Child Protection Policy
NLTG has a statutory duty under the Children Act 1989 and Section 175 of the Education Act 2002 to safeguard and promote the welfare of its learners. In fulfilling this duty regard has been taken of the guidance in "Safeguarding Children in Education" Dfes September 2004.
- Under this legislation a child is classified as a person under the age of 18.
- NLTG has included vulnerable adults in the scope of this policy. Vulnerable adults are people aged over 18 who are affected by mental ill health, have learning difficulties, or a physical disability or impairment.
- All employees are made aware that it is a criminal offence under the Sexual Offences Act 2003 for a person over the age of 18, in a position of trust, to enter into a sexual relationship with any learner under 18 years old, even if the relationship is consensual.
- NLTG is clear that it is not the responsibility of any NLTG employee to investigate any suspected case of abuse. All cases are referred to the Designated Child Protection Team.
NLTG fully recognises the contribution it can make to protect the young people with whom we work.
Child Protection Policy Statement
NLTG has a commitment to the well-being of both learners and employees and fully recognises the contribution it can make to protect and support its employees.
There are three main elements to our Child Protection Policy:
Raising Awareness
- By informing staff, learners and employees about NLTG's continuing commitment to protecting children and other vulnerable people.
Prevention
- By developing and encouraging an ethos whereby learners find NLTG employees approachable and feel secure in communicating any problems which may be affecting their lives.
Protection
- By following agreed procedures thereby ensuring that NLTG employees are informed and aware of NLTG's Policy and Procedures, and are supported to respond appropriately and sensitively to Child Protection issues
Commitment to the policy
NLTG is committed to protecting the safety of all its learners by encouraging self-awareness, providing support and promoting clear lines of communication with its staff members.
NLTG will:
- bring to the attention of all NLTG employees that there are recognised formal procedures to be followed when they become aware of an issue of concern relating to Child Protection
- provide clear operational guidelines for NLTG employees which state what action should be taken when there is concern
- provide and/or support protection training for NLTG employees who have direct contact with learners (e.g. Training Officers, e2e Key Workers, Recruitment staff, Skills for Life Officers)
- maintain a rigorous policy on confidentiality, keeping relevant records in a secure location.
- have a clear policy about the handling of allegations of abuse by NLTG employees.
- ensure that Child Protection concerns and referrals are handled sensitively and in line with NLTG recognised procedures.
- maintain a pastoral system where learners feel secure and are given opportunities to talk and be listened to.
- ensure that learners are aware that there are adults they can approach if they are worried or in difficulty.
- ensure that learners are made aware of the various types of bullying - emotional, physical, verbal and sexual and that they are aware of the strategies available to them to ensure their own protection and importance of protecting others.
- ensure that every effort is made to establish effective working relationships with parent/carers and staff from other agencies.
- be vigilant in cases of suspected abuse and provide guidelines for NLTG employees in recognising the signs and symptoms of abuse.
- contribute to an inter-agency approach to learner protection.
- ensure all employees are CRB (Criminal Record Bureau) checked by NLTG to verify they have no reported incidents on record that are of a nature that would endanger others. Such checks will be carried out every two years.
Framework
NLTG's Child Protection Team consists of:
Chris Lovell
Donna Coleman
- The Child Protection Team will monitor the policy and procedures and will give feedback to the Managing Director on issues of staff training and implementation.
- Any issues relating to Protection should be brought to the attention of the members of the Child Protection team.
- It is not the role or responsibility of other NLTG employees to investigate abuse. They should ensure this is referred to the Child Protection Team.
- Allegations involving employers or NLTG employees must be reported to the Managing Director or in his absence the Operations Director.
- Both members of the Child Protection Team will meet to discuss cases brought forward and decide on appropriate action required. Only the relevant member of the team will be privy to the learners name and details.
- NLTG's Managing Director has the responsibility of ensuring that the Child Protection Policy and Working Instructions are fully implemented.
- Following CRB checks, should a person have a criminal record, the recruitment/continued employment of that person to be agreed with Directors.
To view the Child Protection Policy Click Here
