Safeguarding

Safeguarding Code of Conduct

At The Study Shack, the safety, wellbeing, and dignity of all children and young people is our highest priority. Everyone working with or on behalf of The Study Shack is expected to uphold this Code of Conduct at all times.

 

1. Our Commitment

We are committed to:

• Creating a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment

• Protecting children and young people from harm, abuse, and neglect

• Promoting respect, boundaries, and professionalism in all interactions​

Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility.

 

2. Professional Boundaries

All staff, tutors, and volunteers must:

• Maintain clear, appropriate professional boundaries

• Avoid being alone with a child where possible; if unavoidable, ensure visibility

• Never engage in behaviour that could be misinterpreted or cause distress

Physical contact should be minimal, appropriate, and only when necessary for safety or care.

 

3. Appropriate Behaviour

Those working with students must:

• Treat all children with respect, fairness, and dignity

• Use language that is appropriate, non-discriminatory, and non-threatening

• Never engage in bullying, intimidation, or humiliating behaviour

Shouting, sarcasm, or emotional manipulation is not acceptable.

 

4. One-to-One and Group Sessions

• One-to-one support should take place in open, visible, or agreed supervised environments

• Group sessions must be appropriately supervised at all times

• Private messaging or contact outside of agreed Study Shack channels is not permitted

 

5. Online Safety and Communication

• All online interactions must be professional, transparent, and recorded where appropriate

• Staff must not connect with students via personal social media accounts

• No images, recordings, or content involving students may be shared without written parental consent

 

6. Confidentiality and Information Sharing​

• Personal information about students and families must be kept confidential

• Information should only be shared on a need-to-know basis

• Safeguarding concerns must never be kept confidential

 

7. Reporting Concerns

All safeguarding concerns, disclosures, or allegations must be reported immediately to the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL). If a child is at immediate risk of harm, emergency services must be contacted without delay. No individual should attempt to investigate concerns themselves.

 

8. Safer Working Practice

All staff and volunteers are expected to:

• Follow safer recruitment processes, including DBS checks where required

• Complete safeguarding training annually, appropriate to their role

• Comply with all Study Shack policies and procedures

Failure to follow this Code of Conduct may result in disciplinary action or termination of engagement.

 

9. Review and Updates

This Code of Conduct is reviewed regularly to ensure it reflects best practice and current safeguarding guidance.

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Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL): 

Name: Sarah Trill

Contact: sarahtrill@gmail.com