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Safeguarding

Contents

• Policy Statement

• Terminology

• Duty of Care (including named staff)

• Local Authority Contacts

• Associated Policies

• Policy review

• Codes of Conduct

• Child Protection Information

• Prevent

• Training

• Welfare and Implementation of Safeguarding

• Accommodation

• Safer Recruitment

• Student Behaviour and Discipline

• Additional Considerations

• Lines of Communication

Policy Statement

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The UK College of English provides English Language training in two centres: Oxford Street and Salisbury. Our safeguarding policy matches the needs of these two centres while always acting in the best interests of the vulnerable person, whatever their individual circumstances. This policy has been updated according to government guidance from “Keeping Children Safe in Education 2018”, “Working Together to Safeguard Children”, DFE (July 2018) and Tri-Borough Local Safeguarding Children Board Procedure.

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Liverpool Street (Eastgate House)

Minimum age: 14 for closed groups; 18+ for mixed groups

Age range: mostly 18 – 40, however we take students as young as 10 years old when they are studying as part of a group because they have a group leader with them. We don’t actively recruit under 12 years old.

Under-18s are only taught as part of a group.

Accommodation: Homestay, residential

 

Soho Street

Minimum age: 14 for closed groups; 18+ for mixed groups

Age range: mostly 18 – 40, however we take students as young as 10 years old when they are studying as part of a group because they have a group leader with them. We don’t actively recruit under 12 years old.

Under-18s are only taught as part of a group.

Accommodation: Homestay, residential (for closed groups only)

 

Salisbury

Minimum age: 8

Age range: 8 – 17, taught in age-appropriate groups

Accommodation: Homestay, residential

 

Terminology

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“Safeguarding” refers to the systems that help us to protect students that are under 18 or vulnerable. These include child protection, welfare, accommodation, abusive behaviour policies, fire, and health and safety policies as relevant.

“U18s” refers to “under 18s”

“Vulnerable” refers to all students who are away from their home country and subject to the negative emotions that this entails. U18s are considered automatically to be vulnerable.

“All adults” refers to those adults who are in contact with U18s and vulnerable students while working for or with UKCE.

“Designated safeguarding lead” or “DSL” refers to the named person who formulates and updates the safeguarding policy for UKCE.

“Designated safeguarding Deputy” or “DSD” refers to the named person who formulates and updates the safeguarding policy for UKCE in the absence of the DSL.

“Designated safeguarding staff” or “DSS” refers to the multiple people (in separate teams for Liverpool Street, Soho Street and Salisbury) who implement the safeguarding policy.

 

Duty of Care

Students should remain aware of the policy through induction, information provided in handbooks and on notices and by abiding to the codes of conduct.

 

All adults are expected to remain aware of this policy, share our commitment to safeguarding, be ready to report concerns and be aware of the designated safeguarding staff and lead. Staff are required to attend Level 1 Safeguarding training.

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Designated Safeguarding Lead

Stephanie Day (Liverpool & Soho Street)

Phone number: 02077346485 (Extn: 7605)

Email: stephanie@ukenglish.org.uk

Lara Selwyn Kogan (Liverpool & Soho Street)

Phone number: 02077346485 (Extn: 7626)

Email: lara@ukenglish.org.uk

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Neil Harvey (Salisbury Summer Centre)

Phone number: 02077346485 (Extn: 7614)

Email: nharvey@ukenglish.org.uk

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Required to formulate and update the safeguarding policy and to implement it through training for staff, especially the DSS. DSL is required to have Specialist Safeguarding for Designated Lead Safeguarding Training – formerly known as Level 3 and to establish contact with the relevant local authorities.

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DSL Key Role:

  • Monitor and update Safeguarding Policy and other related documents,

  • Supports and advises staff and all DSS in day to day implementation of policies,

  • Ensure staff are trained and inductions conveys all safeguarding responsibilities,

  • Receives and records all information from any staff members, children, Group Leaders, or parents who have any safeguarding concerns,

  • Makes a formal referral to a statutory child safeguarding agency or the Police.

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Designated Safeguarding Staff

Required to be visible and named points of contact with (formerly) Level 2 safeguarding training, and to be prepared to bypass the DSL should the need arise. Required to attend safeguarding meetings to remain aware of student situations and updates to the policy.

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Liverpool & Soho Street:

Stephanie Day (DSL)

Basrie Beren Rashit (DSD)

Keyla Ferreira Reyes

Patrick Allen

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Salisbury:

Neil Harvey (DSL)

Alex Davis (DSL)

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Updated annually (or more often as required) and available on the website.

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Other Members of Staff

All staff undertake a Basic Awareness online training course in Safeguarding and Prevent Duty. All staff have an induction giving further school specific safeguarding information.

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Students

All students receive information during their induction, in their Student Handbooks and displayed in the classrooms with easy to understand information on who to speak to and what they can do if they feel threatened, bullied or uncomfortable in anyway.

