Although most are freelance, for the purpose of this policy, all teachers, managers, assistants, or other people occupying the studio in a professional capacity, representing Every Body Studio, will be referred to as “staff”.

It is essential that every staff member in our companies understands their safeguarding

responsibilities. Everyone who comes into contact with others has a role to play in ensuring people are safe from abuse, neglect, exploitation and harm. Every Body Studio is committed to safeguarding children and aims to create a culture of vigilance. All staff should make sure that any decisions made are in the best interests of the individual.

Individuals using Every Body Studios services’ welfare is our paramount concern. We will ensure that our company will safeguard and promote the welfare of individuals and work together with relevant agencies to ensure that our company has adequate arrangements to identify, assess and support those who are suffering or where significant harm is suggested.

This policy provides the basis for good practice within the company for Safeguarding work. This policy applies to all members of staff in our company.

What is Safeguarding

Safeguarding is a comprehensive approach aimed at ensuring the well-being, safety, and protection of individuals, particularly those who may be vulnerable or at risk of harm. This policy outlines the principles, responsibilities, and procedures that our organisation adheres to in order to create a safe and secure environment for all involved parties.

This policy covers Safeguarding of both adults and children, and where there is a difference in procedures or processes, this will be clearly stated.

Definition of Safeguarding:

Safeguarding is the proactive and preventative action taken to protect individuals from abuse, harm, neglect, or exploitation. It encompasses a broad range of measures designed to promote the welfare of individuals, prevent risks, and respond effectively to concerns or incidents that may compromise their safety.

Key Principles of Safeguarding:

• Empowerment

• Encouraging individuals to make their own choices, express their preferences, and have control over their lives, while ensuring their rights and dignity are respected.

• Prevention

• Identifying and addressing potential risks and concerns before they escalate, through education, awareness, and proactive measures.

• Proportionality

• Balancing the response to safeguarding concerns with the level of risk involved, ensuring that interventions are proportionate and necessary to protect the individual's well-being.

• Partnership

• Collaborating with relevant agencies, professionals, and stakeholders to share information and coordinate efforts in safeguarding individuals effectively.

• Accountability

• Clearly defining roles, responsibilities, and accountability for all individuals involved in the safeguarding process, ensuring transparency and effective communication.

Understanding Vulnerability:

Safeguarding recognises that certain individuals may be more vulnerable to abuse, neglect, or harm due to factors such as age, disability, illness, mental health, socio-economic status, or other circumstances. It is essential to identify and address these vulnerabilities to provide tailored support and protection.

Types of Abuse:

Safeguarding encompasses various forms of abuse, including but not limited to:

• Physical Abuse

• Inflicting physical harm or injury on an individual.

• Emotional or Psychological Abuse

• Causing emotional distress, intimidation, or psychological harm.

• Sexual Abuse

• Inappropriate or non-consensual sexual conduct.

• Neglect

• Failure to provide adequate care, attention, or support.

• Financial Exploitation

• Misuse or misappropriation of an individual's financial resources.

Legal Framework

In the United Kingdom, safeguarding of both adults and children is supported by legal frameworks and legislation. This policy has been written in accordance to the following frameworks and legislations:

Adult Safeguarding

• Care Act 2014

  • The Care Act 2014 is the primary legislation for adult social care in England. It sets out the legal framework for the protection and well-being of adults at risk of abuse or neglect. The Act emphasises the importance of collaboration between different agencies and organisations to prevent, identify, and respond to cases of abuse or neglect of adults.

• Human Rights Act 1998

  • The Human Rights Act incorporates the European Convention on Human Rights into UK law. It plays a crucial role in safeguarding adults by ensuring their fundamental human rights are protected.

• Mental Capacity Act 2005

  • The Mental Capacity Act provides a legal framework for making decisions on behalf of individuals who may lack capacity. It includes provisions to safeguard individuals who are unable to make decisions about their care and support.

• The Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006

  • This Act establishes the legal framework for vetting individuals working with vulnerable adults, including checks through the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).

Children Safeguarding

• Children Act 1989 and 2004

  • The Children Act 1989 and its amendment in 2004 are fundamental pieces of legislation for children's welfare and protection. They set out the legal framework for the care and upbringing of children, emphasizing the paramountcy of the child's best interests.

• Working Together to Safeguard Children

  • This is a government guidance document that outlines the responsibilities of different agencies and professionals in safeguarding children. It sets out the processes for cooperation and information sharing.

• The Education Act 2002

  • This Act includes provisions for the protection and well-being of children in educational settings. It requires schools to have policies and procedures in place for safeguarding children.

• Children and Social Work Act 2017

  • This Act introduces reforms to the child protection system, including the establishment of Local Safeguarding Children Boards (LSCBs) and the transfer of responsibility for child death reviews to the Child Safeguarding Practice Review Panel.

Signs of Harm

Although there can be similarities, signs of harm can look different for adults and children. This is why this policy separates the signs below.

