Safeguarding Policy

This policy applies to Wisdom House

The majority of students are aged 18 and over.

Wisdom House works with students in further education and offers a range of multi-dimensional activities and qualifications.

Terminology

The following terminology is used throughout this policy. It is important that all members of staff are familiar with the terms used, and where a term refers to a named person, they know who that person is and how they can be contacted.

Under-18 – Any student or visitor who is under the age of 18. They are deemed to be a minor by law.

Vulnerable Adult – Any student or visitor to Wisdom House whose personal circumstances may make them more vulnerable than many other adults. Factors that may deem someone to be a vulnerable adult may include a physical disability (e.g. sight/hearing impairment, mobility impairment), special needs (e.g. learning difficulties, dyslexia), level of English (students with a low level of English may not fully understand instructions or be able to effectively express a concern), lack of local knowledge (unfamiliar with the local vicinity or customs). Each student’s level of vulnerability may depend on the context and it cannot be assumed that someone who may not be regarded as a vulnerable adult within the premises doesn’t become vulnerable off-site.

Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) – A named member of staff, trained to Specialist Safeguarding for the DSL, who has full overall responsibility to ensure Wisdom House meets the aims of this policy. The Designated Safeguarding Lead is *** . The identity of the DSL is advertised to all staff and students.

Designated Safeguarding Person (DSP) – A named member of staff trained to Specialist Safeguarding for the DSL, who is able to support the DSL and cover in his absence. The DSP is TBD .

Duty of Care – Wisdom House obligation is to look after the wellbeing of all students but in particular vulnerable adults and children and help them to achieve their potential.

Statement of Policy

We strive to make Wisdom House a safe and welcoming place for students of all ages. However, we recognise that we have a duty of care towards both under-18s and any vulnerable adults who attend Wisdom House. This duty of care applies to all adults associated with Wisdom House. All our policies and procedures are designed to ensure that we are vigilant to ensure children are protected against all forms of harm, we are able to identify students who are potentially vulnerable to harm, and are able to swiftly and efficiently take action when we believe a child is a risk or has been harmed. In all that we do, we ensure we always act in the best interests of the child.

All students and visitors under the age of 18 and who fall into the category of vulnerable adult are entitled to be protected under this policy regardless of their race, nationality, age, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation or religious belief.

Local Safeguarding Children’s Board (LSCB) – key statutory mechanism for agreeing how the relevant agencies in each local area will cooperate to safeguard and promote the welfare of children in that locality, and for ensuring the effectiveness of what they do. The Children Act 2004 requires each local Children’s Board authority to establish a Safeguarding Board. Wisdom House falls within the catchment area of ***

Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) – The officer or team of officers involved in the management and oversight of allegations against people that work with children.

Child Protection – This falls under Safeguarding. It focuses on protecting individual children identified as suffering or likely to suffer significant harm. This includes child protection procedures which detail how to respond to concerns about a child.

Staff Responsibilities related to Safeguarding

A detailed description of the responsibilities all staff and other adults connected to the school have in relation to safeguarding under-18s and vulnerable adults can be found in the sections below. The overarching principles are that all adults have the responsibility to safeguard under-18s and vulnerable adults, be vigilant and know to report concerns, including small ones, or allegations, and who to contact both within and outwith Wisdom House. All staff must be trained in Safeguarding to the level of Basic Awareness, all Designated Persons and the Designated Lead to the level of Specialist Training for the DSL.

Designated Safeguarding Team

The following members of staff form the Designated Safeguarding Team

Role

Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) Designated Safeguarding Person (DSP)

Additional trained staff

Staff Member

TBD and TBD

In the absence of the DSL, the DSP assumes his responsibilities. In the absence of both the DSL and DSP, the owner appoints another member of the Designated Safeguarding Team to the role of Acting DSL.

