Safeguarding Policy

Explains how we protect learners and respond to safeguarding concerns.

1. Statement of Intent

The Ark Specialist College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all learners. We believe that every young person has the right to be safe, to be protected from harm and to receive an education in a setting that puts their wellbeing first. This policy applies to all staff, volunteers, contractors and visitors to the college.

2. Designated Safeguarding Lead

The college has a named Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) who is responsible for the day-to-day operation of this policy and for receiving, managing and referring all safeguarding concerns. The DSL's contact details are available to all staff, learners and families on request and are displayed prominently within the college building.

3. Legislation and Guidance

This policy has regard to the following legislation, statutory guidance and best practice frameworks:

• Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) 2024
• Working Together to Safeguard Children 2023
• The Children Act 1989 and 2004
• The Care Act 2014
• The Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006
• Prevent Duty Guidance 2023
• The Mental Capacity Act 2005
• Female Genital Mutilation Act 2003 (as amended)
• Counter-Terrorism and Security Act 2015

4. Scope

This policy applies to all learners enrolled at The Ark Specialist College, including those on placement or taking part in off-site community activities. It applies to all adults working in the college — whether employed, contracted, volunteering or visiting — including governors, trustees and third-party providers.

5. Roles and Responsibilities

Principal / Head of College

The Principal holds overall responsibility for ensuring that this policy is implemented, reviewed and that appropriate safeguarding arrangements are in place across the college.

Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)

The DSL receives and manages all safeguarding referrals, liaises with external agencies, maintains confidential records, ensures staff training is current and leads on all safeguarding matters within the college.

All Staff and Volunteers

Every member of staff and volunteer has a responsibility to be alert to signs of abuse or neglect and to report concerns to the DSL without delay. The safeguarding of learners is not optional — it is a core professional responsibility.

6. Types of Abuse and Neglect

Staff are trained to recognise the indicators of the following categories of abuse and neglect as defined by the current statutory guidance:

• Physical abuse — including hitting, shaking, throwing, poisoning, burning and drowning
• Emotional abuse — persistent emotional maltreatment causing severe and persistent adverse effects on a child's emotional development
• Sexual abuse — involving forcing or enticing a child or young person to take part in sexual activities
• Neglect — the persistent failure to meet a child's basic physical or psychological needs
• Domestic abuse — including coercive control, economic abuse and honour-based violence
• County lines, criminal exploitation and modern slavery
• Online abuse and harmful online content
• Radicalisation and extremism (covered under Prevent duty)

7. Reporting a Concern

Any person who has a concern about the welfare of a learner should:

1. Report the concern to the DSL immediately and without delay
2. Not investigate the concern themselves or make promises of confidentiality to the young person
3. Record what they have seen or heard in factual, non-interpretive language
4. Not share information about the concern with colleagues beyond what is necessary

Concerns about the DSL should be referred to the Principal. Concerns about the Principal should be referred directly to the local authority designated officer (LADO).

8. Safer Recruitment

The Ark is committed to safer recruitment practices. All staff and volunteers working with learners are subject to: enhanced DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) checks; reference checks; identity and qualification verification; and a structured induction that includes safeguarding training. A single central record of all checks is maintained and available for inspection.

9. Staff Training

All staff receive safeguarding induction training before beginning work with learners. Refresher training is provided at least annually. The DSL receives enhanced and specialist training appropriate to their role. All safeguarding training is recorded and evidenced.

10. Confidentiality and Information Sharing

Safeguarding concerns may require sharing information without the consent of the young person or their family where there is risk of harm. This is lawful under the Data Protection Act 2018 and the UK GDPR. The DSL makes decisions about information sharing on a case-by-case basis, in line with current guidance. Confidentiality cannot be guaranteed where a safeguarding concern is raised.

11. Policy Review

This policy is reviewed at least annually, or sooner in response to changes in legislation, statutory guidance or significant incidents. The most recent version is always published on this page.