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Safe Guarding & Child Protection Policy

Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL): Ben Silver (Co-Founder, NOVA School Ltd)
Deputy DSL: Dan (Co-Founder, NOVA School Ltd)

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1. INTRODUCTION

 

NOVA School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children and young people. We adhere to statutory guidance from ‘Keeping Children Safe in Education’ (KCSIE, 2024) and ‘Working Together to Safeguard Children’ (December 2023), alongside other relevant national and local policies.

Our approach is child-centred and proactive, ensuring that all staff, volunteers, and partners act in the best interests of the child at all times. Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility and includes protecting children from maltreatment, preventing impairment of health or development, ensuring safe and effective care, and enabling all children to have the best outcomes.

 

2. SAFEGUARDING STRUCTURE AT NOVA


NOVA School Ltd is an independent provider of STEM tuition, after-school clubs, and holiday programmes, operating within the framework of England's child protection legislation.

  • The DSL and Deputy DSL are responsible for coordinating safeguarding concerns and liaising with children’s services and the local authority.
     

  • Staff and volunteers receive appropriate training, induction, and regular updates in line with their role.
     

All safeguarding concerns are recorded and acted upon in line with statutory expectations. Where concerns indicate a child may be at risk of significant harm, referrals will be made immediately to the relevant local authority.

 

3. KEY PRINCIPLES

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  • We maintain an ‘it could happen here’ attitude.
     

  • Children are listened to and taken seriously.
     

  • Concerns are recorded promptly, and referrals are made where necessary.
     

  • We ensure safer recruitment and appropriate vetting of staff and volunteers.
     

 

4. RECORDING & REPORTING


We follow clear procedures for identifying and reporting concerns:

  • Immediate risks are reported to the DSL or Deputy DSL.
     

  • Written records are kept of all concerns, actions taken, and decisions made.
     

  • If a child is in immediate danger, emergency services will be contacted.
     

We aim to work in partnership with parents and carers but may refer to Children’s Social Care without consent if a child is at risk.

 

5. ALLEGATIONS AGAINST STAFF OR VOLUNTEERS


Any allegation of abuse made against a member of staff or volunteer will be taken seriously and dealt with in accordance with KCSIE (2024) and local authority guidance. This includes:

  • Immediate reporting to the DSL
     

  • Referral to the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) within 24 hours if the allegation meets the harm threshold
     

  • Suspension or redeployment if required during investigation
     

Low-level concerns will be logged and monitored in line with KCSIE guidance.

 

6. WHISTLEBLOWING


If a member of staff or volunteer has concerns about the behaviour of another adult, they must report it. This can be done via:

  • Reporting to the DSL or Deputy DSL
     

  • If concerns involve the DSL, report to the designated governor or LADO
     

  • Alternatively, contact NSPCC Whistleblowing Helpline: 0800 028 0285
     

 

7. SPECIFIC RISKS COVERED BY THIS POLICY


We are aware of and responsive to the following safeguarding risks:

  • Physical, emotional, sexual abuse, and neglect
     

  • Child-on-child abuse (including sexual harassment and violence)
     

  • Online safety and inappropriate digital content
     

  • Radicalisation (Prevent Duty)
     

  • Mental health difficulties and adverse childhood experiences (ACEs)
     

  • SEND and vulnerable children
     

 

8. CURRICULUM


Our educational content includes age-appropriate teaching on safety, online safety, emotional well-being.

Through activities and teaching, we:

  • Empower children to recognise and report suspicious online activity
     

  • Promote equality and inclusivity
     

  • Teach children about well-being and personal safety
     

 

9. TRAINING & SAFER RECRUITMENT

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  • All staff and volunteers are subject to enhanced DBS checks and references.
     

  • DSL and Deputy DSL receive advanced safeguarding training and updates.
     

  • All team members undertake regular safeguarding training, including recognising abuse and understanding the reporting process.
     

  • Safer recruitment procedures are followed, including online checks, declarations, and references.
     

 

10. MONITORING AND REVIEW


This policy will be reviewed annually or sooner if statutory guidance changes or an incident necessitates a review. The DSL is responsible for ensuring the policy reflects current best practices and legislation.

 

USEFUL CONTACTS

  • Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) – contact details based on region of operation (e.g. Leeds LADO: 0113 378 9687)
     

  • NSPCC Child Protection Helpline: 0808 800 5000
     

  • NSPCC Whistleblowing Helpline: 0800 028 0285
     

  • Children’s Social Care Emergency Duty Team – As per local authority
     

 

Our Commitment


At NOVA, safeguarding is at the heart of our provision. We are committed to creating safe, inclusive, and respectful environments where children can thrive. Every member of our team is responsible for promoting this culture and acting when there are concerns.

 

This policy confirms NOVA’s dedication to safeguarding all children involved in our activities, ensuring their protection and welfare remain paramount.

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