Safeguarding

Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy

TeachFlex Edu

1. Policy Statement

TeachFlex Edu is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. We expect all staff, applicants, and partners working with us to share this commitment.

TeachFlex Edu recognises that safeguarding children is the responsibility of everyone and that the welfare of the child is paramount.

This policy is written in accordance with the statutory safeguarding guidance Keeping Children Safe in Education and relevant UK legislation including the Children Act 1989, Children Act 2004, and Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006.

2. Scope

This policy applies to:

  • All TeachFlex Edu employees

  • Temporary workers and applicants supplied to schools

  • Consultants and contractors

  • Any individuals representing TeachFlex Edu

The policy applies whenever individuals are working with children or young people in schools, colleges, or educational settings.

3. Safer Recruitment

TeachFlex Edu operates robust safer recruitment practices to ensure that only suitable individuals work with children.

Before an Applicant is placed in a school, TeachFlex Edu will complete appropriate vetting checks in accordance with Keeping Children Safe in Education. These checks may include:

  • Identity verification

  • Right to work in the United Kingdom

  • Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check

  • Barred list check where required

  • Professional qualifications verification

  • Employment history checks

  • Professional references

  • Prohibition checks where applicable (for teachers)

  • Overseas criminal record checks where necessary

Only Applicants who meet safeguarding and suitability standards will be introduced to Clients.

4. Responsibilities

TeachFlex Edu

TeachFlex Edu will:

  • Maintain safer recruitment procedures

  • Ensure safeguarding checks are completed before placement

  • Maintain records of compliance

  • Provide safeguarding awareness guidance to applicants

  • Work with schools to support safeguarding procedures

  • Take immediate action if safeguarding concerns are raised

Clients (Schools)

Schools remain responsible for safeguarding within their setting and must:

  • supervise staff appropriately

  • follow their internal safeguarding procedures

  • report any safeguarding concerns involving supplied staff immediately.

Applicants

All Applicants must:

  • safeguard the welfare of children and young people

  • follow the safeguarding policies of the school they are working in

  • report safeguarding concerns immediately

  • maintain professional boundaries at all times.

5. Recognising Safeguarding Concerns

Safeguarding concerns may include:

  • physical abuse

  • emotional abuse

  • sexual abuse

  • neglect

  • exploitation

  • inappropriate relationships or conduct

Applicants must report any safeguarding concerns immediately in accordance with the school’s safeguarding procedures.

6. Reporting Safeguarding Concerns

If a safeguarding concern arises:

  1. The Applicant must immediately report the concern to the school’s Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL).

  2. The Applicant must also inform TeachFlex Edu as soon as possible.

  3. TeachFlex Edu will record the concern and cooperate with any safeguarding investigation.

TeachFlex Edu will fully cooperate with schools, local authorities, and safeguarding agencies when concerns arise.

7. Allegations Against Staff

Where an allegation is made against an Applicant supplied by TeachFlex Edu:

  • the school must inform TeachFlex Edu immediately

  • TeachFlex Edu may suspend the Applicant from the platform while investigations take place

  • the matter may be referred to relevant safeguarding authorities where required.

8. Training and Awareness

TeachFlex Edu promotes safeguarding awareness among all staff and applicants.

Recruitment consultants receive training on:

  • safer recruitment

  • safeguarding responsibilities

  • recognising safeguarding concerns.

Applicants are expected to familiarise themselves with safeguarding expectations within schools.

9. Confidentiality and Data Protection

Safeguarding information will be handled confidentially and shared only where necessary.

All safeguarding data will be processed in accordance with:

  • Data Protection Act 2018

  • UK General Data Protection Regulation

10. Policy Review

This policy will be reviewed annually or sooner if there are changes to legislation or safeguarding guidance.

TeachFlex Edu is committed to continuously improving safeguarding practices to ensure the highest standards of child protection.