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Safeguarding Policy

1. Purpose of this Policy​

As an Educational Psychologist working in private practice, I have a statutory and professional duty to safeguard and promote the welfare of children and young people. This policy sets out the principles, legal frameworks, and procedures that guide my practice to ensure that safeguarding is integral to all work undertaken.

This policy is underpinned by the following legislation and practice guidelines:

  • Children Act 1989 & 2004
  • Working Together to Safeguard Children (2023)
  • Keeping Children Safe in Education (2025)
  • Education Act 2002, Counter-Terrorism and Security Act 2015 (Prevent Duty)
  • Data Protection Act 2018 & UK GDPR • The UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNRC) (1989)
  • BPS Practice Guidelines (2017)
  • BPS Safeguarding Guidance (2018)
  • CPC Standards (2023)

3. Safeguarding Principles​

  • Child-centred; services must be grounded in an understanding of the child’s needs and views. The welfare of the child is paramount regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation and have an equal right to protection from all types of harm or abuse.
  • All children and young people have the right to protection.
  • Safeguarding is a shared responsibility; working in partnership is essential in promoting the welfare of all.

4. Responsibilities​

I am the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) in my practice. I will:

  • Maintain up-to-date knowledge of safeguarding law and guidance.
  • Hold an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check and remain registered with the Update Service.
  • Attend safeguarding training.
  • Keep clear, accurate, and secure safeguarding records.
  • Escalate safeguarding concerns in line with local authority procedures or those of the school in which I am working.
  • Seek supervision/consultation when appropriate.

5. Safeguarding Procedures​

  • I will remain alert to signs of abuse, neglect, exploitation, domestic abuse, online risks, radicalisation, honour-based violence, and FGM.
  • I will seek to keep children and young people safe by valuing, listening and respecting them.
  • If a child is at immediate risk of harm, I will call the emergency services or Local Authority Children’s Services.
  • When working within a school, I will follow the school’s Safeguarding Procedures and contact the DSL.
  • I may share information without consent where necessary to keep a child safe.

6. Safeguarding Practice Approach​

I follow the safeguarding policy/procedures set out in the British Psychological Society’s (2017) Practice Guidelines (3rd Edition).

7. Training and Supervision​

I undertake regular safeguarding training and clinical supervision that includes safeguarding.

8. Policy Review​

This policy will be reviewed annually or sooner if statutory guidance changes.

9. Contact Information​

10. Date of current policy and review period​

  • Safeguarding policy created August 2025
  • Safeguarding policy will be next reviewed in August 2026