Safeguarding

Definitions

Legal Framework

Roles and responsibilities

Multi agency working

Early help

Abuse and neglect

Child on child abuse

Online safety

Working/ communicating with parent/carers

Personal electronic devises

Consensual and non-consensual sharing of indecent images and videos

young people potentially at greater risk of harm

Alternative provision

Reporting Concerns

Managing referrals

Concerns and Allegations Made About Staff

Safer Recruitment

Single central record (SCR)

Training

Wellbeing Statement

Equality Statement

Children Missing Education (CME)

Female Genital Mutilation (FGM)

Preventing Radicalisation

Mental Health Concerns

Domestic Abuse

Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE)

Child Criminal Exploitation (CCE)

Online Abuse

Homelessness

Modern Slavery

Policy Review

Statement of intent

Kinect Community CIC is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all young people. We recognise that safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility and that we must work together with other agencies to ensure all young people are protected from harm. Our provision is fully committed to meeting the legal and statutory requirements set out in Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) 2025. We recognise our responsibility to safeguard and promote the welfare of all children and to ensure that every member of our community understands their role in keeping children safe.

This policy sets the framework to deliver this promise in line with safeguarding statutory guidelines. It outlines our commitment and procedures for identifying and responding to concerns about a young person’s safety or wellbeing.

We have a clear safeguarding culture embedded throughout the provision. All staff are expected to understand their statutory responsibilities, remain vigilant, and act promptly when they have a concern about a child.

This policy applies to all staff, volunteers, visitors, and contractors while onsite or during any related activities offsite, including trips and transport.

We will achieve this by:

• Ensuring all staff understand their responsibilities for safeguarding under the statutory guidance, are aware of the signs to look out for and know the process to refer concerns to the DSL.
• Ensuring all staff recognise safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility and it could happen here.
• Making sure all staff and volunteers are all appropriately checked before appointed in any role.
• Ensuring young people follow guidelines to keep safe and clearly know the behaviours that are unacceptable.
• Adopting safer recruitment procedures.
• Creating a safe, trauma-informed environment.
• Ensuring staff are trained to recognise signs of abuse, neglect, exploitation, or other risks.
• Following statutory guidance (e.g. Keeping Children Safe in Education) on reporting and recording concerns.
• Working with the local authority, police, health and other services to protect children.
• Making sure young persons can access help, feel listened to, and are supported.

Our Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) leads on safeguarding, with deputy DSLs covering in her absence.

This policy is made available to all stakeholders. Procedures are aligned with KCSIE and local safeguarding partnership guidance.

Definitions

The term “Children” or “Child” refers to anyone under the age of 18 years.

For the purpose of this policy, the following are defined as:

Safeguarding: Protecting children from maltreatment, preventing impairment of health or development, ensuring safe and effective care, and enabling children to have the best outcomes.

Child Protection: Part of safeguarding focused on protecting individual children identified as suffering or likely to suffer significant harm.

Consent: A person’s voluntary and informed agreement to engage in sexual activity. An individual must have the freedom and capacity to make this decision themselves. Consent can be provided for one activity without implying agreement to another and can be withdrawn at any point before or during sexual contact.

A person is considered to have consented only when they make a free and informed choice, and have the ability to do so. It is against the law for anyone under the age of 13 to give consent to any sexual activity. In the UK, the legal age of consent is 16.

Sexual violence refers to any sexual act or behaviour carried out against a person’s will and without their consent. In the context of young people, this includes sexual activity that a child or young person does not, or cannot, freely agree to.

Under the Sexual Offences Act 2003, sexual violence includes (but is not limited to):

• Rape When a person intentionally penetrates another person’s vagina, anus or mouth with their penis without that person’s consent.
• Assault by penetration When a person penetrates another person’s vagina or anus with a part of their body or an object, without consent and with intent.
• Sexual assault (intentional sexual touching without consent) When a person intentionally touches another person sexually without their consent.

Sexual violence may involve peers (child-on-child abuse) or adults, and can occur in person or online. It is always treated as a serious safeguarding and criminal matter.

Sexual harassment is any unwanted behaviour of a sexual nature that violates someone’s dignity, makes them feel intimidated, degraded or humiliated, or creates a hostile or offensive environment.

