Safeguarding Policy

1. Purpose and Scope of This Policy

The purpose of this safeguarding policy is:

  • to protect children and young people who receive Helicon Project’s services from harm

  • to provide staff, tutors, volunteers, students, and families with the principles that guide our approach to safeguarding and child protection

This policy applies to anyone working on behalf of Helicon Project, including directors, managers, tutors, contractors, volunteers, and any other individuals involved in delivering services to children and young people.

Helicon Project works primarily with students aged 11–18, both online and, where applicable, in person.

2. Legal Framework

This policy has been developed in line with UK legislation, statutory guidance, and best practice, including but not limited to:

  • Keeping Children Safe in Education (DfE)

  • Working Together to Safeguard Children

  • The Children Act 1989 and 2004

Further guidance is available from the NSPCC at nspcc.org.uk/learning.

3. Policy Statement

Helicon Project believes that:

  • children and young people should never experience abuse of any kind

  • we have a responsibility to promote the welfare of all children and young people and to keep them safe

We recognise that:

  • the welfare of the child is paramount in all our work and decision-making

  • all children, regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation, have an equal right to protection

  • some children may be more vulnerable due to previous experiences, additional needs, or personal circumstances

  • working in partnership with parents, carers, and external agencies is essential in promoting children’s welfare

4. How We Keep Children and Young People Safe

Helicon Project seeks to safeguard children and young people by:

  • appointing a Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)

  • adopting safeguarding and child protection policies, procedures, and a clear code of conduct

  • ensuring all staff and tutors understand their safeguarding responsibilities

  • providing safeguarding training and ongoing guidance for all staff and tutors

  • recruiting staff and tutors safely, including enhanced DBS checks where required

  • recording, storing, and handling safeguarding information securely in line with data protection legislation

  • sharing safeguarding concerns with appropriate agencies where necessary

  • managing allegations against staff or tutors promptly and appropriately

  • maintaining clear complaints and whistleblowing procedures

  • creating an environment where children feel listened to, respected, and able to raise concerns

5. Online Teaching and Tutoring Safeguards

For online lessons and tutoring sessions, Helicon Project ensures that:

  • all sessions are conducted on approved platforms

  • professional boundaries are maintained at all times

  • tutors do not share personal contact details with students

  • communication with students is appropriate, professional, and related only to learning

  • parental consent is obtained where required

  • parents are encouraged to supervise or be nearby during online sessions

  • students are expected to maintain appropriate classroom behaviour

Where sessions are recorded for safeguarding or quality-assurance purposes, recordings are stored securely and deleted in line with our data retention policy.

6. One-to-One Tutoring

For 1:1 tutoring sessions, Helicon Project:

  • provides tutors with safeguarding guidance and clear reporting procedures

  • requires tutors to report any safeguarding concerns immediately

  • conducts DBS checks for tutors working directly with children

  • collects essential student and emergency contact information from parents or carers

  • expects professional conduct and appropriate behaviour from both tutors and students

7. Safeguarding of Staff

Helicon Project is committed to safeguarding its staff and tutors. Any form of harassment, abuse, bullying, or discrimination directed towards staff is unacceptable and will be investigated. Proven breaches may result in disciplinary action or termination of contracts.

8. Reporting Concerns

Any safeguarding concern about a child or young person must be reported immediately to the Designated Safeguarding Lead. Concerns will be handled sensitively, confidentially, and in line with statutory guidance.

9. Contact Details

Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)
Name: Christopher Marlow
Email: Chris-marlow1@proton.me

NSPCC Helpline
0808 800 5000

10. Review of Policy

This safeguarding policy comes into force on 02/07/2026.
Helicon Project is committed to reviewing this policy annually or sooner if required by changes in legislation or guidance.