SAFEGUARDING
INFORMATION FOR STAFF, ADULT STUDENTS, AGENTS, AND
STUDENTS WHO ARE UNDER 18 AND THEIR PARENTS:
STUDENTS WHO ARE UNDER 18 AND THEIR PARENTS:
Our ELH Safeguarding lead for adults and under 18s is the Clare Hampshire.
When Clare is unavailable our Safeguarding lead for under 18s is Mihaela Dimitriu
You can contact them via email at [email protected] or by telephone on +44 (0)1908 108683 Ext. 800
When Clare is unavailable our Safeguarding lead for under 18s is Mihaela Dimitriu
You can contact them via email at [email protected] or by telephone on +44 (0)1908 108683 Ext. 800
SAFEGUARDING POLICY
SAFEGUARDING VULNERABLE ADULTS AND CHILDREN
POLICY STATEMENT
The activities of ELH involve working in and around public and domestic spaces which are occupied by others. Safeguarding the welfare of all customers including children, young people and vulnerable adults within these spaces plays an important role in our daily activities and all ELH staff must be aware of their responsibilities in this regard.
ELH aims to assure the safe and secure provision of its services for all our customers, including children, young people and vulnerable adults, across all our activities, through effective management systems, training, inspection and regulation.
ELH is committed to the following principles in all aspects of our work:
Safeguarding is a general term used to describe how we protect adults and children from abuse or neglect. Within the area of ELH's activities, Safeguarding is about protecting all customers affected by our workplace activities and in particular making certain that we provide a tailored customer care service to those in vulnerable circumstances. Our Safeguarding procedure also covers how we report and take action when we come across people, within our daily jobs, whom we suspect may be at risk of abuse or neglect due to the actions (or lack of action) of another person. In these cases, it is very important that our staff work together with the client and relevant authorities to make sure that any suspected matters are dealt with swiftly and effectively.
ELH takes full responsibility to ensure that our workplace activities do not have a negative impact on the safety and welfare of others. To assist in this we will:
As an organisation, we commit to carrying out effective training with our staff on Code of Conduct, Respect for People, Customer Care and Safeguarding with all our staff on a continuous basis. We shall continue to work with our clients and external training providers in the most collaborative manner to focus on topics to improve our own Safeguarding procedures and we aim to mould our clients’ expectations and proactively push for positive change.
Our Commitments:
Any of the types of abuse outlined in our full Policy may take place as the result of deliberate intent, negligence or ignorance. Multiple forms of abuse can occur simultaneously. Abuse cannot be excused for any cultural or religious reason and should always be reported. Each and every person working at ELH is responsible for being vigilant throughout their daily activity and for ensuring our primary role as ‘alerter’ is carried through in line with our Policy. We are each accountable for reporting safeguarding concerns to our line manager, a senior ELH Safeguarding Lead, client and/or where appropriate, liaising with the relevant Local Authority.
If you are unsure who to report to, please contact the ELH Office who will put you in touch with Clare Hampshire, our Safeguarding lead.
ELH takes any concerns raised about the safeguarding of our employees, clients and customers very seriously.
POLICY STATEMENT
The activities of ELH involve working in and around public and domestic spaces which are occupied by others. Safeguarding the welfare of all customers including children, young people and vulnerable adults within these spaces plays an important role in our daily activities and all ELH staff must be aware of their responsibilities in this regard.
ELH aims to assure the safe and secure provision of its services for all our customers, including children, young people and vulnerable adults, across all our activities, through effective management systems, training, inspection and regulation.
ELH is committed to the following principles in all aspects of our work:
- Empowerment – putting people first and helping those who lack mental or physical capacity to feel involved and informed about our work activities.
- Partnership – sharing the right information in the right way with our clients and customers and providing adequate resources to achieve an optimum service.
- Protection – ensuring we implement adequate protective procedures in and around the work areas to ensure the safety and protection of customers and especially highlighting needs of vulnerable residents or members of the public.
- Support - supporting customers in the communities where we work so they have the opportunity to take action and take control of their personal circumstances.
- Prevention – responding quickly to suspected cases of abuse or suspicious circumstances.
- Proportionality – making sure what we do is appropriate to the situation and for the individual.
- Accountability – making sure all parties we work with have clear roles and responsibilities.