 

Local Authority Contacts

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The DSL for Salisbury is in contact with Wiltshire Multi Agency Safeguarding Hub for Salisbury and the DSL for Liverpool Street is in contact with the LADO for City of London as well as LSCP for Westminster for Soho Street.

For UKCE Liverpool Street (Eastgate House):

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City of London

Pat Dixon (LADO).   pat.dixon@cityoflondon.gov.uk

Children and Families Team. Children.Duty@cityoflondon.gov.uk

Kirstie Hilton (Lead advisor). kirstie.hilton@cityoflondon.gov.uk

  • Where there is a concern about the behaviour of an adult then contact the LADO (Pat Dixon) Pat.Dixon@cityoflondon.gov.uk

  • Where there is an immediate concern about a child then contact our Duty Team Child protection on 020 7332 3621 (Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm only) or call 020 8356 2710 (at all other times).

  • Any other education safeguarding concern then please contact Kirstie and copy in our team email EEYService@cityoflondon.gov.uk.

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For UKCE Soho Street:

Sharon Ackbersingh

Safer Organisation Manager and Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO)

Telephone: 07714 845 702

Email: sharon.ackbersingh@rbkc.gov.uk

Hilary Shaw

Safeguarding Lead for Schools and Education

Telephone: 020 7598 4876

Mobile: 07817 365 519

Email: hilary.shaw@rbkc.gov.uk

 

For Salisbury Summer Centre:

Anton Hamon

LADO

lado@wiltshire.gov.uk

Tel: 01255 713945

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Associated Policies

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There are a number of associated procedural documents, including the condensed version of this policy for all adults including homestay hosts, group leaders, teachers and activity leaders.

 

Policy review

The safeguarding policy is updated annually (or more often as required) and new training is offered where relevant. Some elements of safeguarding policy are incorporated into class so that students can have input into the formulation of future policies. Last updated February 2022..

 

Codes of Conduct

  1. Staff are in a ‘Position of Trust’ concerning their students. This makes any sexual activity with students aged under 18 illegal according to the Sexual Offences Act 2003.

  2. All adults must observed the rules of appropriate behaviour with U18s. This includes but is not limited to: avoiding favouritism, the avoidance of inappropriate references to sex and drugs in class, management of other students to do likewise, and the avoidance of unnecessary physical contact with U18s. It is paramount to maintain a demeanour of friendly but professional neutrality with U18s.

  3. Private contact with under 18s, outside of the bounds of the school, whether in person, by phone or by private social media is forbidden. Respect for GDPR legislation (i.e. security) should be taken into account when handling personal data, such as personal phone numbers on a school phone.

  4. Staff have a duty to report concerns where U18s are displaying signs that might indicate abuse or neglect, as discussed in safeguarding training. These can either be witnessed by or reported to a staff member. Please request a refresher if these signs have been forgotten.

  5. Staff should be aware that UKCE has a Whistleblowing Policy to protect them if they report concerns. The NSPCC Whistleblowing Helpline, 0800 028 0285, can provide impartial assistance.

  6. Guidance about the potential dangers of social media should be offered as appropriate, and relevant behaviour with host families should be incorporated into class whenever possible.

  7. Homestay hosts should respect privacy by knocking on bedroom and bathroom doors before entering.

 

Child Protection Information

The following information forms the basis of our safeguarding training for staff. Signs of the various types of abuse will be treated as causes of concern to be reported.

Understanding and recognising abuse 

An allegation of abuse

This consists of Information which indicates a person may have:

– behaved in a way that has harmed a child

– committed a criminal offence against or related to a child

– behaved towards a child in such a way that indicates s/he would pose a risk of harm if working closely or regularly with a child

Different kinds of abuse:

Grooming  

This is defined as showing interest in and / or forming an attachment with a young person with the ultimate aim of sexual gratification.

Abusers may also seek to gain the trust of other adults so that they are allowed to be in situations where they have access to potential victims.

Grooming of under 18s constitutes a criminal offence.

 

Sexual abuse  

This is defined as forcing or enticing a young person to take part in sexual activities. If the person is under age, such attention constitutes sexual abuse, even if the victim is willing. The abuser may sometimes be based in a different country to their victim and may use the internet to contact them.

There is also a high incidence of teens abusing other teens e.g. by befriending / loving and then turning on their victim.

How to spot someone who may potentially have been sexually abused 

The person may behave inappropriately e.g. sexualised play or awareness (drawings / promiscuous behaviour) or by being over- needy and attention-seeking.

 

Sexual Harassment

“Low-level” incidents should still be taken seriously, recorded and actioned as appropriate.

 

Emotional abuse  

Here too, the victim may behave in an over-needy, attention-seeking way.

This type of abuse is often persistent, for example in bullying, and may be compounded by the abuser making the victim wary of authority or other adults trying to help them.

