupil records and stored securely with restricted access. All records are managed in accordance with UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018, shared only on a need-to-know basis.

Monitoring & review

This policy is reviewed annually, or earlier if legislation or guidance changes. The DSL reports safeguarding matters to the Director/Trustees at least termly. All staff receive annual safeguarding training; new staff are trained during induction.