Local Safeguarding Children’s Board (LSCB) - key statutory mechanism for agreeing how the relevant agencies in each local area will co-operate to safeguard and promote the welfare of children in that locality, and for ensuring the effectiveness of what they do. The Children Act 2004 requires each local Children’s Board authority to establish a Safeguarding Board. Wimbledon School of English falls within the catchment area of Merton Borough Local Safeguarding Children’s Board.

Designated Officer (DO) – formerly Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) – The officer or team of

officers involved in the management and oversight of allegations against people that work with children.

Duty of Care – This is a responsibility of all staff and group leaders to protect under-18 and vulnerable adults

from direct harmful behaviour, for example, emotional abuse, physical abuse or any other physical harm,

sexual abuse and neglect.

Child Protection – Part of the Safeguarding process. It focuses on protecting individual children identified as

suffering or likely to suffer significant harm. This includes child protection procedures which detail how to

respond to concerns about a child.

Staff Responsibilities related to Safeguarding

A detailed description of the of the responsibilities all staff have in relation to safeguarding under-18s and vulnerable adults connected to the school can be found in the sections below. The overarching principles are that all staff have the responsibility to safeguard under-18s and vulnerable adults, be vigilant and know to report concerns, including small ones, or allegations and who to contact both within and outside of WSE. All staff must be trained in Safeguarding to the level of Basic Awareness, all Designated Persons to the level of Advanced Safeguarding and the Designated Safeguarding Person to the level of Advanced Training for the DSL.

Legal Framework

This policy is informed by the following legislation enacted by the UK Parliament:

The Children Act 1989
Local Government Act 2000
The Sexual Offences Act 2003
Children Act 2004
Protection of Freedoms Act 2012 Counter-Terrorism and Security Act 2015

Policy Availability

This policy can be found in the Wimbledon School of English Employee Handbook, which all staff receive upon appointment. Staff are required to sign a declaration that they have read and understood the policy. It is also available to the public on the Wimbledon School of English Website (www.wimbledon-school.ac.uk). A separate safeguarding policy exists for the WSE Junior Summer Centre. 

The following members of staff form the Designated Safeguarding Team

Role

Designated Safeguarding Lead

Designated Safeguarding Person

Code of Conduct

Statement of Intent

It is the policy of Wimbledon School of English to safeguard the welfare of all vulnerable adults, children and young people by protecting them from all forms of abuse including physical, emotional and sexual harm.

This organisation is committed to creating a safe environment in which young people can feel comfortable and secure while engaged in any of Wimbledon School of English programmes. Staff must at all times show respect and understanding for the individual’s rights, safety and welfare, and conduct themselves appropriately.

Guidelines for all Wimbledon School of English Staff

Attitudes

Staff must be committed to:

• Acting professionally at all times.
• Treating vulnerable adults, children and young people with respect and dignity. - Always listening to what a vulnerable adult, child or young person is saying.
• Valuing each child and young person.
• Recognising the unique contribution each individual can make.
• Encouraging and praising each vulnerable adult, child or young person.

By Example

Staff must endeavour to:

•   Provide an example, which we would wish others to follow.

•   Use appropriate language with children and young people and challenge any inappropriate

  language used by a young person, child or an adult working with young people.

•   Use neutral language at all times in order to prevent any misunderstanding of intent, or

  possible accusations of misconduct.

•   Respect a young person’s right to privacy.

•   Be dressed appropriately at all times when on school premises or carrying out any work duties.

•   Please refer to the section in the WSE Employee Handbook on Dress Code for appropriate attire.

Prohibited Actions

Staff may not engage in any of the following activities:

•   Allow any student under the age of 18 to consume alcohol or tobacco products either on or off the

  premises, inside of outside of working hours.

•   Initiate any form of physical contact or engage in inappropriate physical contact with any student.

•   Be in a relationship with any student under the age of 21. (NB Any member of staff entering a

  relationship with any students aged 21 or over MUST inform their line manager immediately. Please see p17 of the Employee Handbook for further information) 

   
•   Meet any student under the age of 21 outside of the work premises unless this meeting is work related (e.g. meeting a group of students for a Social Programme activity).

