top of page

safeguarding policy

At Talking With Danyaal, we are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people who access our speech and language therapy services. This policy outlines our approach to safeguarding in compliance with UK legislation, including the Children Act 1989 and 2004, Working Together to Safeguard Children (2018) and the Keeping Children Safe in Education (2023) guidance.  

This policy applies to all staff, contractors, volunteers and anyone working on behalf of Talking With Danyaal.

​​

​

1. Our Safeguarding Principles

 

  • The welfare of the child is paramount.  

  • All children, regardless of age, disability, gender, race, religion or sexual orientation, have the right to protection from harm.

  • Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility.

  • We work in partnership with children, families and other agencies to promote the well-being of children. 

​

​

2. Roles and Responsibilities

 

  • Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL): The DSL responsible for overseeing safeguarding practices, ensuring staff training, and acting as the first point of contact for safeguarding concerns.

  • All Staff: Must be aware of safeguarding procedures, recognize signs of abuse, and report concerns promptly.

​

​

3. Recognising Abuse and Neglect

 

Staff are trained to recognise the following types of abuse:

 

  • Physical Abuse: Unexplained injuries, bruises, or burns.  

  • Emotional Abuse: Persistent criticism, humiliation, or rejection.  

  • Sexual Abuse: Inappropriate sexual behavior or knowledge.  

  • Neglect: Failure to meet basic needs such as food, clothing, or medical care.  

  • Exploitation: Involvement in criminal or harmful activities.  

​

​

4. Reporting Concerns

 

  • If a staff member has concerns about a child’s welfare, they must report it to the DSL immediately.  

  • Concerns should be recorded in writing using our safeguarding incident form, including details of the concern, actions taken, and any communication with external agencies.  

  • If a child is in immediate danger, staff must contact the police or local authority children’s services without delay. 

 

​

5. Working with Families

 

  • We aim to work openly and transparently with families, informing them of concerns unless doing so would place the child at further risk.  

  • We respect families’ rights and cultural backgrounds while prioritising the child’s safety.

​

​

6. Confidentiality and Information Sharing

 

  • Confidentiality is maintained wherever possible, but information may be shared with relevant agencies if there is a safeguarding concern.  

  • We follow the principles of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018 when handling personal information.

​

​

7. Safer Recruitment

 

  • All staff and volunteers undergo a thorough recruitment process, including an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check and references.  

  • Staff receive regular safeguarding training and updates to ensure they remain vigilant and informed.

​

​

8. Allegations Against Staff

 

  • Any allegations against staff or volunteers will be taken seriously and reported to the DSL.  

  • The Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) will be notified, and a full investigation will be conducted in line with statutory guidance. 

​

​

9. Supporting Children

 

  • We provide a safe, supportive environment where children feel comfortable expressing their concerns.  

  • Children are informed about their rights and how to raise concerns, and we use age-appropriate materials to communicate this.

​

​

10. Training and Awareness

 

  • All staff receive safeguarding training during induction and refresher training annually.  

  • The DSL undertakes advanced safeguarding training every two years.

​​

​

11. Monitoring and Review

​

  • This policy is reviewed annually or in response to changes in legislation or guidance.  

  • Safeguarding practices are regularly monitored to ensure compliance and effectiveness.

​

​

12. Contact Information


If you have any safeguarding concerns or questions about this policy, please contact:  

Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL):  Danyaal Sassa

Phone: 07904 986426
Email: talkingwithdanyaal@gmail.com


NSPCC Helpline: 0808 800 5000  

Talking With Danyaal is committed to creating a safe and nurturing environment for all children. We take our safeguarding responsibilities seriously and will always act in the best interests of the child. 

bottom of page