Safeguarding Policy

Introduction

Ace Language School bears a legal and ethical responsibility to shield and ensure the welfare of minors, youths, and vulnerable adults benefiting from the educational and support services offered. It is acknowledged that safeguarding involves constructing and steadfastly maintaining relationships of trust between those under 18 and adults, as well as establishing secure systems and protocols for the welfare of minors and vulnerable adults. Ace Language School is dedicated to upholding a duty of care and a robust ethos of concern for minors, young individuals, and vulnerable adults, as outlined in this policy document, elucidating commendable safeguarding practices and procedures adhered to by the institution. The commitment of Ace Language School extends to:

• Crafting a secure and protected environment for minors, youths, and vulnerable adults to acquire knowledge;

• Implementing thorough risk assessments, as well as safeguarding procedures and practices to ensure a secure milieu.

• Confirming that its workforce is qualified to engage with minors, youths, and vulnerable adults, ensuring they comprehend their roles in connection to the protection of these individuals.

It is imperative to note that Ace Language School acknowledges the necessity of collaboration and interaction with other agencies in the Liverpool region to fulfil obligations as per pertinent legislation and British Council guidelines.

The institution’s role in response to allegations is to remain unbiased, determine an appropriate escalation point (receive – record – refer), and abstain from assuming investigative responsibilities.

In adherence to statutory obligations, disclosures concerning child safeguarding cannot be treated confidentially. All formal revelations made by individuals under 18 must be reported.

KEY DEFINITIONS

Throughout this policy statement reference is made to “Children and Young People” and to “vulnerable adults.” These terms can be defined as follows: • The Children Act 1989 defines a “child” as “a person under the age of 18 years.” In order to reflect the differences in provision we offer, this document uses “children” to refer to persons under 16 years of age and uses “young people” to refer to persons of 16 and 17 years of age. • The Police Act 1997 states that a person is a “vulnerable adult” if he/she is “substantially dependent upon others in performing basic physical functions, or ability to communicate with those providing services, or to communicate with others, is severely impaired, and, as a result would be incapable of protecting himself from assault or other physical abuse.”

 

COMMITMENT TO SAFEGUARDING AT ACE LANGUAGE SCHOOL

Ace Language School is committed to ensuring the adequate protection of children, young individuals, and vulnerable adults within the institution and during any associated recreational activities or provided accommodations. Virginia Vaccaro holds the position of Designated Safeguarding Lead, with Catherine Bell (ADSL) serving as the Assistant Designated Safeguarding Lead. In instances where the DSL is unavailable, the subject of a report, or when their judgement is doubted or contested, the ADSL assumes the DSL’s responsibilities. Both can be reached through the school’s emergency phone at +44(0)7482660030, available during and beyond standard business hours. The Safeguarding Policy upholds the following principles:

The paramount concern is the well-being of children, young individuals, and vulnerable adults.

Irrespective of age, culture, disability, gender, language, racial origin, socio-economic status, religious belief, and/or sexual identity, all individuals possess the entitlement to protection from abuse.

Staff members are obliged to report any suspicions of abuse to the Designated Safeguarding Lead, following the disclosure procedure outlined in this policy.

Accusations of improper conduct, misconduct, and abuse are treated with gravity and addressed promptly and suitably.

The processing of all personal data strictly adheres to the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) (EU) 2016/679.

Note that the term “appropriate” pertains to the suitability of safety and security arrangements, factoring in meticulous risk assessments and the scale of Ace Language School.

SCOPE

This policy extends to all children, young individuals, and vulnerable adults enrolled at Ace Language School. It should be comprehended by all full and part-time staff, as well as host families, volunteers, carers, and group leaders associated with Ace Language School. The policy document is accessible on Ace Language School’s website www.acelanguageschool.mediaandmarketing.co.uk in the ‘Policies’ section at the bottom of the Home page.

THE TEN RIGHTS – THE ENTITLEMENT OF CHILDREN, YOUNG PEOPLE AND VULNERABLE ADULTS.

This Safeguarding Policy enshrines the following ten rights or entitlements. The right to:

a) An ethos where learners feel secure and are encouraged to talk and are listened to.

b) Pastoral support opportunities that develop the skills needed to stay safe from abuse.

c) An emergency number that can be contacted at any time if there are risks or problems that need to be urgently addressed.

d) A safe, secure and comfortable environment to study, socialise and thrive.

e) Empathetic and caring staff who can be approached in case of worry or difficulty.

f) The support of staff who have all been given guidance or training in the appropriate child protection and safeguarding procedures.

g) Designated Safeguarding Lead who will keep parents, guardians and carers etc fully informed about the role of staff and other employees who have a duty of care and comply to safeguarding duties.

h) An obligation from the school of English to work with other relevant agencies on safeguarding protection matters in the interests of the children and young people.

i) Provide parents, guardians and carers with clear principles of practice regarding the responsibilities placed on the school of English.

j) Staff who will be well informed and competent to deal with safeguarding or child protection matters.

