Safeguarding and Child Protection

Beyond Words CIC is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of every child who attends our services.

We provide specialist services for autistic children and children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), creating safe, inclusive and nurturing environments where every child is respected, valued and supported to reach their full potential.

Safeguarding is at the heart of everything we do. It underpins our culture, our relationships, our daily practice and every decision we make. We believe that every child has the right to feel safe, be listened to, be understood and be protected from harm.

We recognise that many of the children we support communicate differently, experience the world differently and may require additional support to recognise, understand or communicate concerns. Our safeguarding practice is therefore centred around knowing each child as an individual, understanding their communication profile, recognising changes from their usual presentation and responding promptly to concerns.

This policy explains how Beyond Words safeguards children, promotes their welfare, responds to concerns and fulfils its safeguarding responsibilities. It also outlines how we

work in partnership with families, schools and other professionals to ensure children receive the protection and support they need.

Safeguarding is everyone's responsibility. Every employee has a duty to remain vigilant, act in the best interests of children and report any concern, no matter how small, without delay.

This policy has been developed in accordance with current UK legislation, statutory guidance and recognised safeguarding practice, including:

• ✦Children Act 1989
• ✦Children Act 2004
• ✦Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) Code of Practice: 0,25 years (2015)
• ✦Equality Act 2010
• ✦Human Rights Act 1998
• ✦Data Protection Act 2018
• ✦UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR)
• ✦Counter-Terrorism and Security Act 2015 (Prevent Duty)
• ✦Working Together to Safeguard Children (2025)

Beyond Words will review this policy regularly to ensure it remains consistent with current legislation, statutory guidance and recognised safeguarding practice.

Safeguarding Safeguarding is the action taken to promote the welfare of children and protect them from harm. It includes preventing abuse and neglect, protecting children from maltreatment, promoting their health, safety and wellbeing, and ensuring children grow up in safe and effective care.

Child Protection Child protection forms part of safeguarding and refers to the actions taken to protect individual children who are suffering, or are likely to suffer, significant harm.

Abuse

Abuse is any action or failure to act that causes, or is likely to cause, harm to a child. Abuse may be perpetrated by adults or other children and may occur in person or online.

Disclosure A disclosure is when a child communicates information that suggests they may be experiencing abuse, neglect or another safeguarding concern. A disclosure may be made through speech, behaviour, signs, symbols, AAC, facial expressions or any other form of communication.

Concern A safeguarding concern is any observation, disclosure, incident or information that causes an employee to worry about a child's safety, welfare or wellbeing. All concerns, however small, should be taken seriously and reported promptly.

Employee For the purposes of this policy, the term employee includes all employees, volunteers, students, contractors and any other adults working on behalf of Beyond Words CIC, unless stated otherwise.

Beyond Words is committed to providing services where children feel safe, respected, included and supported.

We will:

• ✦place the welfare of every child at the centre of all decisions
• ✦create environments where children can learn, develop and enjoy positive experiences safely
• ✦promote children's physical, emotional and psychological wellbeing
• ✦promote children's voice, participation and right to be heard in ways that are meaningful to them
• ✦provide support that respects each child's individual communication, sensory and developmental needs
• ✦foster positive, trusting relationships between children and adults
• ✦work openly and respectfully with parents and carers
• ✦work collaboratively with schools, local authorities and other professionals where appropriate
• ✦ensure all safeguarding concerns are taken seriously and acted upon promptly

• ✦promote a culture in which safeguarding is understood, valued and embedded throughout our organisation

Everything we do is guided by the following principles:

• ✦Every child has the right to be safe
• ✦Every child has the right to be treated with dignity and respect
• ✦Every child deserves to be heard in ways that are meaningful to them
• ✦Every child should be supported to participate as fully as possible
• ✦Safeguarding is everyone's responsibility
• ✦Concerns should always be shared and never ignored
• ✦Positive relationships help children feel safe and secure
• ✦Families are valued partners in supporting children's wellbeing
• ✦Early identification and timely action help prevent harm
• ✦Decisions will always be made in the best interests of the child
• ✦Safeguarding practice should be child-centred, trauma-informed and proportionate to each child's individual needs

This policy applies to all activities organised and delivered by Beyond Words CIC.

At the time of publication, this includes:

• ✦Summer Club provision for autistic children and children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND)

This policy applies to all employees, volunteers, students, contractors and any other adults working on behalf of Beyond Words CIC and should be read alongside the organisation's related policies and procedures.

