i2 Tech Academy acknowledges its responsibility to safeguard the welfare of all children attending our online and offline live Tech classes. We are committed to creating an environment where children feel safe, secure, and protected from harm. Our policy applies to all staff working with us.
The purpose of this policy statement is:
– To promote the development of children in ways that nurture feelings of security, confidence, and independence.
– To raise awareness of all staff, regarding the need to safeguarding children and their obligation to identify and report potential cases of abuse.
– To foster effective communication among all staff members and children.
– To monitor children that may be at the risk of harm and provide the best environment to accommodate their requirements.
– To recruit and select staffs safely, ensuring all necessary checks are made.
– To ensure that all staffs employed at the academy are suitable for their roles by validating their identification, conducting CRB/DBS checks, and undergoing appropriate First Aid Training. Procedures will follow those that have been set out by the Local Safeguarding Children Board (LSCB).
– To ensure there is a Designated Senior Member of Staff.
– To ensure there is a Deputy Member of Staff in the absence of the Designated Senior Member of Staff.
– To ensure the duty of care towards staffs and students is carried out by raising awareness of unsafe, illegal and unwise behavior.
– If a child arrives at i2tech and exhibits indications of being influenced by alcohol, drugs, or having engaged in smoking, such circumstances will be documented and reported.
SUPPORTING STAFF TRAINING
When a staff joins i2tech Academy they will be required to read through this policy and have a chance to ask any questions as part of their training with i2tech.
The training will include information on how to notice signs and symptoms of abuse, how to manage a disclosure from a child, whom to inform, identifying and preventing extremism and radicalisation and finally how to record any evidence and plans of action.
As safeguarding children also involves identifying signs of interest into extremism and radicalisation. Staff are also required to undertake training on preventing extremism and radicalisation and how to deal with it appropriately. Where required, staff are also expected to report these concerns to governing bodies who will act immediately where necessary.
MANAGING A DISCLOSURE
Teaching and other staff members at i2tech will have a unique role in watching children’s behavior. Usually, they form a connection with children and are there to listen and support them when things are tough. At i2Tech, our staff will attentively listen to a child’s disclosure and will ask questions of the following nature:
> How did that happen?
> Was there anything else happening at that time?
> Have you spoken to someone else about this?
Under no circumstances will staff demand or forcefully pressurize a child. All answers are documented and reported to the appropriate body.
SUPPORTING CHILDREN
We understand that a child who has experienced abuse or witnessed violence may feel powerless, embarrassed, may hold themselves responsible, and struggle to build and sustain a positive sense of self-value. i2tech may provide some form of stability in the children’s lives where they want to reveal personal matters and will be reported to our team.
ALLEGATIONS AGAINST STAFF
We acknowledge that a student might report an accusation against a staff member. In such a situation, the Designated or Deputy Staff Member will take the following actions.
> REMOVE & REPLACE: The staff who has been reported against allegation will be removed and a new staff will be replaced who is adequately trained will step in.
> CONTACT LADO: We will follow their instructions (please see relevant details below)
> CONTACT OFSTED: 0300 123 1231 and follow up in writing to enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk
> INFORM PARENT: Parents will be contacted and notified about any incidents concerning their child, unless the governing body has instructed otherwise.
SUPPORTING STAFF
We acknowledge that witnessing child abuse can be distressing for a staff member. As part of our responsibility to care for our staff, i2tech will give them the chance to discuss their concerns and offer any necessary support to ensure they can work with children comfortably.
CONFIDENTIALITY
We acknowledge that situations involving any child are handled with respect and treated as confidential matters.
OTHER ISSUES
Concerning the safety of children, i2tech also considers the following issues as urgent matters: bullying, racism, and any other type of abuse.
HEALTH AND SAFETY
This policy has been recorded independently and is accessible on the Internal i2tech Academy Noticeboard or upon request.
RECORD KEEPING
Any staff member who receives information about abuse from a child or young person or observes signs of potential abuse will report it to the designated senior staff member or deputy staff member. The details of the incident, along with the plan of action and outcomes, will be documented and shared with relevant authorities such as Local Authorities or the Police.
COMPLAINTS OR CONCERNS EXPRESSED BY STUDENTS, PARENTS OR STAFFS
We understand that paying attention to children is a crucial part of protecting them from abuse and neglect. Therefore, any indication of concern or unhappiness about a specific child will be carefully listened to and addressed to ensure their well-being.
Additionally, we aim to inform both the child or adult making a complaint not only about the steps i2tech will take but also the expected duration for resolving the concern. i2tech is committed to providing regular updates on the progress of the complaint to keep the child or adult informed.
MERTON
If you have any concerns about a child at risk or being harmed, please contact Merton Council.
Children and Parents who need urgent help. Please contact:
Merton Family Front Door: 020 8545 4226
If you are calling outside normal office hours (9am – 5pm) please call on: 020 8770 5000
You can talk to a police officer, teacher, health visitor, doctor, or the NSPCC if you feel uncomfortable informing the council or if you’re not sure if you’re right. Notifying someone who can assist is the most crucial step.
Make sure to contact the authorities if you think your child is in urgent risk. Dial 999.
Designated Senior Member of Staff
Rajkumar
raj@i2tech.co.uk & CC info@i2tech.co.uk
Deputy Member of Staff
Sana Shaik
sana@i2tech.co.uk & CC info@i2tech.co.uk