 

Safeguarding Policy Contents

There are four primary components of the Safeguarding Policy at Ace Language School:

Prevention Procedures:

To evaluate risks to children, young people, and vulnerable adults and plan necessary preventive measures.

Providing a safe and secure environment for all students, including CCTV at the entrance and a Student Support Officer available.

Staff understanding their roles regarding protection, addressed during staff induction.

The right to refuse admission to individuals posing a risk.

Ensuring appropriate risk assessments before placing students with host families or on outings.

Adequate adult supervision during activities involving minors.

Suitability checks, including the Disclosure and Barring Scheme (DBS), for staff with substantial access to minors.

Accurate information about care and support in publicity and communications.

Stringent rules regarding accommodation arrangements for minors.

Vetting and supervision of group leaders and accompanying adults during travel.

Clear communication of rules to parents and legal guardians.

Awareness of staff appearance and its impact on young people.

Restriction of underage students from events where alcohol is served.

Attendance restrictions for students under 16 at social activities without parental accompaniment.

Support for Learners:

Inclusion of personal safety, safeguarding procedures, and local support information in student inductions.

Providing details on medical treatment rights and procedures for registering with a local doctor.

Implementing a policy on abusive behaviour, with rules outlined in handbooks.

A procedure for reporting misconduct or abuse, including a Disclosure Form and publicised support options.

Maintenance of tutorial and student welfare records, ensuring confidentiality unless required by law.

Designated persons for advice on disclosure and complaints.

Designated Safeguarding Lead’s role in handling safeguarding issues, including consultation with relevant agencies and reporting to the Principal.

Vetting and Monitoring Staff:

Mandatory Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks for all staff with responsibilities for minors.

Incorporation of safeguarding requirements in recruitment materials, involving thorough reference checks and qualification verification.

Awareness training for staff on maintaining appropriate boundaries and the illegality of relationships with minors.

Precautionary supervision for staff awaiting criminal record checks.

Vigilance in adhering to safe recruitment procedures.

Training and Staff Development:

Mandatory training for teaching, administrative staff, and group leaders on the Safeguarding Policy.

Regular updates on training and staff development related to children, young people, and vulnerable adults.

Adherence to “Safeguarding Children and Safer Recruitment in Education” regulations.

Conclusion of disciplinary proceedings related to safeguarding matters with notifications to relevant authorities.

Welfare and Safeguarding Implementation:

Comprehensive risk assessments for all activities, including first aid provisions.

Maximum class sizes and supervision ratios adhering to guidelines.

Identification of U18s with lanyards and strict reporting protocols for missing students.

General care measures, including DSL and ADSL availability, a 24-hour emergency phone, and regular reviews.

Fire safety responsibilities for teachers of U18 students.

Procedures for first aid, medical conditions, and medication administration.

Code of conduct, emergency contacts, and communication measures.

Education on e-safety for students and guidelines for host families.

Prevention of Radicalization and Extremism – Aligned with the principles of British Values, we actively endorse acceptance and tolerance of diverse perspectives, fostering an inclusive environment both within and beyond the classroom. All staff, whether full or part-time, alongside host families, volunteers, carers, and group leaders affiliated with ACE Language School, are encouraged to remain vigilant for indications of radicalization. In the event of any concerns, individuals are urged to engage in discussions with the school management.

Types of Abuse:

Domestic abuse

Sexual abuse

Neglect

Physical abuse

Non-recent abuse

Online abuse and bullying

Child trafficking

Emotional abuse

Female Genital Mutilation

Code of Appropriate Behavior and Interaction with Under 18s:

At Ace Language School, all staff members are encouraged to exhibit exemplary conduct when working with individuals under 18 or vulnerable adults. This is to safeguard them from abuse and protect staff from unfounded allegations. Guidelines for creating a positive culture include prioritising the welfare of under-18s, maintaining open communication, avoiding one-on-one situations, treating all individuals with respect, upholding professional relationships, obtaining explicit consent for physical activities, being a positive role model, offering constructive feedback, keeping records of injuries, attending relevant training, and ensuring consent for organised trips.

Additionally, it is emphasised that staff should never:

Allow unrecorded or unaddressed allegations from under-18s or vulnerable adults.

Cause emotional distress to an under-18 or vulnerable adult.

Engage in inappropriate touching or language.

Foster non-professional relationships with those under their care.

Allow aggressive or suggestive behaviour.

Perform personal tasks for individuals capable of doing them themselves.

Allow unsupervised stays or disclose personal details.

Preventing Radicalization:

Ace Language School acknowledges its responsibility under the Counter Terrorism & Security Act 2015 to prevent radicalization. Guidance is provided to homestay hosts and staff, available upon request. Additionally, all staff members undergo an online prevent duty training course.

Monitoring and Review:

The Safeguarding Policy will undergo annual monitoring and review in June or as necessary. The Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) will lead this process, and the Principal will provide proofreading.