This can include:

• Making sexual comments, jokes or gestures
• Unwanted physical contact or advances
• Sharing sexual images or messages
• Sexualised behaviour, online or in person
• Pressuring someone to engage in sexual activity

Sexual harassment can happen between children, between adults and children, or between adults, may occur in person or online and may occur in or outside of provision.

Upskirting is when someone takes a photograph or video under a person’s clothing without their permission, with the intention of viewing their genitals or buttocks (with or without underwear). This is done without consent and is intended to cause humiliation, distress, or for sexual gratification.

Upskirting is a criminal offence in England and Wales under the Voyeurism (Offences) Act 2019, and can result in a criminal record and, in some cases, placement on the sex offenders register.

The sharing of nude or semi-nude images and/or videos, sometimes referred to as “sexting”, means the exchange or distribution of sexually explicit content between young people. This may involve either consensual or non-consensual sharing and includes what is legally defined as indecent imagery.

In this context, “indecent imagery” refers to any image that meets one or more of the following conditions:

• Depicts a person posing in a sexual or sexually suggestive way
• Shows a child touching themselves in a sexual manner
• Involves a child in sexual activity of any kind
• Shows someone engaging in sexual harm towards a child
• Involves sexual activity with an animal

Adults at Risk

An adult who may require additional support due to factors such as disability, mental health, social disadvantage, domestic abuse, exploitation, or other vulnerabilities

Abuse

Can take many forms including physical, emotional, domestic, financial, discriminatory, psychological, sexual, organisational, self-neglect, modern slavery, and online harm.

Families

Parents, carers, guardians, or significant adults connected to a child, or individuals accessing family-based services.

Legal Framework

This policy has been developed in accordance with the principles established by the Children Acts , the Education Act, and in line with the following all relevant and statutory guidelines.

Legalisation:

• Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) 2025
• Working Together to Safeguard Children 2023
• Children Act 1989 and 2004
• Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006
• The Equality Act 2010
• Sexual Offences Act 2003
• UK GDPR
• Data protection act 2018
• Care Act 2014 (adult safeguarding)
• Counter Terrorism and Security Act 2015 (Prevent Duty)
• Domestic Abuse Act 2021
• Human Rights Act 1998 - Local Authority Safeguarding Adults and Children Partnership Procedures

Statutory guidance:

• DFE Prevent Duty Guidance 2015
• DFE Local Safeguarding Children Partnership (LSCP) procedures
• DFE Working together to safeguard children 2023
• DFE keeping children safe in education 2025.

Roles and responsibilities

All staff:

All staff are responsible for safeguarding and must report concerns immediately.

All staff must complete safeguarding training on induction and annually.

The DSL ensures the policy is followed and safeguarding is a priority.

Following code of conduct and safe working practices.

Record concerns factually and promptly share them with the DSL.

All staff are responsible for:

• Maintaining an attitude of it could happen here.
• Provide a safe environment for young people/ young people to learn.
• Put the young peoples best interest at the heart of everything you do.
• Be able and prepared to identify young people that may need early help.
• Be fully aware and up to date with Kinect Community CIC policies and procedures, including training.
• Be able to identify the DSL.
• Undertake safeguarding training on induction and yearly thereafter.
• Be aware of reporting procedures.
• Maintain appropriate levels of confidentiality.
• Be aware of signs and behaviours that could mean a young person is at risk of harm.

All staff receive safeguarding and child protection training, including online safety, as part of their induction and through regular updates at least annually. Training ensures that staff are able to identify concerns, know how to respond, and understand the importance of early intervention.

The DSL:

Our DSL and deputy DSLs are responsible for:

• Managing referrals and liaising with external agencies.
• Maintaining accurate, confidential records.
• Safeguarding training and policy updates.
• Provide advice and support to staff.
• Monitor and guide young persons with safeguarding plans.
• Ensuring staff are trained and aware of safeguarding issues.
• Keeping detailed, secure records of concerns.
• Ensuring Kinect Community CIC complies with its duties under the child protection and safeguarding legislation.

In line with KCSIE 2025 we have appointed a Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) and at least one Deputy DSL. They have overall responsibility for child protection, including online safety. DSLs receive regular, advanced training, have protected time to carry out their duties, and their contact details are clearly shared with staff, young people, parents, and carers.

Provision lead:

• Provide staff with copies of Kinect Community CIC policies and any other relevant information on induction.
• Ensure the policies set out for Kinect Community CIC are followed by all staff.

