1. Our Safeguarding Principles

NEXT STEP Alternative Provision CIC will:

·       Place the child’s voice, safety, wellbeing, and rights at the centre of all decision-making.

·       Create a culture where safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility.

·       Maintain a zero-tolerance approach to abuse, neglect, exploitation, discrimination, bullying, and harmful behaviour.

·       Work in partnership with parents, carers, schools, local authorities, safeguarding partners, and external agencies.

·       Ensure all children, including those with SEND and vulnerabilities, receive equitable protection and support.

·       Promote inclusion, belonging, attendance, emotional wellbeing, and positive relationships.

·       Recognise that safeguarding includes both protection from harm and creating environments where children can thrive.

2. Legal Framework

This policy is informed by and compliant with:

·       Children Act 1989 and 2004

·       Working Together to Safeguard Children

·       Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE)

·       The Education Act 2002

·       Equality Act 2010

·       SEND Code of Practice

·       Prevent Duty Guidance

·       Data Protection Act 2018 and UK GDPR

·       Alternative Provision statutory guidance

·       Every Child Achieving and Thriving White Paper

·       SEND and Alternative Provision Improvement Plan (Department for Education)

3. Definitions of Safeguarding

Safeguarding includes:

·       Protecting children from maltreatment

·       Preventing impairment of children’s mental and physical health

·       Ensuring children grow up in safe and effective care

·       Taking action to enable all children to have the best outcomes

This includes protection from:

·       Physical abuse

·       Emotional abuse

·       Sexual abuse

·       Neglect

·       Child criminal exploitation (CCE)

·       Child sexual exploitation (CSE)

·       County lines

·       Online abuse

·       Peer-on-peer abuse

·       Domestic abuse

·       Honour-based abuse

·       Forced marriage

·       Female genital mutilation (FGM)

·       Radicalisation and extremism

·       Bullying and discrimination

4. Roles and Responsibilities

Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)

NEXT STEP Alternative Provision CIC will appoint a trained Designated Safeguarding Lead responsible for:

·       Managing safeguarding concerns and referrals

·       Liaising with local safeguarding agencies

·       Supporting staff and volunteers

·       Maintaining safeguarding records

·       Ensuring safeguarding training is completed

·       Monitoring vulnerable learners

·       Leading safeguarding culture and compliance

Deputy DSL

A deputy safeguarding lead will also be appointed to ensure continuous safeguarding coverage.

5. Safer Recruitment

NEXT STEP Alternative Provision CIC is committed to safer recruitment practices.

We will ensure:

·       Enhanced DBS checks are completed

·       Identity and right-to-work checks are undertaken

·       References are verified

·       Employment gaps are explored

·       Staff understand safeguarding expectations before starting work

·       Volunteers are appropriately vetted and supervised

No adult will work unsupervised with children unless all safeguarding checks are completed.

6. Staff Training

All staff and volunteers will receive:

·       Safeguarding and child protection training

·       Prevent awareness training

·       Online safety training

·       Trauma-informed practice guidance

·       Behaviour and de-escalation training

·       SEND awareness training

·       Regular safeguarding updates and supervision

The DSL and deputies will undertake advanced safeguarding training refreshed in line with statutory guidance.

7. Child-Centred and Trauma-Informed Practice

NEXT STEP Alternative Provision CIC recognises that behaviour can be a form of communication and that many children accessing alternative provision may have experienced trauma.

We will:

·       Build trusted relationships

·       Use restorative and relational approaches

·       Avoid harmful punitive practices

·       Promote emotional regulation and resilience

·       Provide safe spaces for children to express concerns

·       Adapt support for SEND and communication needs

·       Work collaboratively with families and professionals

We are committed to inclusive practice and ensuring children feel seen, heard, respected, and valued.

8. SEND and Additional Vulnerabilities

We recognise that children with SEND can face additional safeguarding barriers including:

·       Communication difficulties

·       Social isolation

·       Increased vulnerability to exploitation or abuse

·       Difficulties reporting concerns

All safeguarding responses will consider the child’s developmental stage, communication needs, and individual vulnerabilities.

Reasonable adjustments will be made to ensure every child can access support safely.

9. Online Safety

NEXT STEP Alternative Provision CIC recognises the importance of protecting children online.

We will:

·       Educate children on safe online behaviour

·       Monitor use of devices and internet access

·       Respond appropriately to online incidents

·       Address cyberbullying and harmful content

·       Promote healthy digital habits

Concerns involving online exploitation, grooming, sextortion, or harmful online activity will be referred appropriately.

10. Managing Safeguarding Concerns

All staff must:

·       Remain vigilant

·       Record concerns factually and promptly

·       Report concerns immediately to the DSL

·       Never promise confidentiality to a child

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

Where there is immediate risk of harm, emergency services and children’s social care will be contacted without delay.

11. Confidentiality and Information Sharing

Information will be shared:

·       On a need-to-know basis

·       In accordance with safeguarding legislation

·       Where necessary to protect a child from harm

NEXT STEP Alternative Provision CIC understands that safeguarding concerns override data protection where a child is at risk.

12. Attendance, Inclusion and Alternative Provision

In line with current national reforms, NEXT STEP Alternative Provision CIC believes exclusion should never become a pathway to neglect or disengagement.

We will:

·       Promote reintegration wherever appropriate

·       Support engagement and participation

·       Work collaboratively with schools and families

·       Maintain clear safeguarding oversight for all learners

·       Ensure children remain visible, supported, and protected

13. Allegations Against Staff

Any allegation against a member of staff or volunteer will be taken seriously and managed in line with statutory guidance.

Concerns will be reported immediately to:

·       The Designated Safeguarding Lead

·       The Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO), where appropriate

·       Relevant regulatory or safeguarding bodies

14. Whistleblowing

All staff have a duty to raise concerns regarding unsafe practice or safeguarding failures.

Staff can report concerns without fear of victimisation or discrimination.

15. Health and Safety

NEXT STEP Alternative Provision CIC will maintain safe environments through:

·       Risk assessments

·       Appropriate supervision ratios

·       First aid provision

·       Safe transport procedures

·       Premises safety checks

·       Emergency procedures

16. Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

We are committed to safeguarding all children regardless of:

·       Race

·       Ethnicity

·       Religion

·       Disability

·       Gender

·       Sexual orientation

·       Socioeconomic background

·       Neurodiversity

Discriminatory behaviour or language will not be tolerated.

17. Monitoring and Review

This policy will be:

·       Reviewed annually

·       Updated following legislative changes

·       Reviewed after serious incidents where necessary

The Directors and Trustees of NEXT STEP Alternative Provision CIC hold ultimate responsibility for safeguarding governance and compliance.