Purpose & Scope:

The primary purpose of this safeguarding policy is to ensure the well-being, safety, and protection of all students and staff at Wilor Academy. This policy applies to all individuals associated with the college, including but not limited to students, staff, contractors, volunteers, and visitors.

Definitions:

Safeguarding: The process of protecting individuals, especially children and vulnerable adults, from harm and ensuring their well-being.

Abuse: Any form of physical, emotional, sexual, or neglectful behaviour causing harm to an individual.

Vulnerable Adult: Any person aged 18 or over who may be in need of community care services due to age, illness, or disability.

 Policy:

• Wilor Academy is committed to providing a safe and secure environment for all individuals associated with the institution.
• The college has zero tolerance for any form of abuse or harm, and it is committed to promoting the welfare of its students and staff.

Legal Context:

This safeguarding policy complies with all relevant legislation, including but not limited to the Children Act 1989, the Children Act 2004, the Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006, and the Education Act 2002.

Responsibilities:

➢ Clearly defined roles and responsibilities for all staff members concerning safeguarding.

➢ Designation of a safeguarding lead and deputy safeguarding lead responsible for overseeing the implementation of the policy.

Safeguarding Students:

➢ Procedures for identifying and reporting signs of abuse or neglect.

➢ Guidelines for providing support and intervention for students who may be at risk.

Safeguarding in Relation to Staff:

➢ Stringent recruitment procedures, including background checks (DBS) to ensure the suitability of staff members.

➢ Staff training on recognising and responding to safeguarding concerns.

Recruitment and Training:

➢ Thorough vetting and screening of all individuals involved in recruitment, including staff, volunteers, and contractors.

➢ Regular training sessions for staff to stay informed about safeguarding issues and procedures, including PREVENT strategy.

Raising Concerns:

➢ Clear channels for reporting concerns, including a confidential reporting system.

➢ Encouragement for staff and students to speak up without fear of reprisal.

 Allegations:

➢ Robust Complaint Policy and procedures for handling and investigating allegations against staff or other individuals associated with the college.

➢ Cooperation with relevant authorities during investigations.

Non-Compliance with the Safeguarding Policy:

➢ Consequences for individuals found to be in breach of the safeguarding policy which may include expulsion, termination of employment, and referral to relevant authorities depending on circumstances.

➢ Continuous monitoring and review of compliance.

Information Sharing and Confidentiality:

➢ Guidelines on sharing information responsibly while maintaining confidentiality.

➢ Clear communication channels for sharing information among relevant staff.

Policy Implementation and Review:

• Annual review of the policy to ensure its effectiveness and relevance or per statutory requirements.
• Continuous improvement based on feedback, incidents, and changes in legislation.

This safeguarding policy is integral to Wilor Academy’s commitment to providing a safe and nurturing environment for all members of its community. All stakeholders are expected to be familiar with this policy and actively contribute to its implementation.

Published Date : November 2023
Reviewed By : Salma Ali
Date of Review  : September 2024 
Date of Next Review : July 2025
Policy Number : WAP025

Salma Ali
Principal