Safeguarding Policy for Academia Genius Online Education Centre

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Introduction

This safeguarding policy outlines the commitment of Academia Genius Online Education Centre to protecting children, young people, and vulnerable adults within our online educational environment. We are dedicated to providing a safe, secure, and supportive learning environment for all students, teachers, and parents. We recognise our responsibility to safeguard the welfare of all individuals involved in our educational programs and to maintain a culture of vigilance. This policy applies to all online activities facilitated by the Academia Genius Online Education Centre.

1. Policy Statement

Academia Genius Online Education Centre is committed to:

• Prioritising the safety and well-being of all students.

• Creating and maintaining a safe and positive online learning environment.

• Recognising that safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility.

• Promoting a culture of awareness and vigilance.

• Responding appropriately and effectively to any safeguarding concerns.

• Working in partnership with parents, carers, and external agencies to safeguard and promote the welfare of students.

2. Scope of Safeguarding

Our safeguarding measures encompass:

• Protection from abuse (physical, emotional, sexual): Identifying and responding to any signs or disclosures of abuse.

• Online safety and digital well-being: Promoting safe and responsible online behaviour, protecting against online exploitation, and addressing cyberbullying.

• Mental health support: Recognizing signs of mental health difficulties and providing access to appropriate support.

• Prevention of bullying and harassment: Creating a culture of respect and addressing any instances of bullying or harassment (including cyberbullying).

• Addressing concerns about radicalization or extremism: Recognising and responding to signs of vulnerability to radicalisation or extremism.

• Safe Recruitment and Selection: Ensuring all staff and volunteers are appropriately vetted and suitable to work with children.

3. Responsibilities

3.1 Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)

Academia Genius Online Education Centre has a designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) who is responsible for:

• Overseeing all safeguarding matters within the online school.

• Ensuring compliance with relevant legislation, guidance, and best practices (including but not limited to Keeping Children Safe in Education).

• Coordinating safeguarding training for all staff and volunteers.

• Managing safeguarding concerns and referrals, including liaising with external agencies such as the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) or Children’s Social Care.

• Maintaining accurate and confidential records of safeguarding concerns.

• Providing advice and support to staff on safeguarding matters.

(Insert Name and Contact details of DSL here)

3.2 All Staff

All staff members at Academia Genius Online Education Centre are responsible for:

• Completing mandatory safeguarding training upon induction and regularly thereafter.

• Being familiar with this safeguarding policy and related procedures.

• Recognising the signs of abuse, neglect, and other safeguarding concerns.

• Reporting any concerns immediately to the DSL, no matter how small they may seem.

• Maintaining appropriate professional boundaries in all online interactions with students (including communication outside of scheduled lessons).

• Adhering to the online safety measures and guidelines outlined in this policy.

• Creating a safe and supportive learning environment for all students.

• Promoting a culture of respect and open communication.

• Challenging any inappropriate behaviour or language witnessed online.

4. Online Safety Measures

Academia Genius Online Education Centre will implement the following online safety measures:

• Filtering and Monitoring Systems: Implementing robust filtering and monitoring systems to block access to inappropriate content and monitor online activity.

• Acceptable Use Policy: Providing clear guidelines for acceptable online behaviour for students, staff, and parents/carers. This policy will cover topics such as:

  • Respectful communication.

  • Appropriate use of online platforms.

  • Cyberbullying.

  • Sharing of personal information.

  • Use of cameras and microphones.

• Online Safety Education: Educating students, staff, and parents/carers about online risks and safety practices, including:

  • Cyberbullying.

  • Online grooming.

  • Privacy settings.

  • Social media safety.

  • Recognising and reporting inappropriate content.

• Secure Platforms: Utilising secure online platforms with appropriate security settings and data protection measures.

• Regular Review and Updates: Regularly reviewing and updating online safety protocols to reflect current threats and best practices.

• Parental/Carer Engagement: Encouraging parental/carer involvement in online safety by providing information and resources.

• Reporting Mechanisms: Ensuring clear and accessible reporting mechanisms for students and staff to report online safety concerns.

5. Reporting Concerns

• All safeguarding concerns, regardless of severity, must be reported promptly to the DSL.

• Reports should include all relevant details, such as the nature of the concern, the individuals involved, and the date and time of the incident.

• Concerns should be reported using the designated reporting form (available from the DSL).

• Confidentiality will be maintained, with information shared only on a need-to-know basis.

• Academia Genius Online Education Centre will follow clear procedures for escalation and external reporting, as outlined in relevant legislation and guidance. The DSL will liaise with relevant external agencies (e.g., Children's Social Care, Police) as necessary.

• In an emergency, where a child is at immediate risk of harm, contact the Police on 999.

6. Training and Support

• All staff will receive regular safeguarding training, including online safety training, upon induction and periodically thereafter.

• Training will cover topics such as:

  • Recognising the signs of abuse and neglect.

  • Understanding safeguarding legislation and guidance.

  • Reporting procedures.

  • Online safety risks and best practices.

  • Maintaining professional boundaries.

• Resources and support will be provided to students and parents/carers on safeguarding matters, including online safety.

• Ongoing professional development in safeguarding practices will be encouraged for all staff.

7. Policy Review

This safeguarding policy will be reviewed annually and updated in line with any changes in legislation, guidance, or best practices. The DSL will be responsible for overseeing the review process. Parents, staff, and, where appropriate, students will be consulted during the review process.

8. Commitment

By implementing this comprehensive safeguarding policy, Academia Genius Online Education Centre aims to create a safe, supportive, and inclusive learning environment for all participants in our educational community. We are committed to working together to safeguard and promote the welfare of our students.

Date of Last Review: 12/03/2025

Date of Next Review: 12/02/2026

This policy should be read in conjunction with our other relevant policies, including our Behaviour Policy, Anti-Bullying Policy, and Data Protection Policy.