Victims of emotional abuse may exhibit both aggression and withdrawal within a short space of time. Emotional abuse is sometimes linked to conditions such as anorexia and self-harming.

 

Physical abuse  

This is potentially the most dangerous as the victim may die as a result of the abuse.

How to spot physical abuse 

Bruising – Symmetry (2 black eyes/bruising on both shoulders) indicates possible abuse

Burns or scalds – A clear edge indicates possible abuse

Finger marks – An inability to explain the presence of these in a plausible way indicates possible abuse.

 

Other 

MSP (Munchhausen Syndrome by Proxy) – This involves fabricating, exaggerating, or inducing mental or physical health problems in another person, often a child, in order to gain attention or sympathy for themselves from others.

FGM (Female Genital Mutilation) this is illegal in the UK and suspected cases should be reported to the police as well as DSS.

 

Neglect  

This may occur in all levels of society as it includes actions such as leaving a child unattended or ignoring their physical and medical needs. In Salisbury, U18s who are not fully independent may ‘self-neglect’ and this should also be reported as appropriate.

How to spot neglect 

The child may thrive away from their home environment.

They may be unused to supervision and be unable to recognise boundaries of acceptable behaviour, possibly resulting in very aggressive or anti-social behaviour.

 

Controlling, coercive and threatening behaviours  

These are often seen in teenage abusive relationships where one partner dominates the other in a range of ways, e.g. forced sexual activity, repeated insults and put downs, stopping a partner from seeing friends/family, checking on their partner all the time (texts/social media etc.), using physical violence, taking money, forcing their partner to work, controlling what their partner wears.

The dominant partner makes the other feel subordinate and deprives them of the means to be independent. Typical behaviours include threats, humiliation and intimidation to harm and punish their victim.

These behaviours are often evident in ‘honour’ based violence (HBV), female genital mutilation (FGM) and forced marriage.

 

Peer-on-peer abuse

Abuse is not only done by adults against children. Under 18s, notably teens, abuse their peers. This can be demonstrated through gang violence or gender-based violence – particularly against girls, hate and revenge crimes, bullying in all its forms are often done by peers to each other.

 

Identifying vulnerable students

All children are vulnerable to abuse, but some may be more at risk than others. This may include but is not limited to;

  • Students with special education needs (SEN)

  • Students that have a disability

  • Students who are the only ones from a particular country and have no one to speak with in their mother tongue.

 

Procedure for reporting disclosures of abuse

Responsibility of staff to report 

The responsibility to disclose an allegation or suspicion of abuse to the DSS immediately is not only a duty of UKCE staff but a legal requirement. All suspicions or allegations of abuse must be taken seriously.

If a staff member has suspicions of any abuse, he/she should alert one of the DSS as soon as possible.  If an under 18 starts to talk to the staff member directly, he/she should allow that person to disclose and should allow them to continue talking following the guidelines below. They should then see the DSL in confidence.

What to do if abuse is disclosed:

Receive

Listen to what is being said in a semi private area without displaying shock or disbelief. A common reaction to news as unpleasant and shocking as child abuse is denial. However, if one displays denial to a child, or shows shock or disgust at what he/she is saying, the child may be afraid to continue and will shut down.

Accept what is being said without judgement and take it seriously.

Reassure

Reassure the child, but only so far as is honest and reliable. Do not promise confidentiality and never agree to keep secrets as there is a duty to report such concerns. Reassure the child that he/she did nothing wrong. Explain to the child that some people, whose job it is to protect children, will need to be told. Acknowledge how difficult it must have been to talk. It takes a lot for a child to come forward about abuse.

React

Listen quietly, carefully and patiently. Do not assume anything – do not speculate or jump to conclusions. Do not investigate, interrogate or decide if the child is telling the truth. An allegation of child abuse may lead to a criminal investigation, so do not do anything that may jeopardise the child’s trust or a possible police investigation. Let the child explain in his/her own words what happened, but do not ask leading questions. Do ask open questions such as “Is there anything else that you want to tell me?” 

Communicate with the child in a way that is appropriate to their age, understanding and preference. This is especially important for children with disabilities and for children whose preferred language is not English. Do not ask the child to repeat what they have said to another staff member. Explain what has to be done next and with whom you have to talk in order to help resolve the matter.

The following table outlines the DOs and DON’Ts when dealing with a disclosure, including some useful phrases:

DO

DON´T

· Stay calm and be available. (The student has put their trust in you.)

 

· Find out the general subject area. Ask ‘What is it about?’ 

If subject matter does require privacy and you are in public place, suggest to student to go somewhere quieter, e.g. a quiet corner of a large space, or probably better, a classroom that has large windows. If you need to use a regular room without large windows, ensure the door is left open and you are sitting within view.

If possible, quickly and discreetly, tell another staff member where you are and that you are having a private meeting with a student.

Try to sit at right angles to student rather than directly opposite or next to them. Be open and ready to listen. Ask ‘What do you want to tell me?’ 