Weekly meetings are held on Wednesdays between the Designated Safeguarding Lead and the coaching and teaching team to discuss any ongoing student welfare and safeguarding issues. Quarterly meetings are held with the Designated Safeguarding Team to review the Wisdom House Safeguarding Policy and Procedures. Staff have the opportunity to bring up Safeguarding concerns in their monthly staff meetings, and are encouraged to speak to the DSL or DSP at any time if they have a concern or are unsure about anything connected to Safeguarding.

Outside Contacts

The following contact information should be used to report a concern about a child.

***

NSPCC

tel: 0808 800 5000

Legal Framework

This policy is informed by the following legislation enacted by the UK Parliament:

The Children Act 1989

Local Government Act 2000

The Sexual Offences Act 2003

Children Act 2004

Protection of Freedoms Act 2012 Counter-Terrorism and Security Act 2015 Children & Social Work Act 2017

It is also informed by following documents produced by the UK Government:

Keeping Children Safe in Education – Statutory Guidance for Schools and Colleges, Sept 2018

What to do if you’re worried a child is being abused – Advice for practitioners, March 2015

Policy Review

This policy is reviewed at least on an annual basis and is updated whenever legislation or guidance changes and when a person named in the policy changes. It is also updated whenever school procedures covered in this policy change. It was last reviewed and updated by *** on ***.  Issues raised in weekly and quarterly Safeguarding and Welfare meetings also feed into this policy.

Code of Conduct

Statement of Intent

It is the policy of Wisdom House to safeguard the welfare of all vulnerable adults, children and young people and to protect them from all forms of abuse including physical, emotional and sexual harm.

This organisation is committed to creating a safe environment in which all students, regardless of their age, can feel comfortable and secure while engaged in any Wisdom House courses. Staff must at all times show respect and understanding for the individual’s rights, safety and welfare, and conduct themselves appropriately.

Guidelines for all Wisdom House Staff

Attitudes

Staff must be committed to:

●     Acting professionally at all times.

●     Treating vulnerable adults, children and young people with respect and dignity

●     Always listening to what a vulnerable adult, child or young person is saying.

●     Recognising the unique contribution each individual can make.

●     Encouraging and praising each vulnerable adult, child or young person.

By Example
Staff must endeavour to:

●     Provide an example, which we would wish others to follow.

●     Use appropriate language with children and young people and challenge any inappropriate language
used by a young person, child or an adult working with young people.

●     Use neutral language at all times in order to prevent any misunderstanding of intent, or possible
accusations of misconduct.

●     Respect a young person’s right to privacy.

●     Be dressed appropriately at all times when on school premises or carrying out any work duties.

●     Arrive punctually for all work duties.

Prohibited Actions
Staff may not engage in any of the following activities:

●      Drink alcohol in front of students except at the school events where this has been approved by Senior
Management, and in such cases only in moderation.

●      Make light of or promote any perceived pleasures of smoking, alcohol or drugs.

●      Initiate any form of physical contact or engage in inappropriate physical contact with any student. (See below for more information on this).

●      Be in a romantic or sexual relationship with any student. Staff are reminded that they are in a Position of Trust and that any sexual contact with a student under the age of 18, even if the student is 16 or 17, is a criminal offence.

●      Meet any student under the age of 21 outside of the work premises unless this meeting is work related

●      Have contact with any student via the internet or any type of media including email, social networking sites or any other type of social media, unless this contact is part of normal work duties and uses School networking systems.

●      Do things of a personal nature for a vulnerable adult, child or a young person that they can do for themselves.

●      Accept gifts of a high value from students at any time. Small gifts of low value from students are acceptable when a student, teacher or other staff member leaves.

Whistleblowing

Staff are required to report to their line manager (or any senior manager) any instances where they are worried that a fellow member of staff may be engaging or may have engaged in any inappropriate or illegal activity with students. Confidentiality and support will be given to any staff member who raises such concerns.

Staff should also feel that they are able to raise concerns about potential failures in the school’s Safeguarding procedures and know that the Senior Management Team will take such concerns seriously.

