Safeguarding Statement

SpeakBrit Academy is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of every child and young person in our care. We believe all children have the right to learn in a safe, respectful and supportive environment, and we expect everyone connected with SpeakBrit to share this commitment.

Our commitment

• The welfare of the child is always our first priority.
• We listen to children and take any concern seriously.
• We work openly and honestly with parents and carers.
• We follow safer recruitment practices for everyone who works with children.

Safer recruitment and DBS checks

Every teacher who works with under-18s holds a valid Enhanced DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) certificate before they teach a single session. We verify qualifications and references as part of our recruitment process, and teachers are expected to maintain their DBS status.

Online safety

• Lessons take place on a recognised, secure video platform.
• Sessions may be recorded to support learning, quality and safeguarding.
• We encourage a parent or carer to be aware of, and nearby during, lessons for younger children.
• Teachers communicate with families through official SpeakBrit channels, not personal accounts.
• We never ask a child for personal contact details or to communicate privately outside agreed channels.

Designated Safeguarding Lead

Our Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) is responsible for handling any safeguarding concern raised about SpeakBrit Academy, and can be reached directly at complaints@speakbrit.com. This inbox is monitored and any safeguarding concern will be treated as a priority.

Code of conduct

All SpeakBrit staff and teachers follow a code of conduct that sets clear, professional boundaries with children, requires appropriate language and behaviour at all times, and prohibits any form of contact or communication outside approved channels.

Raising a concern

If you have any concern about a child's safety or the conduct of anyone at SpeakBrit, please contact our Designated Safeguarding Lead immediately at complaints@speakbrit.com. If a child is in immediate danger, always contact the emergency services on 999. Concerns can also be raised with the NSPCC helpline on 0808 800 5000.

Children's data

We handle children's personal information with particular care, as set out in our Privacy Policy. We collect only what we need to teach safely, and we never share it except with the trusted providers needed to deliver lessons or where required to protect a child.

Review

This statement is reviewed annually, and sooner whenever our practices, staffing or the law change.