Multi-agency working

Kinect Community CIC Provision is committed to playing an active role in local safeguarding arrangements. When identified as a relevant partner by local safeguarding bodies, the provision will cooperate fully with statutory requirements and follow agreed safeguarding procedures, just as other relevant agencies are expected to do.

Kinect Community CIC will work collaboratively with children’s social care, police, health professionals, and other relevant services to safeguard young persons and promote their welfare. This includes engaging with the early help process and contributing to multi-agency plans designed to offer appropriate support to learners. Staff attend multi-agency meetings where appropriate, and we will always follow local safeguarding partnership procedures.

Where early help is needed, the provision will enable children’s social care from the host local authority, and where applicable the placing local authority, to access the site and carry out any necessary assessments, including those under Section 17 or Section 47 of the Children Act.

The provision recognises the critical importance of strong partnerships between agencies to prevent and respond effectively to concerns such as child sexual exploitation (CSE).

Information Sharing

Kinect Community CIC Provision understands that effective safeguarding relies on proactive, timely, and appropriate information sharing between professionals and agencies. This is essential to identify needs early and provide appropriate support to young people.

In line with UK GDPR, the Data Protection Act 2018 and KCSIE guidnce, the provision acknowledges its duty to handle personal information lawfully and fairly. These regulations allow information to be stored and shared for safeguarding purposes where doing so is necessary to protect a child from harm. Data protection law must not be used as a barrier to sharing information if withholding it would increase the risk to a young person’s safety.

Accurate, detailed, and secure records of safeguarding concerns and referrals are kept. Information is shared appropriately with relevant agencies to support early intervention and protection.

All staff are expected to act in the best interests of children and share relevant information when required to protect their welfare. Any member of staff who is uncertain about whether to share information should consult the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) or a Deputy DSL for guidance.

Early Help

Early help refers to providing support to a child, young person, or their family as soon as concerns arise, rather than waiting for the situation to escalate into more serious issues.

The aim is to identify needs at the earliest possible stage and offer targeted, coordinated support to prevent harm, improve outcomes, and reduce the need for statutory intervention.

Early help can involve provisions, health services, children’s social care, police, and other agencies working together to:

• Address emerging concerns around a child’s welfare, development, or behaviour
• Support families to build resilience and reduce risks
• Prevent problems from escalating to child protection thresholds
• Provide timely and proportionate interventions

All staff working with children or young people have a duty to identify children who may benefit from early help and to work collaboratively with other professionals to ensure the right support is put in place.

Potential need for early help may include but not limited to:

• young people that are disabled, have health conditions or additional needs.
• Are consistently absent from education.
• Have send needs or an EHC plan.
• Have mental health issues.
• Are young carers.
• Are at risk of FGM.
• Misuse of drugs and/or alcohol.
• Have family members in custody or at risk of being in custody.
• Show signs of antisocial behaviour including criminal activity.
• Are missing from home.
• Are in private fostering.
• Are at risk of radicalisation or exploitation.
• At risks of trafficking or modern slavery.
• Showing early signs of abuse.

Kinect Community CIC will also support young people with:

• Bereavement.
• Inappropriate of problematic online content or relationships.

Staff will use their professional curiosity to look out for signs of abuse, neglect and exploitation to raise concerns to the DSL.

The DSL will take the lead where early help has been identified, this includes communicating with other agencies through the local early help process.

Abuse and Neglect

Indicators of Abuse

All staff are trained to recognise signs and indicators of potential abuse, including:

• Unexplained injuries
• Changes in behaviour
• Fearfulness or withdrawal
• Poor hygiene or malnutrition
• Risk-taking behaviours

Abuse is a form of maltreatment of a child. It occurs when someone inflicts harm on a child or fails to act to prevent harm. Children may be abused by adults, by other children, or by groups of people, and abuse can happen in person or online.

Neglect is a form of abuse that involves the persistent failure to meet a child’s basic physical and/or emotional needs, which results in or is likely to result in serious harm to the child’s health, development, or wellbeing.

Abuse can take different forms, including but not limited to:

• Physical abuse: causing physical harm through actions such as hitting, shaking, burning, or poisoning.
• Emotional abuse: persistent emotional maltreatment that causes severe and lasting adverse effects on a child’s emotional development.
• Sexual abuse: forcing or enticing a child to take part in sexual activities, whether or not the child is aware of what is happening.
• Neglect: failing to provide adequate food, clothing, shelter, medical care, supervision, or emotional support.