Wisdom House has a Whistleblowing policy, which can be found in the Employee Handbook.

Child Protection

Child Protection forms part of the duty of care we have to our under-18s. This means the need to protect them from direct harmful behaviour, for example emotional abuse, physical abuse or any other physical harm, sexual abuse and neglect. It should be noted that this abuse can come from another child and not just an adult.

Policy

Wisdom House is committed to a practice which protects children and vulnerable adults from harm. This includes a) safeguarding, which is the school’s duty of care to look after vulnerable adults and children and help them to achieve their potential, and b) child protection, which involves protection from abuse. Abuse can include neglect, sexual, physical, or psychological and emotional abuse, which can come from children as well as adults. For the purposes of this policy a child is defined as a person under the age of 18 and all children regardless of race, nationality, religion, gender, gender identity, or sexual orientation are protected by this policy.

All staff must undergo training in Basic Awareness in Child Protection and must be aware that they are at all times responsible for maintaining a safe environment for all under-18s and vulnerable adults. It is each staff member’s line manager who has responsibility for ensuring that this is done, with the founder having overall responsibility for this.

Introduction

Staff in this organisation accept and recognise our responsibilities to develop awareness of issues which cause children and young people harm. We will endeavour to safeguard vulnerable adults, children and young people by:

●     Adopting child protection guidelines through a code of behaviour for staff.

●     Sharing information about child protection and good practice with children, parents, and staff.

●     Sharing information about concerns with agencies who need to know, and involving parents and children appropriately.

●     Following stringent procedures for recruitment and selection of staff including mandatory DBS checks
(or overseas police checks for those coming from overseas)

●     Providing effective management for staff through supervision, support and training.

We are also committed to reviewing our policy and good practice at least once a year. The Founder is primarily responsible for this.

If any student or staff member has any concerns about the welfare of an under-18 this will be reported to the DSL, or DSP in their absence.

Children and young people

Wisdom House will act to ensure that young students have information about how, and with whom, they can share their concerns, complaints and anxieties.

When sharing information, Wisdom House personnel will be sensitive to the level of understanding and maturity, as well as to the level of responsibility, of the people with whom they are sharing information.

Parents

Parents / persons with parental responsibility are ultimately responsible for their children’s welfare at all times, and they should be assured that their children are involved with a credible organisation. We achieve this by having a full copy of this Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy available for anyone to view.

Staff

As an organisation, which works with children and young people, it is imperative that each member of the Wisdom House staff are aware of their responsibilities under the Child Protection legislation and has a working knowledge of Wisdom House procedures. Each member of staff will receive online training shortly after they start and refresher training at least once a year.

Child Protection Officer

The Child Protection Officer is the Designated Safeguarding Lead and has responsibility for dealing with any incidents and concerns. The Designated Safeguarding Person deputises and stands in for the DSL in their absence. Full details of the Designated Safeguarding Team are given in the Designated Safeguarding Team section above.

Procedure for reporting allegations or suspicions of abuse

Responsibility of staff to report

It is the duty of Wisdom House staff to disclose cases of abuse or allegations of abuse to the Designated Safeguarding Lead without delay.

It is NOT for staff to decide whether or not a suspicion or allegation is true. All suspicions or allegations of abuse must be taken seriously.

If a member of staff has suspicions, they should contact the Designated Safeguarding Lead or Person in confidence. If a vulnerable adult, child or young person starts to talk to the staff member directly, they should allow that person to disclose and should allow them to continue talking following the guidelines below. That staff member should then see the Designated Safeguarding Lead or Person in confidence.

What to do if abuse is suspected or disclosed

• Never guarantee absolute confidentiality, as Child Protection will always have precedence over any other issue.

●     Endeavour to meet the child in a semi-public or visible space if possible

●     Listen to the child, rather than question him / her directly.

●     Offer him / her reassurance without making promises, and take what the child says seriously.

