FUNDA Education & Childcare Ltd
Safeguarding & Child Protection Policy
Reviewed by: Phil Parker
Next Review Date: September 2026
1. Policy Statement
FUNDA Education & Childcare Ltd is fully committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. We recognise our statutory responsibility to protect children from harm and to act in their best interests at all times.
Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility.
All employees, volunteers, contractors and visitors are expected to share this commitment and to act in accordance with this policy and relevant legislation, including:
Children Act 1989 & 2004
Keeping Children Safe in Education (where applicable)
Working Together to Safeguard Children
The Prevent Duty
Equality Act 2010
2. Safeguarding Roles & Responsibilities
Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)
Name: Phil Parker
Email: [email protected]
Telephone: 01282 525 200
Safeguarding Training Completed: September 2025
Prevent Lead: Phil Parker
Prevent / WRAP Training: December 2025
Deputy Designated Safeguarding Leads (DDSLs)
Kieran Fletcher – Training completed May 2025
Alex Ralph – Training completed May 2025
The DSL has overall responsibility for safeguarding and child protection, including:
Managing referrals to children’s social care and other agencies
Providing advice and support to staff
Ensuring safeguarding records are maintained securely
Liaising with external safeguarding partners
3. Recognising Safeguarding Concerns
Staff have a legal duty to remain vigilant and to respond appropriately to concerns, including but not limited to:
Significant changes in a child’s behaviour or demeanour
Deterioration in emotional or physical wellbeing
Unexplained injuries, bruising or marks
Signs of neglect or poor care
Comments or disclosures made by children that raise concern
Key principle:
Concerns must never be ignored. If in doubt, staff must report concerns to the DSL or a Deputy DSL immediately.
4. Types of Abuse
Neglect
Persistent failure to meet a child’s basic physical or emotional needs.
Possible indicators include:
Constant hunger or fatigue
Poor hygiene or inappropriate clothing
Untreated medical or dental issues
Low self-esteem or withdrawn behaviour
Physical Abuse
Deliberate physical harm to a child.
Possible indicators include:
Unexplained injuries or frequent bruising
Fear of physical contact
Reluctance or fear of going home
Sexual Abuse
Involvement of a child in sexual activity, whether physical or non-physical.
Possible indicators include:
Sexual knowledge or behaviour beyond age-appropriate levels
Anxiety, aggression or sudden behavioural changes
Emotional Abuse
Persistent emotional maltreatment that harms a child’s emotional development.
Possible indicators include:
Withdrawal, low mood or anxiety
Disordered eating or sleep patterns
5. Specific Safeguarding Concerns
FUNDA recognises and responds to specific safeguarding risks, including:
Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE): Abuse involving manipulation or coercion for sexual purposes
Female Genital Mutilation (FGM): A criminal offence and subject to mandatory police reporting
Forced Marriage: Marriage without free and full consent
Peer-on-Peer Abuse: Abuse between children, including physical, emotional, sexual abuse or bullying
All such concerns are treated seriously and escalated appropriately.
6. Responding to a Disclosure
If a child discloses information:
Listen calmly and without judgement
Do not ask leading questions or investigate
Do not promise confidentiality
Reassure the child they have done the right thing
Record the disclosure accurately, using the child’s own words where possible
Report the concern to the DSL or DDSL immediately
7. Recording & Reporting
All safeguarding concerns must be recorded promptly and accurately
Records must distinguish between fact and opinion
Safeguarding records are stored securely and confidentially
Information is shared on a need-to-know basis only
8. Safer Working Practice & Professional Boundaries
To protect children and staff, all colleagues must:
Avoid being alone with a child where possible
Keep doors open or ensure visibility if working one-to-one
Avoid rough or inappropriate physical play
Maintain professional boundaries at all times
Never communicate with children via personal social media accounts
Complete registers accurately for all sessions
9. Allegations Against Staff
Any allegation made against a member of staff must be:
Taken seriously
Reported immediately to senior management or the DSL
Managed in line with safeguarding and employment procedures
Staff must cooperate fully with investigations and follow all instructions provided. External advice may be sought where appropriate.
10. Whistleblowing
FUNDA encourages a culture of openness and transparency.
Staff are expected to report concerns about unsafe or inappropriate behaviour
Reports can be made confidentially
Whistle-blowers will be supported and protected from detriment
Failure to report concerns may result in disciplinary action.
11. Safer Recruitment
FUNDA follows robust safer recruitment procedures, including:
Enhanced DBS checks
Identity and right-to-work checks
References obtained prior to employment
Clear safeguarding expectations set during induction
12. Prevent Duty
FUNDA is committed to preventing radicalisation and extremism by:
Promoting British values, tolerance and inclusion
Challenging discriminatory or extremist views
Reporting concerns relating to radicalisation to appropriate authorities
13. Changing & Personal Care
Children are encouraged to change independently in toilets or private areas.
If a child requires additional support:
Two members of staff must be present
Support must be appropriate, respectful and recorded if necessary
14. Training & Awareness
All staff receive safeguarding training appropriate to their role
DSLs and DDSLs receive advanced safeguarding training
Safeguarding is reinforced through induction, supervision and ongoing communication
Posters and safeguarding information are displayed on site
15. External Support Contacts
If additional advice or support is required:
DSL: [email protected] | 01282 525 200
NSPCC Helpline: 0808 800 5000
Childline: 0800 1111
16. Policy Review
This policy will be reviewed annually or sooner if legislation, guidance or organisational changes require it.