Safeguarding & Child Protection

Governance-Level Safeguarding Manual — Education & Vulnerable Adults Provision.

Version 1.0 · Created: 05/04/2026 · Review: 05/10/2026 or upon legislative change · Author: Anthony Dias

1. Policy Statement

Thinkofit Ltd is fully committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults. We take all matters of safeguarding seriously and operate a safe space for all policy.

Safeguarding is everyone's responsibility. The welfare of the child and vulnerable adult is paramount.

We operate in full compliance with UK safeguarding legislation including:

Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE)Children Act 1989 & 2004Working Together to Safeguard ChildrenSafeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006Children and Social Work Act 2017Care Act 2014Counter-Terrorism and Security Act 2015 (Prevent Duty)Data Protection Act 2018

2. Scope

This policy applies to:

All staff, directors, contractors and volunteers

All education programmes, coaching sessions and activities

All work involving children (under 18)

All work involving vulnerable adults (18+ requiring care/support)

3. Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)

The DSL holds strategic responsibility for safeguarding compliance and oversight. DSL responsibilities include:

Managing safeguarding referrals

Liaising with Children's Social Care and Adult Social Care

Referring allegations to LADO within one working day

Maintaining secure safeguarding records

Delivering safeguarding training to all staff

Reporting to Directors on safeguarding performance

A Deputy DSL is appointed to act in the absence of the DSL.

4. Safer Recruitment

Enhanced DBS with barred list checks

Two references required

Identity verification

Right to work checks

Safeguarding interview questions

Single Central Record maintained

5. Child Protection Procedures

If immediate danger is identified: Call 999 immediately.

All concerns must be reported immediately to the DSL. Reporting flowchart:

Concern Identified

Record factual information

Report immediately to DSL

DSL Assessment

Refer to (as appropriate):

Children's Social Care

Adult Social Care

Police

LADO (if allegation against staff)

Record outcome securely

6. Looked After Children (LAC)

Work collaboratively with the Virtual School Head

Liaise with allocated Social Workers

Provide additional emotional support tailored to individual needs

Monitor attendance and overall wellbeing closely

7. Children at Risk

This includes children with any of the following risk factors:

SEND (Special Educational Needs & Disabilities)

Domestic abuse exposure

Mental health concerns

Exploitation risk

Online harm exposure

Early Help referrals will be made where appropriate to support children before concerns escalate.

8. Vulnerable Adult Safeguarding

Under the Care Act 2014, a vulnerable adult is defined as someone aged 18+ with care and/or support needs.

Recognised types of abuse include:

Physical

Emotional

Financial

Neglect

Discriminatory

Organisational abuse

All adult safeguarding concerns are reported directly to Adult Social Care.

9. Parent Consent

Written consent is required from a parent or guardian for:

Participation

Medical information

Photography / media use

Off-site activities

Safeguarding concerns may be shared without consent where there is a risk of significant harm.

10. Training

Annual safeguarding training

Mandatory for all staff, reviewed and refreshed every year.

Annual

DSL advanced training

Enhanced training for the Designated Safeguarding Lead.

Every 2 years

Prevent awareness training

Counter-terrorism and radicalisation awareness in line with the Prevent Duty.

Required

Online safety training

Keeping children and vulnerable adults safe in digital environments.

Required

11. Confidentiality

Information is shared on a need-to-know basis only.

All data is stored securely in compliance with the Data Protection Act 2018.

12. Governance & Oversight

Directors will:

Review safeguarding policy and practice annually

Audit safeguarding records

Review DSL effectiveness

Monitor training compliance across all staff

Ensure full regulatory compliance at all times

This policy is reviewed annually or whenever legislative changes or amendments occur.

Safeguarding Concerns

To raise a safeguarding concern or request further information about this policy, please contact us:

Email: [email protected]

Phone: +44 7490 371900

Policy Review Schedule

This policy is reviewed on 05/10/2026 or whenever legislative changes and amendments occur. All staff will be notified of any updates.