Be open, calm, patient and listen. Your role is only to hear what they have to say – and try and remember their exact words.

If appropriate, you can say; ‘Is there anything else you want to tell me?’ 

If the student hasn’t already told you, you are allowed to ask only ‘When did this happen?’ 

When student has told all they want to, reassure them and say ‘You’ve done the right thing to tell me.’ 

Find somebody responsible (usually another staff member) to sit with them whilst you respond.

Tell the DSL what has happened.

Immediately afterwards, write a report of the meeting using the student’s exact words, giving only facts and record time, date, place, who was present etc. (the DSL will give you a form). If the student’s language level was low, state that in your report.

The DSL will ensure report is filed in proper (secure) place.

Once you have handed matter over to the DSL (or other senior staff) and completed and filed your report, and you know the student is being looked after, (it may be appropriate to go and see the student again to make sure they are OK), make sure you look after yourself. Being told information about child abuse is often very upsetting.

Refuse to listen; e.g. tell them you’re too busy or to see them later. Or over-react.

 

Assume it’s something related to abuse.

Start asking more questions or show worry or concern with your facial expressions.

Be in a room on your own with a student with the door closed.

Draw too much attention to the situation.

Promise confidentiality if they ask you to keep a secret. Explain ‘If it’s necessary, I will tell somebody else (who can help more than I can.)’ 

Put words in their mouth or make any comments on what they tell you.

Write while they are talking to you.

Ask any direct or leading questions or start probing. (That could jeopardise any subsequent police investigation, if that becomes necessary.)

Leave the student alone after they’ve disclosed. Make it clear to staff member sitting with student not to ask any questions; just be a reassuring presence

Tell any colleagues what the student has said (apart from one of those listed as needing to be told).

Write any opinions, or draw any conclusions about anything. Don’t write any comments about the accused.

Try and ‘improve’ the student’s English if it wasn’t grammatically accurate or vocabulary was wrong. (That is a job for any police or social services people to do.)

Talk to any colleagues about what has happened.

Refer directly to the one of the DSS as set out above. Once the DSL is involved, he/she will liaise with the Local Child Safeguarding Board to determine the correct course of action. This would be done where it is believed:

  • there is a risk of significant harm to the student

  • risk of harm to others

  • a criminal act has taken place

  • the student is at immediate risk or danger

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Where the DSL decides that further action is necessary, this may be to:

  • seek further advice from Social Services

  • make a referral to Social Services

  • report the incident to a designated Social Worker

  • report the matter to the Police if a crime is suspected

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Do not discuss the case with anyone outside the DSS.

If the DSL is accused, the DSS will contact MASH (for Salisbury), Children’s Services for the City of London (for Liverpool Street) or LCSB (for Soho Street) directly and follow their directions.

If another U18 is accused, a member of DSS will be assigned to support the accused in addition to the accuser.

 

Record 

Make brief notes at the time and write them up in detail as soon as possible.

Do not destroy any original notes in case they are required by Court.

Record the date, time, place, words used by the child and how the child appeared, be specific. Record the actual words used; including any foul language or slang.

Record factual statements and observable things.  Once the report has been completed, these records must be kept confidential, as hard copies which are securely stored.

 

Prevent

UKCE understands its responsibilities under the Counter Terrorism & Securities Act 2015 to prevent people of all ages being radicalised or drawn into terrorism and seeks to meet its obligations following its policies and procedures.

PREVENT training is considered part of safeguarding and so concerns about radicalisation would also be reported. All Academic staff and teachers have received training in this. Furthermore, the DSL has established contact with the local PREVENT police officer.

Radicalisation is defined as the act or process of making a person more radical or favouring of extreme or fundamental changes in political, economic or social conditions, institutions or habits of the mind.

Extremism may refer to elements such as racism, homophobia, right-wing ideology and religious extremism.

At UKCE, our aim is to provide vulnerable students of any age, faith, ethnicity or background with support to prevent them being exploited by pro-terrorism organisations and engaging in terrorist activity themselves.

Terrorist material could include:

  • articles, images, speeches or videos that promote terrorism

  • content encouraging people to commit acts of terrorism

  • websites made by terrorist organisations

  • videos of terrorist attacks

  • messages intended to stir up hatred against any religious or ethnic group.

  • bomb-making instructions

 

Additional useful contacts 

Anti-terrorist Hotline: 0800 789 321

Reporting terrorist material onlinehttps://eforms.homeoffice.gov.uk/outreach/terrorism_reporting.ofml

 

Training

It is the DSL’s responsibility to ensure that all adults have training as appropriate.

Level 1 Basic Awareness applies to homestay hosts, teaching staff and group leaders (through the use of group leader agreements).

Level 2 Advanced Safeguarding applies to members of the DSS.

Level 3 Specialist Safeguarding Training applies to the DSL.

 

Delivery

Initial

Level 1 Training is conducted in conjunction with the signing of the condensed safeguarding policy and code of conduct at induction.