Safeguarding is a general term used to describe how we protect adults and children from abuse or neglect. Within the area of ELH's activities, Safeguarding is about protecting all customers affected by our workplace activities and in particular making certain that we provide a tailored customer care service to those in vulnerable circumstances. Our Safeguarding procedure also covers how we report and take action when we come across people, within our daily jobs, whom we suspect may be at risk of abuse or neglect due to the actions (or lack of action) of another person. In these cases, it is very important that our staff work together with the client and relevant authorities to make sure that any suspected matters are dealt with swiftly and effectively.
ELH takes full responsibility to ensure that our workplace activities do not have a negative impact on the safety and welfare of others. To assist in this we will:
- Communicate with our clients to gather important information relating to customer profiles and any special considerations we should be aware of.
- Inform our Staff and/or Homestay providers, when necessary, to make sure they are aware of the needs of students they will be teaching, and/or looking after.
- Select the most suitable staff and/or homestay providers for each student, taking into account the student's personal needs and vulnerabilities.
- Follow a stringent selection process to engage staff and select homestay providers specific to the work and/or activities we require and based on: candidates' previous experience of similar work, skill base, qualifications and training, length of service and DBS checks. In this way we can assess a candidate's suitability for a job we need to fill and feel safe in the knowledge that people who work for us are highly experienced in carrying out their activities in a safe manner.
- As an organisation, we shall try to engage people who are familiar with the local area, aware of common social issues and to identify and act upon safeguarding concerns which may arise.
- We carry out comprehensive induction training with all team members specific to the work we do so that we can identify any offsite and onsite rules and potential hazards for offsite and onsite work and to specify the measures we need to put in place to eliminate or minimize any potential risks, to ensure the welfare of others and to provide a safe and compliant working for all involved in the delivery of lessons, exams and/or homestay accommodation to students and clients.
As an organisation, we commit to carrying out effective training with our staff on Code of Conduct, Respect for People, Customer Care and Safeguarding with all our staff on a continuous basis. We shall continue to work with our clients and external training providers in the most collaborative manner to focus on topics to improve our own Safeguarding procedures and we aim to mould our clients’ expectations and proactively push for positive change.
Our Commitments:
- Empowerment – putting people first and helping those who lack mental or physical capacity to feel involved and informed about our work activities.
- Partnership – providing adequate resources to achieve an optimum service and sharing the right information in the right way with our clients and customers.
- Protection – ensuring we carry out thorough site-specific induction with our team and that site management prioritise the implementation of adequate protective procedures in and around the work areas in line with our continual development and action plan to ensure the safety and protection of customers and especially highlighting needs of vulnerable residents or members of the public.
- Support - supporting customers and residents in the communities where we work through social value, community events, sponsorships, employment opportunities and upskilling initiatives, so they have the opportunity to take action and take control of their circumstances.
- Prevention – responding quickly to suspected cases of abuse or suspicious circumstances.
- Proportionality – making sure what we do is appropriate to the situation and for the individual.
- Accountability – making sure all parties to the project have clear roles and responsibilities in relation to Safeguarding.
Any of the types of abuse outlined in our full Policy may take place as the result of deliberate intent, negligence or ignorance. Multiple forms of abuse can occur simultaneously. Abuse cannot be excused for any cultural or religious reason and should always be reported. Each and every person working at ELH is responsible for being vigilant throughout their daily activity and for ensuring our primary role as ‘alerter’ is carried through in line with our Policy. We are each accountable for reporting safeguarding concerns to our line manager, a senior ELH Safeguarding Lead, client and/or where appropriate, liaising with the relevant Local Authority.
If you are unsure who to report to, please contact the ELH Office who will put you in touch with Clare Hampshire, our Safeguarding lead.
ELH takes any concerns raised about the safeguarding of our employees, clients and customers very seriously.
SAFEGUARDING PROCEDURE
SAFEGUARDING VULNERABLE ADULTS AND CHILDREN
PROCEDURE STATEMENT
PROCEDURE STATEMENT
HOW WE LOOK AFTER UNDER 18s
HOW WE LOOK AFTER UNDER 18s - Information for Parents and all Under 18s:
Signing in and out of school each day:
Under 18s attendance will be monitored very closely by the office and absences followed up immediately.
