This picture is of a Nursery Web spider looking after her offspring.

Safeguarding policy and procedures

This is the Oxford Earth Academy safeguarding policy that applies for events where children are not accompanied by parents, guardians or other carers nominated by parents or guardians.

 The Safeguarding Lead for OEA events is Dr Kim Polgreen

Safeguarding policy

1. The Lead Adult for an event must be DBS checked and trained in safeguarding.

2. A DBS checked adult must be present at all times. Groups cannot be split and separated unless there are adequate adults available to cover sub groups.

3. All adults must be trained in safeguarding risks, the policy and procedures.

4. No child will be left alone with one or more adults.

5. No adult will be left alone with one child.

6. Parents, guardians will be contacted immediately any risk that the policy cannot be followed arises.

7. In an emergency where the above cannot be met, the adults will remain in contact throughout the incident.

8. Groups will be small enough to allow the adults to monitor for any adverse behaviour between children.

9. Adults must treat children and each other with respect at all times, and encourage children to treat each other with respect at all times.

Additional policy points for overnight events

1. There will be a minimum of 2 DBS checked adults for each event. Ratios will depend on the age of the students.

2. There will be at least one female adult present throughout the event.

3. Boys and girls will be accommodated in separate rooms or tents.

4. Adults will be accommodated in separate rooms or tents but close enough to hear of any problems and be available to the students if needed.

5. Bathroom and toilet facilities will be separate by gender, or individual as available. Facilities for adults will be separate or individual as available.

6. Adults cannot go into student accommodation except in an emergency, and should seek to have another student of the same gender as the student needing attention with them if dealing with an emergency.

Safeguarding instructions for adults

1. Be friendly with the students but do not to be too personal. Don’t overshare.

2. Model social distancing, and good Covid-19 protection at all times.

3. Don’t offer any follow up opportunities or support without engaging parents in the discussion.

4. Don’t give a student your contact details, ask for theirs, or suggest connecting on social media, or any other way. Don’t contact them after the event. Any further contact must be approved by the organisers and by parents, and with full written consent of the student before it occurs.

5. Don’t administer first aid or any other assistance unless it is an emergency, without first informing an organiser.

6. If you are concerned about a student, inform the Safeguarding Lead.

7. If you believe a student is about to disclose information to you about a safeguarding concern to themselves or others, listen carefully, do not lead the conversation, and do not promise to keep it confidential. Thank them for sharing the information and tell them that you will share it with the Safeguarding Lead. Write notes on exactly what was said to you (after the conversation), and pass on the information and the notes to the Safeguarding Lead.