Safeguarding

Safeguarding is of paramount importance at Progression Services.

Our safeguarding ethos is to:

  • Provide a positive, safe, and stimulating environment that promotes the social, physical, spiritual, and moral development of every young person.

  • Create a nurturing culture where young people feel safe, respected, and confident they will be heard.

  • Recognise that both mental and physical health are central to the safeguarding and welfare of all young people.

  • Ensure every adult has a full and active role in protecting young people from harm.

All our provision is fully aligned with LOT 1 of Torbay Council’s Education Other Than at School (EOTAS) Programme, reflecting the highest standards in safeguarding practice.

Our approach includes:

  • Safer Recruitment: All staff undergo enhanced DBS checks, rigorous reference verification, and a robust safer recruitment process to ensure the suitability of everyone working with young people.

  • Comprehensive Training:

    • Our Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) holds Level 3 Safeguarding training, renewed every three years.

    • All staff complete Level 2 Safeguarding training during induction, with annual refresher training.

    • Staff also complete training in Prevent Duty, Online Safety, and recognising signs of child exploitation and radicalisation.

  • Health and Safety: Thorough risk assessments are carried out for environments, activities, and learning spaces to ensure the safety of every young person in our care.

  • Attendance Monitoring: Attendance is tracked daily. Any unexplained absences or emerging patterns of non-attendance are treated as safeguarding concerns, with clear escalation procedures and prompt action.

  • Multi-Agency Collaboration: We work closely with parents and carers, schools, social care teams, health professionals, and other agencies to provide joined-up support and ensure the welfare of each young person.

  • Specialist Practice: Our safeguarding approach is informed by autism-friendly best practice, including guidance from the National Autistic Society, to ensure it is sensitive to individual needs and neurodiversity.

Safeguarding at Progression Services is not simply a compliance requirement - it is a culture of vigilance, empowerment, and proactive support.

Our Safeguarding Policy and accompanying procedures are available on request and set out in detail how we protect the young people we work with.