SAFEGUARDING
Information for staff, students, agents and students who are under 18 and their parents:
The Elh Safeguarding lead is the Director ELH (Tatiana Giannakouri).
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.
Homestay
Under 18s who live in homestay will only stay in families that have been DBS checked.
Under 18s must sign in on arrival at their homestay and sign out when they leave their homestay every day.
Under 18s must follow the “ELH Homestay rules for under 18s” which include rules about
Please make sure you read the rules, terms and conditions regarding students in homestay before you sign to say you agree.
Information for Parents who book for a full day / full week of lessons and activities
Under 18s 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 18s are DBS checked.
If parents have booked homestay accommodation for their under 18s, ELH will make all necessary checks to make sure that the homestay providers are suitable to house and look after under 18s.
Information for Parents who book only lessons
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 Under 18s, 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 under 18s to study in an adult class
Under 18s who are 16 or 17 may be able to join adult classes – special conditions apply:
To accept an under 18 year old student (aged 16 or 17 ) into an adult class ELH must:
Under 16s cannot be taught with students who are 18 or over so we cannot accept them in adult classes.
Accommodation for under 18s
If you are under 18 and your parents ask us to find homestay accommodation for you we will first make sure you and your parents agree to the “ELH Homestay rules for under 18s”. If you do, we will be able to place you with an English speaking family while you are studying at ELH.
We will check the homestay provider to make sure that there are no unsuitable people living in the family and that there is no reason why an under 18 cannot live there. We will also check the room the student will use and the facilities and utilities (i.e. heating, gas, fire exits, etc.) in the house to make sure everything is clean, tidy and safe. You will have your own room in the house and no other student will be living in the family if they are i) the same nationality as you, or ii) over 18.
How we assess a student’s level of English
New students will take a level test and speak to us in English so that we can assess their language level. Students who are in Milton Keynes can come to see us and we can assess them at ELH. Students who are not in Milton Keynes can speak to us on Skype. The level test will show us the student’s level in English so that we can place the student in the correct class.
Terms and Conditions
Please make sure you and your parents read, understand the terms and conditions. You and your parent must agree to our terms and conditions in order for you to come to study with us.
If there is anything you do not understand, please ask and we will try to explain.
Please note that: Once you have chosen your classes and paid for the lessons these lessons are booked for you and you will not be able to change your mind. If you think this might be a problem, tell us about your problem before you book your 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.
Homestay
Under 18s who live in homestay will only stay in families that have been DBS checked.
Under 18s must sign in on arrival at their homestay and sign out when they leave their homestay every day.
Under 18s must follow the “ELH Homestay rules for under 18s” which include rules about
- Meal times
- Use of Keys, shower, telephone, internet etc.
- Keeping rooms tidy
- Curfews (ie time to be back a home at night) etc.
Please make sure you read the rules, terms and conditions regarding students in homestay before you sign to say you agree.
Information for Parents who book for a full day / full week of lessons and activities
Under 18s 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 18s are DBS checked.
If parents have booked homestay accommodation for their under 18s, ELH will make all necessary checks to make sure that the homestay providers are suitable to house and look after under 18s.
Information for Parents who book only lessons
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 Under 18s, 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 under 18s to study in an adult class
Under 18s who are 16 or 17 may be able to join adult classes – special conditions apply:
To accept an under 18 year old student (aged 16 or 17 ) 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.
Under 16s cannot be taught with students who are 18 or over so we cannot accept them in adult classes.
Accommodation for under 18s
If you are under 18 and your parents ask us to find homestay accommodation for you we will first make sure you and your parents agree to the “ELH Homestay rules for under 18s”. If you do, we will be able to place you with an English speaking family while you are studying at ELH.
We will check the homestay provider to make sure that there are no unsuitable people living in the family and that there is no reason why an under 18 cannot live there. We will also check the room the student will use and the facilities and utilities (i.e. heating, gas, fire exits, etc.) in the house to make sure everything is clean, tidy and safe. You will have your own room in the house and no other student will be living in the family if they are i) the same nationality as you, or ii) over 18.
How we assess a student’s level of English
New students will take a level test and speak to us in English so that we can assess their language level. Students who are in Milton Keynes can come to see us and we can assess them at ELH. Students who are not in Milton Keynes can speak to us on Skype. The level test will show us the student’s level in English so that we can place the student in the correct class.
Terms and Conditions
Please make sure you and your parents read, understand the terms and conditions. You and your parent must agree to our terms and conditions in order for you to come to study with us.
If there is anything you do not understand, please ask and we will try to explain.
Please note that: Once you have chosen your classes and paid for the lessons these lessons are booked for you and you will not be able to change your mind. If you think this might be a problem, tell us about your problem before you book your classes.
SAFEGUARDING OF UNDER 18s
Safeguarding Policy and Procedures for the Protection of students and especially under 18s studying at ELH
Safeguarding - PROTECTION POLICY & PROCEDURES for English Language House
Information for all students and all under 18 students 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 an under 18s on an adult course ELH will need to:
In order to agree to accept an under 18s on any YL under 18 courses ELH will need to:
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 Procedure in the PPM.
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 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
Safeguarding Policy and Procedures for the Protection of students and especially under 18s studying at ELH
Safeguarding - PROTECTION POLICY & PROCEDURES for English Language House
Information for all students and all under 18 students 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 an under 18s on an adult course ELH will need to:
- receive a YL application form and needs analysis
- conduct an oral interview with the student either face to face at the ELH office or via skype
- receive a signed parental consent form for the student
- ensure all ELH staff members who come into contact with the under 18 year old have a valid DBS
- 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)
- ensure the 16 or 17 year old is mature enough to copy with learning in an adult class
- 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 an under 18s on any YL under 18 courses ELH will need to:
- receive an application form and needs analysis
- conduct an assessment to determine the student’s level of English
- receive a signed parental consent form for the student
- ensure all ELH staff members who come into contact with the under 18 year old have a valid DBS
- verify that there is an appropriate course programme the student can follow
- 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
- 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/ office staff exactly what you saw, heard, think. Your teacher/Mihaela in the office, will listen carefully to you.
- It may be necessary for the teacher/Mihaela in the office to write something down so they can remember exactly what you said.
- It may be necessary for your teacher/ Mihaela in the office to talk to Tatiana, who is the safeguarding lead, about this.
- Tatiana is the Director ELH and Safeguarding Lead. She will follow up and take action to try and help.
- Maybe Tatiana/Mihaela will speak to the other person involved and find out what they think.
- Maybe Tatiana/Mihaela will explain to the person that is acting unkindly that their actions are unacceptable and tell them the effect it has had on another / others.
- Maybe Tatiana/Mihaela will ask them to consider an appropriate way of putting things right and, if necessary support them in carrying out an apology.
- Maybe Tatiana/Mihaela will ensure that any apology / reconciliation is done and that ELH staff are present so that it can be accurately recorded.
- Maybe Tatiana/Mihaela will 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.
- Tatiana/Mihaela will inform the parents of both parties 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 Procedure in the PPM.
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 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)
ELH UNDER 18s TERMS AND CONDITIONS
See the Elh Terms and conditions for u18s and read this with your parents.
| Safeguarding Lead - child_protection_–_level_3.pdf |
