Safeguarding Children Policy
Key Safeguarding Contact
Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL): Andrea McCloskey, Speech and Language Therapist, Speech Connect Ltd
- Enhanced DBS: 001954693698
- Up-to-date safeguarding training (refreshed at least every 2 years)
- HCPC registration no: SL27436
- RCSLT membership no: RC0022808
- ASLTIP membership no: 4702
Email: info@speechconnect.co.uk
Phone: +44 (0) 7379 100 043
Introduction and Scope
Speech Connect Ltd, trading as Speech Connect delivers independent Speech and Language Therapy to children in their homes, in educational settings, or via teletherapy. This policy outlines how Speech Connect safeguards children and young people.
It applies to Andrea McCloskey and to any student Speech and Language Therapists working under her supervision.
Purpose of this Policy
- Protect children and young people who receive Speech Connect’s services.
- Ensure their safety and promote their welfare.
Legal and Professional Framework
Speech Connect follows relevant UK safeguarding guidance and professional standards, including HCPC Standards of Conduct, Performance and Ethics and Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists (RCSLT) guidance. Definitions within this policy draw on “Working Together to Safeguard Children (2013)”.
Safeguarding Principles
- Children and young people should never experience abuse of any kind.
- We have a responsibility to promote the welfare of children and young people, to keep them safe and to practice in a way that protects them.
- The welfare of children and young people is paramount in all the work we do and in all decisions we take.
- Working in partnership with children, young people, their parents, carers and other agencies is essential to promoting welfare.
- All children—regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation—have an equal right to protection from all types of harm or abuse.
- Some children are additionally vulnerable because of previous experiences, level of dependency, communication needs or other issues; extra safeguards may be needed to keep them safe.
Roles and Responsibilities
The DSL (Andrea McCloskey) is responsible for ensuring safeguarding procedures are followed, acting on concerns, and liaising with external agencies. If student therapists are involved, they will follow this policy under direct supervision.
- Safeguarding training is kept up to date (refreshed at least every two years).
- All necessary checks (DBS, insurance, registrations) are maintained and available for parents and service users to view.
- Records are created contemporaneously and stored securely.
- When visiting children in education settings, the setting’s safeguarding policies and procedures are followed.
Duty of Care and Confidentiality
Speech Connect has a duty of care to all children on the caseload. Confidentiality will be maintained unless withholding information would place a child (or another person) at risk or where disclosure is required by law.
Information Sharing and Data Protection
- Information is shared on a need-to-know basis to keep children safe.
- Data is processed in accordance with GDPR and Speech Connect’s Privacy Policy.
- Consent will be sought where appropriate, except where safeguarding considerations require information to be shared without consent.
Responding to Disclosures
If a child, young person, or adult makes an allegation or disclosure of abuse against an adult or another child or young person, the practitioner will:
- Stay calm and listen carefully.
- Reassure the child that they have done the right thing in telling.
- Avoid investigating or asking leading questions.
- Explain that they will need to tell someone who can help.
- Not promise to keep secrets.
- If in an educational setting, inform the setting’s Designated Safeguarding Lead.
- In all other locations (e.g., client homes), contact St Helens MASH or the relevant services for the child’s local authority.
St Helens Council Children and Families Service – Multi Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH):
Tel: 01744 676767 (option 2) between 9am and 5pm Monday to Friday
Email: MASH@sthelens.gov.uk
As a professional, complete a Service Request Form (SRF)
Emergency Duty Team (out of hours): 0345 050 0148
Responding to Concerns (No immediate Disclosure)
If there is an immediate risk of harm, the Police must be contacted without delay. Where there is no immediate risk:
- Discuss the concern with the setting’s DSL (if in a school or nursery) or with St Helens MASH (or the relevant local service) to decide whether a referral is required.
- Make a written factual record as soon as possible using the Incident Recording Form (Appendix C).
- Store the record securely and share with statutory agencies if a referral is made.
Allegations Against the Practitioner or Student Therapist
Any allegation about the conduct of Andrea McCloskey or a supervised student will be reported immediately to the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) or MASH for advice and action. Speech Connect will cooperate fully with any investigation and follow professional guidance from the HCPC. Contact details for the LADO can be obtained via the local authority website.
Training
Safeguarding training will be refreshed at least every two years and sooner if guidance changes. Additional specialist training will be undertaken as appropriate.
Safer Recruitment
Speech Connect does not currently employ staff. Should recruitment occur, safer recruitment procedures will be followed, including DBS checks, verification of identity and qualifications, references, and appropriate induction and supervision.
Record Keeping and Retention
Safeguarding records will be stored securely and retained for a minimum of seven (7) years or until the child’s 25th birthday, whichever is longer, in line with professional guidance.
Professional Registrations and Compliance
- Enhanced DBS: 001954693698
- Up-to-date safeguarding training (refreshed at least every 2 years)
- HCPC registration no: SL27436
- RCSLT membership no: RC0022808
- ASLTIP membership no: 4702
- ICO Registration No: ZC077986
- Public liability and insurance from RCSLT (certificate available on request)
Document Control and Accessibility
This document as well as GDPR and Privacy and Terms and Conditions policies are available to view at Speech Connect Ltd business premises and can be provided electronically on request.
Name: Andrea McCloskey
Email: info@speechconnect.co.uk
Phone: +44 (0) 7379 100 043