Safeguarding Policy
Protecting young people online
Effective date: 1st September 2024 | Last updated: 26/05/2026
Purpose and Scope
This policy outlines the safeguarding measures taken by HeadstartScience Ltd to protect children and young people (ages 11-18) who use our online platform and live lesson services.
HeadstartScience is committed to the safeguarding and wellbeing of all children who participate in our services. All children, regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation have an equal right to protection from all types of harm or abuse.
We recognize that abuse and neglect can take many forms and maintain an attitude of "it could happen here". We understand that harm can include ill treatment that is not physical, as well as the impact of witnessing ill treatment of others.
Legal Framework
This policy has been created in accordance with current UK legislation and government guidance regarding the safeguarding of children, including:
- Keeping Children Safe in Education 2024
- Working Together to Safeguard Children 2023
- Information Sharing Guidance 2024
- Government Guidance on Remote Education
- The Children Act 1989 and 2004
HeadstartScience Commitments
We are committed to:
- Having a named Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) who is available to answer queries from staff and advise on referrals and responses. The DSL undergoes specific training updated formally every two years, with knowledge refreshed at least annually.
- Establishing a secure and confidential reporting system via email for concerns to be raised.
- Ensuring children and families are aware of the NSPCC helpline and other support sources.
- Prioritizing the welfare and dignity of children by actively listening to and respecting them.
- Following best practices for child protection through our policies, procedures, and staff code of conduct.
- Implementing a comprehensive online safety policy and related procedures.
- Providing effective supervision, support, and training for all staff.
- Conducting safer recruitment including all necessary DBS checks for staff.
- Securely recording and storing information in line with UK GDPR and data protection legislation.
- Handling allegations against staff appropriately through established procedures.
- Promoting a zero-tolerance environment for bullying.
- Maintaining effective complaints and whistleblowing measures.
Online Safety
HeadstartScience recognizes that abuse can take place online and that technology may be used to facilitate offline abuse.
- Following disclosure of online abuse, we will refer the matter to the DSL who will take appropriate action including referral to relevant authorities.
- Students are encouraged to report any communication that makes them uncomfortable.
- We recognize this may amount to child-on-child abuse and will take appropriate action in accordance with our Student Code of Conduct.
- All live lesson sessions are monitored and recorded for safeguarding purposes.
- Platform access is secured with encryption and authentication protocols.
Student Code of Conduct
All students must adhere to our Student Code of Conduct which:
- Prohibits behaviour that could put children or others at risk (harassment, bullying, discrimination)
- Outlines consequences for violations, including potential disciplinary action or account suspension
- Promotes respectful and appropriate online behaviour
- Establishes clear boundaries for interaction with other students and staff
Communication Guidelines
Strict Communication Rules:
- All communication must be conducted through official HeadstartScience channels only
- Private messaging or exchanging personal contact information is strictly prohibited
- Educators do not engage in personal discussions outside the scope of educational sessions
- Any communication using non-official channels will be treated as a disciplinary issue and may be referred to appropriate authorities
Reporting Procedure
All safeguarding concerns must be reported immediately to:
Email: safeguarding@headstartscience.co.uk
Your report should include:
- Names of all people involved
- Platform/medium where incident occurred
- Your contact information (email, phone)
- Summary of concern (facts, not opinions)
- Any action already taken
Immediate Action on Receiving a Disclosure:
Reassure the child and signpost them to appropriate support sources (NSPCC, Childline, school safeguarding lead).
Emergency Contacts:
NSPCC Helpline: 0808 800 5000
Childline: 0800 1111
Emergency: 999 or contact your local authority safeguarding team
Safer Recruitment
HeadstartScience is committed to recruiting staff who are safe to work with children:
- All staff undergo enhanced DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) checks
- Identity verification using two forms of photographic identification
- Criminal record checks and verification of qualifications
- Minimum of two professional references checked (one verbally)
- Interview process includes safeguarding questions
- All staff sign our Staff Code of Conduct before starting work
Allegations Against Staff
HeadstartScience takes all allegations seriously and follows KCSIE 2024 guidance distinguishing between high and low-level concerns:
- All allegations must be referred immediately to the DSL
- The DSL will determine if the allegation is high-level (meets threshold for harm) or low-level
- High-level concerns will be reported to the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO)
- Staff are encouraged to self-report any instance where they may have been perceived as behaving inappropriately
- All allegations are treated in strictest confidence
- Appropriate action will be taken to protect the child and investigate the allegation
Parental Consent
For users under the age of 18:
- Full parental or legal guardian consent must be obtained before using HeadstartScience
- Parents/guardians must be aware of our Terms and Conditions, Privacy Policy, and Student Code of Conduct
- Parents have the right to access their child's account information and progress
- Parents can request withdrawal of consent and account deletion at any time
Data Protection and Confidentiality
HeadstartScience is committed to protecting the personal information of all children:
- We comply with UK GDPR and Data Protection Act 2018
- Strict measures ensure security and confidentiality of personal information
- Information is only shared with appropriate authorities when safeguarding concerns arise
- All data is stored securely with appropriate access controls
Designated Safeguarding Lead
Contact our DSL:
Email: safeguarding@headstartscience.co.uk
The DSL is responsible for coordinating safeguarding action and liaising with external agencies as required.
Review and Update
This safeguarding policy is reviewed and updated annually (every September) to ensure it remains current with safeguarding guidelines and best practices.
The policy is also reviewed following any safeguarding incident or change in legislation.
If You Have Concerns
Contact us immediately:
Safeguarding Email: safeguarding@headstartscience.co.uk
General Enquiries: info@headstartscience.co.uk
The welfare of the child is paramount. When in doubt, report.