Safeguarding Policy

1. Legal framework

This policy is informed by the Children Act 1989 and 2004, the Care Act 2014, Working Together to Safeguard Children, Keeping Children Safe in Education, the Children and Social Work Act 2017 and the Out-of-School Settings safeguarding guidance issued by the Department for Education.

2. Scope

This policy applies to Hattat Ibrahim Jum'ah, any assistant teachers or volunteers working with the Academy, and all activities delivered by or on behalf of Hattat Ibrahim, whether in person or online.

3. Designated Safeguarding Lead

The Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) for Hattat Ibrahim is Hattat Ibrahim Jum'ah, who is responsible for implementing this policy, recording concerns and making referrals to the appropriate authorities. The DSL can be contacted by WhatsApp on 07438 752958.

4. Our commitments

• Everyone teaching on behalf of the Academy will hold an appropriate, current Enhanced DBS check and complete regular safeguarding training.
• We will treat all learners with dignity and respect, and listen to and take seriously any concerns raised.
• We will maintain appropriate professional boundaries at all times.
• We will share information with the relevant authorities where a child or adult at risk may be at risk of harm.
• We will review this policy at least annually.

5. Working with children

• Private lessons for under-18s take place with a parent, guardian or approved adult present or within earshot, or in an open, visible space.
• Homeschool cohorts require a named responsible adult for each child, and children are released only to authorised adults.
• In schools, mosques and community venues, the host organisation's safeguarding procedures apply, and a member of the host's staff should remain present throughout.
• We collect only the information needed for safe participation, including emergency contacts and relevant medical or learning needs.

6. Online safety

• Online lessons for under-18s are arranged through a parent or guardian, who should be present in the home during the session.
• Lessons take place on reputable video platforms, using links shared with parents, and are not recorded without written consent from all parties.
• We do not communicate privately with children via personal messaging or social media; all contact is made through parents or guardians.

7. Photography and images

We do not photograph or film children, or publish images of their work in a way that identifies them, without explicit written consent from a parent or guardian. Consent may be withdrawn at any time.

8. Recognising and responding to concerns

Abuse can take many forms, including physical, emotional and sexual abuse, neglect, radicalisation, exploitation and online harm. If a child or adult discloses abuse, we will listen calmly, reassure them, avoid asking leading questions, never promise confidentiality, and record what was said accurately and promptly.

Where a child is in immediate danger, we will call 999. Other concerns will be referred to the local authority children's services or adult social care, and where relevant the host organisation's DSL, as soon as possible and in any case within 24 hours.

9. Allegations against staff

Any allegation against a person working for the Academy will be referred to the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) and handled in line with statutory guidance. The person concerned will not work with children while the matter is investigated.

10. Record keeping and confidentiality

Safeguarding records are kept securely, separately from general records, and shared only with those who need to know in order to protect the learner, in accordance with UK data protection law.

11. Useful contacts

• Emergency: 999
• NSPCC Helpline: 0808 800 5000 (help@nspcc.org.uk)
• Childline (for children and young people): 0800 1111
• Your local authority children's services or adult social care team