A child may experience more than one form of abuse at the same time.

All staff are expected to recognise the signs and indicators of abuse, neglect, and exploitation. They must understand that children can be at risk of harm both within and beyond the provision environment — including at home, in the community, and online. Staff should also be aware that young people may be affected not only through direct harm but also by witnessing or being exposed to abuse.

Staff must understand that safeguarding issues such as abuse and neglect often overlap and rarely occur in isolation. They should remain alert to the possibility of multiple, interconnected concerns and must report any worries promptly to the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL).

All staff — and particularly the DSL and Deputy DSLs — should be mindful that concerns may arise from outside the provision setting. This includes situations where young persons may be at risk of harm or exploitation in the wider community (extra-familial harm).

Every member of staff should know what steps to take when identifying a potential safeguarding risk. If there is any uncertainty, they must speak to the DSL without delay.

Staff should also recognise the role of technology in many safeguarding and wellbeing issues. This includes risks linked to online abuse, cyberbullying, exploitation, and the sharing of indecent or harmful content.

Child-on-child abuse

For the purpose of this policy refers to any situation where a child or young person causes harm to another child or young person. This can happen in person or online and may be physical, emotional, sexual, or a combination of these. Such behaviour may be a one-off incident or part of a pattern of abuse.

Kinect Community CIC has a zero tolerance approach to abuse, including child on child abuse. All staff will be briefed and need to fully understand that child on child abuse can occur here and can be between young people of any age or gender. All staff will be aware of the importance of challenging any inappropriate behaviour between peers. All staff will be clear on the policies and procedures regarding child on child abuse and know the role they play in preventing and responding to the risk.

We are committed to preventing and responding to all forms of child-on-child abuse. Procedures are in place for young people to report concerns, and all reports are taken seriously and responded to in a timely, supportive, and proportionate way.

Child-on-child abuse can include (but is not limited to):

• Bullying (including cyberbullying)
• Physical violence or assault
• Sexual violence and sexual harassment
• Harmful sexual behaviour
• Upskirting
• Emotional abuse, coercion or controlling behaviour
• Initiation or hazing-type violence and rituals

This type of abuse can take place inside or outside of provision, during or outside of normal provision hours, and can involve individuals or groups. All allegations or concerns involving child-on-child abuse must be treated seriously, never dismissed as “banter” or “part of growing up,” and must be addressed in line with the setting’s safeguarding procedures.

All allegations are treated seriously, investigated thoroughly, and addressed through restorative or disciplinary actions.

Online Safety

Kinect Community CIC will always adhere to our online safety policy.

We recognise the risks children may face online.

Staff, young people, and parents are supported to understand and respond to online risks.

young people will be made aware of the online risks and taught how to use the internet safely.

We have filters and monitoring systems in place and any sessions using computers will be fully staffed and supervised.

All concerns regarding online harm are treated as safeguarding issues.

Staff will be trained on the filtering and monitoring systems and know how to escalate concerns when identified, during induction it will be explained what the roles and responsibilities are for each staff member.

Further information on Kinect Community CIC’s approach to online safety can be found in the online safety policy.

Working/ communicating with Parents and Carers

We are committed to working with families to safeguard children. Concerns will be shared, unless doing so places the child at risk.

Parents will be informed of the importance of student safety and have knowledge of the online monitoring systems in place.

Open communication is essential.

We are required to:

• Inform parents about safeguarding responsibilities and concerns (unless it increases risk).
• Work collaboratively with provisions, social services, police, and health professionals.
• Engage in child protection and multi-agency meetings, where necessary.

Personal Electronic devices

The use of all electronic devices used by young people or staff will be monitored by Kinect Community CIC in accordance with the ICT and Electronic devices policy.

Phones will be asked to be put away during the provision day.

Consensual and non-consensual sharing of indecent images and videos

Kinect Community CIC will ensure all staff are aware and trained on how to deal with the consensual and non-consensual sharing of nude or semi-nude images or videos.

