Safeguarding Policies

LAST UPDATED: 23/07/2023
At The STEM Academy, we are committed to ensuring the safety, well-being, and protection of all individuals, especially children, young people, and vulnerable individuals, during online lessons and activities. This Safeguarding Policy outlines our procedures and responsibilities to provide a safe and secure learning environment for all participants.

STEM ACADEMY LTD is dedicated to promoting a culture of safeguarding, where the welfare and safety of every individual are paramount. We take seriously our duty to protect children, young people, and vulnerable individuals from abuse, neglect, harm, and exploitation during all online interactions. This policy applies to all staff, tutors, volunteers, and anyone associated with STEM ACADEMY LTD.

1. Definitions

Child: A person under the age of 18 years.

Young Person: A person aged between 16 and 18 years.
Vulnerable Individual: Any individual who may be at risk of harm or exploitation due to their age, physical or mental health, disability, or other circumstances

Online Lessons: Tuition, tutoring sessions, or any other educational activities conducted virtually via online platforms

2. Scope

This policy applies to all online lessons and activities organised, promoted, or facilitated by STEM ACADEMY LTD, regardless of the online platform used for delivery

3. Roles and Responsibilities

3.1 Designated Safeguarding Officer (DSO): The DSO is responsible for overseeing the implementation of this policy and ensuring safeguarding procedures are followed consistently. They will act as the main point of contact for safeguarding concerns and will liaise with external agencies as required.

3.2 Tutors and Staff: All tutors and staff have a duty to report any safeguarding concerns promptly to the DSO and to follow the organisation's safeguarding procedures.

3.3 Parents/Guardians: Parents/Guardians are encouraged to communicate any safeguarding concerns to the DSO or relevant staff members

4. Safer Recruitment

All tutors and staff involved in online lessons must undergo a thorough vetting process, which includes identity verification and appropriate background checks, such as Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks, before they are allowed to work with children or vulnerable individuals.

5. Online Safety

5.1 Communication Platforms: Tutors and students must only use approved communication platforms during online lessons to ensure privacy and data security.

5.2 Recording of Lessons: Online lessons should not be recorded without the prior consent of the student's parent/guardian (if the student is a child) or the student themselves (if they are a young person). Any recordings should be securely stored and only used for educational purposes

5.3 Online Behaviour: Tutors and students must maintain a professional and respectful online behaviour during lessons, refraining from any inappropriate or offensive language, gestures or materials

6. Recognising and Reporting Concerns

Anyone with safeguarding concerns should report them to the DSO as soon as possible. Reports will be treated confidentially and with sensitivity.

7. Response to Concerns

7.1 Immediate Actions: If a safeguarding concern arises during an online lesson, the tutor must immediately suspend the lesson and report the concern to the DSO.

7.2 Internal Investigation: The DSO will conduct an internal investigation into any safeguarding concerns, involving relevant authorities or agencies as necessary

7.3 Sharing Information: Information related to safeguarding concerns will be shared on a need-to-know basis, ensuring confidentiality and data protection principles are followed

8. Data Protection

8.1 Data Security: STEM ACADEMY LTD will adhere to all data protection laws and regulations to ensure the security and privacy of personal data collected during online lessons

8.2 Data Retention: Personal data related to safeguarding concerns will be retained in line with our Data Retention Policy and relevant legal requirements

9. Policy Review

This Safeguarding Policy will be reviewed regularly to ensure it remains effective and up-to-date with best practices and any changes in legislation

10. Contact Information

For any safeguarding concerns or inquiries related to this policy, please contact the DSO: