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Safeguarding & Child Protection Policy

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01. Policy Statement

iSpeak Education LTD is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children and young people involved in its programmes. We recognise that every child has the right to feel safe, valued, and protected from harm.

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Safeguarding is central to all iSpeak provision, including iSpeak Live, iSpeak Elevate, and iSpeak Challenge, whether delivered in schools, community settings, private homes, or online. This policy outlines how iSpeak Education Ltd fulfils its safeguarding responsibilities and ensures appropriate action is taken where concerns arise.

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02. Scope of This Policy

This policy applies to all activities delivered by iSpeak Education LTD:

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  • In-school events and assessments

  • Out-of-school mentoring sessions

  • Group sessions in hired venues

  • One-to-one sessions (in person or online)

  • Any contact with children and young people under the age of 18

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This policy should be read alongside the safeguarding policies of any host school or organisation where iSpeak provision is delivered.

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03. Legal Framework and Guidance

This policy is informed by and aligns with the following statutory and advisory guidance:

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  • Keeping Children Safe in Education 2025

  • Working Together to Safeguard Children 2023

  • Children Act 1989 (and 2004 amendment) 

  • Online Safety Guidance (UK Council for Internet Safety)

  • Data Protection Act 2018 / UK GDPR

 

04. Named Safeguarding Lead

At present, iSpeak Education LTD is operated by a single Director.

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Named Safeguarding Lead (NSL):

Peter Fowler
Director – iSpeak Education LTD

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Peter Fowler:

  • Holds an enhanced DBS certificate and is registered with the DBS Update Service

  • Is completing Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) training

  • Is responsible for all safeguarding decisions, reporting, and liaison with external agencies

 

05. Working with Schools and External Organisations

When delivering provision within schools or educational settings:

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  • iSpeak Education LTD operates in line with the host school’s safeguarding and child protection policy

  • Any safeguarding concern relating to a child will be reported immediately to the school’s Designated Safeguarding Lead (or in their absence, the DDSL)

  • Schools remain the lead safeguarding authority for pupils on their roll during in-school provision

 

06. Out-of-School and One-to-One Provision

For iSpeak Elevate and other out-of-school provision:

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  • Sessions delivered in a child’s home will take place with a parent or responsible adult present

  • Group sessions may take place in hired venues that are risk-assessed and appropriate

  • Any online sessions will use agreed platforms and follow clear safeguarding expectations

  • Safeguarding remains a priority regardless of location or delivery format

 

07. Online and Remote Delivery

Where sessions are delivered remotely:

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  • Online sessions will be pre-arranged with parental consent

  • Sessions will be conducted in a professional manner, in appropriate settings

  • Safeguarding expectations apply equally to online and in-person delivery

  • Any safeguarding concerns arising from remote sessions will be reported in line with this policy

 

08. Recognising and Responding to Concerns

Safeguarding concerns may include, but are not limited to:

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  • Physical, emotional, or sexual abuse

  • Neglect

  • Bullying or peer-on-peer abuse

  • Online safety concerns

  • Changes in behaviour, mood, or communication

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If a safeguarding concern arises, iSpeak Education LTD will:

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  • Take the concern seriously

  • Record concerns factually and promptly

  • Share information on a need-to-know basis

  • Act in the best interests of the child at all times

 

09. Reporting and Escalation Procedures

a) Concerns About a Child​

  • In schools: Report immediately to the school’s Designated Safeguarding Lead (or in their absence, the Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead)

  • Out-of-school provision: Where a safeguarding concern arises outside of a school setting, concerns will be escalated promptly and in line with local safeguarding procedures. This may include referral to, or consultation with, the following agencies, as appropriate:

    • Children’s Social Care

    • The Police (where a child is at immediate risk of harm or a criminal offence may have occurred)

    • The Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO)

    • The Local Authority Prevent Team (where concerns relate to radicalisation)

    • NSPCC Helpline (0808 800 5000)

 

b) Concerns About the Director / Safeguarding Lead

As iSpeak Education LTD currently has a single staff member, any concern relating to Peter Fowler should be reported directly to the following: 

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  • The Designated Safeguarding Lead of the host school, or

  • The Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) for the relevant local authority

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This ensures transparency, accountability, and independent oversight.

 

09. Prevent Duty and Radicalisation

iSpeak Education LTD recognises its responsibility under the Prevent Duty to have due regard to the need to prevent children and young people from being drawn into terrorism or extremist ideology.

 

Radicalisation is considered a safeguarding concern and may be identified through changes in behaviour, language, attitudes, or engagement. iSpeak understands that vulnerability to extremist influence can occur through a range of factors, including isolation, online exposure, or identity-related challenges.

 

When delivering provision within schools, any concerns relating to radicalisation or extremist views will be reported immediately to the school’s Designated Safeguarding Lead (or in their absence, the DDSL), who holds responsibility for Prevent referrals.

 

For out-of-school provision, concerns will be escalated in line with local safeguarding procedures and may involve consultation with:

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  • Children’s Social Care

  • The Local Authority Prevent Team

  • The NSPCC Helpline (0808 800 5000)

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iSpeak Education LTD approaches the Prevent Duty in a proportionate, supportive, and safeguarding-led manner, ensuring that children are protected while their wellbeing, freedom of expression, and right to respectful dialogue are upheld.

 

10. Record Keeping and Confidentiality

  • Safeguarding records will be kept securely and confidentially

  • Information will only be shared where necessary to protect a child

  • Records will comply with UK GDPR and data protection legislation

 

11. Safer Working Practices

iSpeak Education LTD is committed to:

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  • Maintaining clear professional boundaries

  • Ensuring appropriate adult presence where required

  • Acting in a manner that protects both children and the adult delivering provision

  • Reviewing safeguarding practices regularly

 

12. Review and Policy Development

This policy will be reviewed:

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  • Annually, or

  • Immediately following any significant change to delivery, staffing, or legislation

 

As iSpeak Education LTD develops and evolves, this policy will be updated to reflect changes in staffing, structure, or provision.

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13. Policy Approval

Policy Owner: Peter Fowler
Role: Director & Named Safeguarding Lead
Organisation: iSpeak Education LTD
Last Reviewed: December 2025
Next Review Due: December 2026

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