All staff will be aware that the sharing, creating or possessing indecent imagery of children is a criminal offence.

young people potentially at greater risk of harm

We recognise that some children may be particularly vulnerable to abuse and exploitation, including those with SEND, those who are looked-after, or those with additional pastoral needs. We work closely with families and external agencies to provide targeted support and keep young persons safe.

• young people with a social worker.
• Looked After children (via social care).
• young people with SEND needs.
• LGBTQ+ young people.
• young people with mental health conditions.

All staff will be trained on how to support young people with all the above.

Alternative provision

Kinect Community CIC is an alternative provision provider, we will provide confirmation of the relevant safeguarding checks that have been carried out on staff to referring provisions and LEA. We will comply with the provision and LA checks to show that our provision meets the young people' needs.

Reporting Concerns

The reporting and referral process will be followed accordingly.

All staff (Mainly the DSL) will be aware of the Local authorities policy for reporting concerns and understand their responsibility.

Staff with concerns about a student's welfare or a safeguarding concern has been reported about a student they will speak to a DSL immediately. Where the DSL is not available staff must consult a deputy DSL, the DSL must be informed of any reports of concerns in their absence.

If a student is in immediate danger a referral must be made to the police immediately.

The local authority will respond to the referrer with their decision and next step actions within one working day of the referral. Staff will then monitor the referral to ensure they receive a reply from the local authority, if the situation does not improve the DSL will ask for a reconsideration to ensure the concerns have been addressed and the situation improves for the student.

Follow response policy:

1. Listen calmly, do not promise confidentiality

2. Make clear notes (what, when, where, how and in their words)

3. Report immediately to the DSL

4. DSL evaluates and refers to appropriate services (e.g. social care, police)

5. Maintain confidentiality and share information only on a “need-to-know” basis

Managing referrals

The DSL will support staff by providing clarity when necessary.

When making a referral only necessary information will be shared in line with confidentiality requirements.

The DSL will work with external agencies to ensure the wellbeing and safeguarding of the student.

Throughout the reporting and referral process, young persons will be kept informed about the decisions being made, the actions taken, and the reasons behind them. Discussions with parents or carers will take place only when it is safe and appropriate to do so, ensuring that sharing information does not increase the risk of harm to the young person or others.

Kinect Community CIC Provision will work in partnership with parents and carers to ensure both the young person and their family understand the support arrangements in place, such as in-provision interventions or external services. Clear communication will help families know how to access further help and support where needed.

Early help pathways are used where appropriate, and clear records are maintained of all actions taken.

Concerns and Allegations Made About Staff

Any concerns about any member of staff conduct must be reported to the DSL immediately and will be dealt with in accordance with the staff code of conduct. The code of conduct is given to staff on induction and is expected to be read and understood by each member of staff.

If the concern is about the DSL, it should be reported to the Advisory Body.

The Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) will be contacted as required.

Allegations will be separated into low level concerns and concerns that may harm or put a student at harm.

Low level concerns will be dealt with in accordance with the low level concerns policy.

Examples of staff putting young people at harm may include:

• Posing a risk of harm to a student.
• Behaving in a way that has or may have harmed a student.
• Committed a criminal offense against a student.

Safer Recruitment

Kinect Community CIC adopts safer recruitment practices, including:

• Advertisements that reflect commitment to safeguarding
• Rigorous pre-employment checks including references and an enhanced DBS for all staff.
• Ongoing monitoring of staff conduct and suitability

We follow safer recruitment practices to ensure that only suitable individuals work with children. This includes DBS checks, reference checks, and identity verification. At least one panel member for each recruitment process has completed safer recruitment training. Allegations against staff are managed in line with statutory guidance and, where necessary, in consultation with the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO). Full details can be found in the safer recruitment policy.

Single central record (SCR)

Kinect Community CIC Provision maintains a SCR which contains details of all staff working within the organisation. This includes permanent staff, agency and third-party supply staff, and salaried trainees.

The SCR records the following key checks:

• Verification of identity
• Barred list check
• Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check
• Prohibition from teaching check (where applicable)
• Verification of relevant qualifications (where required)
• Confirmation of the right to work in the UK
• Additional overseas checks for individuals who have lived or worked abroad
• Section 128 check for those in management positions

For agency and third-party supply staff, the SCR also notes whether written confirmation has been received from the employment agency to verify that all required pre-employment checks have been carried out and the date this was confirmed.

