Safeguarding Children Policy
I. Preliminary Provisions
1. Definitions and Scope of Application
a. “The Company” refers to IgniteX Academy, the adopting entity of this Policy.
b. “Policy” refers to this comprehensive Safeguarding Children Policy.
c. “Child/Children” shall be defined as any person who has not yet attained the age of eighteen (18) years.
d. Scope: This Policy is operative and binding upon all personnel, including, but not limited to, staff, managers, trustees, directors, volunteers, students, and all other individuals engaged by or acting on behalf of The Company. Its intended purpose is the protection of all Children receiving services from The Company, including the Children of adults who may be recipients of The Company’s services.
2. Policy Purpose and Mandate
The Company hereby declares its unreserved commitment to the protection of Children and Young Persons from all forms of abuse or harm. This Policy constitutes the authoritative guidance and overarching principles governing The Company’s approach to child protection and safeguarding.
II. Safeguarding Responsibilities and Principles
3. Recognition of Risks
The Company acknowledges that Children are susceptible to manifold forms of abuse and harm, including, inter alia: physical or emotional abuse, neglect, sexual abuse, grooming, exploitation, trafficking, modern slavery, domestic abuse exposure, bullying, cyberbullying, self-harm, and physical harm from inadequate supervision.
4. Obligations of Personnel
Every individual subject to this Policy bears a proactive and continuing responsibility to ensure the proper safeguarding of Children. Such obligations include, but are not limited to, the following:
a. Maintenance of vigilance regarding all potential safeguarding risks.
b. Implementation of appropriate preventative measures, including adequate supervision and the maintenance of secure environments.
c. Taking affirmative action to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all Children engaged with The Company.
d. Prompt and appropriate reporting of concerns in strict adherence to child protection procedures.
e. Challenging and formally reporting any inappropriate or harmful conduct exhibited by any other adult.
f. Adherence to appropriate conduct standards in the presence of Children, including the absolute prohibition of smoking, consumption of alcohol, or use of illicit substances.
5. Designated Safeguarding Officer (DSO)
Any and all questions, reports, or concerns related to the safeguarding of Children shall be formally referred to the Designated Safeguarding Officer (DSO):
Name: Mr Vimal Pandey
Email: vimal@ignitexacademy.com
Telephone: 07486653882
III. Reporting and Procedural Compliance
6. Procedure for Responding to Safeguarding Concerns
a. Immediate Risk of Serious Harm: In circumstances where a Child is assessed to be at immediate risk of serious harm, the attending adult must immediately contact emergency services by dialing 999. The DSO shall be contacted immediately thereafter, or as soon as reasonably practicable.
b. Non-Immediate Risk: Where a safeguarding concern exists but no immediate risk of serious harm is present, the adult who observed or received the disclosure shall consult with the DSO as soon as practicable, and no later than the conclusion of that same day.
c. Handling of Child Disclosure: An adult receiving a disclosure shall listen calmly, provide truthful reassurance, refrain from interrogation or leading questions, and explicitly avoid making false assurances regarding confidentiality. A confidential written record, documenting all essential details (times, dates, places, individuals), must be created and immediately referred to the DSO.
7. Reporting Concerns Regarding Other Adults
Concerns pertaining to the conduct of an adult connected to The Company that poses or may pose a safeguarding risk (e.g., physical or emotional harm, criminal activity concerning a Child) must be raised immediately with the DSO (or, if inappropriate, a different senior member of the organisation) for the determination of appropriate action. Actions may include, but are not limited to: further initial enquiries, escalation to the applicable Local Authority Children’s Services and/or law enforcement, institution of formal investigation and disciplinary processes, suspension, and/or referral to the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).
IV. Ancillary Provisions
8. Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) Checks
Appropriate DBS checks shall be conducted wherever legally required. Such checks are typically undertaken for Teachers, Teaching assistants, and adult volunteers. The Company is obligated to make a referral to the DBS if it is deemed necessary and appropriate to remove any individual from a regulated activity role.
9. Photography Policy
The Company enforces a strict No Photo Policy. The taking of photographs by The Company, members of the public, parents/guardians, or Children is strictly prohibited on its premises or at its activities and/or events.
10. Review and Legal Framework
This Policy is drawn up in strict compliance with all relevant and applicable legislation and guidance pertinent to the jurisdictions in which The Company operates. This Policy is robustly endorsed by IgniteX Academy and is scheduled for a formal review every eighteen (18) months.
Approval Date: 5th December 2025
Signed: Mr Vimal Pandey (Designated Safeguarding Officer)
