Safeguarding Policy Extensive

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Policy Owner: Anywhere Academy Senior Leadership Team
Approved By: Directors of Anywhere Academy
Effective Date: May 2026
Review Date: Annually or sooner if statutory guidance changes
Applies To: All staff, tutors, contractors, volunteers, agency staff and third-party providers working with children and young people through Anywhere Academy.
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1. Policy Statement
Anywhere Academy is fully committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. We recognise our moral and legal responsibility to create a safe, supportive and respectful online learning environment where all learners are protected from harm.
This policy reflects the principles outlined in:
• Keeping Children Safe in Education 2025 (KCSIE)
• Working Together to Safeguard Children
• The Children Act 1989 and 2004
• The Education Act 2002
• The Equality Act 2010
• The Data Protection Act 2018 and UK GDPR
• Online Safety Act 2023
• Prevent Duty Guidance
Anywhere Academy adopts a child-centred approach to safeguarding. The welfare of the child is always paramount.
For the purposes of this policy, a child is defined as anyone under the age of 18.
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2. Scope
This policy applies to:
• One-to-one online tutoring
• Group online classes
• Mentoring and coaching sessions
• Academic support services
• Online communication with learners
• Educational workshops and enrichment activities
• All digital platforms used by Anywhere Academy
This policy applies whether tutoring is delivered:
• Live online
• Through recorded content
• Through messaging or digital communication
• Via third-party learning platforms
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3. Safeguarding Principles
Anywhere Academy believes that:
• Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility.
• All children have the right to protection from abuse, neglect, exploitation and harm.
• All concerns and allegations must be taken seriously.
• Early intervention is essential.
• Online safeguarding is equally as important as face-to-face safeguarding.
• Children should feel safe, heard and respected.
• Staff should maintain professional curiosity and act immediately on concerns.
• Information sharing is vital in protecting children.
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4. Roles and Responsibilities
4.1 Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)
Anywhere Academy will appoint a suitably trained Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL).
The DSL is responsible for:
• Leading safeguarding and child protection practice
• Managing safeguarding referrals and concerns
• Liaising with local authority children’s social care, police and external agencies
• Maintaining safeguarding records securely
• Ensuring safeguarding training is completed
• Supporting tutors and staff
• Monitoring online safeguarding risks
• Reviewing safeguarding policies annually
• Ensuring safer recruitment procedures are followed
• Managing allegations against staff
• Promoting a safeguarding culture throughout the organisation
A Deputy DSL may also be appointed.
4.2 All Staff and Tutors
All staff, tutors and contractors must:
• Read and comply with this safeguarding policy
• Read at minimum Part One of KCSIE 2025
• Complete safeguarding and online safety training before working with learners
• Maintain professional boundaries at all times
• Report concerns immediately to the DSL
• Record safeguarding concerns accurately and promptly
• Understand signs of abuse and exploitation
• Follow safer working practices
• Understand whistleblowing procedures
• Promote a safe and respectful online environment
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5. Safer Recruitment
Anywhere Academy is committed to safer recruitment practices.
Before working with children, all staff and tutors must:
• Complete an enhanced DBS check where applicable
• Provide proof of identity
• Provide proof of qualifications
• Provide suitable references
• Complete safeguarding training
• Agree to the staff code of conduct
• Undergo identity verification checks
• Declare any criminal convictions or safeguarding concerns
The organisation reserves the right to refuse engagement where safeguarding concerns arise.
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6. Types of Abuse and Safeguarding Risks
Staff must remain alert to signs of:
6.1 Physical Abuse
Including hitting, shaking, burning, poisoning or causing physical harm.
6.2 Emotional Abuse
Including humiliation, intimidation, bullying, coercion, threats, isolation and persistent criticism.
6.3 Sexual Abuse
Including grooming, exploitation, inappropriate sexual communication, sexual harassment, online abuse and coercion.
6.4 Neglect
Including failure to meet a child’s emotional, educational or physical needs.
6.5 Child-on-Child Abuse
Including:
• Bullying and cyberbullying
• Sexual harassment
• Sexual violence
• Sharing of indecent images
• Hazing and initiation behaviours
• Emotional abuse
• Online harassment
6.6 Online Abuse
Including:
• Grooming
• Sextortion
• Exploitation through gaming or social media
• Exposure to harmful content
• Cyberbullying
• Radicalisation
• Fraud or online exploitation
6.7 Child Criminal Exploitation (CCE)
Including county lines activity, coercion into criminal activity and gang involvement.
6.8 Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE)
Including manipulation or coercion into sexual activity.
6.9 Domestic Abuse
Including emotional, physical, sexual or coercive abuse within the home.
6.10 Mental Health Concerns
Staff should recognise that mental health difficulties may indicate safeguarding concerns.
6.11 Radicalisation and Extremism
Anywhere Academy recognises its responsibilities under the Prevent Duty.
6.12 Female Genital Mutilation (FGM)
All staff must understand mandatory reporting duties regarding FGM.
6.13 Forced Marriage
Staff must report concerns regarding forced marriage immediately.
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7. Online Safety and Digital Safeguarding
As an online tutoring provider, Anywhere Academy places particular emphasis on digital safeguarding.
7.1 Approved Platforms
Tutors may only use approved communication platforms authorised by Anywhere Academy.
Private or personal communication channels must not be used.
7.2 Recording Sessions
Where sessions are recorded:
• Learners and parents must be informed in advance
• Recordings must be stored securely
• Access must be restricted
• Recordings must comply with data protection law
7.3 Tutor Conduct Online