If volunteers are subject to any checks, this information is also recorded on the SCR. Where a risk assessment is undertaken to determine whether an enhanced DBS check is necessary for a volunteer, a record of that assessment is kept.

Written confirmation from supply agencies that all safeguarding and recruitment checks have been completed will be stored as part of the SCR.

Kinect Community CIC Provision may include any other relevant information on the SCR as deemed necessary to meet safer recruitment and safeguarding responsibilities.

Details of individuals are removed from the SCR once their employment or engagement with the organisation has ended.

Training

All staff receive regular safeguarding training during induction, and this will be updated yearly or when there has been a change in legislation.

Staff must read and sign to say they have done so and all staff are encouraged to go over the documents termly to refresh their minds.

DSLs undertake enhanced training every two years. Regular updates are provided in line with changes to legislation.

Induction training will include:

The safeguarding and child protection policy

The staff code of conduct

Part one of keeping children safe in education

The behaviour policy

Information about the role and who the DSL and deputy DSL are.

Wellbeing Statement

We recognise that safeguarding includes promoting the emotional wellbeing of young people. Our provision offers a supportive environment with access to pastoral care, mentoring, and therapeutic services as needed.

Equality Statement

Kinect Community CIC is committed to promoting equality and diversity. We ensure that all children, regardless of age, disability, gender, race, religion or belief, sexual orientation, or socio-economic background, are protected from harm and have access to support.

Specific Safeguarding Concerns:

Children Missing Education (CME)

Absence is closely monitored.

Children Missing Education refers to children of compulsory provision age who are not on a provision roll and are not receiving a suitable education in any other setting. This includes children who stop attending provision without formal arrangements in place and those with very low attendance.

CME can be an indicator of other safeguarding concerns, such as neglect, abuse, exploitation, forced marriage, or trafficking. provisions and agencies have a duty to act quickly to identify and support children missing education.

Learners who miss education may experience significant gaps in learning, lower attainment, and reduced engagement. They are more vulnerable to risks outside provision, including exploitation, abuse, or involvement in unsafe situations. This can lead to disengagement, poor attendance patterns, and challenges reintegrating into education.

Children missing from education will be alerted to the commissioning provision which will prompt a referral to the Local Authority following CME protocols.

Female Genital Mutilation (FGM)

Female Genital Mutilation involves the partial or total removal of external female genitalia or other injury to the female genital organs for non-medical reasons. It is a serious form of child abuse, a criminal offence in the UK, and a violation of human rights.

FGM often takes place during childhood and can have life-long physical, emotional, and psychological consequences. Education staff have a legal duty to report known cases involving under-18s.

young people affected by FGM may experience ongoing physical pain, emotional trauma, or feelings of shame and isolation. This can affect concentration, attendance, and emotional wellbeing. Learners may also fear disclosure or further harm, making it essential for staff to create a safe, trusted environment.

Training is provided to help staff identify risk factors and warning signs.

Preventing Radicalisation

Radicalisation refers to the process by which individuals come to support terrorism or extremist ideologies. Under the Counter-Terrorism and Security Act 2015, provisions and education providers have a legal duty (the Prevent Duty) to protect children from being drawn into extremism and terrorism.

Children can be vulnerable to radicalisation both online and in person through grooming, manipulation, or exposure to extremist material.

Learners who are at risk of radicalisation may show changes in attitude, language, or behaviour. They may become more isolated, express extremist views, or withdraw from peers. This can lead to safeguarding risks, legal consequences, and harm to themselves or others. Early identification and support are essential.

We follow the Prevent Duty to safeguard young persons from extremism. Staff are trained to identify signs of radicalisation and know how to respond appropriately.

Mental Health Concerns

Mental health concerns refers to a range of emotional and psychological difficulties that can affect a child’s thinking, mood, and behaviour. This includes issues such as anxiety, depression, self-harm, eating disorders, or trauma responses.

While mental health difficulties are not in themselves a safeguarding issue, they can be a cause or consequence of abuse and may increase a child’s vulnerability to harm.

young people experiencing mental health difficulties may find it hard to concentrate, regulate emotions, or engage in learning. This can lead to poor attendance, social withdrawal, or behaviour that reflects distress. Unaddressed mental health concerns can escalate, so early intervention, therapeutic support, and trusted relationships are key.

Staff are trained to identify early warning signs and respond compassionately.