•   Have contact with any student via the internet or any type of media including email, social networking sites or any other type of social media, unless this contact is part of normal work duties and uses School networking systems. Please refer to the School Communications Policy for further details.

•   Do things of a personal nature for a vulnerable adult, child or a young person that they can do for themselves.

•   Accept gifts of a high value from students at any time. Small gifts from students are acceptable when a student, teacher or other staff member leaves.

Staff are reminded they are in a Position of Trust and that any sexual contact with a student under the age of 18, even if the student is over 16, is a criminal offence.

“Inappropriate physical contact” may be difficult to define in a multi-cultural environment, when students from some other cultures may be more tactile. Staff are therefore prohibited from initiating any physical contact with a student or, if alone with a student, from engaging in physical contact if initiated by the student. Students may wish to have a photograph taken with a member of staff and it is quite natural in this situation for the student to place their arm around the member of staff. This is deemed acceptable provided that the staff member is not alone with the student, the staff member refrains from reciprocating, and the hard or arm isn’t placed on any protected area of the staff member’s body. Staff must otherwise, tactfully and sensitively explain to students that they cannot engage in physical contact with them.

Staff who may need to meet with students under the age of 18 outside of the workplace, for example if they need to drive them to a new homestay, must inform a senior member of staff that they are doing this and report back to them when the student has been safely delivered to their destination.

Whistleblowing

Staff are required to report to their line manager (or any senior manager) any instances where they suspect a fellow member of staff to be engaging or to have engaged in any inappropriate or illegal activity. Confidentiality and support will be given to any staff member who raises such concerns.

Anti-bullying policy

Wimbledon School of English has a written policy on bullying, harassment and extremism for staff and information for students. Staff can find this guide in the WSE Employee Handbook. Students can find the guide in the Information for New Students on e-wimbledon, and are referred to this during their Induction on Day One. This information for students is also displayed in each classroom.

Safeguarding Young People and Vulnerable Adults on the Premises

It is the responsibility of all staff members to ensure that students are in a safe and secure environment while they are at the school. For these purposes, our premises include not only the main building, but the area to the front, the garden, and all other locations where we have lessons including the Mansel Road Centre and any other premises we may use from time to time. Annual general safety and fire risk assessments are carried out in our main building and all other buildings we use.
The following are guidelines for ensuring our students enjoy a safe and secure environment while on school premises: 

Safeguarding Young People and Vulnerable Adults on the Social Programme & on Class Excursions

Events on the social programme take a number of forms, such as sports activities, zumba or salsa classes, and afternoon, evening or full-day excursions.

•   All social programme leaders should be aware of the potential risks for the activity they are leading. If in doubt consult the Social Programme Organiser before agreeing to do an event. All activity & excursion leaders must read the related risk assessment and instructions related to the Social Programme activity they are about to lead and sign the related document to declare they have read and understood them.

•   The Social Programme Organiser ensures that the following staff to student ratios are met: Afternoon & Evening excursions 1:20 (September-June), 1:15 (July-August); Sports Activities 1:15; Full-day excursions 1 WSE staff member per coach, with no more than 20 under-18s per coach.

•   For all social activities that take place within a controlled location, such as the school or a sports hall, ensure that the room being used is fit for purpose, e.g. that all obstructions have been removed for zumba and salsa classes so that there are no accidents.

•   Sports activity leaders should ensure that students are playing their respective sports in a safe manner and should immediately calm students down if too much aggression is shown on the sports field.

•   Sports activity leaders must also be provided with a sports first aid kit whenever leading a group of students on a sports activity. It is the responsibility of the Social Programme Organiser to ensure that this happens.

•   For all social programme activities and class excursions leaders/teachers must have a list of names of all students in their group and mobile phone numbers (where possible) of all under-18s. They should also get to know by sight all those students who are under 18. All group leaders must therefore be issued with a school mobile phone whenever they lead students on an off-site social programme activity.

•   On excursions in which students have time to themselves, no-one under 18 should be left to wander around on their own. Students should be told to stay in groups of at least 3, should have a written copy of the group leader’s mobile phone number to call in case of any problems, and should be told to call the school emergency number (on their student card) if they are unable to contact the group leader.

