How We Keep Children Safe
At Onside Education, the safety and wellbeing of every child is our highest priority. We believe that all young people have the right to feel safe, respected and supported, and we are fully committed to creating an environment where they can thrive. Our safeguarding and child protection practices are designed to protect students from harm, promote positive relationships and ensure that any concerns are dealt with quickly and effectively.
Our Commitment to Safeguarding
We are dedicated to maintaining a culture where safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility. All staff, volunteers and partners understand their duty to protect children and act immediately if they have concerns. We follow national legislation and statutory guidance, ensuring that our policies and procedures meet the highest standards.
Trained and Trusted Staff
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Every member of our team receives regular safeguarding and child protection training.
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Staff know how to recognise signs of abuse, neglect, exploitation and other risks.
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A Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) oversees all safeguarding matters and ensures best practice across our organisation.
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Staff are supported through ongoing supervision and training updates.
Safe Recruitment Practices
To ensure only suitable adults work with our young people, we follow strict safer recruitment procedures:
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All staff and volunteers are subject to enhanced DBS checks.
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Employment history, references and identity are thoroughly verified.
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We maintain a clear code of conduct that sets out safe and professional expectations.
Clear Reporting Procedures
If a child discloses a concern or if a member of staff notices something worrying, they:
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Report it immediately to the DSL.
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Record the information accurately and securely.
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Work with the safeguarding team to take appropriate action.
We do not promise secrecy—our first responsibility is always the child’s safety. When necessary, we work alongside local safeguarding partners, including social care and the police, to ensure the right support is in place.
Supporting Children Who Need Help
We understand that some young people may need additional emotional or behavioural support. Our staff:
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Build strong, trusted relationships with students.
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Provide safe spaces for children to talk.
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Take early action when a child appears vulnerable.
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Work with families and professionals to ensure coordinated support.
Preventing Risks
Our safeguarding approach also includes protecting students from wider harms such as:
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Online risks and cyberbullying
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Child criminal or sexual exploitation
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Radicalisation (Prevent Duty)
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Peer-on-peer abuse
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Mental health concerns
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Behaviour that may put themselves or others at risk
We teach students how to stay safe, make positive choices and seek help when they need it.
Recording and Information Sharing
We maintain secure, confidential safeguarding records that help us monitor concerns and respond appropriately. Information is only shared when necessary to protect a child, and always in line with data protection requirements.
A Culture of Safety and Respect
Above all, we strive to create an environment where every young person feels:
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Safe
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Valued
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Listened to
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Respected
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Supported
By promoting positive behaviour, kindness and strong relationships, we make safeguarding part of everyday life at Onside Education.