●     Allow the child to speak without interruption.

●     Accept what is said – it is not your role to investigate or question.

●     Do not overreact.

●     Alleviate feelings of guilt and isolation, while passing no judgment.

●     Advise that you will try to offer support, but that you must pass the information on.

●     Explain what you have to do and who you have to tell.

●     Record the discussion accurately, as soon as possible after the event,

●     Use the child’s words or explanations – do not translate into your own words, in case you have
misconstrued what the child was trying to say.
For reasons of confidentiality the only people who need to know this information are members of the Designated Safeguarding Team who need to know.

Further Action
Once a statement has been collected from a student further questioning should be avoided apart from important clarification of factual detail.
The Designated Safeguarding Lead will meet at the earliest possible opportunity to consider an appropriate course of action in response to the information revealed by the student and consider any other relevant information.
Further action may include the immediate removal of any imminent threat of danger, seeking advice from the Local Authority Designated Officer, contacting the police, or making a referral to the Independent Safeguarding Authority (ISA) depending on the severity of the allegation.

ALWAYS REPORT ANY ALLEGATIONS, PROBLEMS, CONCERNS OR ISSUES TO THE DESIGNATED SAFEGUARDING LEAD (DSL), IMMEDIATELY. IN HIS ABSENCE REPORT THESE TO THE DESIGNATED SAFEGUARDING PERSON (DSP).

Sharing information regarding child protection and confidentiality
Good communication is essential in any organisation. At Wisdom House every effort will be made to assure that, should individuals have concerns; they will be listened to and taken seriously.
It is the responsibility of all line managers to ensure that information is available to, and exchanged between all those involved in this organisation and its activities. Some information is confidential and should only be shared on a strictly need-to-know basis. At times it may be necessary to share information with a Local Authority Designated Officer in the Newham Safeguarding Children’s Board. Any staff member who becomes aware of child protection information must only share it with the Designated Safeguarding Lead or Designated Safeguarding Person and not with anyone else, including any member of their family. Confidentiality of both the victim and the accused must be maintained.
The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018 do not prevent staff from sharing information about a child or a child’s family to the appropriate people if there is a need to safeguard and promote the welfare of children at risk of abuse or neglect.

A clear record of what information about a child in relation to an incident or concern has been shared, to whom and the reasons for doing so must be kept. Please see the section headed Record Keeping below.

Recognising Different Forms of Abuse

While abuse of young people at Wisdom House may seem to be extremely unlikely we should not assume that it could never happen. Our duty of care to young people and vulnerable adults extends to watching out for signs of potential abuse.

Here are some signs to look out for that may indicate a child or vulnerable adult is suffering from abuse. Some signs may vary with the age of the child or vulnerable adult. Not every child or vulnerable adult will exhibit every symptom. As well as signs, children and vulnerable adults may tell you of abuse. Always listen and follow the procedures for responding to allegations of abuse (below).

Types of abuse

Sexual abuse

Sexual abuse is any sexual activity with a child. Many children and young people who are victims of sexual abuse do not recognise themselves as such. Sexual abuse can have a long-term impact on mental health. Victims of sexual abuse can be male or female.

Signs to look out for:

●     Acting in an inappropriate sexual way with objects or peers

●     Nightmares, sleeping problems

●     Becoming withdrawn or clingy

●     Personality changes, seeming insecure

●     Unaccountable fear/dread of particular places or people

●     Changes in eating habits

●     Physical signs such as unexplained soreness around genitals, sexually transmitted diseases

●     Becoming secretive

Emotional abuse
Emotional abuse is the persistent emotional maltreatment of a child. It is also sometimes called psychological abuse and it can have severe and persistent adverse effects on a child’s emotional development.
Signs to look out for:

●     Delayed physical or emotional development

●     Shows extremes of passivity or aggression

●     Sudden speech disorders

●     Overreaction to mistakes, or continual self-depreciation

●     Neurotic behaviour (rocking, hair twisting, self-mutilation)

Physical abuse
Physical abuse is deliberately physically hurting a child. It might take a variety of different forms, including hitting, pinching, shaking, throwing, poisoning, burning or scalding, drowning or suffocating a child. Physical abuse can occur inside and outside of a child’s family environment.
Signs to look out for:

●     Children with frequent injuries

●     Children with unexplained or unusual fractures or broken bones, unexplained bruises, cuts, burns,
scalds or bite marks

●     Children wearing clothes to cover injuries, even in hot weather.