Tutors must:
• Use professional language and behaviour
• Conduct sessions in appropriate environments
• Dress professionally
• Ensure backgrounds are appropriate
• Avoid one-to-one messaging outside approved systems
• Never request personal images or inappropriate information
• Never connect with learners on personal social media accounts
7.4 Learner Expectations
Learners are expected to:
• Behave respectfully online
• Avoid inappropriate language or conduct
• Not record sessions without permission
• Not share harmful or explicit content
7.5 Cameras and Visibility
Where possible:
• Tutors should keep cameras on during sessions
• Learners should be encouraged to keep cameras on where appropriate and safe
• Sessions should ideally take place in shared family spaces
7.6 Online Safety Education
Anywhere Academy will promote:
• Safe internet use
• Digital resilience
• Cyberbullying awareness
• Healthy online relationships
• Safe use of AI and emerging technologies
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8. Code of Conduct for Tutors and Staff
Staff and tutors must:
• Maintain professional boundaries
• Avoid favouritism
• Never communicate inappropriately with learners
• Never engage in private or secretive communication
• Avoid exchanging personal contact details
• Avoid contact outside authorised tutoring arrangements
• Never share inappropriate content
• Never meet learners privately without organisational approval and parental consent
• Report concerns immediately
Any breach of professional conduct may result in disciplinary action, suspension or referral to external agencies.
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9. Managing Safeguarding Concerns
All safeguarding concerns must be taken seriously.
9.1 If a Child Discloses Abuse
Staff should:
• Stay calm
• Listen carefully
• Reassure the child they have done the right thing
• Avoid leading questions
• Never promise confidentiality
• Record the disclosure accurately
• Report immediately to the DSL
9.2 Reporting Concerns
Concerns may include:
• A disclosure by a child
• Signs of abuse or neglect
• Changes in behaviour
• Online safety incidents
• Concerns regarding another adult
• Concerns about exploitation or radicalisation
All concerns must be reported immediately to the DSL.
9.3 Immediate Risk
If a child is in immediate danger:
• Contact emergency services
• Contact children’s social care
• Inform the DSL as soon as possible
9.4 Record Keeping
Safeguarding records must:
• Be factual and accurate
• Include dates and times
• Include actions taken
• Be stored securely
• Remain confidential
Records will be retained in line with data protection and safeguarding requirements.
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10. Allegations Against Staff
Anywhere Academy takes allegations against staff seriously.
Any allegation that a staff member has:
• Behaved in a way that harmed a child
• Possibly committed a criminal offence against a child
• Behaved in a way indicating they may pose a risk to children
must be reported immediately to the DSL or senior leadership.
Where appropriate, referrals may be made to:
• The Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO)
• Police
• Children’s social care
• DBS
• Teaching Regulation Agency
Low-level concerns will also be recorded and reviewed.
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11. Whistleblowing
All staff have a duty to report unsafe practices.
Staff who feel unable to raise concerns internally may contact:
• NSPCC Whistleblowing Helpline
• Local Authority Designated Officer
• Police
• Relevant regulatory authorities
No staff member will suffer detriment for raising genuine safeguarding concerns.
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12. Confidentiality and Information Sharing
Anywhere Academy recognises that effective safeguarding depends on appropriate information sharing.
Information will:
• Be shared on a need-to-know basis
• Be handled in accordance with UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018
• Be shared promptly where safeguarding concerns exist
The safety and welfare of the child takes priority over data protection concerns where there is risk of harm.
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13. Training and Awareness
All staff and tutors will receive:
• Safeguarding induction training
• Online safety training
• Prevent awareness training
• Regular safeguarding updates
• Annual refresher training
DSLs will receive enhanced safeguarding training updated at least every two years.
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14. Prevent Duty
Anywhere Academy recognises its duty to safeguard learners from radicalisation and extremism.
Staff will:
• Be trained to recognise signs of radicalisation
• Report concerns to the DSL
• Follow Prevent referral procedures where appropriate
• Promote fundamental British values including:
o Democracy
o Rule of law
o Individual liberty
o Mutual respect and tolerance
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15. Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
Anywhere Academy is committed to safeguarding all learners regardless of:
• Age
• Disability
• Race
• Religion or belief
• Sex
• Gender identity
• Sexual orientation
• Socioeconomic background
We recognise that some children may face additional barriers in reporting abuse.
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16. Parental Responsibilities
Parents and carers are expected to:
• Support safe online learning practices
• Ensure learners access sessions in appropriate environments
• Report safeguarding concerns promptly
• Support respectful behaviour online
Where appropriate, parents may be informed of safeguarding concerns unless doing so would place a child at increased risk.
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17. Data Protection and Security
Anywhere Academy will:
• Store safeguarding records securely
• Restrict access to confidential information
• Use secure digital systems
• Maintain cyber security measures
• Comply with UK GDPR requirements
Any data breaches involving safeguarding information will be managed immediately.
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18. Monitoring and Review
This policy will be:
• Reviewed annually
• Updated following legislative or statutory guidance changes
• Reviewed after safeguarding incidents where appropriate
Safeguarding practices will be monitored regularly by senior leadership.
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19. Key Contacts
Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)
Name: Davi Garcia
Email: courses@a2i.academy
Telephone: +447428979679

