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Safeguarding Policy

This policy aims to protect children and young people who access Handelsman Psychology services from harm. It provides a framework and overarching principles that guide our approach to safeguarding children and young people from harm and abuse.

 

This policy applies to anyone working on behalf of Handelsman Psychology, including staff, volunteers, or associates.

 

Legal framework and supporting documents:

 

This policy has been drawn up based on legislation, policy and guidance that seeks to protect children in England. A summary of the key legislation and guidance is available from www.nspcc.org.uk/childprotection.

 

This policy statement should be read alongside our Privacy Notice and Terms & Conditions for services.

 

Policy Statement:

 

We believe that children and young people should never experience abuse of any kind. We are responsible for promoting the welfare of all children and young people, keeping them safe, and practicing in a way that protects them.

 

 We recognise that:

 

  • the welfare of children is paramount in all the work we do and in all the decisions we make

  • working in partnership with children, young people, their parents, carers and other agencies is essential in promoting children and young people’s welfare

  • all children, regardless of age, disability, gender, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation have an equal right to protection from all types of harm or abuse

  • some children are additionally vulnerable because of the impact of previous experiences, their level of dependency, communication needs, or other additional needs

  • extra safeguards may be needed to keep children who are additionally vulnerable safe from abuse.

 

For more information about safeguarding children with special education needs and disabilities (SEND): https://learning.nspcc.org.uk/safeguarding-child-protection-schools/safeguarding-children-with-special-educational-needs-and-disabilities-send

 

We are committed to:

 

  • providing a safe and secure environment for all children and young people who use Handelsman Psychology services.

  • ensuring that all Handelsman Psychology staff, volunteers, or associates are trained in safeguarding and child protection, following the guidance outlined in the latest version of the Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) statutory guidance.

  • having clear procedures in place for reporting and responding to concerns about the welfare of children and young people, in accordance with KCSIE.

  • complying with all relevant legislation and guidance, including the Children Act 1989 and 2004, and Working Together to Safeguard Children 2018, as well as any updates or revisions to KCSIE.

  • ensuring that all Handelsman Psychology staff, volunteers and associates undergo appropriate checks, including DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) checks, as per the requirements set out in KCSIE.

  • working in partnership with staff, volunteers, associates, parents, carers, and relevant authorities to promote the welfare and well-being of children and young people, as outlined in KCSIE.

 

We will seek to keep children and young people safe from harm by:

 

  • valuing, listening to and respecting them.

  • appointing a nominated child protection lead for children and young people.

  • adopting child protection and safeguarding best practice through our policies and procedures.

  • recording, storing and using information professionally and securely, in line with our Privacy Policy, data protection legislation and guidance (for more information see Information Commissioner’s Office).

  • sharing information about safeguarding with children and their families within initial paperwork and during meetings.

  • making sure that children, young people and their families know where to go for help if they have a concern.

  • using our safeguarding and child protection procedures to share concerns and relevant information with agencies who need to know, and involving children, young people, parents, families and carers appropriately.

  • ensuring that we have effective complaints measures in place.

  • ensuring that we provide a safe physical environment for children and young people, by applying health and safety measures in accordance with the law and regulatory guidance.

  • building a safeguarding culture where children, young people and their families, treat each other with respect and are comfortable about sharing concerns.

 

Nominated child protection lead

Dr Gemma Handelsman

07368184739

gemma@handelsmanpsychology.com

 

NSPCC Helpline

0808 800 5000
 

We are committed to reviewing our policy annually and updating it as necessary. We will ensure any changes are shared with all Handelsman Psychology staff and associates.

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