Safeguarding Policy for Thames School of Motoring

Safeguarding Policy for Thames School of Motorin

1. Purpose and Commitment
Thames School of Motoring is fully committed to safeguarding the welfare of all learners, particularly children, young people, and vulnerable adults who use our driving lesson services in Norwich, Norfolk, and surrounding areas.
We recognise our responsibility to take all reasonable steps to promote safe practice and to protect individuals from harm, abuse, and exploitation. This policy applies to all instructors, employees, volunteers, and anyone working on behalf of Thames School of Motoring.

2. Our Principles
We believe that:

The welfare of children, young people, and vulnerable adults is paramount in all decisions and actions we take.
All individuals, regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic, have an equal right to protection from all types of harm or abuse.
Some individuals may be additionally vulnerable due to previous experiences, level of dependency, communication needs, or other issues.
Working in partnership with learners, their parents, carers, and relevant agencies is essential in promoting welfare and safety.
All suspicions and allegations of abuse or safeguarding concerns must be taken seriously and responded to swiftly and appropriately.

3. Scope
This policy applies to:

All driving instructors and employees of Thames School of Motoring
All learners, including those under 18 years of age
Vulnerable adults who may require additional support or protection
Any third parties working on our behalf (e.g., administrative staff, marketing partners)

4. Safeguarding Responsibilities
All instructors and staff must:

Treat all learners with respect and dignity
Maintain professional boundaries at all times
Create a safe and supportive learning environment
Be alert to signs of abuse, neglect, or harm
Report any safeguarding concerns immediately to the Designated Safeguarding Lead
Complete relevant safeguarding training and keep knowledge up to date
Follow DVSA Approved Driving Instructor (ADI) Code of Practice guidelines

Thames School of Motoring will:

Appoint a Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) responsible for overseeing safeguarding matters
Ensure all instructors hold valid DVSA registration and Enhanced DBS checks where appropriate
Provide safeguarding awareness training to all staff and instructors
Maintain secure and confidential records of any safeguarding concerns or incidents
Review and update this policy regularly to reflect best practice and legal requirements

5. Recognising Safeguarding Concerns
Instructors and staff should be alert to potential signs of abuse or harm, which may include:

Unexplained injuries or changes in behaviour
Signs of neglect (e.g., poor hygiene, inappropriate clothing)
Emotional distress, anxiety, or withdrawal
Disclosures of abuse or harm from the learner
Inappropriate relationships or boundary violations
Signs of radicalisation or exploitation

6. Reporting Procedures
If you have a safeguarding concern:

Listen carefully to the learner without asking leading questions.
Reassure them that they have done the right thing by speaking up.
Do not promise confidentiality—explain that you may need to share the information with appropriate people to keep them safe.
Record the concern in writing as soon as possible, including dates, times, and exact words used.
Report immediately to the Designated Safeguarding Lead using the contact details in Section 10.

If there is an immediate risk of harm:

Contact the police on 999
Contact the local authority children's or adult social care services
Notify the Designated Safeguarding Lead as soon as possible

7. Response to Concerns
Upon receiving a safeguarding concern, the Designated Safeguarding Lead will:

Assess the risk and determine the appropriate action
Contact relevant agencies (e.g., local authority, police, DVSA) if necessary
Maintain confidential records of all actions taken
Support the learner and their family throughout the process
Review and learn from the incident to improve future practice

8. Professional Boundaries
To maintain a safe learning environment, all instructors must:

Avoid one-to-one contact in private or isolated settings where possible
Keep all communication professional and appropriate (including texts, emails, and social media)
Never engage in inappropriate physical contact with learners
Avoid forming personal or romantic relationships with current learners
Report any boundary concerns or conflicts of interest immediately

9. Photography and Social Media

Photos of learners (e.g., celebration photos after passing a test) will only be taken with explicit verbal or written consent.
For learners under 18, consent must be obtained from a parent or guardian.
No photos will be taken or shared if the learner or their guardian is uncomfortable.
Instructors must not share learner information or images on personal social media accounts.

10. Designated Safeguarding Lead
Name: George Hecham
Email: [email protected]
Phone: +44 7967 567 572
Address: Thames School of Motoring, [Insert Business Address, Norwich, Norfolk]
For external advice and support, contact:

NSPCC Helpline: 0808 800 5000
Local Authority Children's Services: https://norfolklscp.org.uk/
DVSA: https://finddrivinginstructor.dvsa.gov.uk/

11. Training and Development
All instructors and staff with regular contact with children, young people, or vulnerable adults will:

Complete basic safeguarding awareness training upon joining Thames School of Motoring
Undertake regular refresher training (at least every 2 years)
Stay informed of changes in legislation and best practice for safeguarding
Have access to ongoing support and guidance from the Designated Safeguarding Lead

12. Data Protection and Confidentiality
All safeguarding information will be:

Recorded accurately and securely
Stored in line with our Privacy Policy and UK GDPR requirements
Shared only with appropriate agencies on a need-to-know basis
Retained only for as long as necessary to fulfil safeguarding purposes

13. Review of This Policy
This Safeguarding Policy will be reviewed:

At least annually
Following any significant safeguarding incident
When legislation or best practice guidance changes
When directed by the Designated Safeguarding Lead or senior management

14. Related Policies
This policy works alongside our other policies, including:

Privacy Policy
Health and Safety Policy
Complaints Procedure
DVSA Approved Driving Instructor Code of Practice

By working with Thames School of Motoring, all instructors, staff, and learners acknowledge their commitment to maintaining a safe and supportive environment for everyone.

Learn to drive in Norwich with us
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We focus on helping you become a safe, confident driver as efficiently as possible, with lessons designed to give you the best chance of passing your test and enjoying life on the road.

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