Level 2 Training is conducted externally either face-to-face or online, according to availability.

Level 3 Training is conducted externally either face-to-face or online, according to availability.

 

Refresher

Level 1 refresher training occurs annually within the TD schedule for staff and during UKCE inspections for homestay hosts.

Level 2 and 3 refresher training occurs every 2 years or after changes in the legislation.

Training is recorded by the collection of certificates, both internal and external.

 

Welfare and the Implementation of Safeguarding

Arrival and Departure

When students who are under 18 arrive in the UK for the first time for our courses, we make it our responsibility to make sure they arrive and depart safely. When booking a course with us they must fill out parental consent form with their details, any medical issues and emergency contact details. It also states if they are staying with a guardian (authorised by their parents) or in homestay accommodation.

 

Liverpool Street (Eastgate House)

At the end of every week one of our Office staff makes sure we have the consent forms for any under-18 student groups arriving the following week.

 

If they are staying in homestay accommodation then they are obliged to book this through our agencies, this is so we can guarantee their safety through our accommodation agencies which DBS check all their homestay hosts. If they book an airport transfer, then the drivers will walk the under-18 student to and from the entrance of their accommodation or airport.

 

At induction the staff member will enquire with the Group Leaders about any U18 students’ accommodation and make sure that they are happy with where they are staying. They then fill out a ‘confirmation of advice’ form, notifying us that they know their way to and from school and know the internet misuse rules.

 

One of the Academic Team or Welfare Officers then meet with the Group Leaders regularly to ensure the students are still happy with their accommodation and course/class.

 

Soho Street

No Under-18 students have classes in our Soho Street Campus, either on their own or as part of a group.

 

Salisbury

In our summer school all students are met at point of entry. Which means they are picked up from the airport when they arrive as well as being dropped off at the airport when departing.

 

In our summer school Residential Accommodation is provided for the students and supervised by adults at the ratio 1:20. Homestay accommodation can also be provided and is organised through UKCE.

 

Risk Assessments

Risk assessments are used to consider the risks that are posed to vulnerable students along with actions to address these. They are used for 16 + students who are placed with adult students, U18 students in closed groups and all students on excursions.

Responsibility for producing them lies with the DSL (especially for more stable, ongoing standards). They are also produced ‘live’ by DSS on an ongoing basis for excursions and the relevant members of staff who are taking the students out sign their agreement to these. The actions in these live risk assessments include informing students of relevant precautions.

 

Supervision

The following ratios of adults to U18s are observed:

Age

8 - 11

12 - 15

16+

Supervision Ratio  

1:14

1:14

1:20

Maximum Class Size

10

14

20 (Liverpool St (Eastgate House)
14 (Salisbury)

In case of irregularity, such as parents visiting and taking students under their own supervision for some portion of their stay, this is recorded with relevant actions on the excursion risk assessment form.

 

Welfare Provision

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Liverpool Street (Eastgate House)

Students are given a handbook before arrival which highlights relevant information including local laws, healthcare providers and advice about life in London.
Induction includes the naming of the front desk staff and safeguarding team as points of contact.

All teachers are told about our concern reporting system, which is a matter of telling the DSS about a concern below the level of disclosure with an emphasis on erring on the side of caution. The DSS take a note of such concerns and decide on appropriate follow-up actions and keep the reports securely.
A phone line is provided for the students and printed on their student ID badges. A lanyard system identifies U18s with red lanyards, staff with dark blue, adult students with turquoise and visitors with yellow. Staggered breaks are set for groups, to avoid overcrowding and unnecessary contact between adults and U18s. Also, any under-16s are not allowed to go to the bathroom on their own and must be accompanied by either an adult or ‘a buddy’, which would be assigned to them during class times by the teacher.

 

Soho Street

We do not take Under-18 students in the Soho Street Campus.

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Salisbury

Students are constantly aware of the provision of welfare through the wearing of wrist bands that have details of the emergency line and DSS.

There is an ethos of friendly concern and availability that extends to all adults, with lines of communication to the DSS for reporting purposes as necessary.

All teachers are told about our concern reporting system, which is a matter of telling the DSS about a concern below the level of disclosure with an emphasis on erring on the side of caution. The DSS take a note of such concerns and decide on appropriate follow-up actions and keep the reports securely.

 

Parental Consent

Parents are directed to our safeguarding procedures in summary and in detailed form, and they are required to check and agree to the level of safeguarding provision UKCE provides.

 

Emergency contact details

When completing parental consent forms, the parents provide their details (with two separate numbers) to allow them to be contacted. This would not be the first recourse as other points of contact include the host family, the group leaders and the students themselves with numbers that have been collected and kept secure but accessible.

We adjust curfew times according to circumstances raised by risk assessments and these are updated on the website.

