The Maze Academy fully recognises its responsibilities for safeguarding children. Our policy applies to all staff working to support our Education Support  and Therapy Led Learning programs (collectively referred to as “Individualised Curriculum Support”) and the platform. For the Education  Programs that are held at The Elijah Centre, the Policies of The Elijah Centre shall apply.  For more information, please visit the Elijah Centre Policies page.

The Maze Academy properly vets every Maze Academy Teacher candidate and follows all appropriate procedures and due diligence processes to check references, do background checks –  including but not limited to DBS checks,  and ensure that all qualifications are verified before employing any candidate to be a Maze Academy Teacher.  As a Maze Academy Teacher supporting the Education Programs, they will promote and adhere to best practices and ensure that the education and wellbeing of each child is the priority.  They will ensure high quality learning experiences and with support from Dr. Elijah and The Elijah Centre, support every pupil’s social emotional development, leading to a consistently high level of pupil achievement.  

The aims of The Maze Academy Safeguarding Policy for the Programs are:

• To support all Learner’s development in ways that will foster security, confidence and independence.
• To provide an environment where Learner’s feel safe, secure, valued and respected.
• To raise awareness of all Maze Academy staff and Leaders (either teaching or nonteaching) of the need to safeguard children and their responsibility in identifying and reporting possible cases of abuse.
• To monitor children that may be at the risk of harm and provide the best environment to accommodate their requirements.
• Provide good levels of communication between all members of staff and children.
• Ensure all Maze Academy staff working directly with children, either virtually or face to face, as part of the Programs are suitable to carry out the job in question by checking and verifying identification, carrying out a CRB/DBS check and also undergoing First Aid Training Procedures and Responsibilities Procedures will follow those that have been set out by the Local Safeguarding Children Board (LSCB).
• Ensure there is a Designated Senior Member of Staff at the Elijah Centre– Dr. Debora Elijah
• Ensure there is a Deputy Member of Staff in the absence of the Designated Senior Member of Staff
• Ensure there is a Nominated Member of Staff in the absence of the Designated Senior Member of Staff and Deputy Member of Staff
• Ensure that all members of staff are aware of the relevant nominated members of staff.
• Ensure that duty of care towards students and staff is carried out by raising awareness of illegal, unsafe and unwise behaviour. These procedures will be reviewed annually. All staff associated with the Programs will be required to read through this policy and have a chance to ask any questions as part of their induction program.  The basic induction program will include information on how to notice signs and symptoms of abuse, how to manage a disclosure from a child, whom to inform and finally how to record any evidence and plans of action.

With relation to safety of children, The Maze Academy also treats the following as urgent matters: Bullying, Cyber Bullying, Racism, and any other form of abuse.

Managing A Disclosure

The Maze Academy staff will listen carefully to a child’s disclosure and will ask questions of the following nature:

• How did that happen?
• Was there anything else happening at that time?
• Have you spoken to someone about this?

All answers will be documented and reported to the appropriate body.

Supporting Children

We recognise that a child who is abused or witnesses violence may feel helpless, humiliated, may blame themselves and find it difficult to develop and maintain a sense of self-worth. Our Programs may provide some form of stability in the children’s lives where they want to open up to personal matters. Under these circumstances, this will be reported to the relevant Central Duty Team.

Allegations Against Staff

We understand that a pupil may make an allegation against a member of staff. If such an allegation is made, the member of staff receiving the allegation will immediately inform the Designated Senior Member of Staff who will take the following actions:

• REMOVE & REPLACE: The staff member who has the allegation made against them will be removed and a replacement member who is adequately trained will step in until further notice.
• CONTACT LADO: We will follow their instructions (please see relevant details below)
• CONTACT OFSTED: 0300 123 1231 and follow up in writing to enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk
• INFORM PARENT: Parents will be contacted and informed about any incidents involving their child/children unless the LADO have advised against this.

Confidentiality

We recognise that cases dealt with any child are treated with respect and as a private matter.

Documenting 

Any member of staff receiving a disclosure of abuse from a child or young person, or noticing signs or symptoms of possible abuse will make a notification to the Designated Senior Member of Staff, Deputy Member of Staff and/or Nominated Member of Staff. This incident will be documented together with the plan of action and/or outcomes with dealing with relevant bodies such as the Local Police or Council.

Complaints Or Concerns Expressed By Pupils, Parents And/Or Staff

We recognise that listening to children is an important and essential part of safeguarding them against abuse and neglect. To this end any expression of dissatisfaction or disquiet in relation to an individual child will be listened to and acted upon in order to safeguard his/her welfare. We will also seek to ensure that the child or adult who makes a complaint is informed not only about the action The Maze Academy and/or the Elijah Centre (“the Parties”) will take but also the length of time that will be required to resolve the complaint. The Parties will also endeavour to keep the child or adult regularly informed as to the progress of his/ her complaint.

If you have any concerns about a child being harmed or at risk of harm please contact your council such as :

Barnet

Children and their parents may need help. Please contact:
Barnet Multi Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH)  Team: 020 8359 4066 or email mash@barnet.gov.uk

Brent

Brent Council Children’s Care Services on 020 8937 4300.

Camden

Camden Safeguarding Children – 020 7974 3317

If you do not feel comfortable about telling the council, or you are not sure if you are right, you can also speak to a police officer, teacher, health visitor, doctor or the NSPCC. The most important thing is to tell someone who can help.

If you believe a child is in immediate danger you should phone the police. Call 999