Safeguarding is everyone's responsibility. Every employee working for Beyond Words has a duty to protect children from harm, promote their welfare and respond appropriately to any safeguarding concern.

While specific safeguarding responsibilities differ depending on role, every employee is expected to remain vigilant, act professionally and place the welfare of children above all other considerations.

• ✦Founder & Director Responsibilities The Founder & Director has overall responsibility for safeguarding and child protection within Beyond Words CIC

The Founder & Director will:

• ✦ensure safeguarding remains central to all aspects of service delivery
• ✦maintain and regularly review safeguarding policies and procedures
• ✦ensure appropriate safeguarding arrangements are implemented
• ✦promote a culture where safeguarding is understood, valued and embedded throughout the organisation
• ✦ensure employees receive appropriate safeguarding training before working with children
• ✦respond promptly to safeguarding concerns
• ✦make referrals to Children's Social Care, the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO), the Police or other agencies where required
• ✦maintain accurate safeguarding records
• ✦ensure safer recruitment procedures are followed
• ✦work collaboratively with parents, carers, schools and external professionals where appropriate
• ✦monitor safeguarding practice and identify areas for continuous improvement
• ✦ensure lessons learned from safeguarding concerns are used to improve organisational practice
• ✦ensure appropriate staffing arrangements and supervision of children during all activities

As Beyond Words currently operates, the Founder & Director works directly alongside Activity Leaders during service delivery, providing day-to-day leadership, guidance and oversight while maintaining responsibility for safeguarding decisions.

• ✦Activity Leader Responsibilities Activity Leaders play a vital role in safeguarding children and promoting their wellbeing

Every Activity Leader is expected to:

• ✦place children's safety and wellbeing at the centre of their practice
• ✦read, understand and follow this policy
• ✦understand the individual needs of the children they support
• ✦remain vigilant to signs that a child may be at risk of harm
• ✦report safeguarding concerns immediately to the Founder & Director
• ✦accurately record safeguarding concerns when required
• ✦participate in safeguarding training and updates appropriate to their role
• ✦maintain professional boundaries at all times
• ✦treat every child with dignity, kindness and respect
• ✦contribute to a positive, inclusive and safe environment
• ✦follow agreed risk assessments and safety procedures
• ✦support children according to their individual needs

Activity Leaders must never assume that another employee has reported a safeguarding concern. If they are concerned about a child's welfare, they have a responsibility to report it.

• ✦Responsibilities of All Employees Every employee working for Beyond Words shares responsibility for safeguarding children

All employees are expected to:

• ✦act in the best interests of every child
• ✦remain alert to concerns, however small they may appear
• ✦listen carefully when children communicate worries or distress
• ✦report concerns without delay
• ✦maintain confidentiality appropriately
• ✦challenge unsafe practice where necessary
• ✦follow organisational policies and procedures
• ✦contribute to a culture where safeguarding is everyone's responsibility

Safeguarding concerns must never be ignored, delayed or dismissed.

• ✦Professional Conduct Children have the right to expect safe, respectful and professional relationships with the adults who support them

Employees are expected to:

• ✦act as positive role models
• ✦communicate respectfully with children and families
• ✦use appropriate language and behaviour at all times
• ✦respect children's privacy and dignity

• ✦avoid favouritism
• ✦avoid developing inappropriate or exclusive relationships with children or families
• ✦maintain clear professional boundaries
• ✦immediately report any practice that may place a child or adult at risk

Professional conduct contributes to a safe culture in which children feel secure, respected and able to develop positive relationships with trusted adults.

All employees must understand that abuse can occur in any family, community or organisation, regardless of age, disability, ethnicity, religion, gender or socio-economic background.

Children may experience one or more forms of abuse at the same time. Abuse may occur within a child's family, within the community, online or within organisations. It may be perpetrated by adults or by other children.

The four main categories of abuse are:

• ✦Physical Abuse Physical abuse is the deliberate causing of physical harm to a child

Examples may include:

• ✦hitting, shaking or pushing
• ✦burning or scalding
• ✦poisoning
• ✦inappropriate physical restraint
• ✦causing injuries deliberately
• ✦fabricating or inducing illness

Possible indicators may include unexplained injuries, repeated bruising, injuries inconsistent with the explanation given or a child becoming fearful of particular adults.

• ✦Emotional Abuse Emotional abuse is the persistent emotional maltreatment of a child which negatively affects their emotional development and wellbeing

Examples may include:

• ✦humiliation
• ✦intimidation
• ✦rejection
• ✦excessive criticism
• ✦threats
• ✦exposing children to domestic abuse
• ✦preventing a child from expressing themselves

Possible indicators may include significant changes in confidence, emotional wellbeing, self-esteem, anxiety or social interaction.