Neglect

Neglect is a pattern of failing to provide for a child’s basic needs, whether it be adequate food, clothing, hygiene, supervision or shelter. It is likely to result in the serious impairment of a child’s health or development. Children who are neglected often also suffer from other types of abuse.

Signs to look out for:

●     Often hungry; may beg or steal food

●     Badly dressed in clothes that need washing

●     Poor appearance and personal hygiene; unwashed, hair not brushed

●     Lacks needed medical or dental care

●     Often tired

●     Might abuse alcohol or other drugs

Specific Areas
In addition to the types of abuse mentioned above, four other specific types of abuse that staff must be aware of are Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE) and Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), Peer-on-Peer Abuse (which includes bullying, cyberbullying, sexual violence and sexual harassment), and Honour-based Violence (HBV).

Child Sexual Exploitation
This is a form of sexual abuse where under-18s are exploited to engage in sexual activity in return for money, gifts, drugs, affection or status. CSE does not always involve physical contact as it can happen online or involve pressure from peers or cyber bullying.
Signs to look for in under-18s include:

●     Having a much older boyfriend / girlfriend

●     Appearing with unexplained gifts or new possessions

●     Associating with others involved in exploitation

●     Misusing drugs or alcohol

●     Being absent from school, going missing or regularly coming back late to homestays.

Female Genital Mutilation (FGM)
This is a practice that can cause severe and long-lasting damage to physical and mental health. It is carried out for religious, social or cultural reasons, however there are no medical reasons for carrying it out. It is a criminal offence if done in the UK. Staff should be aware that a person who has suffered FGM may ask for help without being explicit about the problem due to embarrassment or fear. Any causes for concern are to be reported to the DSL. Any suspected case of FGM must be reported to the police.

Peer-on-Peer Abuse
It should be remembered that abuse does not only come from adults, but can come from other children. Peer- on-peer abuse can include bullying (including cyberbullying), sexual violence and sexual harassment.

Cyber-bullying
Cyberbullying is bullying that takes place over digital devices such as mobile phones, computers, and tablets. It can occur through text, and apps, or online in social media, forums, or gaming where people can view, participate in, or share content. Cyberbullying includes sending, posting, or sharing negative, harmful, false, or mean content about someone else causing embarrassment or humiliation. Some cyberbullying crosses the line into unlawful or criminal behaviour.
The most common places where cyberbullying occurs are:

Social Media, such as Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, and Twitter

SMS (Short Message Service) also known as Text Message sent through devices

Instant Message (via devices, email provider services, apps, and social media messaging features) Email

Signs to look out for in under-18s include:

●     Appearing nervous when receiving a text, instant message or email;

●     Unwillingness to share information about online activity;

●     Unexplained anger or depression, especially after going online;

●     Abruptly shutting off or walking away from computer or mobile device mid-use.
Sexual violence and sexual harassment Sexual violence

Honour Based Violence (HBV)
This is coercion or violence used against a person in belief that family or tribal honour requires action. A person can be seriously injured or even killed in extreme cases.
Signs to look out for include:

●     The student being withdrawn, anxious or frightened.

●     A decline in behaviour or performance.

●     A family member keeping a close eye on the student.

