SAFEGUARDING POLICY

Safeguarding Policy

At Trident Star Academy, the safety and well-being of our students is our top priority. We are committed to providing a secure and supportive online learning environment, where every student feels safe and respected.

Our Safeguarding Principles:

  1. Student-Centered Approach: Every student has the right to learn in a safe environment, free from harm, abuse, or exploitation.

  2. Clear Communication: We encourage open and honest communication between students, tutors, and parents to maintain a healthy and safe learning environment.

  3. Strict Vetting Process: All our tutors are students with enhanced DBS checks, safeguarding training, and a thorough selection process.

  4. Online Safety: We use secure online platforms (Google Meets) for all sessions and ensure all interactions are monitored for safety.

  5. Responsibility: Safeguarding is everyone's responsibility. Our team is trained to recognize signs of abuse, neglect, or any safeguarding concern and to act accordingly.

Tutor Conduct and Responsibilities:

  • All tutors must maintain professional boundaries with students.

  • Tutors are required to report any safeguarding concerns immediately.

  • Tutors will not communicate with students outside of approved platforms or lesson-related activities.

  • All communications are transparent and, where appropriate, accessible to parents/guardians.

Reporting and Dealing with Safeguarding Concerns:

We take any safeguarding concerns seriously. If a tutor, student, or parent/guardian has a concern, we follow these steps:

  1. Recognizing a Concern: Tutors are trained to be vigilant in recognizing potential signs of abuse or neglect, such as changes in behaviour, emotional distress, or any inappropriate communication or behaviour.

  2. Reporting a Concern:

    • If a tutor suspects a safeguarding issue, they will immediately report it to our Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL).

    • The DSL will assess the concern and, if necessary, inform the appropriate authorities such as social services or the police.

    • Students and parents/guardians can also directly raise concerns by contacting our DSL through info@tridentstaracademy.co.uk

  3. Recording and Confidentiality:

    • All concerns will be recorded accurately and confidentially.

    • Information will only be shared with relevant authorities or individuals to protect the welfare of the student involved.

  4. Taking Action:

    • In the event of a safeguarding issue, we will follow the guidance of local safeguarding authorities and act swiftly to ensure the safety of the student.

    • Where appropriate, we will involve parents/guardians, unless doing so would increase the risk to the student.

  5. Review and Follow-Up:

    • Once a concern has been raised, we will regularly review the situation and ensure appropriate support is in place for the student.

    • Follow-up actions will be taken based on the advice of safeguarding authorities.

Keeping Students Safe Online:

  • We educate both tutors and students on best practices for online safety.

  • Google Meets is used for all sessions to ensure a secure and professional environment.

  • Students and tutors are prohibited from sharing personal contact details or engaging in any form of inappropriate communication.

Parental Involvement:

We encourage parents/guardians to be involved in their child's learning experience. Parents can access their child's progress reports and are welcome to contact tutors if they have any concerns.

Conclusion:

Safeguarding is at the heart of everything we do. We aim to create a supportive, secure, and enriching learning environment where all students can thrive. If you have any safeguarding concerns or questions, please do not hesitate to contact our Designated Safeguarding Lead at support@tridentstaracademy.co.uk quoting ‘SAFEGUARDING’.