top of page
brainUp-1_edited.png

Safeguarding Policy Statement

BrainUp is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children and young people in our care. We are fully compliant with:

​

  • Working Together to Safeguard Children (2023)

  • After-school clubs, community activities, and tuition: safeguarding guidance for providers (2020)

  • Keeping Children Safe in Education (2024)

  • Relevant Local Safeguarding Children Partnership (LSCP) Procedures

  • Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) processes

  • Prevent Duty (Counter-Terrorism and Security Act 2015)

​

We aim to build a culture of safety and trust, where everyone understands their responsibilities and children feel protected, heard, and supported.

Terms & Conditions - the basics

Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)

Name: Andrew Cheung

 Position: Designated Safeguarding Lead

 Email: andrewcheung@robolabx.com

 Training: The DSL holds up-to-date safeguarding and Prevent training (refreshed every 2–3 years as required).

When operating in school settings, BrainUp will follow the school’s Safeguarding Policy and report any concerns to the school’s DSL. However, BrainUp’s internal DSL remains responsible for ensuring safeguarding standards are upheld across all settings.

 

Safer Recruitment Procedures

BrainUp follows Safer Recruitment practices in line with statutory guidance:

  • Enhanced DBS checks for all staff and volunteers

  • ID verification and right to work checks

  • Written references obtained and verified

  • Employment history and any gaps checked

  • Face-to-face interviews assessing suitability to work with children

  • All records securely maintained and available upon inspection

 

Staff Induction & Training

All staff receive:

  • A robust induction covering safeguarding and child protection

  • A copy of this Safeguarding Policy

  • Regular training updates on safeguarding, behaviour management, Prevent Duty, and whistleblowing

  • Ongoing CPD and safeguarding supervision where appropriate

  • Staff meetings include safeguarding as a standing agenda item

 

Behaviour Code of Conduct

Staff are expected to:

  • Serve as positive role models

  • Maintain professional boundaries at all times

  • Avoid one-to-one situations where possible

  • Never use physical punishment

  • Promote respectful, inclusive, and safe environments

A full Code of Conduct is provided to all staff during induction and is available upon request.

 

Recognising and Reporting Concerns

Staff are trained to identify signs of:

  • Emotional, physical, sexual abuse or neglect

  • Peer-on-peer abuse (including sexting or bullying)

  • Risk of radicalisation or exploitation

If a child discloses or a concern arises:

  1. Listen without judgment

  2. Reassure the child they are right to speak up

  3. Record objectively using the Logging a Concern Form

  4. Report immediately to the DSL or the school’s DSL if on-site

 

Making Referrals

The DSL will:

  • Refer child protection concerns to Children’s Social Care

  • Follow up in writing within 48 hours

  • Contact the Police (999) for immediate danger or 101 for non-emergency concerns

  • Refer to Prevent or Channel where radicalisation is suspected

  • Liaise with the school DSL and external agencies as needed

 

Allegations Against Staff or Volunteers

If an allegation is made:

  • It will be recorded using the Incident Record Form

  • The LADO will be contacted immediately

  • Ofsted will be informed as legally required

  • Suspension may be necessary pending investigation

  • A referral to the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) will be made if appropriate

 

Whistleblowing Procedures

Staff are encouraged to raise internal concerns about:

  • Unsafe practices

  • Poor safeguarding leadership

  • Failure to follow procedures

Concerns can be raised with the DSL, line manager, or directly to the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) or Ofsted. Whistleblowers are protected by law and BrainUp has a Whistleblowing Policy in place.

 

Children and Families Raising Concerns

Children and families are encouraged to:

  • Speak to any staff member if they feel unsafe

  • Contact the DSL directly

  • Use the school’s complaint or safeguarding channels (where applicable)

All concerns from parents/carers will be taken seriously and responded to promptly.

 

Peer-on-Peer Abuse

All forms of peer-on-peer abuse are treated seriously. Staff will:

  • Not dismiss behaviour as “just banter” or “part of growing up”

  • Identify power imbalances and patterns of harm

  • Act in line with this policy and relevant safeguarding procedures

 

Use of Mobile Phones & Photography

  • Staff must not use personal phones or devices to photograph children

  • Only designated BrainUp devices may be used with parental consent

  • All images are stored securely and used solely for agreed purposes

 

Monitoring & Review

This policy is reviewed annually or following any major incident or regulation change. All staff are reminded of updates and re-sign to confirm they have read and understood the contents.

 

Key Contacts & Resources

bottom of page