• ✦Sexual Abuse Sexual abuse involves forcing or encouraging a child to participate in sexual activities, whether or not the child understands what is happening

Sexual abuse may involve physical contact or non-contact activities.

Examples include:

• ✦inappropriate touching
• ✦sexual assault
• ✦exposing children to sexual images
• ✦encouraging sexualised behaviour
• ✦grooming
• ✦online sexual abuse
• ✦exploitation

Children may not always recognise that abuse has occurred or be able to communicate it directly.

• ✦Neglect Neglect is the persistent failure to meet a child's basic physical or psychological needs, resulting in serious impairment of their health or development

Examples include failing to provide:

• ✦adequate food
• ✦suitable clothing
• ✦appropriate supervision
• ✦necessary medical care
• ✦education
• ✦emotional support

• ✦protection from harm

Neglect may develop gradually over time and should always be taken seriously.

Beyond Words recognises that children may also be vulnerable to other safeguarding risks.

These may include:

• ✦child-on-child abuse
• ✦bullying, including prejudice-based bullying
• ✦online abuse
• ✦grooming
• ✦criminal exploitation
• ✦sexual exploitation
• ✦county lines
• ✦domestic abuse
• ✦radicalisation and extremism
• ✦forced marriage
• ✦honour-based abuse
• ✦female genital mutilation (FGM)
• ✦missing children
• ✦modern slavery
• ✦trafficking
• ✦harmful sexual behaviour
• ✦technology-assisted abuse
• ✦mental health concerns where they may indicate safeguarding risks

Employees are not expected to investigate these issues themselves but must report any concerns immediately.

Beyond Words recognises that children can abuse other children.

Child-on-child abuse may include:

• ✦physical aggression
• ✦bullying
• ✦intimidation
• ✦discriminatory behaviour

• ✦sexual harassment
• ✦sexual violence
• ✦inappropriate touching
• ✦sharing inappropriate images
• ✦coercive behaviour

All concerns will be taken seriously.

Beyond Words will never dismiss harmful behaviour between children as "banter", "part of growing up" or simply a disagreement.

The safety and wellbeing of every child involved will be considered, and appropriate action will be taken.

Although Beyond Words primarily provides face-to-face services, we recognise that many children access digital devices and online content outside our sessions.

Online risks may include:

• ✦inappropriate content
• ✦online grooming
• ✦cyberbullying
• ✦exploitation
• ✦sharing personal information
• ✦exposure to harmful or illegal material
• ✦online scams
• ✦artificial intelligence (AI) misuse
• ✦live streaming

Where online safety concerns arise, they will be managed in accordance with safeguarding procedures and shared with parents or relevant agencies where appropriate.

Beyond Words recognises its responsibility under the Prevent Duty to safeguard children from the risk of radicalisation and extremism.

Employees should remain alert to concerns that a child may be vulnerable to extremist influences.

Any concerns should be reported immediately to the Founder & Director, who will seek advice or make referrals where appropriate.

Beyond Words promotes inclusion, mutual respect, equality and acceptance of others through all aspects of its work.

Concerns Every safeguarding concern must be taken seriously.

Employees must act promptly whenever they are worried about a child's safety or wellbeing. No concern is too small to report if it could indicate that a child is at risk of harm.

Employees are not expected to investigate concerns or decide whether abuse has occurred. Their responsibility is to observe, record and report concerns without delay.

If an employee believes a child is in immediate danger the safety of the child must always take priority over concerns about confidentiality or organisational reputation, appropriate emergency action must be taken immediately, including contacting the emergency services where necessary.

• ✦If a Child Makes a Disclosure A child may choose to tell an adult that they are being harmed or may communicate this through speech, behaviour, signs, symbols, AAC or other forms of communication

When a child discloses information, employees should:

• ✦remain calm and reassuring
• ✦listen carefully without interrupting
• ✦allow the child to communicate at their own pace
• ✦take what the child says seriously
• ✦reassure the child that they have done the right thing by telling someone
• ✦avoid asking the child to repeat their account unnecessarily
• ✦explain that the information cannot be kept secret if the child is at risk of harm
• ✦report the concern immediately

Employees must not:

• ✦ask leading questions
• ✦promise confidentiality

• ✦investigate the concern themselves
• ✦express shock or disbelief
• ✦make assumptions or judgments
• ✦discuss the concern with anyone who does not need to know

• ✦Recording Concerns Accurate records are essential

Safeguarding records should be completed as soon as possible after the concern arises.

