Safeguarding and Safe Recruitment

Our Commitment to Safeguarding

1st Staff is unwavering in its commitment to safeguarding and promoting the well-being of all our students. We believe every child has the fundamental right to be protected from all forms of harm and abuse. This commitment is embedded within the very core of our philosophy, reflected in our systems, processes, and policies.

A Culture of Child-Centred Care

Safeguarding goes beyond procedures; it is an ingrained value, a guiding principle that prioritises student well-being in everything we do. Our bespoke safeguarding and pastoral systems are meticulously designed to meet the individual needs of our students, many of whom require additional support. Highly trained and experienced educational and therapeutic professionals oversee these systems, along with senior leaders who possess extensive expertise in working with diverse student populations.

Initiative-taking and Responsive Safeguarding

Our dedicated Safeguarding Lead and Safeguarding team work tirelessly to ensure our company remains at the forefront of safeguarding practices. This includes staying abreast of evolving trends, national themes impacting children and families, and relevant policy changes. This initiative-taking approach empowers us to provide immediate and appropriate responses to any pastoral or safeguarding concern that may arise, adhering to our well-established systems and procedures.

Collaboration with Parents and Carers

Recognising the vital role parents and carers play in their child's well-being, we provide them with unique support and guidance. We achieve this by keeping them informed about pertinent safeguarding issues and the content of our PSHE curriculum, fostering a consistent approach for our students. Open communication and collaboration are central to our philosophy, and our team actively encourages dialogue with parents and carers to ensure a unified approach that optimises outcomes for all our students.

Safeguarding Policy

For a comprehensive overview of our safeguarding policies and procedures, please feel free to request our full policy.

Comprehensive Pre-Employment Screening

Our extensive pre-employment screening process encompasses the following measures:

  • Thorough Reference Checks: We conduct in-depth reference checks on all prospective staff members.

  • Competency-Based Pre-Screening Interviews: We conduct pre-screening interviews that explore each candidate's skills and qualifications through competency-based questions.

  • Right to Work Checks: We verify every candidate's eligibility to work in the United Kingdom.

  • Enhanced DBS Checks: All staff undergo enhanced DBS checks, exceeding standard requirements.

  • Mandated Safeguarding Training: Safeguarding Level 2 training is mandatory for all staff.

  • Prevent Duty Training: Prevent training, equipping staff to identify and address potential risks of radicalization, is mandatory for all staff.

  • Meticulous Application Process: Our application process includes a review of Right to Work documentation, medical screening, and full employment verification as outlined by KCSIE.

  • TRN Verification: We verify the Teacher Registration Number (TRN) for all applicable positions.

  • Comprehensive Qualification Verification: All qualifications and training credentials are meticulously verified.

By implementing this rigorous pre-employment screening process, we ensure that only the most qualified and trustworthy individuals join our team, creating a safe and secure learning environment for all our students.

We recognise safeguarding as an ongoing process that requires constant adaptation due to evolving legislation, technology, and emerging risks. We are committed to staying ahead of the curve by:

  • Maintaining Vigilance: Our team closely monitors updates from the government and key stakeholders on safeguarding changes.

  • Swift Implementation: We ensure swift and effective implementation of new safeguarding policies and procedures across the compliance team and relevant staff.

  • Ongoing Knowledge Refreshment: In addition to developing new training modules, we regularly refresh existing staff's knowledge on safeguarding policies and procedures. This proactive approach ensures our staff remains informed and empowered to identify and address potential risks.

By prioritising continuous safeguarding training, we equip our staff with the necessary knowledge and skills to build a safe and secure learning environment for all our students.