It may be required for under 18s to sign in on arrival and out on departure at the ELH Office.
INFORMATION FOR PARENTS WHO BOOK FOR A FULL DAY/WEEK PROGRAMME OF LESSONS AND ACTIVITIES FOR U16s:
Under 16s who study at English Language House will be supervised during the times they are under the care of ELH. The teachers and ELH staff will supervise them during their classes, break times and during activities and trips they have booked. ELH staff who supervise under 16s are DBS checked.
INFORMATION FOR PARENTS WHO BOOK ONLY LESSONS FOR U16s:
Under 18s who have not booked to participate during lunch, breaks, trips and activities outside class times will only be supervised during their class times and ELH will not be responsible for them before the start or after the end of their lessons each day. Parents will need to sign a parental consent form to indicate that they will take responsibility for the under 18 outside class times. ELH will need to know what arrangements the parents have made to ensure the safety and wellbeing of the under 18s before the start and after the end of lessons each day they attend classes at ELH.
INFORMATION FOR GROUPS OF U18s, PARENTS AND GROUP LEADERS:
If under 18s are part of group and arrive with a group leader the group leader will need to have a police check sent to ELH from their country before we can agree to accept them as group leader for their group. Group leaders will only ever be responsible for their groups and cannot oversee, supervise or be left alone with other groups or students.
INFORMATION FOR PARENTS WHO WANT THEIR 16 or 17 year old TO STUDY IN AN ADULT CLASS:
Students who are 16 or 17 may be able to join adult classes but special conditions apply:
To accept a 16 or 17 year old into an adult class ELH must:
Students who are under 16 years old cannot be taught with students who are 18 or over so we cannot accept them in adult classes.
Signing in and out of school each day:
Under 18s attendance will be monitored very closely by the office and absences followed up immediately.
It may be required for under 18s to sign in on arrival and out on departure at the ELH Office.
INFORMATION FOR PARENTS WHO BOOK FOR A FULL DAY/WEEK PROGRAMME OF LESSONS AND ACTIVITIES FOR U16s:
Under 16s who study at English Language House will be supervised during the times they are under the care of ELH. The teachers and ELH staff will supervise them during their classes, break times and during activities and trips they have booked. ELH staff who supervise under 16s are DBS checked.
INFORMATION FOR PARENTS WHO BOOK ONLY LESSONS FOR U16s:
Under 18s who have not booked to participate during lunch, breaks, trips and activities outside class times will only be supervised during their class times and ELH will not be responsible for them before the start or after the end of their lessons each day. Parents will need to sign a parental consent form to indicate that they will take responsibility for the under 18 outside class times. ELH will need to know what arrangements the parents have made to ensure the safety and wellbeing of the under 18s before the start and after the end of lessons each day they attend classes at ELH.
INFORMATION FOR GROUPS OF U18s, PARENTS AND GROUP LEADERS:
If under 18s are part of group and arrive with a group leader the group leader will need to have a police check sent to ELH from their country before we can agree to accept them as group leader for their group. Group leaders will only ever be responsible for their groups and cannot oversee, supervise or be left alone with other groups or students.
INFORMATION FOR PARENTS WHO WANT THEIR 16 or 17 year old TO STUDY IN AN ADULT CLASS:
Students who are 16 or 17 may be able to join adult classes but special conditions apply:
To accept a 16 or 17 year old into an adult class ELH must:
- receive a signed parental consent form for the student
- verify that this is appropriate for both the student and the class. It may be suitable to suggest that the student trial the class before ELH can make a final decision. In this instance ELH reserves the right to ask the student to stop the class if ELH considers that it is unsuitable to either party
- receive a completed (i) application form (ii)needs analysis form and (iii)visa form if required
- receive payment as required in the adult course brochures.
Students who are under 16 years old cannot be taught with students who are 18 or over so we cannot accept them in adult classes.
Safeguarding - PROTECTION POLICY & PROCEDURES for English Language House
Safeguarding Policy and Procedures for the Protection of students and especially under 18s studying at ELH
Information for all adult students and students who are under 18 years old and their parents
Under 18 year olds are children under English Law. This policy relates to the care of all students but especially under 18 year olds (ie children) studying at English Language House.
English Language House is a British Council Accredited English Language school which offers courses for adult students throughout the year and occasional courses for under 18s at certain times during the year.
