Safeguarding Policy

The Literacy Tree Safeguarding Policy – September 2025

Summary of Policy

At The Literacy Tree Limited, we are committed to maintaining the highest standards of safeguarding to ensure the safety and well-being of all individuals, particularly children, during on-site training and delivery in schools. This policy outlines the measures we take to ensure that our staff adhere to safeguarding best practices during consultancy, training, or other services conducted during school hours.

Scope

This policy applies to all The Literacy Tree Limited staff, consultants, and representatives conducting on-site training or delivery in schools during school hours.

Introduction

The Literacy Tree Limited recognises its responsibility to protect children and young people from harm and to support schools in fostering a safe and secure environment. All activities undertaken by Literacy Tree staff on school premises will align with the safeguarding policies and procedures of the host school, as well as our internal safeguarding framework.

Policy

1. Legal Framework

1.1 This policy has been drawn up on the basis of legislation, policy and guidance that seeks to protect children in England and in line with government policy including the Keeping Children Safe in Education document.

2. Policy Commitments

2.1 Pre-Engagement Safeguarding Review::

• 2.1.1 Prior to any on-site activity, The Literacy Tree Limited will liaise with the school to review and confirm the safeguarding policies and procedures in place.
• 2.1.2 Staff will be briefed on school-specific safeguarding protocols, including designated safeguarding leads (DSL) and reporting procedures.

2.2 Staff Training and Vetting:

• 2.2.1 All The Literacy Tree Limited staff undergo safeguarding training as part of their induction and participate in regular updates to ensure they remain informed of best practices and legal requirements.
• 2.2.2 Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks are conducted for all staff and consultants who engage in activities involving children.

2.3 Adherence to School Policies

• 2.3.1 During on-site visits, The Literacy Tree Limited staff will follow the host school’s safeguarding policy.
• 2.3.2 Staff will report any safeguarding concerns immediately to the school’s DSL and document them as required by the school’s procedures.

2.4 Professional Conduct:

• 2.4.1 The Literacy Tree Limited staff will maintain professional boundaries at all times and adhere to ethical standards when interacting with pupils and staff.
• 2.4.2 Any engagement with children will be supervised by school staff unless otherwise agreed and documented.

2.5 Risk Assessments:

• 2.5.1 The Literacy Tree Limited will assess risks associated with on-site delivery and work collaboratively with schools to mitigate potential safeguarding risks

2.6 Monitoring:

• 2.6.1 A record of all on-site activities, including safeguarding measures and incidents, will be maintained for accountability and continuous improvement.
• 2.6.2 Feedback from schools regarding safeguarding practices during The Literacy Tree Limited visits will be reviewed regularly.

3. Responsibility

3.1 The Literacy Tree Limited Safeguarding Lead is responsible for ensuring compliance with this policy and addressing any safeguarding issues promptly.

3.2 All staff are required to act in accordance with this policy and raise concerns through appropriate channels.

4. Review and Compliance

4.1 This policy will be reviewed annually or sooner if required due to changes in legislation, best practices or organisational needs. For further information or to discuss safeguarding protocols, please contact the designated safeguarding lead.

The Literacy Tree Limited Safeguarding Lead:
Name: Lynn Sear
Email: lynn@literacytree.com
Phone: 020 8143 0441 / 07414 775 373

The Literacy Tree Limited is committed to keeping a safe working environment and contributing to a safe and just society where people are treated fairly and respectfully, and where we anticipate and respond positively to unlawful circumstances. Any violation or non-compliance with this policy may be treated as a serious misconduct and may include termination of employment or contractual arrangements, civil or criminal prosecution.

The Literacy Tree Limited will commit necessary resources in terms of people, time, money and training to make sure that we comply with our statutory duties and that our equality scheme is implemented effectively.

For assistance or further guidance please contact Anthony Legon or Lynn Sear (co-CEOs)