Signs of Harm in Children

• Physical Abuse:

  • Unexplained bruises, burns, or injuries

  • Frequent injuries or injuries in unusual patterns

  • Fearful or flinching response to physical contact

• Emotional or Psychological Abuse:

  • Withdrawn behaviour, depression, or anxiety

  • Sudden changes in behaviour, mood swings, or aggression

  • Low self-esteem or excessive need for approval

• Sexual Abuse:

  • Inappropriate knowledge or behaviour related to sexual matters

  • Fear of a specific person or reluctance to be alone with someone

  • Sexualised play or drawings that are developmentally inappropriate

• Neglect:

  • Poor hygiene, unwashed clothes, or persistent body odour

  • Consistent hunger or inappropriate weight loss

  • Frequent absence from school or lack of necessary medical care

• Child Exploitation:

  • Involvement in criminal activities, including theft or drug abuse

  • Evidence of self-harm or suicidal ideation

  • Frequent association with older individuals involved in exploitative behaviours

• Bullying or Peer Abuse:

  • Unexplained injuries or missing personal belongings

  • Reluctance to attend school or social events

  • Changes in academic performance or engagement

• Online Risks:

  • Excessive secrecy about online activities

  • Inappropriate or explicit online content

  • Sudden withdrawal from social interactions or online platforms

• Domestic Violence Exposure:

  • Behavioural regression or fear of specific family members

  • Frequent disruptions to family life, including police involvement

  • Aggressive or violent behaviour modelled at home

• Exploitation by Others:

  • Unexplained gifts, money, or possessions

  • Involvement in criminal activities or gangs

  • Sudden change in friendships or social circles

• Educational Neglect:

  • Persistent absenteeism or truancy

  • Lack of necessary educational resources (e.g., books, uniforms)

  • Regression in academic performance or developmental milestones.

Signs of Harm in Adults:

• Physical Abuse:

  • Unexplained injuries, bruises, or fractures

  • Frequent visits to healthcare providers for injuries

  • Fearful or hesitant behaviour in the presence of certain individuals

• Emotional or Psychological Abuse:

  • Signs of distress, anxiety, or depression

  • Withdrawn behaviour or social isolation

  • Changes in mood or personality, such as sudden aggression or agitation

• Financial Exploitation:

  • Unexplained withdrawals or changes in financial patterns

  • Sudden transfers of assets or changes in financial decision-making

  • Dependence on others for basic needs despite adequate resources

• Neglect:

  • Poor personal hygiene or living conditions

  • Unattended medical needs or untreated health issues

  • Social isolation and lack of meaningful social interactions

• Sexual Abuse:

  • Signs of physical discomfort or pain

  • Unexplained sexually transmitted infections

  • Changes in sexual behaviour or preferences

• Discrimination and Hate Crime:

  • Experiences of discrimination based on race, gender, religion, or other factors

  • Fear of leaving home or engaging in community activities

  • Physical injuries or property damage related to hate crimes

• Isolation or Coercion:

  • Restricted access to family, friends, or support networks

  • Controlling or coercive behaviour by a caregiver or family member

  • Fearful or hesitant behaviour in the presence of certain individuals

• Healthcare Neglect:

  • Lack of access to necessary medical care or medications

  • Malnutrition or dehydration

  • Decline in overall health without apparent medical explanation

• Domestic Violence Exposure:

  • Signs of physical harm, such as bruises or injuries

  • Emotional distress or fear related to a partner or family member

  • Attempts to conceal or downplay incidents of violence

Institutional Abuse:

• Lack of privacy or dignity in care settings

• Inadequate care, nutrition, or living conditions in institutional settings

• Fearful or hesitant behaviour in the presence of caregivers or staff

Commitment of Every Body Studio & Staff

The well-being and safety of all individuals in the studio are of paramount importance. To ensure a secure and nurturing environment, all staff members are expected to uphold the principles of safeguarding. This section outlines the roles and responsibilities that staff members must adhere to in order to contribute to the effective safeguarding of both adults and children.

All staff members have the following responsibilities, in relation to safeguarding:

• To promote a safe environment:

  • Create a Welcoming Atmosphere: Foster an environment that is inclusive, respectful, and free from discrimination, ensuring that all participants feel comfortable and valued

  • Physical Space: Regularly assess and maintain the yoga studio's physical space to eliminate potential hazards and ensure a safe practice area for everyone

• To be aware and vigilant:

  • Awareness: Recognising signs of harm, including those listed above, and understanding the reporting procedures, outlined below

  • Vigilance: Be observant and attentive to any changes in behaviour, appearance, or well-being of participants that may indicate potential safeguarding concerns.

• To communicate effectively:

  • Clear Communication: Establish clear and open lines of communication with participants, encouraging them to express any concerns or issues they may have

  • Reporting Procedures: Familiarise yourself with and follow the established reporting procedures for any safeguarding concerns promptly, involving appropriate authorities as necessary

• To have and maintain professional boundaries:

  • Maintain Professionalism: Uphold professional boundaries with all participants, ensuring interactions are respectful, appropriate, and supportive.

  • Avoiding Favouritism: Avoid showing favouritism and treat all participants with equal respect and consideration.

