RISE MINDS – SAFEGUARDING & CHILD PROTECTION POLICY
Version: 1.0
Date: May 2026
Review date: May 2027
Policy owner: Kleber Srbek Rodrigues Shaw (Rise Minds)
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1. PURPOSE
Rise Minds is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of every child it works with. This policy sets out how Rise Minds fulfills that responsibility — covering how concerns are identified, recorded, and reported, and what happens when a child's safety or wellbeing is at risk.
Every child who accesses Rise Minds services has the right to be safe. This is not negotiable.
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2. SCOPE
This policy applies to all Rise Minds services and sessions, including all online 1:1 sessions with children aged 6–11.
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3. DESIGNATED SAFEGUARDING LEAD (DSL)
Name: Kleber Srbek Rodrigues Shaw
Role: Sole practitioner and Designated Safeguarding Lead
Contact: kleber.srbek@hotmail.com
As a sole practitioner, Kleber Srbek Rodrigues Shaw holds full responsibility for safeguarding within Rise Minds.
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4. SAFER RECRUITMENT
The Tutor holds a current Enhanced DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check, appropriate for working with children. A copy is available upon request.
The DBS certificate will be renewed every three years, or sooner if circumstances require it.
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5. TYPES OF ABUSE
The Tutor is aware of the four main categories of child abuse as defined by Working Together to Safeguard Children (HM Government, 2023):
Physical abuse — causing physical harm to a child, including hitting, shaking, burning, or otherwise hurting them.
Emotional abuse — persistent emotional mistreatment that damages a child's emotional development. This includes making a child feel worthless, unloved, or frightened.
Sexual abuse — involves a child being pressured or forced to take part in sexual activities. This does not have to involve physical contact.
Neglect — persistent failure to meet a child's basic physical or emotional needs, likely to seriously harm their health or development.
The Tutor is also alert to other areas of concern, including but not limited to: domestic abuse in the household, child exploitation, online safety risks, and female genital mutilation (FGM).
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6. RECOGNISING SIGNS OF CONCERN
The Tutor will remain attentive to signs that a child may be at risk of harm or abuse. These may include:
- Unexplained changes in behaviour, mood, or engagement
- A child disclosing something that causes concern
- Signs of distress, fear, or withdrawal during or between sessions
- Visible bruising, injuries, or physical signs noticed during video sessions
- Comments made by the child about their home life that raise concern
- Behaviour suggesting the child has been exposed to adult themes or content
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7. RESPONDING TO A DISCLOSURE
If a child makes a disclosure — or if the Tutor has a concern about a child's welfare — the following steps will be taken:
7.1 Listen calmly and without judgement. Do not interrupt, press for details, or make promises that cannot be kept (such as promising to keep it secret).
7.2 Use open, non-leading questions only where necessary to understand what has been said (e.g., "Can you tell me a bit more about that?").
7.3 Reassure the child that they have done the right thing by sharing this, and that they are not in trouble.
7.4 Do not investigate or attempt to resolve the situation independently.
7.5 Make a written record of exactly what the child said, using their own words, as soon as possible after the session. Include the date, time, and any relevant context.
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8. REPORTING PROCEDURES
8.1 If a concern arises during or after a session, the Tutor will contact the relevant local authority Children's Services or the NSPCC Helpline (0808 800 5000) within 24 hours.
8.2 If a child is believed to be in immediate danger, the Tutor will contact the police by calling 999 without delay.
8.3 The Tutor will inform the child's parent or carer of a referral, unless doing so would put the child at greater risk.
8.4 All concerns and actions taken will be recorded confidentially and kept securely. Records will be retained for a minimum of 7 years.
8.5 Confidentiality will be maintained throughout the process, with information shared only on a need-to-know basis.
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9. ONLINE SAFEGUARDING
As all Rise Minds sessions are delivered online, the following safeguards are in place:
- Sessions are conducted via a secure, password-protected video platform (Google Meet or Zoom)
- Sessions are not recorded by the Tutor without the prior written consent of the parent or carer
- The Tutor will not communicate with a child outside of scheduled sessions except through the parent or carer
- If the Tutor observes anything of concern during an online session (e.g., a third party entering the room, a visible safeguarding concern), they will address it in line with this policy
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10. ALLEGATIONS AGAINST THE TUTOR
In the unlikely event that a concern is raised about the Tutor's conduct, the parent or carer is encouraged to contact:
- The NSPCC Helpline: 0808 800 5000
- The local authority Children's Services team
- Ofsted (if applicable)
Rise Minds is committed to full cooperation with any investigation.
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11. TRAINING AND AWARENESS
The Tutor commits to maintaining an up-to-date awareness of safeguarding best practice and statutory guidance, including:
- Working Together to Safeguard Children (HM Government)
- Keeping Children Safe in Education
- KCSIE and any updates issued by the Department for Education
Safeguarding training will be refreshed every year.
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12. POLICY REVIEW
This policy will be reviewed annually, or sooner if there are changes in legislation, guidance, or the nature of Rise Minds services.
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Signed: Kleber Srbek Rodrigues Shaw (Rise Minds)
Date: May 2026