Safeguarding & Child Protection Policy

Adapt Learning NI is fully committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children and young people who attend our education centre. We recognise our moral and statutory responsibility to protect children from harm, respond effectively to concerns, and create a safe, supportive environment for all young people who use the centre.

We follow the legislative and procedural framework in Northern Ireland, including:

• The Children (NI) Order 1995
• Co-operating to Safeguard Children and Young People in Northern Ireland (2017)
• Safeguarding Board Act (NI) 2011
• SBNI Child Protection Procedures (2024)
• DE Circulars on Safeguarding & Child Protection
• UNCRC (1989)
• Data Protection Act 2018 & UK GDPR

Safeguarding is everyone's responsibility. All staff and volunteers share a duty to protect children from abuse, neglect, exploitation, and harm.

This policy aims to:

• Protect children and young people who attend Adapt Learning NI.
• Provide staff and volunteers with clear guidance on recognising, responding to, and reporting safeguarding concerns.
• Ensure consistent, safe practice across the organisation.
• Promote a culture of openness, trust, and accountability.
• Ensure compliance with statutory requirements and best practice in NI.

Safeguarding:

All measures taken to promote the welfare of children and protect them from harm.

Child Protection:

Actions taken when a child is suffering, or is likely to suffer, significant harm.

Types of Abuse (as defined in SBNI Procedures)

• Physical abuse
• Emotional abuse
• Sexual abuse
• Neglect
• Exploitation
• Domestic abuse
• Online abuse
• Grooming
• Bullying / cyberbullying

Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)

Name:

Darina Connolly

Role:

Overall responsibility for safeguarding, referrals, training, and policy implementation.

Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (DDSL)

Name:

Neal Forbes

Role:

Supports DSL and acts in their absence.

Director / Proprietor

Name:

Darina Connolly & Neal Forbes

Role:

Ensures safeguarding arrangements are effective and compliant.

All Staff & Volunteers must

• Know this policy
• Attend safeguarding training
• Report concerns immediately
• Maintain professional boundaries

Adapt Learning NI follows safer recruitment principles:

• Application form and full employment history
• Enhanced AccessNI check for all staff and volunteers
• Two written references
• Identity and qualification checks
• Child protection interview questions
• Induction including safeguarding training
• Probationary period monitoring

No staff member may work unsupervised with children until all checks are complete.

All staff must:

• Maintain professional boundaries at all times
• Use appropriate language and behaviour
• Avoid physical contact unless necessary for safety
• Never communicate with pupils via personal devices or social media
• Never transport pupils alone unless authorised and risk-assessed
• Report any breach of conduct immediately

Staff must be alert to:

• Unexplained injuries
• Changes in behaviour or presentation
• Disclosure by a child
• Concerns raised by parents or other professionals
• Online safety risks
• Signs of exploitation or grooming
• Absence patterns

Staff must never promise confidentiality.

If a child discloses harm:

• Listen carefully and remain calm
• Reassure the child they have done the right thing
• Do not ask leading questions
• Record the disclosure using the child's own words
• Report immediately to the DSL or DDSL
• Do not investigate or discuss with others

All concerns must be reported to the DSL on the same day. The DSL will decide whether to:

• Monitor
• Seek advice from the Gateway Team
• Make a referral to Children's Social Services
• Contact the PSNI if a child is at immediate risk

If staff believe a child is in immediate danger, they may contact PSNI or Social Services directly.

Adapt Learning NI maintains:

• Secure digital safeguarding records
• Chronologies of concern
• Records of referrals and outcomes
• Records of meetings and actions taken

All records are:

• Factual, accurate, and timely
• Stored securely in line with GDPR
• Accessible only to DSL/DDSL and authorised personnel

We ensure:

• Safe internet access
• Staff supervision during online activities
• Education for pupils on safe online behaviour
• Prohibition of staff–pupil communication on personal devices
• Secure storage of digital images and recordings

Adapt Learning NI maintains:

• Secure entry systems
• Visitor sign-in and supervision
• CCTV in communal areas and study rooms only
• No CCTV in toilet area
• Clear privacy notices for parents and pupils
• Compliance with ICO guidance and GDPR

If an allegation is made:

• Report immediately to the DSL
• DSL informs the Director
• Director contacts the PSNI and/or Gateway Team
• Staff member may be suspended pending investigation
• Confidentiality is maintained throughout

If the allegation concerns the DSL, report directly to the Director.

Staff must report:

• Unsafe practice
• Misconduct
• Failure to follow safeguarding procedures
• Concerns about colleagues or management

Whistleblowers are protected under the Public Interest Disclosure Order (NI) 1998.

We:

• Share safeguarding responsibilities
• Communicate concerns appropriately
• Provide support and signposting
• Respect confidentiality unless a child is at risk

All staff receive:

• Annual safeguarding training
• Induction training before working with pupils
• Specialist training for DSL/DDSL (every 2 years)
• Updates on policy changes and emerging risks

We complete risk assessments for:

• Off-site activities
• 1:1 sessions
• Behavioural risks

This policy is reviewed annually or sooner if:

• Legislation changes
• SBNI procedures are updated
• A safeguarding incident requires policy revision