Records should include:

• ✦the date and time
• ✦the child's name
• ✦a factual description of what was seen, heard or reported
• ✦using the child's own words wherever possible
• ✦the names of any witnesses
• ✦any action taken
• ✦the name of the employee completing the record

Records should contain factual information only.

Opinions should be clearly identified as professional observations and should never be presented as fact.

Safeguarding records will be stored securely and treated as confidential.

• ✦Reporting Concerns Any employee who has a safeguarding concern must report it immediately to the Founder & Director

The Founder & Director will consider the information available and determine the most appropriate course of action.

This may include:

• ✦monitoring the situation
• ✦seeking advice from the local safeguarding partnership where appropriate
• ✦speaking with parents or carers where appropriate
• ✦seeking advice from safeguarding professionals
• ✦making a referral to Children's Social Care

• ✦contacting the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) where concerns relate to an adult working with children
• ✦contacting the Police where a child may be at immediate risk of significant harm

Employees should never delay reporting concerns while gathering additional information.

with Children Any allegation or concern that an employee, volunteer or other adult working on behalf of Beyond Words has:

behaved in a way that has harmed or may have harmed a child;

committed a criminal offence against a child;

behaved in a way that indicates they may pose a risk of harm to children; or

behaved in a way that raises concerns about their suitability to work with children,

must be reported immediately to the Founder & Director.

Where appropriate, advice will be sought from the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) before any internal investigation takes place.

Sharing Safeguarding information is confidential and will only be shared with those who need to know in order to protect a child or fulfil legal responsibilities.

Beyond Words will:

• ✦handle safeguarding information sensitively
• ✦maintain secure safeguarding records
• ✦share information lawfully and proportionately in accordance with the Data Protection Act 2018 and UK GDPR
• ✦work with other agencies where necessary to protect children

Employees must not discuss safeguarding concerns with colleagues, parents or other individuals unless authorised to do so as part of safeguarding procedures.

The safety and welfare of the child will always take priority when decisions about information sharing are made.

Beyond Words values positive and respectful relationships with parents and carers.

In most circumstances, safeguarding concerns will be discussed openly with parents and carers.

However, there may be situations where sharing information immediately could place a child or another person at greater risk or compromise a safeguarding investigation or increase the risk of harm to the child.

In such circumstances, Beyond Words will follow the advice of Children's Social Care, the Police or other relevant safeguarding professionals.

Safeguarding is most effective when organisations work together.

Where appropriate, Beyond Words will work in partnership with:

• ✦Children's Social Care
• ✦Local Authorities
• ✦Schools
• ✦Health professionals
• ✦Police
• ✦Therapists
• ✦Early Help services
• ✦Other professionals involved in supporting the child
• ✦Local Safeguarding Children Partnership (LSCP)
• ✦Ofsted

Information will be shared in accordance with safeguarding legislation and guidance where it is necessary to protect a child's welfare.

Beyond Words encourages all employees to raise genuine concerns about unsafe practice or safeguarding without fear of disadvantage. Concerns should be reported immediately in accordance with the Whistleblowing Policy.

The Founder & Director is responsible for implementing, monitoring and reviewing this policy. It will be reviewed annually, or sooner if required following changes to legislation, statutory guidance, safeguarding practice or organisational development. Lessons learned from safeguarding concerns, complaints or significant incidents may also result in an earlier review.

• ✦BW-FRM-001 , Philosophy, Vision & Values
• ✦BW-GOV-001 , Governance Framework
• ✦BW-GOV-002 , Organisational Structure & Responsibilities
• ✦BW-GOV-003 , Quality Assurance & Continuous Improvement
• ✦BW-HS-001 , Health & Safety Policy
• ✦BW-RA-001 , Risk Assessment Policy
• ✦BW-BEH-001 , Positive Relationships, Behaviour, Regulation & Support Policy
• ✦BW-CARE-001 , Personal Care & Intimate Care Policy
• ✦BW-MED-001 , Medication & First Aid Policy
• ✦BW-MISS-001 , Missing Child Policy
• ✦BW-COC-001 , Staff Code of Conduct
• ✦BW-DP-001 , Data Protection & Confidentiality Policy
• ✦BW-COMP-001 , Complaints Policy
• ✦BW-EQ-001 , Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Policy
• ✦BW-WB-001 , Whistleblowing Policy