Introduction
David Anthony (SENDForward UK) is committed to safeguarding the welfare of all children and young people (aged under 18) who come into contact with our services. This safeguarding statement outlines the procedures for ensuring safe and positive experience for all our clients.

Definitions
Safeguarding: protecting children and young people from abuse and neglect.
Abuse: physical, emotional, sexual or neglectful treatment
Disclosure: when a child tells you they are or have been abused

SENDForward UK’s Commitment
David will:
1. Prioritise the well-being of children and young people at all times.
2. Promote a culture of openness, where children and young people feel safe to disclose.
3. Have clear procedures in place for identifying, reporting and responding to safeguarding concerns.
4. Work in partnership with schools, colleges, local authorities and other relevant agencies to safeguard children and young people.
5. Ensure training in safeguarding procedures is reviewed annually / in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSiE).

Responsibilities
We have a responsibility to safeguard children and young people. This includes:
1. Being aware of the signs and indicators of abuse.
2. Following the procedures for reporting concerns about abuse.
3. Maintaining appropriate professional boundaries with children and young people.
4. Upholding confidentiality, except where there is a safeguarding concern.
5. Completing safeguarding training at regular intervals.

Procedures for Reporting Concerns
Where David is working with or on behalf of a school, college, local authority or other organisation, he will follow their safeguarding procedures and policy. David will not hold any safeguarding information relating to children and young people, in the exception of where he has made a referral to external agencies, such as the police or social care.

When reporting a concern, David will:
1. Report the concern as soon as possible and on the day the concern has been raised to the Designated Safeguarding Lead – following the reporting guidelines of the school, college or local authority.
2. He will not investigate the concern.
3. Will make notes of the concern to be shared with the Designated Safeguarding Lead.

Confidentiality
David will maintain confidentiality about any safeguarding concerns raised, except where there is a legal requirement to disclose the information, or where the child or young person’s safety is at risk.

Training and Checks
David can provide details of his Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) certificate and DBS Update Service details to clients and partners (pending).
David has completed safeguarding children in schools, academies, and colleges with the NSPCC. Evidence of training is available upon request.

Other information
Concerns related to safeguarding should be reported to your Designated Safeguarding Lead in the place you work or study.

Useful links:
NSPCC
Keeping Children Safe in Education
Childline

Insurance:
David is fully insured. He holds public and products liability cover, as well as professional indemnity.