ELH may sometimes teach under 18s during the summer when it offers a Holiday course for Under 18s. It may also teach under 18s in intensive or part time classes for under 18s at ELH and
EAL classes for under 18s at ELH or offsite in their schools.
Sometimes ELH may agree to accept 16 or 17 year olds in its adult courses; but this is only done if appropriate and providing ELH receives all required documents from their parents who request this.
ELH seeks to maintain a safe a supportive environment for all students and in particular all the under 18s studying at English Language House.
In order to agree to accept students who are 16 or 17 years old in an adult programme ELH:
In order to agree to accept under 18s on any English Courses for under 18s ELH:
Sometimes ELH provides tuition to under 18s during the winter in One2One classes or in Group classes where they are taught with other under 18s.
In summer, ELH offers an Under 18s’ summer school for under 18 year olds. Students on these courses are teenagers and are mostly 14-17 year olds although they may sometimes be as young as 12 year olds.
All ELH staff accept and recognise the following responsibilities:
We will endeavour to safeguard under 18s as follows:
English Language House commits to reviewing this policy and good practice every 12 months.
Code of Behaviour:
Bullying
Bullying - the deliberate and repeated act of causing another person to be unhappy - is not tolerated in any form at English Language House. The Notes for Students sent to all students and parents before they attend a course state the following:
“NO BULLYING. People who abuse others verbally or physically will be cautioned and if this has no effect will be sent home.”
“BE SOCIABLE. It is good to be sociable. It will help you make friends and if you talk to students from other countries not just your own you can practice your English in a friendly supporting environment. Try not to judge other students. Some may not be as sociable as you. Different cultures and different nationalities behave differently, so please be tolerant and understanding. However, if you feel unsure or if you feel threatened by someone else’s behaviour please come and talk to us. We will always try to find a way to help. But remember; we need to know in order to help so please come and talk to us about anything that you are worried about.
Try to keep a positive attitude and be sensitive to others’ cultural differences. Avoid offensive language. If another student has a problem, help rather than criticise.”
Identifying bullying
Bullying can take many different forms; it may be physical, emotional, name-calling, showing a lack of respect for another’s property, excluding somebody from a social group; there are many possibilities. It could also take the form of bullying through online social media - cyber bullying
One person ‘having a joke’ is another person suffering bullying. Sometimes it is obvious, sometimes it is done subtly and in such a way that children will be worried about telling staff what is happening. For this reason it is vital that staff are vigilant in noticing changes in behaviour of children, particularly if they become withdrawn.
How to react if you suspect bullying
You may feel you are being bullied or one of your friends in being bullied. It is very important that you:
Expulsion
The expulsion of a student/ under 18 year old is a serious matter and can involve high emotions among everyone involved. It should be achieved with the minimum of fuss and explaining the benefit / necessity of the expulsion to all concerned: parents, students, staff and the under 18 year old/s being expelled.
See the separate Expulsion Policy and Procedure.
Abuse is wrong
If it occurs to any student of any age we need to be told. If you suspect abuse is taking place or if you think someone intends to abuse someone else please tell us.
2) Abuse of under 18 year olds
Abuse of under 18s is most often used to describe ways in which under 18s are harmed with damage to their physical or mental health. There are 4 broad categories of abuse as follows:
Identifying abuse of under 18 year olds
It can be difficult to identify abuse of under 18s as it has various forms. Below are some typical indicators to watch for:
How ELH staff will react if they suspect abuse:
In any of the above situations, Elh staff will immediately log and record what has happened, what they have seen, suspected or been told. They will get their report signed by the Director ELH or Director of Administration.
The Designated Safeguarding Lead will then take appropriate action which may involve external agencies and contacting agents / parents / police / social services Where this involves someone working with children, the LADO (Local Authority Designated Officer) will be contacted using the guidance at MKSCB
Information for all adult students and students who are under 18 years old and their parents
Under 18 year olds are children under English Law. This policy relates to the care of all students but especially under 18 year olds (ie children) studying at English Language House.
English Language House is a British Council Accredited English Language school which offers courses for adult students throughout the year and occasional courses for under 18s at certain times during the year.
