Ensuring the safety and wellbeing of all children and young people.

Prept. Foundation Safeguarding Policy

1. Purpose of the Policy

The purpose of this safeguarding policy is to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all children and young people with whom Prept. Foundation interacts. We are committed to creating a safe and secure environment for children and young people as we teach them cooking skills and introduce them to the hospitality industry.

2. Scope of the Policy

This policy applies to all employees, volunteers, and representatives of Prept. Foundation who work with or come into contact with children and young people. It sets out the responsibilities, procedures, and expectations for safeguarding to protect against harm, abuse, or exploitation. The care and supervision of children remain the responsibility of teachers at all times, and our staff and volunteers must adhere to the guidelines set by the school and its teachers.

3. Principles

Prept. Foundation is committed to:
• Promoting the welfare of children and young people and protecting them from harm.
• Ensuring all staff and volunteers understand their safeguarding responsibilities.
• Creating an environment where children feel safe, respected, and heard.
• Acting promptly and appropriately in response to safeguarding concerns.

4. Roles and Responsibilities

• Designated Safeguarding Lead: The DSL will oversee the implementation of this policy, provide guidance, and handle safeguarding concerns.

• Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead: The DDSL supports the DSL and is trained to handle safeguarding concerns in their absence.

• All Staff and Volunteers: Must comply with this policy and associated procedures, promoting a culture of vigilance and accountability.

5. Recruitment and Training

All staff and volunteers working with children and young people must undergo a thorough recruitment process, including:

• Safer Recruitment: All staff and volunteers working with children and young people must undergo a thorough recruitment process, including;
  • Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks.
  • Verifying references.
  • Interviews to assess suitability.

• Training: All staff and volunteers will receive safeguarding training, including:
  • Recognising signs of abuse or neglect.
  • Understanding their responsibilities under this policy.
  • Reporting procedures.

6. Recognising a Safeguarding Concern

A safeguarding concern may include, but is not limited to:

• Signs of physical, emotional, or sexual abuse,
• Neglect or inadequate care,
• Concerns about a young person’s mental health or well-being,
• Inappropriate behaviour by staff, volunteers, or peers,
• Any other risks to a child or young adult’s safety.

7. Reporting and Responding to Concerns

Step 1: Immediate Action

• If a child or young adult is in immediate danger, call emergency services (999) without delay.
• Remove the individual from harm, if safe to do so.

Step 2: Report to the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)

• Any individual with concerns about a child’s welfare must report to the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) immediately. Where possible, those raising concerns will be asked to complete a factual report using the Prept. Foundation Safeguarding Report Form. This ensures accuracy, consistency, and a clear record of the concern to support appropriate action.
• The Safeguarding Lead will:
  • Assess the concern and take appropriate action.
  • Report serious concerns to relevant authorities, including local children’s services or the police, as needed.
  • Maintain detailed and confidential records of all concerns and actions taken.
• If a staff member is worried that someone is breaching this policy, they must report their concerns directly to the Designated Safeguarding Lead.
• If you do not feel comfortable reporting to the DSL, you should speak to the Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead or the Designated Safeguarding Trustee.

8. Addressing Policy Breaches

• First-Time Breach: A conversation will take place to address the breach, depending on the severity of the situation. Appropriate action will be taken, which may include additional training, supervision, or, in more serious cases, formal disciplinary procedures.
• Further Complaints: An investigation will be conducted if additional complaints arise.
• Any breach of this policy may result in disciplinary action, including termination of employment or volunteering.
• A summary of safeguarding activity, including the number of reported concerns and, where appropriate, the nature of action taken, is shared with the Board of Trustees quarterly. This reporting is anonymised and ensures oversight while maintaining confidentiality.

9. Complaints Procedure

• Concerns about safeguarding practices or breaches of this policy should be reported to the Safeguarding Lead.
• Complaints will be handled sensitively and investigated thoroughly, with outcomes communicated to relevant parties.
• In severe cases, concerns will be escalated to external authorities.

10. Confidentiality and Data Protection

• All safeguarding concerns and records will be handled in line with data protection regulations.
• Information will be shared only with relevant parties on a need-to-know basis, in line with GDPR and child protection laws.

11. Whistleblowing

Prept. Foundation encourages a culture of openness. Any staff member or volunteer with concerns about the safeguarding practices of another team member must report them immediately to the Safeguarding Lead. Concerns will be investigated thoroughly, and whistleblowers will be protected from retaliation.

You can find our Whistleblowing Policy and Report Form here.

12. Monitoring and Review

The Designated Safeguarding Trustee is responsible for reviewing this policy annually or after any necessary updates have been made in line with national safeguarding guidance, ensuring the policy remains current and effective. Feedback from staff, volunteers, and stakeholders will inform updates.

By adopting this safeguarding policy, Prept. Foundation commits to ensuring the safety and wellbeing of all children and young people we work with.