• To maintain confidentiality:

  • Respect Privacy: Safeguard the confidentiality of all participants by only sharing information on a need-to-know basis and in adherence to data protection regulations.

  • Information Sharing: Report and share relevant information regarding safeguarding concerns with safeguarding leads or authorities as per the established procedures.

• To take a collaborative approach to safeguarding:

  • Work Together: Collaborate with other staff members, external agencies, and professionals to ensure a coordinated approach to safeguarding.

• To ensure relevant consent and DBS checks are in place for teachers who are teaching under 18’s/

  • Young people aged under 16 must have guardian consent with a written letter and can only attend classes where the teacher has a current DBS

  • Under 16s are not allowed to attend general adult classes

  • Kid’s classes are to only be taught by a teacher who has a current DBS check

The following individuals have specific Safeguarding training, therefore have the following roles and responsibilities, in addition to those stated above:

• Katie Gordon: Designated In-House Safeguard Lead

  • To provide safeguarding referrals to MASH, or the police

  • To support individuals who are requiring safeguarding

  • To ensure all staff members understand their roles and responsibilities in relation to safeguarding

  • To encourage a culture of listening to individuals and taking account of their wishes and feelings in any action taken to protect them

  • To maintain frequent contact to ensure safeguarding procedures are being followed

  • To ensure safeguarding policies are up to date

  • To act as a source of support, advice, and expertise to staff members

  • Take lead responsibility for remedying any deficiencies and weaknesses identified in Safeguarding arrangements

• Katie McNeil: In-House Level 1 Safeguarder

  • To maintain secure and confidential record keeping of any safeguarding disclosures or concerns

  • Ensure our safeguarding policy is available publicly, and guardians/referrers know referrals about suspected abuse or neglect may be made and the role of the company in this

Information Sharing

We recognise that all matters relating to Safeguarding are confidential, however all staff members have a professional responsibility to share information with other relevant agencies to safeguard children and adults.

Every Body Studio will ensure that staff members are confident about what they can and should do under the law, including how to obtain consent to share information and when information can be shared without consent.

Staff should not assume a colleague or another professional will take action and should always follow the below procedures, which are critical in keeping individuals safe.

What to do if I receive a disclosure, or perceive a safeguarding concern

If a member of staff has a concern about an individual or if an individual tells them they are being abused, exploited or neglected, staff will appropriately respond by listening and offering reassurance and follow this procedure:

1. Make an accurate factual record as soon as possible including details of:

   ○ Dates and times of observations

   ○ Dates and times of any discussions

   ○ Any injuries

   ○ Explanations given by the child/adult

   ○ What action was taken

   ○ Any actual words or phrases used by the individual

   ○ Any questions the staff member asked (remembering not to ask any leading questions)

2. Listen to wishes and feelings of the individual, but not to promise any confidentiality

3. Report it to Katie Gordon at Every Body Studio. You can contact her directly via mobile, email or arrange to meet in person. If this is not appropriate (as Katie is involved), you can contact Katie McNeil via mobile, email, or arrange to meet in person.

4. Katie will consider if there is a requirement for immediate medical intervention, however urgent medical attention should not be delayed if Katie is not immediately available.

5. In the absence of the Katie Gordon or Katie McNeil, staff will refer directly to MASH or the police if there is a significant concern, or contact LCSS for advice and guidance (for a concern regarding children)

6. The DSL will ensure any decisions and justifications for those decisions will be recorded in writing with clear outcomes documented following any action taken.

Safeguarding records are kept for individuals. Safeguarding records are kept in accordance with General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR).

Whistle-Blowing

Whistle-blowing is a term that is used when staff want to report a concern within their organisation that involves their manager or a person senior to them in the organisation which may prevent them from following the normal reporting systems.

There are a limited number of areas that can be called Whistle-blowing, and the policy protects staff from being punished for raising concerns.

Within Every Body Studio Katie Gordon is the studio owner and responsible for all staff. If you are concerned that any member of staff within the studio is not following safeguarding processes or behaving in a way that is placing individuals at risk, you should, in the first place, make Katie Gordon aware.

If your concern is about the studio owner, you should raise this with Katie McNeil, who has Level 1 Safeguarding training.

If you need to raise your concerns outside of the company, or if you believe that a member of staff is harming an individual (an allegation) and this has been reported to studio management and no/insufficient action has been taken then you are able to contact the following:

• For Children Safeguarding:

  • NSPCC whistleblowing line on 0800 028 0285 or email help@nspcc.org.uk

  • Make contact with Oxfordshire County Council

• For Adult Safeguarding:

  • Contact the local police on 999 (for an emergency) or 101 (for a non-emergency)

Contact details

Katie Gordon’s email address: katiegordonyoga@gmail.com

Katie McNeil’s email address: katiemcneilyoga@gmail.com

This document will be given to every staff member, and made available on the Every Body Studio Website.

This document was last reviewed on: 09/03/2024 by Kate Taylor (Admin Assistant).

If you have any comments or would like to speak to us regarding this policy please email hello@everybodystudio.co.uk