Child Protection Policy.

Vale Training Services Ltd fully recognises its responsibilities for child protection.

Our policy applies to all staff, instructors and volunteers working in the business. There are five main elements to our policy:

1. Ensuring we practice safe recruitment in checking the suitability of staff and volunteers to work with young people. All staff working with you people should hold a child protection certificate. 

2. Raising awareness of child protection issues and equipping young people with the skills needed to keep them safe where it is appropriate.

3. Developing and then implementing procedures for identifying and reporting cases, or suspected cases, of abuse.

4. Supporting clients who have been abused in accordance with his/her agreed child protection plan.

5. Establishing a safe environment in which young people can learn and develop.

We recognise that because our staff does not have the day to day contact with young people, staff are not well placed to observe the outward signs of abuse. Vale Training services Ltd will therefore,

1. Establish and maintain an environment where young people feel secure, are encouraged to talk if necessary, and are listened to.

2. Ensure young people know that there are adults in the business whom they can approach if they are worried.

We will follow the procedures set out by the recognized bodies and take account of guidance issued by the Department for Education and Skills to:

1. Ensure we have a designated senior person for child protection who has received appropriate training and support for this role and who will also be responsible for all child protection. This will be Kate Mason

2. Ensure every member of staff (including temporary and supply staff and volunteers) and governing body knows the name of the designated senior person responsible for child protection and their role.

3. Ensure all staff and volunteers understand their responsibilities in being alert to the signs of abuse and responsibility for referring any concerns to the designated senior person responsible for child protection.

4. Ensure that parents have an understanding of the responsibility placed on Vale Training Services and staff for child protection by setting out its obligations.

5. Develop effective links with relevant agencies and co-operate as required with their enquiries regarding child protection 

6. Keep written records of concerns about young people, even where there is no need to refer the matter immediately.

7. Ensure all records are kept securely, separate from the main pupil file, and in locked locations.

8. Develop and then follow procedures where an allegation is made against a member of staff or volunteer.

9. Ensure safe recruitment practices are always followed.

We recognise that young people who are abused or witness violence may find it difficult to develop a sense of self worth. They may feel helplessness, humiliation and some sense of blame.  When in a training environment their behaviour may be challenging and defiant or they may be withdrawn. Vale Training will endeavour to support the pupil through this.

Vale Training will liaison with other agencies that support the pupil such as social services, Child and Adult Mental Health Service, education welfare service and educational psychology service.

Reviewed July 2020