Domestic Abuse

Domestic abuse refers to any incident or pattern of incidents of controlling, coercive, threatening, degrading or violent behaviour between those aged 16 or over who are personally connected. It can include physical, emotional, psychological, sexual, or financial abuse.

In safeguarding, children may experience domestic abuse directly or indirectly (e.g. witnessing abuse in the home), both of which can have a serious and long-term impact on their wellbeing and development.

young people who are exposed to domestic abuse may display signs of trauma, emotional distress, or heightened anxiety. This can affect their ability to concentrate, build trusting relationships, and regulate emotions. They may also experience disruptions to attendance or stability in their home life, which can impact their education, safety, and emotional wellbeing.

Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE)

Child sexual exploitation is a form of child sexual abuse where an individual or group takes advantage of an imbalance of power to manipulate, deceive, coerce, or force a child or young person into sexual activity in exchange for something such as money, gifts, status, protection, affection or through violence.

Exploitation can occur in person or online and may involve violence, coercion, threats, or grooming. It could occur over time or be a one off and the child may not recognise they are being abused.

young people affected by CSE may show signs of withdrawal, sudden changes in behaviour or appearance, increased risk-taking, or unexplained absences. They may struggle with trust, experience shame or fear, and find it difficult to engage in learning. They may also be at risk of further exploitation or emotional harm if support is not provided quickly and sensitively.

Child Criminal Exploitation (CCE)

Child criminal exploitation occurs when a child or young person is manipulated, coerced, or forced to take part in criminal activity. This can include drug trafficking (e.g., county lines), theft, fraud, or violence.

Exploiters often use threats, violence, grooming, or debt bondage to control the child. Like CSE, there is usually an imbalance of power, and the child may not recognise themselves as a victim.

Young people who are being criminally exploited may be at risk of harm, arrest, or exposure to dangerous environments. They may miss provision, appear tired or distressed, or show signs of fear and secrecy. Their education may be disrupted, and they may struggle to trust adults, making early intervention crucial.

Online Abuse

Online abuse involves any form of abuse that occurs through digital technologies. Including mobile phones, computers, and gaming platforms. It can include grooming, sexual abuse, exploitation, harassment, threats, or coercion.

Children may experience online abuse from peers, adults, or strangers. The abuse may involve sharing of indecent images, coercion to engage in sexual activity, or exposure to harmful content.

Online abuse can severely affect a student’s mental health, self-esteem, and sense of safety. Learners may become withdrawn, anxious, or fearful of using technology. It can also lead to bullying, exploitation, or blackmail, which may affect attendance, learning, and emotional wellbeing.

Homelessness

Homelessness in a safeguarding context refers to situations where a child or their family does not have a stable, safe, and suitable place to live. This may include living in temporary accommodation, hostels, overcrowded housing, or being at risk of eviction.

Homelessness can increase a child’s vulnerability to abuse, neglect, exploitation, and can significantly affect their welfare and education.

young people facing homelessness may experience instability, lack of basic needs being met, and difficulty focusing on learning. They may arrive late, miss provision, or struggle with emotional regulation due to stress and uncertainty. This can increase their vulnerability to other forms of abuse or exploitation.

Modern Slavery

Modern slavery is the illegal exploitation of people for personal or commercial gain. It can include human trafficking, forced labour, domestic servitude, sexual exploitation, and other forms of abuse.

In safeguarding, children may be targeted because they are vulnerable and may be exploited through threats, coercion, deception, or debt. Victims may not always recognise their situation as exploitation.

young people who are victims of modern slavery may be fearful, isolated, or unable to disclose what is happening to them. They may be missing from education, show signs of trauma, or have little control over their daily lives. Their ability to engage in learning and build trusting relationships may be significantly affected, requiring sensitive and immediate support.

Local Safeguarding Contact details

Our Designated Safeguarding Lead and deputies are named to families when they join, and their details are available on request. To reach them, email contact@kinectcommunity.org.

Leicester City Council LADO

Tel: 0116 454 2440

Email: Lado-allegations-referrals@leicester.gov.uk

Leicester County Council LADO

Tel: 0116 305 4141

Email: CFS-LADO@leics.gov.uk

Policy Review

• This policy is reviewed annually or after significant updates to national guidance.

The review involves our DSL and deputy DSL.

Questions about this policy? Email contact@kinectcommunity.org.