Safeguarding Policy

STEMPro Academy
Last updated: 25 July 2025

1. Introduction

STEMPro Academy is committed to providing a safe and supportive environment for all children, young people, and vulnerable adults who access our services. We believe that safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility, and we take all reasonable steps to ensure the safety and welfare of our students, whether learning takes place online or in person.

This policy outlines our approach to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of those we work with.

2. Purpose of the Policy

The purpose of this policy is to:

  • Protect children, young people, and vulnerable adults from harm.
  • Ensure that staff, tutors, and volunteers understand their responsibilities.
  • Provide clear procedures to follow if safeguarding concerns arise.

3. Scope

This policy applies to:

  • All staff, tutors, volunteers, and representatives of STEMPro Academy.
  • All services provided by STEMPro Academy, including online and classroom-based tutoring.
  • All learners, including children under 18 and vulnerable adults.

4. Our Commitment

STEMPro Academy will:

  • Ensure that safeguarding is embedded in all aspects of our operations.
  • Appoint a Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) responsible for handling safeguarding concerns.
  • Ensure that all tutors and staff working with children or vulnerable adults have completed appropriate safeguarding checks (including DBS checks, where applicable).
  • Provide safeguarding training to all relevant staff and tutors.
  • Respond promptly and appropriately to any concerns or allegations.
  • Maintain secure and confidential records of all safeguarding concerns.

5. Recognising Abuse and Neglect

We recognise that abuse can take many forms, including:

  • Physical abuse
  • Emotional abuse
  • Sexual abuse
  • Neglect
  • Online abuse and exploitation

We are committed to raising awareness and ensuring staff are able to recognise the signs of abuse.

6. Safer Recruitment

STEMPro Academy follows safe recruitment practices, which include:

  • Verifying identity and qualifications
  • Obtaining references
  • Conducting enhanced DBS checks for roles involving direct work with children
  • Conducting interviews to assess suitability for working with young people

7. Online Safety

For online tutoring:

  • Tutors must conduct sessions in a safe and professional environment.
  • Sessions may be monitored or recorded (with consent) to ensure safety.
  • Personal information of students and tutors must be protected at all times.
  • No private communication should occur outside of the agreed tutoring platform.

8. Roles and Responsibilities

  • Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL): Oversees safeguarding policy and procedures, and handles any concerns or referrals.
  • All staff and tutors: Must be aware of this policy and follow it. They must report any concerns immediately to the DSL.
  • Parents/carers: Should share relevant information and work in partnership with STEMPro Academy to ensure learner safety.

9. Responding to Concerns

If a safeguarding concern arises:

  • The person receiving the concern must record details clearly and immediately inform the DSL.
  • The DSL will assess the concern and, where necessary, refer it to the appropriate local authority or agency.
  • We will maintain confidentiality and only share information on a need-to-know basis.

10. Confidentiality and Record-Keeping

Safeguarding concerns will be recorded securely and confidentially. Records will be:

  • Stored securely in accordance with data protection regulations.
  • Shared only with authorised individuals.
  • Retained for a suitable period in line with statutory requirements.

11. Policy Review

This policy will be reviewed annually or sooner if legislation, guidance, or practices change.

Contact

Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL):
Name: [To be appointed]
Email: stempro.academy1@gmail.com
Website: www.stemproacademy.com

Disclaimer: This safeguarding policy is part of our pre-launch framework and will be fully implemented upon the official launch of STEMPro Academy.