Parentology World Safeguarding Policy – January 2025

Introduction At Parentology World, we are committed to promoting the welfare, safety, and protection of all individuals we work with, including parents, teenagers, and children. This policy outlines our safeguarding practices and the steps we take to ensure that concerns about the safety or welfare of any adult or child are appropriately addressed. This policy applies to all interactions and services provided by Parentology World, including coaching, consultations, and related activities.

1. Purpose and Scope

  • To provide clear guidance on safeguarding practices for working with parents, teenagers, and children.

  • To ensure compliance with relevant legal frameworks, including the Children Act 1989 and 2004, Working Together to Safeguard Children 2018, and other applicable safeguarding laws and guidance.

  • To outline the steps we will take if safeguarding concerns are identified.

  • To protect the welfare of children, young people, and adults who receive our services.

2. Our Commitment

We are committed to:

  • Listening to, valuing, and respecting everyone we work with.

  • Providing a safe environment where individuals feel able to share concerns.

  • Taking prompt and appropriate action when safeguarding concerns arise.

  • Sharing safeguarding information with relevant authorities when necessary.

3. Safeguarding Definitions

Safeguarding includes protecting individuals from harm and ensuring their welfare. This may involve identifying and responding to the following concerns:

  • Physical abuse

  • Emotional abuse

  • Sexual abuse

  • Neglect

  • Domestic abuse

  • Exploitation (e.g., child sexual exploitation, criminal exploitation, county lines)

  • Self-harm and suicidal ideation

  • Radicalisation and extremism

  • Female Genital Mutilation (FGM)

  • Forced marriage

  • Honour-based violence

4. Recognising and Reporting Concerns

4.1 Signs of Abuse We remain alert to potential signs of abuse or neglect, including but not limited to:

  • Unexplained injuries or frequent injuries.

  • Changes in behaviour, such as withdrawal, anxiety, or aggression.

  • Poor hygiene, malnutrition, or lack of appropriate care.

  • Statements or behaviours indicating fear or distress.

4.2 Mandatory Reporting of Child Sexual Abuse

  • In accordance with new 2025 legislation, any suspicions of child sexual abuse must be reported to the appropriate authorities. Failure to report may result in legal consequences.

4.3 Reporting Concerns

  • If a safeguarding concern arises, we will document the concern factually and contact the appropriate local authority or safeguarding board.

  • If the concern involves a child or young person, we may contact their parents or carers unless doing so would increase risk.

  • We will also consult with our professional supervisor for guidance where appropriate.

5. Confidentiality and Information Sharing

  • We respect the confidentiality of individuals we work with; however, safeguarding concerns override confidentiality.

  • Information will only be shared with relevant authorities if it is necessary to protect the safety of an individual.

  • Data sharing complies with the Data Protection Act 2018, GDPR regulations, and the Online Safety Act 2023 where applicable.

6. Safeguarding Procedures

  1. Immediate Action: If a disclosure is made, we will listen without judgment, avoid leading questions, and reassure the individual.

  2. Record Keeping: We will document the disclosure accurately, including dates, times, and key information shared.

  3. Reporting: Concerns will be escalated to the appropriate safeguarding authority (e.g., local council safeguarding board or police).

  4. Supervision and Guidance: We will discuss all safeguarding concerns with our professional supervisor to ensure appropriate actions are taken.

  5. Online Safety: In line with the Online Safety Act 2023, we will ensure that all online interactions are conducted safely and do not expose children to harmful content.

7. Legal Framework

This policy is informed by the following legislation and guidance:

  • Children Act 1989 and 2004

  • Working Together to Safeguard Children 2018

  • General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)

  • Human Rights Act 1998

  • Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006

  • Prevent Duty Guidance 2015

  • Online Safety Act 2023

  • Mandatory Reporting of Child Sexual Abuse Legislation 2025

8. Monitoring and Review

This policy will be reviewed annually or sooner if necessary to ensure it remains compliant with legal requirements and reflects best practices.

Effective Date: January 2025
Review Date: January 2026

Contact Information:
For safeguarding advice or to report concerns, contact: LSCB@bedford.gov.uk or your Local Authority Safeguarding Officer,