SAFEGUARDING

FRENCH BETWEEN THE COMMONS LTD

CHILD PROTECTION & SAFEGUARDING POLICY STATEMENT (2026/27)

Adopted: 1 September 2026 - Next review: 1 September 2027

1. Introduction & Statement of Intent

French Between The Commons Ltd (FBTC) is fully committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare and safety of all children and young people in our care. We recognise that all children, regardless of age, disability, gender, racial heritage, religious belief, sexual orientation, or identity, have a right to equal protection from all types of harm or abuse.

This policy sets out the measures that FBTC has put in place to ensure that all staff, tutors, and volunteers understand and fulfill their responsibilities. Our procedures comply with statutory UK guidance, notably Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) and Working Together to Safeguard Children.

2. Key Safeguarding Roles & Responsibilities

Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL): Emmanuelle Orban
Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (Deputy DSL): Julie Cadé (lead coordinator across host sites : Belleville Primary School, Belleville Wix Academy, Bolingbroke Academy, Telferscot and Shaftesbury Park)
Managing Director: Frédérique van Steenberghe

3. Multi-Agency & Local Authority Contacts (Wandsworth Borough)

FBTC works in active coordination with host schools' safeguarding teams and statutory services:

Wandsworth Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH):
- Telephone: 020 8871 6622 (Monday – Friday, 9:00 am – 5:00 pm)
- Out of Hours Duty Service: 020 8871 6000
- Email: MASH@wandsworth.gov.uk

Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO): Anita Gibbons
- Email: lado@wandsworth.gov.uk

(All allegations against staff or volunteers working with children must be referred to the LADO within one working day, via local authority protocols).

National Dedicated Helplines:
- NSPCC Helpline: 0808 800 5000
- Operation Encompass & Police Child Protection Unit

4. Safeguarding Procedures & Reporting

All FBTC staff and tutors are trained to identify signs of abuse, neglect, and welfare concerns.
Any staff member or volunteer who has a concern regarding a child's welfare must report it immediately to the FBTC DSL or Deputy DSL.
The DSL will immediately liaise with the host school's Designated Safeguarding Lead and Wandsworth MASH, following established multi-agency escalation procedures.
In the event of a child disclosure, the tutor will listen without leading, offer reassurance, document the discussion factually, and report without delay.
Whistleblowing: Any member of staff, tutor, or volunteer who has a concern about the conduct of a colleague - whether or not it directly involves a child - is encouraged and expected to raise it with the DSL or Managing Director without fear of reprisal. Concerns may also be raised directly with Wandsworth LADO where they relate to an allegation against a staff member.
Photography & Images: The use and sharing of images of children is governed by FBTC's Image Consent Policy, which requires written parental consent prior to any photograph or video being taken, used, or shared.

5. Safer Recruitment & Vetting

All tutors and staff who work with children undergo thorough safer recruitment and vetting procedures prior to placement.
Checks include enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) certificates, Children's Barred List checks, proof of identity, right-to-work verification, and professional references.
An annual Letter of Assurance confirming DBS details and compliance is provided to partner schools.

6. Mandatory Training & Quality Assurance

All staff working with students must complete accredited safeguarding training (via iHASCO / EduCare) and obtain certification before teaching.
Training is updated annually to incorporate all statutory revisions to Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE).