Safeguarding

Safeguarding Policy

Last updated: August 2026

Bright SEN Advice and Support is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and families.

Safeguarding underpins all our work, whether through advisory support, direct work with children, or communication with professionals. We recognise our responsibility to ensure safe practice and informed decision‑making across all services.

Purpose of This Policy

This policy outlines our approach to safeguarding children and vulnerable individuals across all Bright SEN services. It sets out how we identify and respond to concerns, and how we uphold best practice in line with UK safeguarding legislation.

Scope

This policy applies to all services provided by Bright SEN Advice and Support, including:

  • Advice and support for parents and carers
  • Communication with professionals and educational settings
  • Handling of sensitive information related to children’s needs and circumstances
  • 1:1 tutoring with children
  • 1:1 coaching with children

Our Commitment

We are committed to:

  • Promoting the welfare and safety of children and young people
  • Respecting confidentiality while recognising when disclosure is necessary
  • Responding appropriately to safeguarding concerns raised by clients or observed during direct work
  • Maintaining professional boundaries and ethical standards
  • Keeping safeguarding knowledge up to date
  • Ensuring safe practice during all direct work with children

Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)

Bright SEN Advice and Support is led by Natasha Bright, who acts as the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL). Natasha has completed Level 3 Safeguarding Training, maintains regular safeguarding updates, and is responsible for:

  • Overseeing safeguarding practice
  • Responding to concerns
  • Managing referrals or escalation
  • Ensuring policies remain compliant and up to date

Professional Standards and Insurance

Bright SEN operates with full professional insurance, including:

  • Public Liability Insurance
  • Professional Indemnity Insurance

These ensure safe and accountable practice across all services, including direct work with children.

Safer Recruitment and Vetting

Bright SEN follows safer‑recruitment principles to ensure that any adult working with children through our services meets the highest standards of safety and suitability.

Bright SEN is operated solely by Natasha Bright, who has undergone all relevant safer‑recruitment checks required for working directly with children. These include:

  • Enhanced DBS check with Update Service subscription
  • Identity verification
  • Right to work in the UK
  • Full employment history check
  • Professional references
  • Qualification verification
  • Disqualification declaration
  • Medical fitness declaration

Bright SEN does not employ additional staff. If external professionals are ever commissioned to support a child or family, they will only be engaged if they can demonstrate:

  • A current enhanced DBS
  • Appropriate qualifications and experience
  • Up‑to‑date safeguarding training
  • Professional references
  • Suitable insurance
  • Compliance with safer‑working practice

Evidence of these checks will be requested and verified before any work with children is undertaken. All safer‑recruitment documentation relating to Natasha Bright is maintained securely and reviewed annually.

Legal Framework

Our safeguarding approach is informed by:

  • Children Act 1989 and 2004
  • Working Together to Safeguard Children (2018)
  • Keeping Children Safe in Education (2025)
  • UK GDPR and Data Protection Act 2018

Although not a regulated provider, Bright SEN Advice and Support operates in alignment with these frameworks to ensure responsible practice.

Responding to Concerns

If a safeguarding concern arises during our work with a parent, carer, or child, we will:

  1. Listen carefully and sensitively
  2. Clarify the nature of the concern without probing or investigating
  3. Advise on appropriate next steps, including referral to relevant services
  4. Record the concern securely and confidentially
  5. Seek advice from safeguarding professionals if necessary

If we believe a child is at immediate risk of harm, we reserve the right to contact the appropriate safeguarding authority, in line with our duty of care.

Confidentiality and Information Sharing

We treat all information shared with us as confidential. However, we may share information without consent if:

  • A child is at risk of significant harm
  • A vulnerable adult is at risk
  • There is a legal obligation to do so

We will always aim to inform the parent or carer before sharing information, unless doing so would increase risk.

Data Protection and GDPR

Bright SEN Advice and Support processes all personal and sensitive information in accordance with UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018. We ensure that:

  • Information is collected only for legitimate purposes connected to our services
  • Data is stored securely and accessed only when necessary
  • Sensitive information relating to children and families is handled with strict confidentiality
  • Information is retained only for as long as required for safeguarding, legal, or professional reasons
  • Parents and carers may request access to their data at any time

A separate GDPR/Data Protection Policy will provide full details on data storage, processing, retention, and rights.

 

Training and Review

We commit to:

  • Maintaining up‑to‑date safeguarding knowledge, including Level 3 training
  • Reviewing this policy annually or in response to changes in legislation
  • Seeking professional safeguarding advice when needed
  • Ensuring safe practice during all direct work with children, including tutoring and coaching

Contact

If you have any questions about this policy or wish to raise a safeguarding concern, please contact: Bright SEN Advice and Support Email: natasha@brightsen.co.uk