Child protection

Safeguarding every child, every day.

The safety and wellbeing of every young person comes first. We act immediately and decisively where there is any concern that a young person is at risk of harm.

  • Children’s Homes Regulations 2015
  • Designated Safeguarding Lead
  • Multi-agency partnership

How we keep children safe

Four pillars of our safeguarding practice

Every policy, procedure and decision is built around these commitments — for every young person, every day.

Designated lead

The Registered Manager is our designated lead for child protection, ensuring procedures are followed and coordinating with LADO.

Up-to-date plans

Every young person has a current Risk Assessment addressing specific safeguarding concerns and informing their care plan.

Multi-agency action

We convene Professionals’ and Risk Management Meetings and refer to statutory agencies the moment thresholds are met.

Recorded & reviewed

All incidents, actions and outcomes are recorded and reviewed to improve ongoing risk assessment and care.

Reporting Concerns & Allegations

Speak to us at the first opportunity

We are committed to the safety and wellbeing of all young people. If a young person, a friend or a family member has a concern or needs to report an issue, they can speak to any staff member or a member of the Management Team at the first available opportunity.

Safeguarding policies & procedures

Our safeguarding policies and procedures are readily accessible to all staff and available upon request. Every young person has an up-to-date Risk Assessment that addresses specific safeguarding concerns. The Registered Manager is our designated lead for child protection, responsible for ensuring procedures are followed when complaints or allegations are made against staff, and coordinates with the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO). If a complaint is directed at the Registered Manager, it should be reported to the Responsible Individual and/or the company’s Director of Operations.

Who to talk to

Clear escalation route

  1. 1

    Any staff member

    Concerns can be raised with anyone on the team at the first opportunity.

  2. 2

    The Management Team or Key Worker

    For matters needing senior input or planned follow-up.

  3. 3

    The Registered Manager Designated Lead

    Coordinates with the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) for allegations against staff.

  4. 4

    Responsible Individual / Director of Operations

    For complaints directed at the Registered Manager.

Raising Complaints

Clear routes for everyone

However you’re connected to a child in our care, you can ask for and review our safeguarding policies.

Professionals & Organisations

  • Request policies from the Registered Manager (the lead for child protection).
  • Contact the Responsible Individual if you cannot reach the Manager.
  • Key policies are provided in the initial information pack at placement.

Young People & Families

  • Ask any staff member for a copy of the policies.
  • Speak to the child’s designated Key Worker.
  • Request policies during a meeting, such as a care planning review.

General Access

  • Policies are easily accessible for all staff and available on request.
  • A formal written or email request may be needed, specifying the policies and your role in the child’s care.

Risk Management

Immediate, decisive safeguarding response

We act immediately and decisively where there is a concern that a young person is at risk of harm to themselves or others.

Immediate action

Staff implement established safety measures to mitigate immediate risk and secure the young person’s welfare.

Multi-professional meetings

Where risk is significant, we convene Professionals’ Meetings and Risk Management Meetings to agree protective measures and clear responsibilities.

Safeguarding referrals

Where concerns meet safeguarding thresholds, we make timely referrals to statutory agencies and cooperate fully with investigations.

Recording & review

All incidents, actions and outcomes are recorded and reviewed to inform ongoing risk assessment and care planning.

Surveillance & Monitoring

Safety balanced with privacy and dignity

We balance the safety of young people with their rights to privacy and autonomy. Monitoring is supportive, a last resort, and used only when a clear and specific risk has been identified.

Bedroom door alarms

Fitted only for young people with a specific, documented risk, activated on an as-needed basis per their individual Risk Assessment and with appropriate permissions.

Electronic surveillance

We do not initiate this ourselves, but support court-ordered devices such as electronic tags.

Parental observation

Staff monitor young people with the care a good parent would, aware of their whereabouts and wellbeing without being intrusive.

Nightly security checks

Regular checks of the building and grounds throughout the night, with the front door locked from the inside overnight.

Managing absences & risk

If a young person is reported absent, absconded or missing, we may use location services on their mobile phones and social media to help ascertain their safety — taken only with the explicit consent of the Field Social Worker, a manager or a parent.

Safeguarding response

Concerned about a child’s safety?

If a child is in immediate danger always call 999. For safeguarding concerns relating to our homes, contact our team without delay.