Safeguarding Policy

The purpose of this policy statement is:

• to protect young people who receive Dyslexia Thrive services from harm.
• to provide the overarching principles that guide our approach to child protection.

Legal Framework

This policy has been drawn up on the basis of legislation, policy and guidance that seeks to protect children in England. A summary of the key legislation and guidance is available from https://learning.nspcc.org.uk/child-protection-system/england

Dyslexia Thrive believes that:

• Children and young people should never experience abuse of any kind. 
• We have a responsibility to promote the welfare of all young people, to keep them safe and to practise in a way that protects them.

Dyslexia Thrive recognises that:

• The welfare of children is paramount in all the work we do and in all the decisions we take.  
• Working in partnership with young people, their families and other agencies is essential in promoting young people's welfare
• All young people, regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation have an equal right to protection from all types of harm or abuse 
• Some young people are additionally vulnerable because of the impact of previous experiences, their level of dependency, communication needs or other issues.  Extra safeguards may be needed to keep children who are additionally vulnerable safe from abuse.

For further information:

• Safeguarding children who come from Black, Asian and minoritised ethnic communities
• Safeguarding d/Deaf and disabled children and young people
• Safeguarding LGBTQ+ children and young people
• Safeguarding children with special educational needs and disabilities

Dyslexia Thrive will seek to keep young people safe by:

• Valuing, listening to and respecting them
• Adopting child protection and safeguarding best practices through our policies, procedures and code of conduct
• Developing and implementing an effective online safety policy and related procedures
• Regular review of policies and procedures
• All staff to have an ongoing Enhanced DBS
• Recording, storing and using information professionally and securely, in line with data protection legislation and guidance. For more information: ICO Organisation
• Sharing information about safeguarding and good practice with children and their families via conversations, email and on our website
• Making sure that young people and their families know where to go for help if they have a concern
• Using our safeguarding and child protection procedures to share concerns and relevant information with agencies who need to know; involving young people and families appropriately.
• Using our procedures to manage any safeguarding allegations
• Ensuring an anti-bullying environment
• Ensuring a safeguarding culture where young people, families and the tutor are treated with respect and are comfortable sharing concerns
• Ensuring the provision of a safe physical environment for our young people by applying health and safety measures in accordance with the law