•   When using public transport with a group of students the group leader should ensure students stay together. In the event of there being two group leaders with larger groups, one should take the lead while the other brings up the rear to ensure no students are left behind. Do a head count at every change of train to ensure no-one has been left behind. When known, inform students which platform the group will be using in case they lose the group.

•   It is the responsibility of the group leader to be aware of the environment that they are taking students into. Be aware of any potential danger (such as heavy traffic, crowded trains, demonstrations etc).

•   Ensure that all students understand where and at what time to meet the group after their free time is over.

•   Group leaders are encouraged to take photographs of excursions. Particular attention needs to be paid to this. While all students need to give their consent to their image being used for publicity, photos of under-18s can only be used if their parents have given their consent. Therefore it is best to avoid taking photographs of under 18s on social programme activities.

•   On returning to the school, under no circumstances should anyone under 18 be allowed to leave the group. It is the responsibility of the group leader to ensure that all under-18s return safely to Wimbledon Station or the School. 

Safeguarding Young People and Vulnerable Adults during Airport Transfers

During taxi transfers between the airport and the student’s accommodation the following rules are in force:

•   All taxi drivers are DBS checked.

•   Taxi transfer confirmations that involve a passenger under the age of 18 are always clearly marked to

  say that the passenger is under-18.

•   Drivers have clear instructions that they must not leave the airport without their instructions. If their

  passenger does not arrive, they must phone the WSE Emergency number to receive confirmation that

  their passenger has not left their country before being allowed to leave the airport.

•   On delivering under-18s to their hosts, drivers must ensure that their under-18 passenger is met by the host before leaving.

One-To-One contact with students

Staff should:

•   Not spend excessive amounts of time alone with any student away from others.

•   In the event of having to meet with an individual vulnerable adult, child or young person make every

  effort to keep this meeting as open as possible.

•   If privacy is needed, ensure that other staff are informed of the meeting and its whereabouts. For these meetings there should be two members of staff, one male and one female, present. Staff are strongly advised against meeting any student, especially of the opposite sex, alone in a closed space.

Electronic contact with students under 18

•   Electronic contact is defined as the communication or publication of information (including images) between two or more people using an electronic device. This may occur using (but is not limited to) landline and mobile phones, other handheld electronic devices, gaming equipment and computers. Electronic contact may include but is not limited to voice communication, text communication, instant messaging, email, social networking sites, blogs, photos and videos.

•   This policy applies to the relationship between students and staff before, during or after a course.

•   Staff must request permission from the Academic Manager, Operations Director or Principal, for any

  electronic contact with a student which is of a non-work-related nature before, during or after a course. Requesting mobile phone numbers from students is necessary for an excursion, however, staff should only give out the school excursion mobile number, and not their own private number. Social-networking on Facebook etc is strictly prohibited.

•   In any electronic contact with students, staff must pay particular attention to use neutral, un-emotive language that will not be misconstrued. Staff must not exchange any information with a student that they would not be happy to share with the child’s parent or carer.

•   Please refer to the Communications Policy for full details of appropriate online conduct.

•   Students are informed during the day one induction and in the new student booklet that staff are not allowed to befriend them on Facebook.

While some websites that pay pose a risk to students are blocked on the school server all staff must be aware that certain sites may not be blocked and must remain vigilant when students are using the internet. All staff, and teachers in particular, must periodically remind students of the potential dangers of sharing personal information on the internet, uploading photographs, online harassment and the potential for scams. There are posters in the Study Centre advising students on internet safety and these must be pointed out to students. The school’s Online Safety policy is given to student to read and sign during the Day One induction. 

Radicalisation and Extremism

The school is a multicultural and international community in which we help to foster an acceptance and tolerance of a range of views students many encounter in such an environment. We fully subscribe to the Government’s Prevent strategy and we encourage our students to express their views and beliefs as long as these respect the core British values of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, mutual respect and tolerance of those of different faiths and beliefs.

At Wimbledon School of English, we are aware that some students may have been exposed to extremist influences or prejudiced views before their arrival in the UK, or may be exposed to them after coming here. These influences may emanate from a variety of sources and media, including via the internet, and at times students may themselves reflect or display views that may be discriminatory, prejudiced or extremist, including using derogatory language. Any prejudice, discrimination or extremist views, including derogatory language, displayed by students or staff will always be challenged and dealt with in line with the relevant policies on student behaviour and staff conduct.