ELH may sometimes teach under 18s during the summer when it offers a Holiday course for Under 18s. It may also teach under 18s in intensive or part time classes for under 18s at ELH and
EAL classes for under 18s at ELH or offsite in their schools.
Sometimes ELH may agree to accept 16 or 17 year olds in its adult courses; but this is only done if appropriate and providing ELH receives all required documents from their parents who request this.
ELH seeks to maintain a safe a supportive environment for all students and in particular all the under 18s studying at English Language House.
In order to agree to accept students who are 16 or 17 years old in an adult programme ELH:
- will need to receive an application form and level test
- may need to conduct an oral interview with the student either face to face at the ELH office or via Zoom
- will need to receive a signed parental consent form for the student
- will ensure that all ELH staff members who come into contact with the under 18 year old have a valid DBS
- will verify that the programme the student wants to join is appropriate for both the student and the class. (It may be suitable to suggest that the student trial the class before ELH can make a final decision. In this instance ELH reserves the right to ask the student to stop the class if ELH considers that it is unsuitable to either party)
- will ensure that the 16 or 17 year old is mature enough to cope with learning in an adult class
- will need to be confident that all procedures are in place to ensure the safety and protection of the 16 or 17 year old who is studying with adults in ELH premises
In order to agree to accept under 18s on any English Courses for under 18s ELH:
- will need to receive an application form and level test
- may be to conduct a Zoom assessment to determine the student’s level of English
- will need to receive a signed parental consent form for the student
- will ensure all ELH staff members who come into contact with the under 18 year old have a valid DBS
- will verify that there is an appropriate course programme the student can follow
- must receive a signed copy of the terms and conditions which includes the code of conduct and safeguarding policy for under 18s - signed by the parents and the under 18 year old
- will need to be confident that all procedures are in place to ensure the safety and protection of the under 18s studying with ELH
Sometimes ELH provides tuition to under 18s during the winter in One2One classes or in Group classes where they are taught with other under 18s.
In summer, ELH offers an Under 18s’ summer school for under 18 year olds. Students on these courses are teenagers and are mostly 14-17 year olds although they may sometimes be as young as 12 year olds.
All ELH staff accept and recognise the following responsibilities:
- to safeguard the welfare of under 18s who join the ELH courses
- to continually develop awareness of any issues which might harm these learners
- to avoid making ourselves vulnerable to suspicion of any form of abuse
We will endeavour to safeguard under 18s as follows:
- by adopting child protection guidelines and accepted procedures
- by adopting a staff code of behaviour
- by providing under 18s and staff with expected codes of behaviour and ensuring they understand what those are
- by sharing information and acting promptly and professionally to any concerns
English Language House commits to reviewing this policy and good practice every 12 months.
- An under 18 year old in the context of this policy refers to anyone under the age of 18 who will attend, is attending or has attended English Language House.
- ‘Employer’ in this context refers to English Language House.
- This policy applies to both real world and online environments.
- This policy applies to all under 18s regardless of gender, ethnicity, nationality, disability, sexual orientation or religion.
- This policy has been formulated in accordance with the provisions of the Children Act 1989, the Human Rights Act 1998, and the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (ratified by the United Kingdom Government in 1991)
Code of Behaviour:
- All under 18s have rights. No one can take away an under 18s’ right to be safe.
- All under 18s have the right to say ‘No’ if any person tries to do something to them which they feel is wrong.
- All under 18s have the right to be supported against bullies.
- All under 18s must feel they can tell an adult of any incident that frightens or confuses them or makes them unhappy.
- All under 18s must know that if they go to an adult for help, they will be listened to seriously and supported.
- All under 18s have the right to be treated with respect and to be safeguarded from harm.
Bullying
Bullying - the deliberate and repeated act of causing another person to be unhappy - is not tolerated in any form at English Language House. The Notes for Students sent to all students and parents before they attend a course state the following:
“NO BULLYING. People who abuse others verbally or physically will be cautioned and if this has no effect will be sent home.”
“BE SOCIABLE. It is good to be sociable. It will help you make friends and if you talk to students from other countries not just your own you can practice your English in a friendly supporting environment. Try not to judge other students. Some may not be as sociable as you. Different cultures and different nationalities behave differently, so please be tolerant and understanding. However, if you feel unsure or if you feel threatened by someone else’s behaviour please come and talk to us. We will always try to find a way to help. But remember; we need to know in order to help so please come and talk to us about anything that you are worried about.
