Safeguarding at Protect and Teach CIC
Introduction and Commitment
Protect and Teach CIC is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults at risk. Everyone has a responsibility to raise concerns where they believe someone may be at risk of harm.
“Safeguarding children means: protecting them from maltreatment, preventing any impairment of their health or development, ensuring they grow up in circumstances consistent with safe and effective care, and taking action so every child can achieve the best possible outcomes.”
– Rooted in the Children Act 1989 and Working Together to Safeguard Children
We take our safeguarding responsibilities seriously. Although our primary activities (policy scrutiny, research, advocacy, training, and support for parents, teachers, and communities) do not involve direct, regular contact with children or vulnerable adults, we recognise that concerns may arise through our work; for example, reports from the public, research findings, or communications that indicate a child may be at risk of harm.
If you are concerned about the safety or welfare of a child or adult at risk, please report your concern as soon as possible.
Policies and Guidance
🚨 Report a Safeguarding Concern
If you have concerns about the welfare of a child, young person or adult at risk, you can report them to Protect and Teach.
📞 Emergency
If someone is in immediate danger, call 999 immediately.
Protect and Teach CIC (operating as Protect and Teach) cannot provide an emergency safeguarding response. Protect and Teach is not an emergency service. If you believe someone is at immediate risk of harm, always contact the emergency services on 999 before notifying Protect and Teach.
🌐 Further Information
The following organisations provide information, advice and support on safeguarding and child protection matters.
| Organisation | Purpose | Contact | Website |
|---|---|---|---|
| NSPCC | Advice and support if you are worried about a child. | 0808 800 5000 | https://www.nspcc.org.uk |
| Childline | Free, confidential support for anyone under 19 years old. | 0800 1111 | https://www.childline.org.uk |
| CEOP (Child Exploitation and Online Protection) | Report online child sexual exploitation or grooming. | Online reporting service | https://www.ceop.police.uk |
| Local Authority Children’s Services | Report concerns about a child’s welfare in your local area. | Contact your local authority | https://www.gov.uk/report-child-abuse-to-local-council |
| Police (Non-Emergency) | Report non-urgent safeguarding concerns or seek police advice. | 101 | https://www.police.uk |
| Emergency Services | If a child or adult is in immediate danger or a crime is in progress. | 999 | https://www.gov.uk/contact-police |
Designated Safeguarding Lead
Protect and Teach Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) is Jennifer Thetford-Kay
Website contact form: [via protectandteach.org]
If your concern relates to the Designated Safeguarding Lead, it should be reported to the Director & Chair of Trustees-designate: Cathy Mudge Website contact form: [via protectandteach.org]
FAQ’S
What is safeguarding?
Safeguarding means protecting children, young people and adults at risk from abuse, neglect, exploitation and other forms of harm. It also involves promoting their welfare and taking appropriate action where concerns arise.
Who can report a safeguarding concern?
Anyone can report a safeguarding concern. You do not need to be a teacher, parent or professional. If you are worried that someone may be at risk of harm, we encourage you to raise your concern.
Do I need proof before reporting a concern?
No. You do not need proof to report a safeguarding concern. If you are worried about someone’s safety or welfare, you should report your concerns. Protect and Teach will consider the information provided and determine any appropriate next steps.
What information should I include?
Please provide as much factual information as possible, including:
- who is involved;
- what happened or what has caused your concern;
- when and where the incident occurred (if known);
- any immediate risks; and
- whether the concern has already been reported to another organisation.
If you do not know all of this information, you should still report your concern.
What happens after I submit a safeguarding concern?
Protect and Teach will acknowledge receipt of your concern where appropriate and assess the information in accordance with our Safeguarding and Protecting People Policy. Where necessary, information may be referred to the appropriate statutory authority or other relevant organisation.
Will my information be kept confidential?
Information is handled sensitively and shared only where necessary to safeguard a child or adult at risk, where required by law, or where there is a legitimate safeguarding need to do so. Protect and Teach CIC will handle your personal information sensitively and in accordance with our Privacy Notice and Data Protection Policy.
What if someone is in immediate danger?
If you believe a child or adult is at immediate risk of harm, call 999 immediately. Protect and Teach CIC is not an emergency response service and cannot replace the role of the police, emergency services or local safeguarding agencies.
Does Protect and Teach CIC investigate safeguarding concerns?
Protect and Teach is not a statutory safeguarding authority and does not have legal powers to investigate allegations of abuse. Where appropriate, concerns may be signposted or referred to the relevant statutory agencies or organisations with responsibility for safeguarding.
Where can I find your safeguarding policy?
Our public Safeguarding and Protecting People Policy is available to download from this page. It explains our safeguarding principles, responsibilities and reporting arrangements.
What if my concern is about Protect and Teach CIC?
If your concern relates to a Director, trustee-designate, trustee, volunteer or anyone acting on behalf of Protect and Teach, please report it using our safeguarding reporting process. If your concern relates to the Designated Safeguarding Lead, please address it to the Director & Chair of Trustees-designate using the contact details provided on our website.
This Page was last updated on 23rd July 2026.