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Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy

Bright Minds, Calm Hearts, Mindful Learning

1. Policy Statement

Bright Minds, Calm Hearts, Mindful Learning Ltd, is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children and young people who engage in our LEGO® Brick Play Therapy service & Mindfulness sessions.

I believe that:

• The welfare of the child is paramount (Children Act 1989).
• All children have an equal right to protection, regardless of age, disability, gender, race, religion or belief, sexual orientation, gender identity, or socio-economic background.
• All staff, volunteers, and associates have a responsibility to safeguard children and act in their best interests.

I recognise my duty to work in partnership with children, their families, and relevant agencies to promote a safe, supportive, and positive environment.

2. Legal Framework

This policy is based on the following legislation and statutory guidance:

• Children Act 1989 & 2004 – welfare of the child is paramount; duties to safeguard and promote wellbeing.
• Working Together to Safeguard Children (Statutory Guidance, DfE 2023).
• Keeping Children Safe in Education (DfE 2024).
• Education Act 2002 (Section 175).
• Counter-Terrorism and Security Act 2015 (Prevent Duty).
• Data Protection Act 2018 and UK GDPR – confidentiality and information sharing.
• Equality Act 2010 – promoting equal opportunities and preventing discrimination.

3. Scope of the Policy

This policy applies to:

• All therapy sessions delivered in person or online.
• All staff, contractors, volunteers, students, and visitors to Bright Minds, Calm Hearts, Mindful Learning Ltd.
• Any situation where a child is engaged with our service, whether on premises, off-site, or via remote sessions.

4. Definitions

• Child: Any person under the age of 18.
• Safeguarding: Protecting children from maltreatment; preventing impairment of health or development; ensuring safe and effective care; enabling children to have the best outcomes.
• Child Protection: Activity undertaken to protect children suffering, or at risk of suffering, significant harm.
• DSL: Designated Safeguarding Lead – responsible for coordinating safeguarding concerns and referrals.

5. Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)

Claire Lawrence is the Designated Safeguarding Lead for Bright Minds, Calm Hearts, Mindful Learning Ltd.

The DSL will:

• Be the first point of contact for all safeguarding concerns.
• Maintain an up-to-date knowledge of safeguarding practice.
• Liaise with children’s services, the police, and other relevant agencies.
• Keep detailed, secure records of all safeguarding concerns.

If the DSL is unavailable, an appropriately trained deputy will act in their place.

6. Recognising Abuse

All staff must be alert to signs of abuse and neglect, which may include but are not limited to:

• Physical abuse – hitting, shaking, burning, poisoning, etc.
• Emotional abuse – persistent emotional maltreatment, bullying, or humiliation.
• Sexual abuse – contact or non-contact sexual activity, exploitation, grooming.
• Neglect – persistent failure to meet basic physical and emotional needs.

Staff should also be aware of:

• Child-on-child abuse (including bullying, sexual harassment, and exploitation).
• Domestic abuse within the home.
• Risks from online exploitation, radicalisation, or trafficking.

7. Responding to Concerns

If a child is at immediate risk of harm, call 999.

If a safeguarding concern arises:

1. Listen carefully to the child without judgment or leading questions.
2. Record exactly what was said, using the child’s own words.
3. Report the concern immediately to the DSL.
4. Do not promise confidentiality – explain that you may have to share information to keep them safe.
5. DSL will assess and decide whether to:
   
   • Manage internally with support.
   • Seek advice from the local safeguarding hub/MASH (Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub).
   • Make a referral to children’s social care.

8. Recording and Information Sharing

• All safeguarding records will be factual, accurate, and stored securely in line with the Data Protection Act 2018 and UK GDPR.
• Information will only be shared with relevant professionals on a need-to-know basis, in line with Working Together to Safeguard Children.
• Records will be kept for at least six years after a child leaves the service (or longer if legally required).

9. Safer Recruitment and Training

• All staff and volunteers working directly with children will undergo an Enhanced DBS Check prior to starting work.
• All staff will receive safeguarding and child protection training at induction, with annual refreshers.

10. Online Safety

Where therapy is delivered online:

• Sessions will be conducted using secure, password-protected platforms.
• A parent or carer must be aware of the session taking place.
• No personal contact details will be exchanged between staff and children.
• All online interactions will follow the same safeguarding principles as in-person work.

11. Allegations Against Staff or Volunteers

If an allegation is made that a member of staff or volunteer has:

• Behaved in a way that has harmed or may harm a child;
• Possibly committed a criminal offence against or related to a child;
• Behaved in a way that indicates they may pose a risk to children;

this must be reported immediately to the DSL, who will contact the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO). No attempt will be made to investigate before LADO guidance is received.

12. Whistleblowing

Staff and volunteers must raise safeguarding concerns about the conduct of colleagues through the whistleblowing procedure. This includes concerns about poor safeguarding practices. Protection is given under the Public Interest Disclosure Act 1998.

13. Policy Review

This policy will be reviewed annually or earlier if there are changes to legislation, statutory guidance, or organisational practice.

Policy Owner: Claire Lawrence, DSL

Last Reviewed: 11/08/2025

Next Review Due: 11/08/2026