Emergency Services
Emergency: 999
Non-Emergency Police: 101
NSPCC Helpline:  0808 800 5000
www.nspcc.org.uk
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20. Policy Acceptance
All staff, tutors, contractors and volunteers working with Anywhere Academy must confirm that they:
• Have read and understood this policy
• Agree to comply with safeguarding procedures
• Understand their safeguarding responsibilities
• Will report concerns immediately

Appendix A – Recognising Possible Signs of Abuse
Possible indicators may include:
• Sudden changes in behaviour
• Withdrawal or anxiety
• Unexplained injuries
• Fear of certain individuals
• Inappropriate sexualised behaviour
• Persistent absence from sessions
• Signs of neglect
• Self-harm
• Concerning online activity
• Radicalised language or behaviour
• Significant decline in emotional wellbeing
Staff should remember that safeguarding concerns are rarely isolated incidents.
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Appendix B – Online Tutoring Safety Rules
Tutors Must:
• Use approved platforms only
• Keep communication professional
• Maintain accurate records
• Report concerns immediately
• Follow safeguarding guidance at all times
Tutors Must Not:
• Contact learners through personal accounts
• Share personal information
• Meet learners privately without approval
• Record sessions without permission
• Engage in inappropriate discussions
Learners Must:
• Behave respectfully
• Use appropriate language
• Avoid sharing harmful material
• Follow online safety expectations
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Appendix C – Safeguarding Reporting Flow
1. Concern identified
2. Record concern immediately
3. Report to DSL without delay
4. DSL assesses risk
5. Action taken:
o Internal support
o Early help
o Referral to children’s social care
o Emergency response
6. Ongoing monitoring and record keeping
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References
This policy has been informed by:
• Keeping Children Safe in Education 2025
• Working Together to Safeguard Children
• NSPCC Safeguarding Guidance
• UK Council for Internet Safety Guidance
• Prevent Duty Guidance
• Children Act 1989 and 2004
• Data Protection Act 2018
• Online Safety Act 2023
Relevant sections of KCSIE 2025 informing this policy include:
• Child-centred safeguarding responsibilities 
• Early help and safeguarding processes 
• Online safety responsibilities 
• Child-on-child abuse guidance 
• Record keeping requirements 
• Staff allegations and whistleblowing procedures 

KCSIE 2025
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Reporting concerns and allegations

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If you have a safeguarding concern, contact our:
Safeguarding Officer: Davi Garcia,
Email:  course@a2i.academy

If a child is in immediate danger, call 999.

We record, assess, and refer concerns to statutory agencies as needed.


Helplines
NSPCC Child Protection Helpline: 0808 800 5000 (lines free and open 24 hours).

Child-line: 0800 1111 (lines free and open 24 hours).

Parent Line: 0808 800 2222

National Domestic Violence Helpline: 0808 2000 247 (lines free and open 24 hours).

Samaritans Helpline: 116 123 (open 24 hours).

Action on Elder Abuse Helpline: 080 8808 8141 (free phone Monday to Friday 9-5pm)
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