Safeguarding Policy

The Purpose and Scope of This Policy Statement

Bourne Dyslexia aims to enable, equip, and empower practitioners, parents, and families to meet the needs of learners with specific learning difficulties, particularly those with dyslexia. Our services include assessments, interventions, tutoring, and advisory support. At Bourne Dyslexia, we believe that all children and young people have the fundamental right to a childhood free from abuse, neglect, or exploitation, regardless of their age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation.

We believe everyone has a responsibility to promote the welfare of all children and young people, to keep them safe, and to work in ways that protect them.

The purpose of this policy is to:

  • Protect children and young people who receive Bourne Dyslexia’s services from harm

  • Provide staff, associates, volunteers, and families with the overarching principles guiding our approach to safeguarding and child protection

This policy applies to anyone working on behalf of Bourne Dyslexia, including employees, associates, volunteers, and any third parties we work with.

Legal Framework

This policy has been created in accordance with legislation, policies, and guidelines aimed at protecting children in England. We refer to the following key documents:

  • Department for Education Early Years Foundation Stage, Safeguarding and Welfare Requirements (2017)

  • Prevent Duty Guidance (2015)

  • Working Together to Safeguard Children (2018)

  • Keeping Children Safe in Education (2019)

  • What to Do If You’re Worried a Child Is Being Abused – A Guide for Practitioners (2015)

  • Inspecting Safeguarding in Early Years, Education and Skills Settings (2019)

  • Information Sharing Advice for Safeguarding Practitioners (2018)

This policy should be read alongside our Privacy Policy and Terms and Conditions, which includes our Complaints Procedure.

Our Safeguarding Principles

We recognise that:

  • The welfare of children is paramount in all the work we do and all the decisions we take

  • Working in partnership with children, young people, their parents, carers, and other agencies is essential in promoting young people’s welfare

  • Child abuse can be physical, sexual, emotional, or neglect, and can also be a combination of these

  • All children, 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 children are particularly vulnerable due to previous experiences, their level of dependency, communication needs, or other issues

  • Extra safeguards may be necessary to protect those who are additionally vulnerable

How We Keep Children Safe

We will ensure the safety and wellbeing of children and young people by:

  • Valuing, listening to, and respecting them

  • Storing and using information securely and professionally, in line with data protection laws

  • Making sure that children, young people, and families know where to go for help if they have a concern

  • Sharing concerns with relevant agencies and involving families appropriately

  • Having effective complaints measures in place

  • Providing a safe physical environment, applying health and safety measures in accordance with the law

  • Reading, understanding, and adhering to the safeguarding policies of schools we visit

  • Staying up to date with safeguarding training and information

  • Recognising and responding to signs of abuse

  • Storing data securely, as outlined in our Privacy Policy

  • Liaising with parents, teachers, and support staff to identify and address concerns

  • Reporting any concerns in a timely manner

When Working With Children

  • When working in a school or educational setting, we will comply with the school’s safeguarding policy

  • When working with children at home (e.g., dyslexia assessments), a trusted adult or parent must be within earshot at all times

  • For online interactions, parents or trusted adults must be nearby during sessions

Reporting Concerns

Unless we believe it would place the child at risk of further harm, we will discuss any concerns with the child's parent or carer if we notice:

  • Significant changes in the child's behaviour

  • Deterioration in their general wellbeing or appearance

  • Unexplained bruising, marks, or signs of possible abuse or neglect

  • Statements or comments that cause concern

  • Any reason to suspect neglect or abuse outside the setting

If a child discloses abuse or harm to us, we will:

  • Take the allegation seriously and ensure the child knows they are believed

  • Provide appropriate communication aids, if necessary, to encourage the child to talk without leading them

  • Reassure the child that it is not their fault and that we have to report the concern to keep them safe

  • Ensure we explain to the child what actions must be taken to protect them

  • Record the disclosure using the child’s exact words and document the date, time, place, and people present

Acting on Concerns

If we have concerns about a child’s welfare and are not in a school setting, or if a Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) is unavailable, we will report to the relevant safeguarding bodies following local procedures. Concerns will be recorded and kept securely for the legally required length of time.

We also adhere to the procedures established by Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Safeguarding Children Partnership, and will make immediate contact with them if necessary.

Record Keeping

In the case of any concerns about a child, we will keep detailed, factual records, including:

  • The child’s full name and address

  • The date, time, and details of the concern

  • Any action taken, including discussions with parents and other agencies

  • Any explanations provided by parents or carers

These records will be securely stored and only shared with relevant authorities when required.

Useful Contacts

  • Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Children’s Services: 01202 735046

  • Bournemouth Police: 101

  • NSPCC Helpline: 0808 800 5000

  • Childline: 0800 1111

  • Bullying UK: 0808 800 5000

Review and Contact Information

This policy will be reviewed annually to ensure it remains up to date with current safeguarding guidance and legislation. If you have any questions about our safeguarding policy or practices, please contact:

Clare Green
Founder, Bourne Dyslexia
Email: hello@bournedyslexia.co.uk

Reviewed: 21.11.2024