Herts Mandarin School Child Protection Policy and Procedures

Renewal Version 2026–2027

(Updated to reflect Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) 2025 guidance)

1. Introduction

Herts Mandarin School is committed to ensuring the safety, protection and welfare of all children attending our Saturday morning and after-school Mandarin classes.

We recognise our responsibility to safeguard children from harm and promote their welfare in line with statutory requirements, including Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) 2025 guidance, and current safeguarding best practice.

Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility. We maintain a proactive approach to identifying risks, responding to concerns, and creating a safe, inclusive and supportive learning environment for all children, both offline and online.

This policy applies to all staff, teachers, volunteers and anyone working with children at Herts Mandarin School.

2. Aims

The aims of this policy are:

  • To provide a safe and secure environment where all children can learn and thrive.

  • To ensure all staff understand their safeguarding responsibilities.

  • To recognise, respond to and report concerns relating to child welfare, abuse, neglect or harm.

  • To support children’s emotional wellbeing and create an environment where children feel safe to speak.

  • To promote online safety awareness and protect children from digital risks.

  • To ensure recruitment, training and safeguarding procedures follow current statutory guidance.

3. Key Principles

At Herts Mandarin School:

  • The welfare of the child is our highest priority.

  • Every child has the right to feel safe, respected and protected from harm.

  • All safeguarding concerns, however small, will be taken seriously and responded to appropriately.

  • Safeguarding is the responsibility of everyone working within the school.

  • Staff should remain alert to changes in children’s behaviour, wellbeing or circumstances.

  • We promote a culture of care, respect, vigilance and continuous improvement.

4. Roles and Responsibilities

Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)

The DSL has overall responsibility for safeguarding and child protection at Herts Mandarin School.

The DSL will:

  • Manage safeguarding concerns and ensure appropriate action is taken.

  • Support staff with safeguarding advice and guidance.

  • Maintain safeguarding records securely.

  • Make referrals to relevant agencies when necessary.

  • Ensure safeguarding policies and procedures are regularly reviewed.

  • Ensure staff receive appropriate safeguarding training.

DSL Contact Details

Name: Qin Lin
Email: hertsmandarin@gmail.com
Phone: 07928 717162

Staff Responsibilities

All staff and volunteers must:

  • Understand and follow this safeguarding policy.

  • Complete safeguarding training where required.

  • Recognise signs that a child may need help or protection.

  • Report any concerns immediately to the DSL.

  • Maintain professional boundaries at all times.

  • Create a safe and respectful learning environment.

5. Recognising Signs of Abuse and Safeguarding Concerns

Staff should be aware of possible signs of:

Physical Abuse

  • Unexplained injuries, bruises or marks.

  • Repeated injuries or unusual explanations.

Emotional Abuse

  • Withdrawal, anxiety, low confidence or changes in behaviour.

  • Fearfulness or persistent distress.

Sexual Abuse

  • Inappropriate language or behaviour.

  • Signs of grooming or uncomfortable interactions.

Neglect

  • Poor hygiene, lack of care or unmet needs.

  • Frequent absence or changes in wellbeing.

Online and Digital Risks

Staff should also be aware of risks including:

  • Exposure to inappropriate online content.

  • Unsafe use of digital platforms.

  • Harmful online influences or misinformation.

6. Reporting Procedures

If a staff member has a safeguarding concern:

Step 1: Report Immediately

Inform the DSL as soon as possible.

Step 2: Record the Concer

Rcord:

  • Date and time.

  • What was observed or said.

  • Any actions taken.

Step 3: Follow Up

The DSL will assess the concern and decide whether further action or referral is required.

Safeguarding Contacts

Hertfordshire Children’s Services:
0300 123 4043

Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO):
0300 123 4043

NSPCC Helpline:
0808 800 5000

Emergency:
999

7. Managing Disclosures

If a child shares a safeguarding concern:

Staff should:

  • Listen calmly and carefully.

  • Allow the child to speak freely.

  • Avoid leading questions.

  • Reassure the child that they have done the right thing.

  • Explain that information must be shared to keep them safe.

  • Inform the DSL immediately.

  • Record the disclosure accurately.

Staff must not promise confidentiality.

8. Safer Recruitment and Staff Checks

Herts Mandarin School ensures that:

  • Appropriate DBS checks are completed before staff work with children.

  • References and employment history are checked where required.

  • Staff understand their safeguarding responsibilities.

  • Safeguarding training is maintained and updated.

    Safeguarding is an ongoing responsibility and not limited to DBS checks.

9. Staff Code of Conduct

Staff must:

  • Maintain professional boundaries with children.

  • Avoid being alone with a child in private spaces where possible.

  • Use appropriate language and behaviour at all times.

  • Avoid sharing personal contact details or social media accounts with students.

  • Follow online safety expectations when using digital resources.

10. Supporting Students

Herts Mandarin School provides a caring and supportive learning environment.

Our small class sizes allow teachers to:

  • Understand children’s individual needs.

  • Notice changes in behaviour or wellbeing.

  • Provide appropriate support.

Teachers encourage children to:

  • Feel confident and respected.

  • Communicate openly.

  • Enjoy learning Mandarin in a safe environment.

Additional support will be provided where concerns arise.

11. Monitoring, Review and Updates

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

The DSL will review:

  • Safeguarding procedures.

  • Staff training.

  • Record keeping.

  • Risk assessments.

  • Online safety arrangements.

Herts Mandarin School remains committed to continuous improvement in safeguarding practice.

12. Safeguarding Contact Information

Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)
Qin Lin
Tel: 07928 717162
Email: hertsmandarin@gmail.com

Hertfordshire Children’s Services:
0300 123 4043

LADO:
0300 123 4043

NSPCC Helpline:
0808 800 5000

Approval

This policy has been reviewed and renewed for the academic year 2026–2027.

Herts Mandarin School is committed to ensuring the safety, welfare and protection of every child attending our programmes.

Approved by:
Qin Lin
Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)

Approval Date: 1st July 2026

Review Date: 1st July 2027