As part of wider safeguarding responsibilities, staff will be alert to and have a duty to report:

•   Disclosures by students of their exposure to the extremist actions, views or materials of others outside of the school, such as in their homes or community groups.

•   Graffiti symbols, writing or artwork promoting extremist messages or images.

•   Students accessing extremist material online, including through social networking sites.

•   Any reports of changes in behaviour, friendship or actions and requests for assistance.

•   Students voicing opinions drawn from extremist ideologies or narratives.

•   Use of extremist or “hate” terms to exclude others or incite violence.

•   Intolerance of difference, whether secular or religious or, in line with our equalities policy, views based

  on, but not exclusive to, gender, disability, sexuality, race, colour or culture.

•   Attempts to impose extremist views or practices on others.

•   Anti-Western or Anti-British views.

  In the first instance, reports of any of the above will be made to the Designated Safeguarding Lead, Academic Director and/or the Principal. In extreme cases the police may need to be notified.

  In order to help prevent such occurrences, the school is committed to:

•   Raising staff and student awareness of radicalisation and extremism,

•   Working with local agencies and sharing information,

•   Maintaining robust ICT measures to prevent access to extremist or otherwise inappropriate websites.

The duty of care to our students extends to outside of the work place and outside of work hours. You will see a number of our students around the Wimbledon area in the afternoons and evenings and at weekends. If you see any student who is known to be under 18 engaging in any harmful or inappropriate behaviour (such as drinking alcohol), it is your responsibility to stop that behaviour, if it is within your capability and/or to report it immediately to a responsible person at the school. Outside of working hours, this can be done via the Emergency Phone. 

Child Protection

Child Protection forms part of the duty of care we have to our under-18s and vulnerable adults. This means the need to protect them from direct harmful behaviour, for example emotional abuse, physical abuse or any other physical harm, sexual abuse and neglect. It should be noted that this abuse can come from another child and not just an adult.

All staff must undergo training in Basic Awareness in Child Protection and must be aware that they are at all times responsible for maintaining a safe environment for all under-18s and vulnerable adults. It is each staff member’s line manager who has responsibility for ensuring that this is done, with the Principal having overall responsibility for this.

Child Protection Policy

Wimbledon School of English is committed to a practice which protects children and vulnerable adults from harm. This includes a) safeguarding, which is the school’s duty of care to look after vulnerable adults and children and help them to achieve their potential, and b) child protection, which involves protection from abuse. Abuse can include neglect, sexual, physical, or psychological and emotional abuse. For the purposes of this policy a child is defined as a person under the age of 18 and all children regardless of race, nationality, religion, gender or sexual orientation are protected by this policy.

All staff undergo training in Basic Awareness in Child Protection.

Introduction

Staff in this organisation accept and recognise our responsibilities to develop awareness of issues which cause children and young people harm. We will endeavour to safeguard vulnerable adults, children and young people by:

•   Adopting child protection guidelines through a code of behaviour for staff.

•   Sharing information about child protection and good practice with children, parents, and staff.

•   Sharing information about concerns with agencies who need to know, and involving parents and

  children appropriately.

•   Following stringent procedures for recruitment and selection of staff including mandatory DBS checks

  for staff and homestay providers.

•  

•   Providing effective management for staff through supervision, support and training.

We are also committed to reviewing our policy and good practice at least once a year. The Principal is primarily responsible for this.

The identity of the Welfare Officer/DSL is advertised around the school and on the students’ arrival she meets all new students on the Friday of their first week.

• If any student or staff member has any concerns about the welfare of an under-18 this will be reported to the DSL, or DSP in her absence.

Sharing information regarding child protection

Good communication is essential in any organisation. At Wimbledon School of English every effort will be made to assure that, should individuals have concerns; they will be listened to and taken seriously.
It is the responsibility of the management to ensure that information is available to, and exchanged between all those involved in this organisation and its activities. Some information is confidential and should only be shared on a strictly need-to-know basis. At times it may be necessary to share information with a Designated Officer in the Merton Safeguarding Children’s Board.