Try to keep a positive attitude and be sensitive to others’ cultural differences. Avoid offensive language. If another student has a problem, help rather than criticise.”
Identifying bullying
Bullying can take many different forms; it may be physical, emotional, name-calling, showing a lack of respect for another’s property, excluding somebody from a social group; there are many possibilities. It could also take the form of bullying through online social media - cyber bullying
One person ‘having a joke’ is another person suffering bullying. Sometimes it is obvious, sometimes it is done subtly and in such a way that children will be worried about telling staff what is happening. For this reason it is vital that staff are vigilant in noticing changes in behaviour of children, particularly if they become withdrawn.
How to react if you suspect bullying
You may feel you are being bullied or one of your friends in being bullied. It is very important that you:
- Talk to your teacher or come and speak to someone in the office
- Tell your teacher or Mihaela at the Elh office staff exactly what you saw, heard, think. Your teacher and/or Mihaela will listen carefully to you.
- It may be necessary for the teacher and/or Mihaela to write something down so they can remember exactly what you said.
- It may be necessary for your teacher and/or Mihaela to talk to Clare, who is the safeguarding lead, about this.
- Clare may need to follow up and take action to try and help.
- Clare may need to speak to the other person involved and find out what they think.
- Clare may need to explain to the person that is acting unkindly that their actions are unacceptable and tell them the effect it has had on others.
- Clare may ask them to consider an appropriate way of putting things right and, if necessary support them in carrying out an apology.
- Clare may need to ensure that any apology / reconciliation is done and that ELH staff are present so that it can be accurately recorded.
- Clare may need to bring both parties (bully and bullied) together for a ‘no blame’ meeting. The aim is to clarify the situation through discussion and allow both sides to work out a solution that is satisfactory to them both. This will be logged and signed by a staff member.
- Clare, Tatiana or Mihaela may need to inform the parents of both parties about what has happened and how it has been resolved.
- If, after this meeting, the bullying continues then it must be seen as deliberate or that the perpetrator (for example if suffering from fits of anger) is unable to control himself or herself.
Expulsion
The expulsion of a student/ under 18 year old is a serious matter and can involve high emotions among everyone involved. It should be achieved with the minimum of fuss and explaining the benefit / necessity of the expulsion to all concerned: parents, students, staff and the under 18 year old/s being expelled.
See the separate Expulsion Policy and Procedure.
Abuse is wrong
If it occurs to any student of any age we need to be told. If you suspect abuse is taking place or if you think someone intends to abuse someone else please tell us.
2) Abuse of under 18 year olds
Abuse of under 18s is most often used to describe ways in which under 18s are harmed with damage to their physical or mental health. There are 4 broad categories of abuse as follows:
- physical: through hitting, shaking, squeezing etc.
- sexual: through inappropriate physical contact, the taking of indecent images of children, or the encouragement of sexual activity by children for the purpose of adult gratification.
- emotional: through persistent lack of affection, unrealistic adult demands, verbal bullying including cyber-bullying.
- neglect: failing to provide basic needs of food, proper clothing, safe supervision.
Identifying abuse of under 18 year olds
It can be difficult to identify abuse of under 18s as it has various forms. Below are some typical indicators to watch for:
- unexplained injuries
- an under 18 describing an abusive act that has happened to them
- another under 18 telling you of their concern about a friend / fellow student
- sexually explicit behaviour in games / activities
- serious distrust of adults
- difficulty in making friends / socialising with other under 18s
How ELH staff will react if they suspect abuse:
- If they notice any physical or behavioural signs, tell the Designated Safeguarding Lead.
- If they suspect an adult is a threat to an under 18 in some way tell the Designated Safeguarding Lead, the Director ELH or Director of Administration and continue to monitor the situation.
- If an under 18 tells Elh staff that they are being abused staff will stay calm and will take appropriate action, as described in the table below.
In any of the above situations, Elh staff will immediately log and record what has happened, what they have seen, suspected or been told. They will get their report signed by the Director ELH or Director of Administration.
