SAFEGUARDING POLICY

(Updated July 2025 – supersedes version dated 5 September 2024)

1  Purpose and scope

TechBloq Learning Centre works with children and families to provide additional academic support through small‑group, in‑person tuition. We believe it is always unacceptable for a child or young person to experience abuse of any kind and we recognise our responsibility to safeguard the welfare of every learner in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) 2024 

This statement sets out the overarching principles that guide all staff, trustees, volunteers, sessional workers, agency staff and students when working on behalf of TechBloq.

2  Our safeguarding commitments

  • Paramountcy of welfare – the welfare of every child is paramount.

  • Equity and inclusion – all children, irrespective of age, disability, gender, racial heritage, religious belief, sexual orientation or identity, have equal rights to protection from harm assets.publishing.service.gov.uk.

  • Partnership working – effective safeguarding is built on respectful partnership with children, parents/carers, the Integrated Care Board (ICB), the local authority and all other safeguarding partners, as required by Working Together to Safeguard Children 2023 (updated 2025) gov.uk.

  • Recognition of additional vulnerability – we take extra care to protect children who may be more vulnerable because of previous experiences, SEND, communication needs or home‑education status gov.uk.

3  How we safeguard children and young people

We will:

  1. Value, listen to and respect every child.

  2. Appoint and publicise a Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) and Deputy DSL.

  3. Adopt and annually review robust child‑protection, safer‑recruitment and low‑level‑concerns procedures.

  4. Embed online‑safety measures that meet the Online Safety Act 2023 duties and the DfE Filtering & Monitoring Standards (Oct 2024), including age‑appropriate filtering of generative‑AI tools and a named senior owner for system reviews

  5. Provide regular training and supervision so all staff act confidently and competently.

  6. Recruit safely, completing enhanced DBS, online‑presence and reference checks in line with KCSIE 2024.

  7. Record, store and share information securely in line with UK GDPR and ICO guidance.

  8. Share information promptly with statutory agencies using our safeguarding and child‑protection procedures and involve families appropriately.

  9. Manage allegations against staff and volunteers in accordance with our Managing Allegations procedure and the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) protocol.

  10. Create and maintain an anti‑bullying culture, including specific responses to child‑on‑child abuse (formerly “peer‑on‑peer”) and online harms.

  11. Operate clear complaints and whistle‑blowing routes.

  12. Provide a safe physical environment by complying with current health‑and‑safety and fire‑safety legislation.

  13. Build a safeguarding culture where everyone is comfortable sharing concerns.

  14. Prepare for forthcoming duties, including the mandatory duty to report child sexual abuse proposed in the 2025 Crime & Policing Bill

4  Legal and policy framework

Our policy is underpinned by (but not limited to):

A fuller list of supporting policies and procedures (e.g., Safer Recruitment, Low‑Level Concerns, Online Safety, Anti‑Bullying, Complaints, Health & Safety) is available in the TechBloq Full Safeguarding Policy.

5  Designated contacts

Internal Contacts:

DSL – Wajid Riaz | safeguarding@techbloq.co.uk | 0208 923 0350

Deputy DSL – Laila Landeza | safeguarding@techbloq.co.uk | 0208 923 0350

External Contacts:

Newham Children’s Social Care (Child Protection)

Alex Mihu: 07929 182 262

or

Evelyn Millyard: 07929 399 336

020 3373 4600 (9am – 5:15pm)

020 8430 2000 (other times)

Childline: 0800 1111 | NSPCC Helpline: 0808 800 5000

6  Version control & review

Version: 2.0 (July 2025)

Author: Laila Landeza (DDSL)

Approved by: Wajid Riaz (DSL)

Next full review: July 2026 or sooner if statutory guidance changes

TechBloq Learning Centre is committed to reviewing this statement and all associated safeguarding procedures at least annually – and immediately following any significant change in statutory guidance or local safeguarding‑partner arrangements.

For our full policy document, please click here: TechBloq Safeguarding Policy July 2025