 

Medical Provision

We provide a parental consent form for every student who is under 18 enrolling at UKCE, whether in Soho Street or Salisbury. In this Consent form the parents/guardians must sign a document claiming that their child is of sufficient maturity to look after themselves for the duration of their course when not supervised by an adult. This form also states that if needed they are sufficiently mature enough to administer their own medication.

 

At all Campuses, we have first aid trained staff available at all times, however, they are not allowed to administer any medication to the students unless the student is incapacitated, and they need help.

 

We provide further medical information for all students, including under 18s, in our Student Handbook about the NHS; medical, dentistry and opticians.

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Emergency Action Procedure

As part of their training, all staff are made familiar with the UKCE Emergency Event Procedure. In addition all staff, students and group leaders are encouraged to download the Citizen Aid Application on their phones as this provides live, relevant updates in the event of an emergency situation.

 

Online Lessons

Safeguarding remains as important when teaching online as when teaching in class lessons. Teachers should familiarise themselves with UKCE Safeguarding Policy before commencing the teaching online. The points below are to be used in accordance with our Safeguarding Policy.

Working via Zoom or any other online audio-visual applications does raise some additional safeguarding issues to consider.

Safeguarding Policy for online classes:

· We will send an agreement to the parents/guardians for teaching their child online through Survey Monkey and attach it to their records.

· The teacher will send the Parent/Guardian an invitation to the online lesson if they wish to join the class, they do not have to if they do not wish.

· The teacher or student are not allowed to record any lesson under any circumstance.

· The teacher will not lock the online lesson at any time.

· An Academic Manager may observe the lesson at any time (without interruption to the lesson), for both the teachers and the child’s sake.

· The teacher will use a separate professional online account for their online lessons rather than their personal one.

· The teacher will make sure that they select appropriate images for their profile picture and do not share ANY personal information e.g. Phone number, email address, or any social media profiles.

· The teacher will maintain the usual Safeguarding policy, using appropriate material in their online lessons. The teacher will be professional when delivering the lessons and always present themselves as they would at the regular sessions.

· The teacher will test their set up before going live. Check that the camera/mic is working properly, ensure the camera position is optimum for teaching and ensure that they are against a neutral background.

· Appropriate attire for work and lanyards are to be worn at all times.

· The student must take lessons in a room with an open door and a parent/guardian should be in the same premises whilst the lesson takes place.

· Communication between student and teacher can be via a professional email address or through the Google classroom online application for their classes.

 

Accommodation

 

All student rooms are to be checked against the following criteria:

  • Acceptable cleanliness

  • Furniture and fittings

  • Introduction of prohibited items

  • Damage, misuse or loss of fire detection and fire-fighting equipment

  • A representative will visit all accommodation provided to ensure that they meet the standards of the British Council prior to placing students.

  • Accommodation providers are required to have an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) Certificate should they accommodate students under the age of 18.

  • Accommodation providers are required to create student registers that are to be regularly monitored to ensure it is current and accurate.

  • Accommodation providers are to be gas safety certified.

  • Accommodation provided is fitted with smoke alarms that are in working order.

  • Accommodation providers will not accommodate two students with the same first language unless unavoidable or specifically requested, in writing, by the students, UKCE, legal guardians/ agency representatives.

  • Accommodation providers will ensure that under no circumstances will children be placed in the same room as an adult. Children sharing a room will be of the same gender.

 

Students’ rooms and facilities

Accommodation providers are required to provide the following for students:

  • A sufficiently spacious bedroom with natural light, equipped with a single or double bed

  • A towel and bed linen which will be changed in a weekly basis and an adequate supply of duvets or blankets

  • An adequate sized mirror

  • A wardrobe or drawer space

  • Facilities for a daily shower

  • A desk and a chair or study space at the accommodation, where available

  • Adequate heating and lighting

  • Privacy from members of the opposite sex

  • Access to washing and ironing facilities or a weekly laundry service, especially in the case of under 16s

 

Homestay accommodation

The regulations that govern homestay accommodation are as follows:

  • UKCE homestay accommodation providers will accept students into their home as temporary members of the household.

  • Students will eat and live with their homestay accommodation providers and students will be given access to the property.

  • The household must ensure a comfortable living environment.

  • There will be an adult at the homestay accommodation to receive students on their arrival and overnight when students under the age of 16 are present.

  • No student under the age of 18 will be accommodated with a student or person aged 18 or older.

  • No more than four students will be accommodated in one homestay accommodation at any one time.

  • No more than two students will be accommodated in the same bedroom unless specifically requested in writing by UKCE, the students, their agency representatives, or parents/legal guardians.

  • English will be the language of communication within the homestay home.

  • Contact names and telephone for UKCE and homestay accommodation providers will be given to students and their legal guardians/ agency representatives for use in cases of emergency.

  • Host family providers will ensure that under no circumstances will children be placed in the same room as an adult. Children sharing a room will be of the same gender.