The Designated Safeguarding Lead will then take appropriate action which may involve external agencies and contacting agents / parents / police / social services Where this involves someone working with children, the LADO (Local Authority Designated Officer) will be contacted using the guidance at MKSCB
IF ANY STUDENT DISCLOSES ABUSE
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What ELH staff will do:
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What ELH staff will not do:
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Safe working practices: How Elh makes sure students and staff are safe
3) ELECTRONIC CONTACT WITH CHILDREN
Staff must exercise the same discretion and maintain the same professional distance in any electronic with anyone under 18 as they would in normal day-to-day life. Electronic contact includes telephone communications (including texting) and on-line environments. In particular:
4) SAFE COMMUNICATIONS
The content and formality of communication between staff and under 18s will vary according to the situation, both in the real world and on line. For example, an under 18 chatting with a member of staff in the corridor, or in an electronic community forum, might talk about family, holidays, etc. This would be normal and natural. An under 18 might confide to a member of staff about particular personal issues, for example bullying. Or an adolescent might want to talk about sexual orientation. We would want the adult to listen and respond in a professional and helpful manner, noting however the need to record and communicate any sensitive incidents to the employer. In general the motivation for social communication should come from the under 18 year old. The adult should be cautious about sharing personal information and should try to limit communication to whatever it is the under 18 wishes to communicate. The relationship between adult and under 18 is based on trust vested in us by the under 18’s parents or guardians and subject to moral, legal and contractual obligations. Staff should maintain friendly relationships with under 18s while avoiding exclusivity or over-familiarity. No adult must single out an under 18 for special attention or favour in pursuit of personal gratification. Any attempt or appearance of doing so will lead to disciplinary procedures with potentially very serious consequences.
PREVENT
Terminology:
Core British values: including
(i) democracy, (ii) the rule of law, (iii) individual liberty (iv) respectful tolerance of different faiths or beliefs.
* NB: extremism can refer to a range of views, e.g. racism, homophobia, right-wing ideology, as well as any religious extremism.
ELH has a Prevent policy to “Promote a safe and supportive international environment via clear expectations of accepted behaviours and those, including radicalisation and extremism, that will not be tolerated.
Elh will “Promote core British values through documents given to students, notices around school, via stand-alone classes on British culture & traditions on arrival and via curriculum. Our approach is to educate that this is how things are in UK which may be different to your country.
Signs that may cause concern will be dealt with by ELH safeguarding/prevent staff and, where necessary, the LSCB contacted.
ELH policy & procedures for the safeguarding of all students and students who are under 18
(updated: May 2014- May 2015- Jan 2016- August 2016- August 2017 - Aug 2021)
- Elh staff will avoid being alone with an under 18 year old. If this is unavoidable, for example if an under 18 year old wants to talk to you privately, try to find a public place where you can talk without being heard but can still be seen by other people. Alternatively talk in a place where a colleague is discreetly present. During One2One lessons with under 18s the door or blind will be left open so they can be seen by other people.
- Elh staff and students who are over 18s must not share changing rooms, washrooms, toilets or bedrooms with under 18 year olds. Always warn under 18 year olds before entering these places. Avoid being in these places with under 18 year olds unless necessary and pay particular attention to avoid being alone with an under 18 year old in these places.
- Elh staff and students who are over 18s: Try to recognise if a student/ under 18 year old is developing a ‘crush’ on you. Do nothing that might be construed as encouraging this. Inform the Director ELH and Director of Administration. Elh staff must never flirt with a student of any age, or make sexually suggestive or provocative comments, even in fun.
- If students/ students who are under 18 flirt or make sexually suggestive or provocative comments, even in fun with an Elh staff member do nothing that might be construed as encouraging this and inform the Director ELH and Director of Administration immediately. If a student who is over 18 flirts or makes sexually suggestive or provocative comments, even in fun, with an under 18 do nothing that might be construed as encouraging this and inform the Director ELH and Director of Administration immediately.
- If you have to touch a student/young learner – for example to comfort student/under 18 who is upset or crying, if someone is injured or if you have to separate two fighting under 18s – try to ensure that there are other students and if possible adult staff present.
- Elh staff must always log and record any sensitive incidents as soon as possible after they happen and ensure that the log is seen and signed by the Director ELH and Director of Administration.
- Elh staff must never hit, throttle, push, kick or otherwise act aggressively either physically or verbally towards any student/ a student who is under 18 even in pretence. Do not engage in rough physical games, including horseplay.
