1. Our commitment

Bloom Academy · Barkingside is committed to providing a safe, respectful and supportive environment for every child we teach at Fullwell Cross Library, Barkingside High Street, Ilford IG6 2LL. We recognise that all children have an equal right to protection from harm, and that safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility. Our approach is informed by Keeping Children Safe in Education and Working Together to Safeguard Children.

2. Safer recruitment and enhanced DBS checks

Before anyone teaches or has unsupervised contact with a child, they will hold a current Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, including a check against the children’s barred list. We follow safer recruitment practice: we verify identity and qualifications, take up references, and explore any gaps in employment history before anyone is allowed unsupervised contact with children.

3. Designated Safeguarding Lead

Before our first class we will appoint a named Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) who has completed recognised safeguarding training and takes lead responsibility for child protection. The DSL will be the first point of contact for any concern about a child’s welfare and is responsible for liaising with statutory agencies. The DSL’s name and direct contact details will be displayed at our venue and available to any parent on request by emailing hello@bloomacademy.org.uk.

4. Code of conduct

All staff work to a written code of conduct designed to keep both children and adults safe. In summary, our staff will:

• treat every child with dignity and respect, and never use physical, verbal or emotional discipline;
• maintain appropriate professional boundaries and avoid being alone, unobserved, with a single child;
• not contact pupils privately or connect with them on personal social media;
• not transport children or meet them outside scheduled sessions;
• record and report any concern about a child, however small, to the DSL without delay; and
• follow our policies on first aid, intimate care and the safe use of devices and the internet.

5. Reporting a concern

If a member of staff, a parent or a child has a worry about a child’s safety, they should raise it with our Designated Safeguarding Lead, who will decide on the right course of action and, where necessary, make a referral to statutory services.

• Concern about a child — we refer to the Redbridge Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH), the local authority’s front door for children’s social care.
• Concern (an allegation) about an adult who works with children — we refer to the Redbridge Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO).
• A child in immediate danger — we contact the police on 999 without delay.

Anyone can also contact the NSPCC helpline on 0808 800 5000 or Childline on 0800 1111. We will never ignore a concern, and we will always act in the child’s best interests.

6. Photography and images

We do not photograph or film children without the explicit, written consent of a parent or guardian, and that consent is always optional — choosing not to give it has no effect on your child’s tuition. Where consent is given, images are stored securely, used only for the purpose you agreed (for example, progress records or, separately, marketing), and never identify a child by full name. You can withdraw consent at any time. Parents and visitors are asked not to photograph other people’s children.

7. Insurance

Before our first class we will hold public liability insurance covering our teaching activities, and we operate within the safety and access arrangements of our venue. Certificates of insurance will be available to parents on request.

8. Review

This statement and the underlying policies it summarises are reviewed at least annually, and immediately following any significant incident or change in statutory guidance.