Referrals to the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS)

A referral must be made to the DBS when Wimbledon School of English school withdraws permission for an individual to engage in work with under-18s or would have done so had that individual not resigned, retired, been made redundant or been transferred to a position which does not involve contact with under-18s, because they think that the individual has:

•   engaged in relevant conduct; i.e. action or inaction that has caused: neglect, emotional/psychological, sexual, or physical harm

•   satisfied the Harm Test; to harm or cause harm, put a child at risk, attempt to harm or incite others to harm

•   received a caution or conviction for a relevant offence

The referral should be made to the DBS when the provider has gathered sufficient evidence as part of their investigations to support their reasons for withdrawing permission to engage in work with under-18s and in following good practice, consulted with their local authority Designated Officer (DO) or Health and Social Care Trust Designated Officer if appropriate.

Recognising Abuse

While abuse of young people at Wimbledon School of English is extremely unlikely we should not assume that it could never happen. Our duty of care to young people and vulnerable adults extends to watching out for signs of potential abuse.

Here are some signs to look out for that may indicate a child or vulnerable adult is suffering from abuse. Some signs may vary with the age of the child or vulnerable adult. Not every child or vulnerable adult will exhibit every symptom. As well as signs, children and vulnerable adults may tell you of abuse. Always listen and follow the procedures for responding to allegations of abuse (below).

Signs of abuse can include:

Sexual abuse

Acting in an inappropriate sexual way with objects or peers Nightmares, sleeping problems
Becoming withdrawn of clingy
Personality changes, seeming insecure

Unaccountable fear/dread of particular places or people
Changes in eating habits
Physical signs such as unexplained soreness around genitals, sexually transmitted diseases Becoming secretive

Emotional abuse

Delayed physical or emotional development
Shows extremes of passivity or aggression
Sudden speech disorders
Overreaction to mistakes, or continual self-depreciation Neurotic behaviour (rocking, hair twisting, self-mutilation)

Physical abuse

Has unexplained bruises, burns etc.
Wearing clothes to cover injuries, even in hot weather 

Neglect

Often hungry; may beg or steal food
Badly dressed in clothes that need washing
Poor appearance and personal hygiene; unwashed, hair not brushed Lacks needed medical or dental care
Often tired
Might abuse alcohol or other drugs

Specific Areas

In addition to the types of abuse mentioned above, two other specific types of abuse to that staff must be aware of are Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE) and Female Genital Mutilation (FGM).

Child Sexual Exploitation

This is a form of sexual abuse where under-18s are exploited to engage in sexual activity in return for money, gifts, drugs, affection or status. CSE does not always involve physical contact as it can happen online or involve pressure from peers or cyber bullying.

Signs to look for in under-18s include:

•   Having a much older boyfriend / girlfriend

•   Appearing with unexplained gifts or new possessions

•   Associating with others involved in exploitation

•   Misusing drugs or alcohol

•   Being absent from school, going missing or regularly coming back late to homestays.

Female Genital Mutilation (FGM)

This is a practice that can cause severe and long-lasting damage to physical and mental health. It is carried out for religious, social or cultural reasons, however there are no medical reasons for carrying it out. It is a criminal offence if done in the UK. Staff should be aware that a person who has suffered FGM may ask for help without being explicit about the problem due to embarrassment or fear. Any causes for concern are to be reported to the DSL.

Procedure for reporting allegations or suspicions of abuse

Responsibility of staff to report

It is the duty of Wimbledon School of English staff to disclose cases of abuse or allegations of abuse to the Designated Safeguarding Lead without delay.

It is NOT for staff to decide whether or not a suspicion or allegation is true.
All suspicions or allegations of abuse must be taken seriously.
If a member of staff has suspicions, they should contact the Designated Safeguarding Lead or Person in confidence. If a vulnerable adult, child or young person starts to talk to the staff member directly, they should allow that person to disclose and should allow them to continue talking following the guidelines below. They should then see the Designated Safeguarding Lead or Person in confidence.

What to do if abuse is suspected or disclosed

- Never guarantee absolute confidentiality, as Child Protection will always have precedence over any other issue.
- Endeavour to meet the child in a semi-public or visible space if possible
- Listen to the child, rather than question him / her directly.

- Offer him / her reassurance without making promises, and take what the child says seriously.