Our Commitment
At Simple Lessons CIC, the safety and wellbeing of every child is our highest priority. We are committed to providing a safe, positive, and inclusive environment where children can learn, develop, and enjoy our courses.
We believe that every child has the right to be protected from harm, abuse, neglect, exploitation, and discrimination. All staff, tutors, volunteers, and contractors share responsibility for safeguarding the children who participate in our programmes.
Scope
This policy applies to:
- All employees
- Tutors and instructors
- Volunteers
- Contractors
- Anyone working on behalf of Simple Lessons CIC
It also applies to all children attending our courses, whether delivered in person or online.
Our Safeguarding Principles
We are committed to:
- Putting children’s welfare first.
- Treating every child with dignity, fairness, and respect.
- Creating an environment where children feel safe and listened to.
- Taking all safeguarding concerns seriously.
- Responding promptly and appropriately to any concerns.
- Working with parents, carers, schools, local authorities, and relevant agencies where appropriate.
- Complying with UK safeguarding legislation and guidance.
Recruitment and Safer Hiring
Where appropriate for the role, we:
- Carry out identity checks.
- Obtain references.
- Conduct Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks where required.
- Ensure staff understand their safeguarding responsibilities before working with children.
- Provide safeguarding training appropriate to each role.
Staff Responsibilities
Everyone working with children is expected to:
- Treat children respectfully at all times.
- Maintain appropriate professional boundaries.
- Report any safeguarding concerns immediately.
- Never ignore signs of abuse or neglect.
- Follow our safeguarding procedures and code of conduct.
Recognising Safeguarding Concerns
Safeguarding concerns may include:
- Physical abuse
- Emotional abuse
- Sexual abuse
- Neglect
- Bullying
- Online abuse
- Grooming
- Exploitation
- Domestic abuse affecting children
Staff are trained to recognise indicators of harm and respond appropriately.
Reporting Concerns
Any safeguarding concern should be reported immediately to our Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL).
Where a child is believed to be at immediate risk of harm, emergency services or the relevant local authority children’s services will be contacted without delay.
All concerns are recorded confidentially and managed in accordance with UK safeguarding guidance.
Online Safety
For online courses, we aim to provide a safe digital environment by:
- Using secure learning platforms.
- Restricting access to registered participants.
- Monitoring sessions where appropriate.
- Setting clear expectations for online behaviour.
- Encouraging parents or carers to support younger children during online sessions where appropriate.
Photography and Recording
Photographs and videos may be taken during activities for promotional, educational, and reporting purposes. Consent will be requested from parents or guardians before identifiable images of children are used. Consent may be withdrawn at any time.
Images will only be used for the purposes agreed by parents or guardians and will be stored securely.
Confidentiality
Safeguarding information is handled sensitively and shared only with those who need to know in order to protect a child or comply with legal obligations.
Equality and Inclusion
We are committed to providing a welcoming environment for every child, regardless of age, disability, race, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, or family background.
Every child deserves equal protection from harm.
Complaints
Anyone with concerns about safeguarding or the conduct of a member of staff may contact our Designated Safeguarding Lead.
Complaints will be handled promptly, fairly, and confidentially.
Policy Review
This policy is reviewed annually, or sooner if legislation, guidance, or our services change.
If you have any questions about this policy, please contact us:
Email: info@simplelessons.uk
Telephone: +44 7469 146598