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Safeguarding at Impact Alternative Learning

Our Commitment to Safeguarding

At Impact Alternative Learning, safeguarding is at the centre of everything we do.

We are fully committed to protecting the welfare of all children and young people, ensuring they feel safe, supported, and able to learn.

Safeguarding is not a single policy — it is a culture embedded across the whole provision, in every interaction, every decision, and every part of our curriculum.

We operate with the understanding that:

“It could happen here.”

This ensures that all concerns are taken seriously and acted upon without delay.

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Our Safeguarding Approach

Our approach is built on three key principles:

1. Prevention

We create an environment where risks are reduced through:

  • Clear expectations and boundaries

  • Strong staff-student relationships

  • A curriculum that teaches safety, awareness, and decision-making

2. Protection

We ensure that:

  • All staff are trained in safeguarding and child protection

  • Concerns are identified early and acted upon immediately

  • Learners are protected from harm, abuse, neglect, and exploitation

Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility — all staff are expected to report concerns without hesitation.

3. Partnership

We work closely with:

  • Parents and carers

  • Local Authority services

  • Social care

  • Police and health professionals

Safeguarding relies on effective information sharing and multi-agency working to keep young people safe. 

Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)

The Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) takes overall responsibility for safeguarding within Impact Alternative Learning.

  • All concerns are reported directly to the DSL

  • The DSL ensures appropriate action is taken, including referrals where required

  • A Deputy DSL is always available in the absence of the DSL

Safeguarding support is available at all times during the school day.

Responding to Concerns

If a concern is raised about a child:

  • It is recorded and reported immediately

  • The DSL will assess the level of risk

  • Appropriate action will be taken, which may include:

    • Monitoring

    • Early help support

    • Referral to Children’s Social Care

    • Contact with external agencies

Where appropriate, families will be informed — unless doing so would place the child at risk.

All decisions are made with the child’s safety as the priority.

Safeguarding Within the Curriculum

Safeguarding is actively taught through our curriculum, including:

  • PSHE and relationships education

  • Online safety and digital awareness

  • Risk awareness and decision-making

  • Healthy relationships and boundaries

This ensures learners are equipped with the knowledge to keep themselves safe in real life.

Local Safeguarding Procedures (Tameside)

Impact Alternative Learning follows the procedures set out by the Tameside Safeguarding Children Partnership.

Key contacts include:

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  • Children’s Social Care (Tameside)
    ☎ 0161 342 4150 (office hours)
    ☎ 0161 342 2222 (out of hours) 

  • Emergency Services
    ☎ 999

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Safeguarding in Tameside is a shared responsibility between education, health, police and local authority partners.

Supporting Vulnerable Learners

We recognise that some learners may be more vulnerable, including those with:

  • SEND or EHCPs

  • Social, emotional and mental health needs

  • Previous adverse experiences

Our approach is:

  • Consistent and calm

  • Focused on building trust and safety

  • Designed to reduce risk and support regulation

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Safer Recruitment & Staff Responsibilities

We ensure that:

  • All staff are safely recruited, including DBS checks

  • Staff receive regular safeguarding training

  • Clear procedures are in place for managing concerns or allegations

All staff maintain a professional responsibility to:

  • Remain vigilant

  • Act on concerns

  • Follow safeguarding procedures at all times

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A Safe Environment

We are committed to providing an environment where learners feel:

  • Safe

  • Listened to

  • Respected

We encourage students to speak to a trusted adult if they feel worried, unsafe, or unsure.

Early intervention is key — concerns are always taken seriously.

The Impact Safeguarding Culture

 

At Impact, safeguarding is not just about policies — it is about people.

We create a culture where:

  • Young people are heard and understood

  • Staff are confident to act

  • Risks are identified early

  • Support is put in place quickly

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Because nothing is more important than keeping our students safe!

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