Safeguarding Policy

The purpose of this policy statement is:

To protect children and young people who receive Herts Driver Training’s services from harm. This includes the children of adults who use our services.
This policy applies to anyone working on behalf of Herts Driver Training, and provides them with the principles that guide our approach to child protection.

LEGAL FRAMEWORK

This policy has been drawn up on the basis of legislation, policy and guidance that seeks to protect children in England. A summary of the key legislation is available from nspcc.org.uk/learning.

WE BELIEVE THAT:

Children and young people should never experience abuse of any kind.
We have a responsibility to promote the welfare of all children and young people, to keep them safe and to practise in a way that protects them.

WE RECOGNISE THAT:

The welfare of children and young people is paramount in the work we do and in all the decisions we take all children, regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation have an equal right to protection from all types of harm or abuse.
Some children are additionally vulnerable because of the impact of previous experiences, their level of dependency, communication needs or other issues.
Working in partnership with children, young people, their parents, carers and other agencies is essential in promoting young people’s welfare.

WE WILL SEEK TO KEEP CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE SAFE BY:

Valuing, listening to and respecting them.
Adopting child protection and safeguarding best practice through our policies.
Providing effective management for all staff through support and training.
Recruiting staff safely, ensuring all necessary checks are made.
Recording, storing and using information professionally and securely, in line with data protection legislation and guidance
Making sure that children, young people and their families know what to do if they have a concern.
Using our safeguarding and child protection procedures to share concerns and relevant information with agencies who need to know, where there is risk of harm.
Ensuring that we have effective complaints and whistleblowing measures in place.

HOW WE DEAL WITH DISCLOSURES FROM YOUNG PEOPLE

We will endeavour to listen carefully to the young person, and involve their family or an appropriate adult where possible. We will seek to offer the most appropriate support, to gain advice from the NSPCC on 0808 800 5000 where needed, and to contact the relevant agencies where app

HOW WE DEAL WITH CONCERNS ABOUT YOUNG PEOPLE

We may become aware of concerns through the young person, the family, or a third party. We will endeavour to listen to all concerns and take the most appropriate action. Where the risk to a young person is immediate or life threatening, we will contact the police on 999. We may contact the NSPCC for advice on 0808 800 5000, and/or we may contact the local authority to report our concerns. Whilst we follow GDPR regulations and are registered with the Information Commissioners Office (ZA824422), we will share concerns with the appropriate authorities if a young person or family is at risk.

SAFE RECRUITMENT

All instructors working with Herts Driver Training have an enhanced DBS check regularly, as part of their registration with the DVSA. All instructors must report any offences, allegations, or concerns, immediately to Herts Driver Training and the DVSA, who will deal with each report individually, with an absolute priority to protect all customers, including children and young people

TRAINING AND GUIDANCE

Herts Driver Training provide guidance as well as encouraging safeguarding training. Ongoing support and guidance are given through Herts Driver Training, with additional support from 3rd parties where needed.