Safeguarding

The safeguarding and well being of all our young people, adults and staff is our highest priority and of paramount importance. Any concerns raised around safeguarding will be addressed promptly and efficiently and will at all times supersede any other business priorities and processes. 

We have numerous safeguarding tools in our online virtual classrooms. The functionality within our online platforms enables EDLounge and tutors to monitor learner interaction and assess progress . These include the ability to enable learners offsite letting us know how they are on a daily basis, alert mechanisms, video/chat support, marking and various other industry-leading tools.

EDLounge Safeguarding Commitment Statement 

EDLounge Ltd is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. EDLounge will always ensure that correct and effective action is taken to support any of these groups, should EDLounge staff think they are at risk of significant harm.

EDLounge Ltd requires all its leaders, employees, associates, partners and volunteers to share our commitment and the high priority we give to the safeguarding and welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. 

EDLounge Staff Safeguarding Qualifications 

It is a mandatory requirement for all EDLounge staff to complete and pass the Advanced Child Protection course and have up to date enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks in place. 

What does Safeguarding Young People mean?                                                                

Safeguarding is the action that is taken to promote the welfare of children and protect them from harm. Safeguarding means: protecting children from abuse and maltreatment. preventing harm to children's health or development, acting to enable all children and young people to have the best outcomes.

Safeguarding means:

• protecting children from abuse and maltreatment preventing harm to children’s health or development           
• ensuring children grow up with the provision of safe and effective care
• acting to enable all children and young people to have the best outcome

Further Information on safeguarding child protection can be found at NSPCC Learning and CEOP, or refer to the EDLounge learner handbook or safeguarding policies

What does Safeguarding Vulnerable Adults mean?

Safeguarding vulnerable adults involves reducing or preventing the risk of significant harm from neglect or abuse, while also supporting people to maintain control of their own lives. This does not only refer to adults who lack capacity. This relates to protecting the rights of adults to live in safety, free from abuse and neglect.

It is important that people and organisations work together to prevent and stop both the risks and experiences of abuse or neglect.

Further information can be found at Gov.UK and KeystoSafeguarding (our sister company) or please refer to the EDLounge safeguarding vulnerable adults’ policy and learner guide.

Anti-Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Statement 

Modern slavery is a term used to encompass slavery, servitude, forced and compulsory labour, bonded and child labour and human trafficking. Human trafficking is where a person arranges or facilitates the travel of another person with a view to that person being exploited. Modern slavery is a crime and a violation of fundamental human rights.

EDLounge recognises and acknowledges that modern slavery is a crime and a violation of fundamental human rights. It takes various forms, such as slavery, servitude, forced and compulsory labour and human trafficking, all of which have in common the deprivation of a person’s liberty by another in order to exploit them for personal or commercial gain.

EDLounge has a zero-tolerance approach to modern slavery, and we are committed to acting ethically and with integrity in all our business dealings and relationships and to implementing and enforcing effective systems and controls to ensure modern slavery is not taking place anywhere in our own business or in any of our supply chains.

Safeguarding and EDLounge

EDLounge staff are fully briefed about their responsibilities with regard to safeguarding and trained in the signs to watch out for which might indicate that young people are at risk of harm. 

The safeguarding of young people and vulnerable adults is central to EDLounge’s values. Safeguarding revolves around the process of being proactive in protecting children and vulnerable adults from harm and reporting any concerns to the appropriate authorities. 

 Any child or vulnerable adult who is at risk of harm is a safeguarding concern. Harm can take many forms including physical, emotional, sexual and neglect. Vulnerable adults may also be subject to financial abuse. Where these matters do present themselves, EDLounge has a duty to take steps to protect the individual and will do so professionally using specially trained staff both inside and outside EDLounge. 

This duty covers young people up to the age of 18 as well as adults who may be vulnerable because of their situation. Any concerns must be immediately referred to EDLounge so that advice can be sought and appropriate action is taken. 

Please call Cara Radford – DSL - on 01909 776 916 for any safeguarding concern or issue or email cara@edlounge.com

Personal Development and welfare 

As part of EDLounge’s duty of care, a tutorial programme for learners, young adults or apprentices is in place to help support the development of knowledge and understanding and allow apprentices to make the right decisions in the world of work as well as other aspects of their life. 
Wide-ranging discussions with the learners, young adults or apprentice cover:

• General welfare.
• Equality and diversity.
• Feeling safe at work and whilst on off the job training.
• Employee’s rights and responsibilities – working with others productively.
• Behaviours in the workplace, EDLounge and the wider community.
• Prevent of Radicalisation – Bullying – Online safety.
• Keeping fit and healthy-mentally and physically.
• Prevent strategy, British and EDLounge values.

These discussions are intended to enable learners, young adults or apprentices to develop fully and be successful in their workplace, their community and in their personal lives. 

COVID - 19 and Safeguarding

Please note: COVID-19 remains a serious risk to health, so always follow the latest Government guidelines and stay safe!  

EDLounge would like to thank the NHS and all the key workers for their ongoing hard work and commitment, to providing urgent healthcare during the Coronavirus pandemic. 

To report any safeguarding, wellbeing, harassment or bullying issues in confidence please call 01909 776 916

Important Contact Details

Designated Safeguarding Lead and General Manager 

Designated Safeguarding Name: Cara Radford 

email: cara@edlounge.com