Coding Stars: Safeguarding Policy

At Coding Stars, our paramount responsibility is the safety and well-being of every child in our care. This policy outlines our commitment to fostering an environment where young learners feel secure, confident, and empowered, knowing they are valued and respected. It applies to all individuals working within our centres, ensuring a consistent approach to child protection.

Cultivating a Safe and Supportive Environment

We are dedicated to building a space where children can thrive, free from harm. Our aim is to support their personal growth, encouraging independence and providing a comforting atmosphere. Should any child face difficulties or wish to discuss a personal matter, our staff are always ready to listen empathetically and initiate appropriate action. We actively monitor children who may be at risk and strive to meet their unique needs, maintaining open communication channels between all staff members and students.

Our Dedicated Safeguarding Team

Coding Stars ensures a robust safeguarding structure with clearly identified leads:

• • • • A Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) holds primary responsibility for child protection.
      • A Deputy Safeguarding Lead provides support and acts in the DSL’s absence.
      • An additional Nominated Safeguarding Officer is available should both the DSL and Deputy be unavailable. All staff members are thoroughly informed about who these key safeguarding personnel are.

Rigorous Staff Suitability and Training

To uphold our commitment to safety, all individuals working at Coding Stars undergo stringent suitability checks. This includes thorough verification of identification, comprehensive CRB/DBS checks (Disclosure and Barring Service), and mandatory First Aid Training. New staff receive an in-depth induction, covering how to recognize signs of potential abuse, effective strategies for managing a child’s disclosure, appropriate reporting procedures, and meticulous record-keeping for any incidents or action plans. This commitment to duty of care extends to raising awareness about illegal, unsafe, and unwise behaviors. Our procedures are reviewed annually to ensure ongoing effectiveness.

Responding to Concerns and Disclosures

Our staff are in a unique position to observe and build trusting relationships with children. When a child makes a disclosure, our team will listen attentively, providing comfort without placing any pressure or demanding information. We encourage open-ended questions like, “How did that happen?” or “Was anything else going on at that time?” and “Have you talked to anyone else about this?” All responses are carefully documented and promptly reported to the appropriate external agencies, such as the Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH) or the Central Duty Team, especially when a child has experienced or witnessed violence. We understand the profound impact such experiences can have and strive to provide a stable environment where children feel secure enough to confide in us.

Addressing Allegations Against Staff

Any allegation made against a member of our staff is treated with the utmost seriousness and addressed immediately. The staff member receiving the allegation will inform the Designated Safeguarding Lead without delay. The DSL will then take decisive action, including:

• • • • Removal and Replacement: The accused staff member will be immediately removed from their duties and a suitably trained replacement will step in.
      • Contacting LADO: Instructions from the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) will be strictly followed.
      • Informing OFSTED: OFSTED will be contacted at 0300 123 1231, with a follow-up in writing to enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk.
      • Parental Notification: Parents will be informed about any incidents involving their child, unless specific advice from the LADO suggests otherwise.

Supporting Our Team

Recognising that supporting children through difficult experiences can be emotionally challenging, Coding Stars provides robust support for its staff. We offer opportunities for team members to discuss anxieties and provide any necessary assistance, ensuring their well-being and continued ability to work effectively with children.

Confidentiality and Record Keeping

All cases involving children are handled with the highest degree of respect and confidentiality. Detailed records are maintained for any disclosure of abuse or observed signs of harm, documenting the incident, the action plan, and outcomes of engagement with relevant bodies such as local police or the council.

Other Urgent Matters

Beyond direct abuse, Coding Stars treats issues like bullying, racism, and any other form of harassment as urgent matters that require immediate attention and intervention to ensure a safe learning space for all children.

Complaints and Concerns

We value feedback and actively listen to all expressions of dissatisfaction or disquiet from pupils, parents, or staff regarding a child’s welfare. Such concerns are acted upon swiftly to safeguard the child. Complainants will be informed of the steps being taken and the estimated resolution timeframe, with regular updates on progress.

External Child Protection Contacts (Brent Council Reference)

It is everyone’s responsibility to protect children. If you have concerns about a child being harmed or at risk in the Brent area, please contact:

• • • • Coding Stars: 020 3685 0767
      • Emergency Duty Team (outside 9 am – 5 pm office hours): 07715995065 If you are uncomfortable contacting the council directly, or are unsure about your concerns, you can also speak to a police officer, teacher, health visitor, doctor, or the NSPCC. The most crucial step is to inform someone who can provide help. If you believe a child is in immediate danger, always phone the police by calling 999.