Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy

1. Purpose

The welfare of children and young people is paramount.

This policy explains how Empowering Learners safeguards children and young people while providing dyslexia assessments, exam access arrangements assessments, specialist dyslexia tuition and educational consultancy.

As a sole trader, I am committed to providing a safe, respectful and professional service for all children and families.

2. Scope

This policy applies to all work undertaken by Empowering Learners, including:

• Dyslexia assessments
• Exam access arrangements assessments
• Specialist dyslexia tuition
• Educational consultancy
• Face-to-face services
• Online services

3. Safeguarding Principles

We will:

• place the welfare of the child first
• treat every child with dignity and respect
• promote equality, inclusion and diversity
• maintain appropriate professional boundaries
• listen to children and take their concerns seriously
• work in partnership with parents, carers and schools where appropriate
• comply with relevant safeguarding legislation and guidance

4. Professional Responsibilities

We will:

• maintain an enhanced DBS certificate where appropriate
• keep safeguarding knowledge up to date through regular professional development
• conduct services professionally and ethically
• maintain accurate and confidential records
• follow my professional body’s code of conduct where applicable

5. Confidentiality

Information shared during assessments or tuition is treated confidentially.

However, confidentiality cannot be guaranteed where:

• a child is believed to be at risk of harm
• another person may be at risk of harm
• disclosure is required by law

Where possible, concerns will be discussed with parents or carers before information is shared. However, if doing so could increase the risk to a child, information may be shared without prior consent.

6. Recognising Safeguarding Concerns

Safeguarding concerns may include:

• physical abuse
• emotional abuse
• sexual abuse
• neglect
• exploitation
• online abuse
• domestic abuse
• concerns relating to a child’s mental wellbeing where there is a risk of significant harm

We do not investigate safeguarding concerns but will respond appropriately if concerns arise.

7. Responding to Concerns

If a safeguarding concern arises, we will:

• remain calm and listen carefully
• avoid asking leading questions
• reassure the child that they have done the right thing by speaking
• make an accurate written record as soon as possible
• report concerns to the appropriate safeguarding authority where necessary
• seek advice from children’s social care or other relevant agencies if required
• contact emergency services immediately if a child is in immediate danger

8. Working with Schools

Where services are provided through a school, we will work in accordance with the school’s safeguarding procedures and liaise with the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) where appropriate.

9. Online Sessions

When providing services remotely, we will:

• use secure online platforms
• conduct sessions professionally
• protect personal information
• encourage sessions to take place in an appropriate environment
• follow the same safeguarding procedures as for face-to-face work

10. Record Keeping

Any safeguarding concerns will be recorded factually, dated and stored securely in accordance with our Privacy Notice and UK GDPR requirements.

Records will be retained only for as long as necessary.

11. Review

This policy will be reviewed annually or sooner if there are changes in legislation, safeguarding guidance or professional practice.

Signed: Ruth Paterson
Name: Ruth Paterson
Date: 1st August 2026

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