- When Elh staff have to admonish a student / a student who is under 18, they must focus on the unacceptable behaviour, not the person. Eg. ‘That was a dangerous thing to do because….’ rather than, ‘You stupid fool you could have…’
- Elh staff must be aware that some students/ students who are under 18 can be very demanding. Recognise if you are reaching the limits of your patience and remove yourself safely from the situation, e.g. by asking a colleague to cover for you. It is much better to do this than to ‘snap’ and end up shouting at an under 18 or worse.
3) ELECTRONIC CONTACT WITH CHILDREN
Staff must exercise the same discretion and maintain the same professional distance in any electronic with anyone under 18 as they would in normal day-to-day life. Electronic contact includes telephone communications (including texting) and on-line environments. In particular:
- Never initiate electronic contact with an under 18 unless for clear pedagogical purposes that have been sanctioned by your employer.
- If an under 18 contacts you electronically, keep your tone friendly, professional and neutral.
- Avoid situations that involve the exchange of personal information, personal photos, virtual gifts or the use of any application that suggests or encourages the sharing of personal feelings.
- If an under 18 seeks to develop an inappropriate personal relationship with you electronically, do nothing to encourage this; inform your employer and send a copy of any relevant communications.
- If an under 18 confides sensitive information to you electronically, such as details of abuse, react as shown in the table above, ‘If an under 18 year old discloses abuse’. Record the details and send a copy of all relevant communications to your employer.
- While a school may have good reasons to create an online social community, social forums such as Facebook present particular risks. Any communication between staff and students should take place in official, closed forums monitored by the employer. Staff should not initiate or accept ‘friendship’ requests from under 18s, however innocent these requests may seem, as this provides access to photos and other intimate details of each other’s personal lives.
4) SAFE COMMUNICATIONS
The content and formality of communication between staff and under 18s will vary according to the situation, both in the real world and on line. For example, an under 18 chatting with a member of staff in the corridor, or in an electronic community forum, might talk about family, holidays, etc. This would be normal and natural. An under 18 might confide to a member of staff about particular personal issues, for example bullying. Or an adolescent might want to talk about sexual orientation. We would want the adult to listen and respond in a professional and helpful manner, noting however the need to record and communicate any sensitive incidents to the employer. In general the motivation for social communication should come from the under 18 year old. The adult should be cautious about sharing personal information and should try to limit communication to whatever it is the under 18 wishes to communicate. The relationship between adult and under 18 is based on trust vested in us by the under 18’s parents or guardians and subject to moral, legal and contractual obligations. Staff should maintain friendly relationships with under 18s while avoiding exclusivity or over-familiarity. No adult must single out an under 18 for special attention or favour in pursuit of personal gratification. Any attempt or appearance of doing so will lead to disciplinary procedures with potentially very serious consequences.
PREVENT
Terminology:
- Radicalisation: act or process of making a person more radical or favouring of extreme or fundamental changes in political, economic or social conditions, institutions or habits of the mind.
- Extremism *: holding extreme political or religious views which may deny right to any group or individual. Can be expressed in vocal or active opposition to
Core British values: including
(i) democracy, (ii) the rule of law, (iii) individual liberty (iv) respectful tolerance of different faiths or beliefs.
* NB: extremism can refer to a range of views, e.g. racism, homophobia, right-wing ideology, as well as any religious extremism.
ELH has a Prevent policy to “Promote a safe and supportive international environment via clear expectations of accepted behaviours and those, including radicalisation and extremism, that will not be tolerated.
Elh will “Promote core British values through documents given to students, notices around school, via stand-alone classes on British culture & traditions on arrival and via curriculum. Our approach is to educate that this is how things are in UK which may be different to your country.
Signs that may cause concern will be dealt with by ELH safeguarding/prevent staff and, where necessary, the LSCB contacted.
ELH policy & procedures for the safeguarding of all students and students who are under 18
(updated: May 2014- May 2015- Jan 2016- August 2016- August 2017 - Aug 2021)
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
It is important that all students and Under 18 students with their parents read and fully understand and agree to the terms and conditions before they book and pay for English courses, exams and/or homestay accommodation. If there is something you do not understand please let us know before you book and pay. We will try to explain.
