Issue Date of This Version: 01/09/2025

Review Period: One Year from Original Issue

Review Due Date: 01/09/2026

Purpose and Scope

Purpose and Scope
The Department for Education issues safeguarding statutory guidance –
Keeping Children Safe in Education 2023 (KCSIE). Impact Academies &
Camps – Basildon fully recognises its responsibilities for safeguarding children.
This policy applies to all staff working with the organisation.
Aims of this policy:

• To support children’s development in ways that foster security, confidence, and independence.
• To provide an environment where children feel safe, secure, valued, and respected.
• To offer inclusive support to children with learning needs or medical conditions (e.g., Dyslexia, Dyspraxia, ADHD, Autism).
• To raise awareness among staff about safeguarding responsibilities and procedures.
• To monitor and support children at risk of harm.
• To maintain open and clear communication between staff, parents, and children.
• To ensure all staff are suitable to work with children (ID verification, Enhanced DBS, First Aid trained).
• To address peer-on-peer abuse and ensure early identification.
• To protect children from gangs of criminal origin which may expose a child to drugs, alcohol, sexual exploitation, modern slavery and missing persons.
• To report concerns if a child appears under the influence of drugs, alcohol, or has been smoking.
• To adhere to procedures outlined by the Essex Safeguarding Children Board (ESCB).

Procedures and Responsibilities
Follow guidance provided by the Essex Safeguarding Children Board (ESCB).
Appoint a Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL), and Nominated Staff Members for safeguarding.
Ensure staff know who the safeguarding contacts are; however, any staff member can make a referral in an emergency.
Provide safeguarding induction training to new staff, including recognising abuse and how to respond.
Managing a Disclosure
Staff are trained to:
Listen calmly and attentively.
Ask open, non-leading questions such as:
How did that happen?
Was anything else happening?
Have you told anyone else?
Staff will not pressure the child and will document everything factually for
reporting to the DSL or authorities.
Supporting Children
Recognising that abuse or trauma can affect a child’s wellbeing and self-worth,
staff will provide support and refer the matter to the Essex MASH (Multi-Agency
Safeguarding Hub) or relevant agencies if needed.
Allegations Against Staff
If a child makes an allegation:
1. The accused staff member is removed from duty immediately and
replaced by another trained member.
2. The LADO (Local Authority Designated Officer – Essex) is contacted.
3. OFSTED is notified:
0300 123 1231
enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk4. The child’s parent(s) are informed unless advised otherwise by the
LADO.
Supporting Staff
Impact Academies & Camps – Basildon acknowledges that managing
safeguarding concerns can be stressful. Staff are encouraged to seek support
from leadership, and appropriate well-being support will be made available.
All recruitment processes follow safer recruitment guidance, including application
scrutiny, references, identity checks, Enhanced DBS checks, right-to-work in the
UK verification, and safeguarding interview questions.
All staff receive safeguarding training at induction and regular updates throughout
the year, including annual safeguarding refreshers.
Confidentiality
All safeguarding matters are confidential and handled with respect and in
accordance with legal requirements.
Other Issues Covered by This Policy
In addition to child protection, this policy also applies to concerns involving:

• Bullying
• Racism
• Peer-on-peer abuse

Any form of mistreatment or neglectOnline Safety
Impact Academies & Camps recognises the risks associated with online activity.
Staff receive training to identify and respond to online grooming, cyberbullying,
and inappropriate content. Online safety guidance is shared with parents and
children where appropriate.
Health and Safety
Health and Safety is addressed in a separate document, available on request or
via the internal noticeboard.
Record Keeping
All safeguarding records are stored securely, in line with data protection
regulations, and are only accessible by the DSL and appropriate leadership staff.
All concerns and disclosures must be:
● Documented clearly and factually.
● Reported to the DSL or appropriate safeguarding lead.
● Stored securely and shared only with those who need to know.
● Escalated to external agencies (e.g., Police, MASH) if required.
Complaints or Concerns

• All complaints or concerns will be taken seriously. The complainant will be:
• Kept informed of the investigation process.
• Updated on timeframes and outcomes.

Refer to the Complaints Policy for more information (available on request
or on our website).
Safeguarding Concerns – What to Do
1. Talk to the child, if appropriate.
2. Inform the Designated Safeguarding Lead or nominated staff member.
3. Document the concern: date/time, what was said, and any observations –
be factual.
4. If immediate danger is suspected and no safeguarding lead is available,
contact Essex Children’s Services or the police.
Concerned About a Child?
If you have concerns about a child being harmed or at risk, contact:
Essex Children and Families Hub (MASH):
0345 603 7627
ChildrenLine@essex.gov.uk
(Monday–Thursday 8:45am–5:00pm, Friday 8:45am–4:30pm)
Out of Hours Emergency Duty Team (EDT):
0345 606 1212
In an emergency, call 999.
Other useful contacts:

• www.essex.gov.uk
• NSPCC: 0808 800 5000
• A GP, teacher, health visitor, or police officer
• Reporting Concerns to Impact Academies – Basildon

If you are worried about a child’s safety and want to report it to us, please email:
basildon@impactacademies.co.uk
Provide as much relevant information as possible. Your concern will be handled
with sensitivity.
Contact Information
Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL):
Corina Hincu
07482054260
basildon@impactacademies.co.uk
Nominated Member of Staff
Harry B. Lawrence
basildon@impactacademies.co.uk