Differentiating between a concern and a serious issue
All serious issues and concerns must be reported to a member of the Designated Safeguarding Team. Serious issues, in which a child or vulnerable adult could be in immediate danger of harm or abuse must be acted upon immediately. If a member of staff has a concern about a student, even though that student may not be in immediate danger, they must still report that concern to a member of the Designated Safeguarding Team. Early intervention will reduce the risk of the situation becoming more serious if the concern proved to be justified.

Sexual comments, such as: telling stories, making lewd comments, making sexual remarks about clothes and appearance and calling someone sexualised names;

sexual “jokes” or taunting;

physical behaviour, such as: deliberately brushing against someone, interfering with someone’s clothes

and displaying pictures, photos or drawings of a sexual nature; and

online sexual harassment. This may be standalone, or part of a wider pattern of sexual harassment

and/or sexual violence. It may include:

defined as any sexual act or attempt to obtain a sexual act by violence or coercion, acts to traffic a person or acts directed against a person’s sexuality, regardless of the relationship to the victim.

Sexual harassment is unwanted conduct of a sexual nature that can occur online and offline. It can include, but is not limited to:

non-consensual sharing of sexual images and videos;

sexualised online bullying;

unwanted sexual comments and messages, including, on social media; and

sexual exploitation; coercion and threats.

Some people might try to excuse mild transgressions as a “joke” or “teenage fun”. However, all forms of sexual violence are unacceptable. It should also be noted that both perpetrators and victims can be either male or female.

Identifying Vulnerable Students

The Designated Safeguarding Team identifies students who may be vulnerable to harm or abuse through the sharing of information which may come from student bookings, comments from teachers and other staff members. Factors that may make a student vulnerable include age, special educational needs, and disability. However, there are many factors that could make a student vulnerable and all staff must report any concerns they may have to a member of the Designated Safeguarding Team.

Record keeping

All records, information and confidential notes should be kept by the Designated Safeguarding Lead in separate files in a locked room or in secure electronic files. Only the Founder or another nominated senior manager and the Designated Safeguarding Lead and Designated Safeguarding Person will have access to these files, and only when necessary.

The Records

In any case where an allegation is made, or someone in Wisdom House has concerns, a record should be made. Details must include, as far as practical:

●     Name of vulnerable adult, child or young person

●     Age

●     Home address (if known)

●     Date of birth (if known)

●     Name/s and Address of parent/s or person/s with parental responsibility

●     Telephone numbers if available

●     Is the person making the report expressing their own concerns, or passing on those of somebody else?
If so, record details

●     What has prompted the concerns?

●     Include dates and times of any specific incidents

●     Has the vulnerable adult, child or young person been spoken to?

●     If so, what was said?

●     Has any individual been identified in the allegation?

●     If so, record details

●     Who has this been passed on to, in order that appropriate action is taken? E.g. Founder

●     Has anyone else been consulted?

●     If so, record details

●     ACTION TAKEN: this must be recorded.
Staff are reminded that fear about sharing information cannot be allowed to stand in the way of the welfare of the child.

If an adult is accused
It is the duty of Wisdom House staff to disclose cases of abuse or allegations of abuse to the Designated Safeguarding Lead or Designated Safeguarding Person without delay.
It is NOT for staff to decide whether or not a suspicion or allegation is true. All suspicions or allegations of abuse must be taken seriously. If a member of staff has suspicions, they should contact the Designated Safeguarding Lead or Person in confidence. If a child starts to talk to the staff member directly, they should allow the child to continue talking following the guidelines above in Procedure for reporting allegations or suspicions of abuse.

It is important to ensure that the child is away from any possible harm. That may require changing the accused adult’s work duties or accommodation house if they are a member of staff, or even requiring them to leave the location while the investigation takes place. At all times the Founder will be kept informed of events and the Designated Safeguarding Lead will make a decision on when it is appropriate to involve the Local Safeguarding Children’s Board.

Procedure if the DSL or a senior manager is accused

If an accusation is made against the DSL the matter must be reported to the Founder immediately. In the event that none of these are immediately on site, it should be reported to another member of the Designated Safeguarding Team who will follow the procedure outlined above.

