Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy

Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy: EduKate

Last updated: 4th August 2026

EduKate delivers creative, entrepreneurial and tutoring programmes for children across Milton Keynes and the wider UK. We are committed to providing a safe, nurturing and empowering environment for all children who participate in our clubs, workshops, tutoring sessions and community events.

This policy reflects the statutory guidance in Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) 2026, the Children Act 1989 & 2004, Working Together to Safeguard Children (2018, updated 2023), the Prevent Duty (2015), and legal responsibilities relating to Female Genital Mutilation (FGM).

1. Purpose of this Policy

EduKate prioritises the safety, wellbeing and protection of every child. This policy outlines our commitment to:

Protect children from all forms of harm, abuse, neglect and exploitation.
Promote a safe, inclusive and supportive learning environment.
Ensure all EduKate staff, tutors and volunteers act responsibly, professionally and in the best interests of children.
Comply with all statutory safeguarding duties and expectations for organisations working with children.

2. Scope

This policy applies to:

All children and young people participating in EduKate Entrepreneurs, EduKate Creative Writing, and EduKate Tutoring Services.
All parents/carers engaging with EduKate programmes.
All EduKate staff, tutors, contractors, volunteers and partner organisations.
All in‑school clubs, community workshops, online sessions, and off‑site celebration events.

3. Safeguarding Responsibilities

EduKate is committed to:

Following all UK child protection laws and statutory guidance.
Ensuring all staff and tutors hold an enhanced DBS check, are on the Update Service, and undergo regular safeguarding training.
Maintaining up‑to‑date training in Prevent Duty, FGM awareness, online safety, and child protection procedures.
Ensuring staff understand how to identify, respond to and report safeguarding concerns.
Working collaboratively with schools, local authorities and external agencies when required.

4. Safe Practice in Schools & Community Settings

EduKate programmes delivered in schools or community venues will:

Follow the host school’s safeguarding procedures and liaise with the school’s Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL).
Ensure children are supervised at all times during sessions.
Maintain professional boundaries and appropriate conduct.
Ensure safe dismissal procedures agreed with the school or venue.
Ensure no one‑to‑one unsupervised contact occurs unless agreed and risk‑assessed (e.g., tutoring).

5. Online Safety Measures

For online tutoring or digital activities:

Secure, password‑protected platforms are used.
Parents/carers are encouraged to supervise sessions where appropriate.
Sessions may be recorded or monitored for quality assurance and safeguarding.
Private communication outside approved channels is prohibited.
Tutors must maintain professional conduct at all times.

6. Code of Conduct for Tutors & Staff

All EduKate staff must:

Maintain professional boundaries at all times.
Use respectful, age‑appropriate and inclusive language.
Never share personal contact details with children.
Avoid any form of favouritism, inappropriate behaviour or communication.
Report concerns immediately to the DSL.
Follow Prevent Duty expectations, remaining alert to signs of radicalisation or extremist influence.
Understand mandatory reporting duties relating to FGM (for girls under 18).
Ensure safe use of photos, videos and pupil work in line with GDPR and parental consent.

7. Recognising and Responding to Concerns

Children may be at risk from:

Physical, emotional or sexual abuse
Neglect
Bullying or harassment
Online grooming or exploitation
Radicalisation or extremist influence
FGM or risk of FGM
Domestic abuse
County lines or criminal exploitation

Reporting Procedure

Any concern must be reported immediately to the EduKate DSL.
If a child is at immediate risk, emergency services will be contacted.
Concerns arising in school settings will be shared with the school’s DSL.
All incidents will be recorded securely and confidentially.
EduKate will work with external agencies when required.

8. Prevent Duty & FGM Responsibilities

EduKate staff are trained to:

Recognise early signs of radicalisation or extremist influence.
Promote British Values (democracy, rule of law, individual liberty, mutual respect and tolerance).
Identify indicators of FGM and understand mandatory reporting duties.
Respond appropriately and sensitively to disclosures.

9. Role of Parents/Carers

Parents/carers are expected to:

Provide accurate information about their child.
Support safe behaviour during sessions.
Communicate any concerns promptly.
Provide consent for media use, off‑site events or online participation.

10. Data Protection & Confidentiality

All safeguarding information is handled sensitively and in line with GDPR.
Information is shared only when necessary to protect a child.
Records are stored securely and accessed only by authorised personnel.

11. Media, Photography & Pupil Work

EduKate will:

Seek explicit parental consent for photographs, videos or pupil work.
Never share full names, personal details or identifying information.
Use content solely for educational, celebratory or promotional purposes.
Respect parents’ right to withdraw consent at any time.

12. Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)

Name: Katie Nicholson Email: katie@edukate-services.com Phone: 07723 375811

The DSL is responsible for ensuring this policy is followed, updated and communicated effectively across all EduKate programmes.

13. Policy Review

This policy will be reviewed annually, or sooner if required due to changes in legislation, guidance or best practice.

Next scheduled review: August 2027.