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Residential accommodation

Two of our three residential accommodation agencies are registered with British Council (Britannia and Host International) and adhere to these rules:

  • Students are able to pick between different options for their stay. These include; single room, twin room, and ensuite room or studio rooms.

  • If the student chooses these residences can be catered; apart from the studio rooms which cannot be catered.

  • There is always a member of staff from the agency that looks after the residences and will monitor those students that are under 18 unless Group Leaders are there to take responsibility. These members of staff are DBS checked through the agency.

  • Under-18 students booking residences are always catered for.

  • The agency will also ask any students arriving that are under 18 to provide a parental consent form before their arrival. They also have their own parental consent forms if the ones the students offer are insufficient.

 

Safer recruitment

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Safer recruitment is the cornerstone of UKCE’s safeguarding strategy, with the aim of serving the best interests of vulnerable students by not employing those with a history of harming the vulnerable and discouraging applications from them.

Both the Head of Studies and Academic Registrar hold a Safer Recruitment certificate to show they have completed an online Safer Recruitment training and assessment.

 

Stages

To discourage unsafe applications, the principles of safer recruitment (i.e. DBS checks, references, proof of identity and address) is alluded to in the advertising and job description, is incorporated in the interview and then fulfilled before adults are allowed to work with U18s.

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DBS Applications and renewals

Obtaining criminal record checks for

Teacher

  1. when a new DBS is required

UKCE obtain permission to run enhanced DBS upon passing interview.

While awaiting DBS, UKCE run a barred list check as a minimum, and do not allow unsupervised access to U18s. The teacher is asked to complete a declaration about the main questions answered by the DBS, with the understanding that inaccuracy will lead to dismissal.

Two references are checked prior to start with a question about suitability for work with under 18s.

  1. when a teacher has an existing DBS from elsewhere

This is checked on the update system. If the teacher is not on the update system, they are asked to join.

  • renewal for active employees

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DBS is checked annually via the update system and UKCE hold a DBS records database.

  1. When a teacher is pending a DBS but through the needs of the company the teacher may have to teach a class

If a teacher has a DBS pending but needs to teach a class then the Academic Team run a Basic DBS for the teacher to make sure there are no immediate things to be aware of. The teacher then has a wear a yellow lanyard to show they are not a fully inducted teacher as of yet. The Academic Team will try their best to not place that teacher in any classes involving U18s, but if necessary then they will be either observed or leave the door open to the classroom, so that a member of staff can check on them regularly. They will also only use the toilet on the 5th floor to avoid any U18 students in the building. The Academic Team will then ensure these restrictions are carried out before they receive their Enhanced DBS and a risk assessment is signed to make sure the teacher understands.

 

Homestay & Residential accommodation

  1. new

We adhere to the following procedures, either though accommodation agencies or ourselves:

-Homestays hosts cannot be used if DBS has not yet been received. UKCE obtain permission to run enhanced DBS upon passing interview. This interview also tries to ascertain suitability for working with U18s.

-Two references (called ‘recommendations’ and can be done by non-family members) are checked prior to start with a question about suitability for work with under 18s.

-Other adults that regularly spend time in the house are subject to a basic DBS check.

  1. when a homestay host has an existing DBS from elsewhere

This is checked on the update system. If the host is not on the update system, they are asked to join by renewing their DBS.

  • renewal for returning hosts

DBS is checked annually via the update system.

  1. Agency

Homestays hosts that work through an agency undergo relevant checks through the agency’s accreditation.

 

Activity leader

  1. when a new DBS is required

UKCE obtain permission to run enhanced DBS upon passing interview.

While awaiting DBS, UKCE run a barred list check as a minimum, and do not allow unsupervised access to U18s.

Two references are checked prior to start with a question about suitability for work with under 18s.

  1. when a leader has an existing DBS from elsewhere

This is checked on the update system. If the leader is not on the update system, they are asked to join.

  • renewal for returning employees

DBS is checked annually via the update system.

 

Transfer contractors

Transfers are completed through companies that have completed DBS checks on their drivers.

 

Overseas applicants

Relevant checks are completed according to guidance downloaded from the government website. Where these have not been provided, as with group leaders who are not contracted as staff, a declaration is requested.

 

Responding to existing record

A decision is made according to Employment of Ex-Offenders policy by considering the nature, seriousness, relevance and time since the offence. The decision is made by more than one person and recorded.

 

Student Behaviour and Discipline

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This code of conduct is conveyed through induction, teacher awareness, classroom notices and dedicated sections of the curriculum. This extends to awareness of safety online (i.e. awareness of privacy, harassment and identity theft)

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In accommodation, students should:

• respect their fellow residents and be careful of everyone’s health and safety

• respect the accommodation and avoid damaging the furnishings and facilities

• respect the privacy of the hosts amnd not give out their information or invite guests without their permission

• never be in possession of weapons or replica weapons

• not rearrange the furniture in their accommodation

• not drink or smoke if they are under the age of 18. Other smoking devices (such as e-cigarettes) are also not permitted.

• never cover smoke detectors

 

At all times, students should:

• arrive on time for lessons and activities

• not eat in classrooms

• only use phones in class as directed by the teachers

• try to maximise their learning by using English in class

• minimise abusive behaviour (see below)

• feel welcome to raise concerns with the safeguarding and welfare team

 

Abusive Behaviour

Abuse is defined as “the wilful, conscious desire to hurt, threaten, upset or frighten anyone.”

Abusive Behaviour may consist of the following, but is not limited to:

• Verbal abuse

• Harassment

• Bullying

• Actual or threatened violence

• Damage to personal property

 

The following actions also constitute abusive behaviour:

1. Deliberate unkindness or any action that causes hurt or upset will not be tolerated from any student, staff member or visitor.

2. It is a form of abusive behaviour to write notes, make phone calls or send electronic messages that are offensive, hurtful, annoying or worrying.

3. Abusive behaviour can also include Cyberbullying; use of information technology to repeatedly harm or harass other people in a deliberate manner, e.g. sending, forwarding or posting harmful material using a cell phone or the internet. Cyberbullying can also take place in the workplace or on company web sites, blogs or product reviews.

4. Students, staff members and visitors have a right to privacy of property and personal information in school. It is dishonest and can be a form of abuse to go into another person’s pocket or bag, read a private document or electronic message.

 

Procedure for dealing with breaches of the code of conduct

The appropriate and proportionate response to incidents is dependent on the circumstances, but the following steps are advised as necessary.

1. The misbehaviour is first brought to the attention of the student by an adult so that the student can correct it himself / herself.

2. A member of DSS reminds the student of the code of conduct (and the later steps of dealing with it) and asks the student to sign a customised and relevant code of conduct declaration.

3. A final warning is given.

4. As a last resort, in consultation with all parties, the course / accommodation services may be cancelled without refund.

 

The following steps may be taken when dealing with incidents of abusive behaviour:

If abusive behaviour is suspected or witnessed, a clear account of the incident must be reported to a member of DSS who must deal with it immediately.

1. The member of DSS/s will interview everyone who was involved and will further record the incident.

2. Parents, guardians and/or agents will be kept informed, where necessary.

3. Punitive measures will be used as appropriate and in consultation with all parties concerned. This may lead to permanent exclusion from the course and any other services (e.g. accommodation). No refund or alternative arrangements will be made.

Students, staff members or visitors who have been a victim of abusive behaviour will receive full support from UKCE by:

• offering an immediate opportunity to discuss the experience with DSS

• offering continuous support and reassurance

• working on restoring self-esteem and confidence

• taking measures to ensure no further abusive behaviour occurs

The accused student, staff member or visitor will also receive full support from UKCE by:

• being given the opportunity to discuss the events

• discovering why s/he became involved

• establishing the wrong doing and the need to change behaviour

• advising and supporting him/her to seek professional help

• if s/he is a student, inform parents, guardians and/or agents to help change the attitude, where necessary

• if s/he is a staff member, informing their line manager to help change the attitude, where necessary. Should the offence be of a serious nature, disciplinary procedures will be followed

 

Additional considerations

 

Fire Safety

Fire safety risk assessments make provision for U18s in terms of additional precautions, such as awaking younger students in residential accommodation.

Homestay hosts are required to complete their own fire safety risk assessments.

 

Safety during transfers

Transfers are completed through companies that have completed DBS checks on their drivers.

Liverpool Street (Eastgate House)

U18 students are accompanied by group leaders during their flights and transfers.

Soho Street

Soho Street Campus does not house Under-18 students.

Salisbury

Homestay hosts greet students on the first day and help to arrange their transport to school.

 

Special Educational Needs

Designated staff should be careful not to confuse Special Educational Needs with warning signs of abuse. To avoid this, they should be aware of which students have special needs through the enrolment process. These students may be especially vulnerable.

 

Private Fostering

If an U18 is placed with a host family for over 27 nights, the arrangement changes and is subject to a private fostering agreement, with the agreement of the local council (Wiltshire for Salisbury and City of London for Eastgate House).

 

GDPR with regard to safeguarding

The Data Protection Act 2018 and GDPR do not prevent, or limit, the sharing of information for the purposes of keeping children safe.

Private data regarding staff and student identification is held securely within databases with restricted access and kept securely when in hard copy.

For safeguarding purposes, relevant staff may have access to student phone numbers for the purpose of maintaining contact. These are kept on school phones and deleted as soon as they are no longer required.

A paper folder is used to keep records of concerns and allegations and is kept securely in the Academic Management offices of Liverpool Street and Salisbury for their respective reports.

 

Monitoring and review of our policy

This Safeguarding Policy will be kept under continuous review. We update it annually or as often as required.  Any changes we may make to this Policy in the future will be posted on our website in this document.

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Lines of Communication

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