1. PURPOSE OF THIS POLICY

This safeguarding policy outlines our commitment to protecting children, young people, and vulnerable adults from harm during any engagement with our service. It provides a clear framework for identifying, reporting, and managing safeguarding concerns in the context of our online consultation platform. This safeguarding policy protects children and vulnerable adults who may be unable to protect themselves from abuse, harm or exploitation – for example, because of illness, age, mental illness, disability or other types of physical or mental impairment.

2. SCOPE

This policy applies to:

• All employees, contractors, educational psychologists, and associates
• Users of our platform (e.g., parents, carers, school staff)
• Any person or persons working on our behalf
• All activities involving information gathered about a child or young person

3. OUR COMMITMENT TO SAFEGUARDING

We are committed to:

• Promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable people
• Protecting children from maltreatment, harm, and exploitation
• Responding promptly and appropriately to safeguarding concerns
• Ensuring safe and secure use of data and technology
• Ensuring staff are trained and understand their safeguarding responsibilities

We will give equal priority to keeping all children, young people and vulnerable adults safe regardless of their age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation.

We recognise that some children are additionally vulnerable because of the impact of discrimination, previous experiences, their level of dependency, communication needs or other issues.

4. DEFINITIONS

Child: Anyone under 18 years of age.

Safeguarding: Safeguarding is protecting an individual’s health, wellbeing and human rights. Safeguarding actions will be taken to protect a child from abuse or neglect.

Abuse: Can take many forms, such as physical, psychological or emotional, financial, sexual or institutional abuse, including neglect and exploitation.

5. RESPONSIBILITIES

5.1 Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)

Name: Dr Laura Kirven

Email: laura@kidsthatflourish.co.uk

Role: Lead on safeguarding concerns, liaise with local authorities if needed

5.2 Educational Psychologists

• Must be HCPC-registered and DBS-checked
• Required to report any safeguarding concerns via our reporting protocol
• Follow BPS and HCPC ethical guidelines

5.3 Platform Moderators and Admin Staff

• Must be aware of the signs of abuse and escalate any concerns
• Are not responsible for diagnosing or investigating, only for passing on concerns

5.4 Everyone

To be aware of our procedures, undertake any necessary training, be aware of the risks and signs of potential abuse, and, if you have concerns, to report those immediately to the DSL.

6. ONLINE SAFETY AND DIGITAL SAFEGUARDING

• All data submitted to our platform is encrypted and stored securely in compliance with UK GDPR
• No video or live communication is used in assessments
• The platform collects structured information to guide EP analysis; responses are reviewed by qualified professionals
• Any disclosures that indicate risk of harm are flagged and referred.
• The services we use and/or provide are safe and inline with our code of conduct.
• We clearly explain how users can report online concern. Concerns may be reported using this policy. If unsure, contact the DSL.

7. IDENTIFYING SAFEGUARDING CONCERNS

Concerns may arise when:

• A parent, carer, or teacher discloses a concern through the platform
• Written content submitted suggests risk of abuse, neglect, exploitation, or mental health concerns
• A report indicates serious unmet needs

Examples include:

• Descriptions of self-harm or suicidal ideation
• Indicators of emotional or physical abuse
• Severe unmet educational or emotional needs

8. RESPONDING TO CONCERNS

If any member of the team identifies a safeguarding concern:

• Record the concern clearly and factually using the safeguarding report form
• Report it immediately to the DSL

The DSL will decide next steps, which may include:

• Contacting the referrer (school or parent)
• Seeking further information
• Referring to local safeguarding services

Note: If a child is at immediate risk of harm, or if a crime is in progress, the DSL will contact emergency services or the relevant Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) without delay. All concerns must be kept confidential and should not be discussed with anyone other than the child protection lead who will make a referral to the appropriate services.

9. SAFER RECRUITMENT AND TRAINING

• All Educational Psychologists and safeguarding staff must have up-to-date enhanced DBS checks
• All staff must complete safeguarding training appropriate to their role.
• All staff to be aware of the Government guidance on handling safeguarding allegations.
• All contractors must sign a declaration to uphold this safeguarding policy

10. CONFIDENTIALITY AND DATA PROTECTION

• Safeguarding takes precedence over data confidentiality when there is risk of harm
• All information shared in a safeguarding context will be handled in line with UK GDPR and only shared with relevant agencies on a need-to-know basis
• We will ensure that personal data is stored and managed in a safe way that is compliant with data protection regulations including valid consent to use images or videos.

11. POLICY REVIEW

This policy will be reviewed annually or earlier if:

• There are changes to safeguarding legislation or guidance
• A significant safeguarding concern is raised
• Our platform model or user engagement changes

12. CONTACT INFORMATION FOR REFERRALS

If needed, the DSL may refer to:

• NSPCC Helpline: 0808 800 5000
• Local Authority Safeguarding Board (based on the child's location)
• Emergency Services: 999 in case of immediate risk

13. COMPLAINTS AND WHISTLEBLOWING

All concerns about the behaviour of staff or EPs should be directed to the DSL. Whistleblowing protections apply under the Public Interest Disclosure Act 1998.