If an accusation is made against a member of the Senior Management Team, the DSL will follow the same procedure.

Accusations against children

It should be recognised that abuse can come from children as well as adults and it is possible that a student under the age of 18 may be accused of abuse against another child. In such a circumstance it is important that the accused is recognised as being vulnerable by being under 18 and must be given all required support by a member of the Designated Safeguarding Team.

Training

All staff receive training in basic safeguarding awareness and refresher training both face-to-face and online on an annual basis. The online training has a test component that helps to check that staff have understood the training before a certificate is generated. For face-to-fact training, a short, written test is carried out immediately after the training and submitted to the trainer.

Members of the Designated Safeguarding Team are trained to the level of Specialist Safeguarding for the Designated Safeguarding Lead and this training is refreshed for the Designated Safeguarding Team every two years. ***  has the responsibility of ensuring that all staff complete this training.

Safer Recruitment

Wisdom House is committed to safer recruitment. A position offered to a successful applicant is subject to references and a DBS check, or overseas equivalent. All applicants undergo a DBS check before they are in the post of employment. If an applicant has been working overseas then a local police check from the country or countries they have been working in for at least the past three years is required.

Where a vacancy at Wisdom House is advertised the school’s commitment to safeguarding as well as our requirement that a candidate must undergo a DBS check is clearly stated in the advertisement. Candidates are also informed that any gaps in their work history must be explained satisfactorily. Questions at the interview stage of recruitment are designed to assess candidates’ attitudes to the principle of Safeguarding and Child Protection. They are also informed that when taking up references we always ask referees to comment on the candidate’s suitability to work with under-18s.

Employment of ex-offenders at Wisdom House is possible provided that the seriousness, nature and frequency of the offence as well as the age of the conviction do not make the candidate unsuitable for the post they are applying for. Candidates are asked to disclose any previous convictions in a sealed envelope. At least two members of staff involved in the recruitment process will assess the candidate’s suitability to work in the position they have applied for.

New staff who are taken on before their DBS check has been returned will be allowed to take up their post, but will be barred from being alone with any under-18 until a clear DBS check can be verified.

Upon appointment, staff are required to undertake the online basic awareness in safeguarding training.

Radicalisation and Extremism
Wisdom House is a multicultural and international community in which we help to foster an acceptance and tolerance of a range of views students may encounter in such an environment. We fully subscribe to the Government’s Prevent strategy and we encourage our students to express their views and beliefs as long as these respect the core British values of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, mutual respect and tolerance of those of different faiths and beliefs.

As part of wider safeguarding responsibilities, staff will be alert to and have a duty to report:

●     Disclosures by students of their exposure to the extremist actions, views or materials of others outside of the school, such as in their homes or community groups.

●     Graffiti symbols, writing or artwork promoting extremist messages or images.

●     Students accessing extremist material online, including through social networking sites.

●     Any reports of changes in behaviour, friendship or actions and requests for assistance.

●     Students voicing opinions drawn from extremist ideologies or narratives.

●     Use of extremist or “hate” terms to exclude others or incite violence.

●     Intolerance of difference, whether secular or religious or, in line with our equalities policy, views based
on, but not exclusive to, gender, gender identity, disability, sexuality, race, colour or culture.

●     Attempts to impose extremist views or practices on others.

●     Anti-Western or Anti-British views.
In the first instance, reports of any of the above will be made to the Designated Safeguarding Lead. In extreme cases the police may need to be notified.
In order to help prevent such occurrences, the school is committed to:

●     Raising staff and student awareness of radicalisation and extremism, in the case of staff through training and in the case of students through incorporating these themes sensitively into lessons.

●     Working with local agencies and sharing information;

●     Maintaining robust ICT measures to prevent access to extremist or otherwise inappropriate websites.

·         Staff handbook

·         Prevent Policy

None.