Safeguarding & Safer Recruitment Policy

1. Statement of Intent

At Aspira Education Ltd, safeguarding is our highest priority. We are fully committed to promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff, candidates, and partner schools to share this commitment. We operate in full compliance with the Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) 2025Working Together to Safeguard Children, and all relevant UK legislation.

2. Scope of this Policy

This policy applies to:

  • All candidates supplied by Aspira Education Ltd

  • All Aspira Education Ltd staff and consultants

  • All client schools and education providers are working in partnership with us

3. Key Principles

  • The welfare of the child is paramount.

  • All children, regardless of age, disability, gender, race, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation, have the right to equal protection from harm.

  • Safer recruitment is essential to safeguarding and is embedded in all of our processes.

  • We maintain zero tolerance to abuse or neglect.

4. Safeguarding Responsibilities

Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL):
Gemma Ostad : Email: Gemma@aspiraeducation.co.uk

 

Aspira Education Ltd ensures:

  • All staff and candidates are trained in safeguarding to a minimum Level 1.

  • All safeguarding concerns are responded to swiftly and appropriately.

  • A clear escalation procedure is in place.

All candidates must:

  • Read and confirm understanding of KCSIE Part 1.

  • Immediately report concerns to the school’s DSL and notify Aspira Education Ltd.

  • Maintain appropriate professional boundaries at all times.

6. Candidate Expectations

All Aspira Education candidates must:

  • Adhere to the Aspira Code of Conduct and client school policies

  • Report absences by telephone (not email or text) before 7:00am

  • Dress appropriately for an educational setting

  • Maintain confidentiality at all times

  • Never use personal mobile phones in front of pupils

  • Never befriend, message, or follow pupils on social media

  • Uphold the highest standards of professionalism and care

7. Reporting a Concern

Any safeguarding concern or allegation should be:

  1. Reported immediately to the school’s Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)

  2. Followed up by notifying Aspira Education Ltd without delay

In an emergency, where a child is at immediate risk, call 999.

We will escalate all safeguarding allegations in line with local safeguarding partnership procedures and in consultation with LADO (Local Authority Designated Officer) where appropriate.

8. Allegations Against Candidates or Staff

Any allegation against a candidate or member of staff will be:

  • Treated seriously and investigated thoroughly

  • Reported to the client school and local LADO where appropriate

  • Result in immediate suspension from further placements while investigations are ongoing

We reserve the right to terminate placements and notify relevant authorities if safeguarding standards are breached.

9. Working in Partnership with Schools

We work collaboratively with all client schools and MATs to:

  • Ensure safeguarding practices are aligned

  • Share relevant vetting documentation ahead of each placement

  • Cooperate fully with audits, inspections, or safeguarding reviews

10. Confidentiality & Data Protection

All personal and sensitive data is handled in line with:

  • UK GDPR and Data Protection Act 2018

  • Our internal Privacy Policy

  • The need-to-know principle when handling safeguarding concerns

No safeguarding information will be shared outside of legal or statutory safeguarding channels.

11. Monitoring & Review

This policy is reviewed annually or in response to significant legislative or procedural changes.

Last reviewed: 25/07/2025
Next review due: 25/07/2025

Contact

Aspira Education Ltd
Email: Gemma@aspiraeducation.co.uk
Registered Address: Cubo Derby, The Old Post Office, Derby, DE1 1EQ
Company Number: 16584199