Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy

Guidepost is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all students. All students have the right to be protected from all types of harm and abuse.

At Guidepost, we recognize the importance of fostering an ethos and environment within the school that help students be safe and feel safe. We believe that all students have the right to be heard, to have their wishes and feelings taken into account, and to be afforded equal protection.

Definition of Safeguarding

Safeguarding is defined as:

Protecting children from maltreatment, harm, and abuse.
Preventing the impairment of children’s mental and physical health or development.
Ensuring that children grow up in circumstances consistent with the provision of safe and effective care.
Taking action to enable children to have the best life chances.

At Guidepost, there are four main elements to Safeguarding and Child Protection:

Prevention through proactive care, including training, support, curriculum measures, onboarding, and safe recruitment practices.
Protection through clear procedures, including aligned protocols for response, reporting, escalation, and confidentiality.
Support for all students, parents, and staff, including the implementation of appropriate, targeted interventions for individuals who may be at risk of harm.
Partnering with parents and relevant agencies to ensure clear communication and coordinated, appropriate action.

Creating a Culture of Care

At the heart of our organisation is a strong culture of care, where safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children is a shared responsibility. Every individual who comes into contact with children and their families, guardians, and caregivers has an important role to play. We are committed to a child-centered approach in all that we do, ensuring that the best interests of the child remain at the forefront of every decision and action.

We believe that safeguarding is most effective when built on strong partnerships. We actively collaborate with parents, guardians, and relevant health and professional services to continuously strengthen and evolve our safeguarding practices and culture.

By embedding these principles and practices, we not only protect and promote the wellbeing of children, but also foster a safe, trusting, and supportive environment. This, in turn, builds confidence within our staff, volunteers, families, and the wider community.

Download an extended version of our Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy using the link provided here.