Safeguarding Policy

Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy

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Cara Mullins 

1. Statement of Commitment

Cara Mullins (“the Assessor”) is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and vulnerable adults.

The Assessor recognises the responsibility to:

• provide a safe professional service;

• act in the best interests of children and vulnerable adults;

• recognise signs of abuse, neglect, or harm;

• respond appropriately to safeguarding concerns;

• and comply with relevant safeguarding legislation and guidance.

Safeguarding is taken seriously in all aspects of professional practice.

 

2. Scope of the Policy

This policy applies to all dyslexia diagnostic assessment work undertaken by the Assessor, including:

• assessments conducted in schools, colleges, universities, workplaces, clinics, or private homes;

• online or remote assessments where appropriate;

• contact with children, young people, vulnerable adults, parents/carers, and educational professionals.

 

3. Legal and Professional Framework

This policy is informed by current UK safeguarding legislation and guidance, including:

• the Children Act 1989 and 2004;

• Working Together to Safeguard Children;

• Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE);

• the Care Act 2014;

• the Data Protection Act 2018 and UK GDPR.

 

The Assessor also works within relevant professional codes of conduct and ethical guidelines.

 

4. Definition of Safeguarding

Safeguarding refers to protecting children and vulnerable adults from:

• abuse,

• neglect,

• exploitation,

• radicalisation,

• discrimination,

• and harm.

This includes:

• physical abuse,

• emotional abuse,

• sexual abuse,

• neglect,

• domestic abuse,

• online harm,

• and exploitation.

 

5. Professional Responsibilities

The Assessor will:

• maintain professional boundaries at all times;

• treat clients with dignity and respect;

• create a safe and supportive assessment environment;

• work within professional competence;

• maintain appropriate professional insurance;

• hold an enhanced DBS certificate;

• undertake safeguarding training appropriate to the role;

• and follow safeguarding procedures where concerns arise.

 

6. Responding to Safeguarding Concerns

If a safeguarding concern arises during the course of assessment work, the Assessor will:

• listen calmly and appropriately;

• avoid asking leading questions;

• make accurate factual notes;

• avoid promising confidentiality;

• and take appropriate action in line with safeguarding responsibilities.

 

Where appropriate, concerns may be reported to:

• the school or college Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL);

• children’s social care;

• the local authority safeguarding team;

• the police;

• or other relevant agencies.

 

If a child or vulnerable adult is considered to be at immediate risk of harm, appropriate emergency services may be contacted without delay.

 

7. Confidentiality and Information Sharing

The Assessor treats client information confidentially.

However, confidentiality cannot be guaranteed where:

• there is a safeguarding concern;

• there is risk of significant harm;

• or disclosure is required by law.

Where possible, concerns will be discussed with parents/carers or clients before information is shared, unless doing so could place someone at increased risk.

Only relevant information will be shared with appropriate professionals.

 

8. Lone Working and Professional Conduct

As an independent practitioner, the Assessor may work alone in schools, educational settings, or private venues.

The Assessor will:

• ensure professional boundaries are maintained;

• avoid situations where personal safety may be compromised;

• ensure assessment locations are appropriate and safe;

• keep professional communication appropriate and documented;

• and avoid unnecessary physical contact.

 

Where assessments take place in private homes, a responsible adult should be present in the home for assessments involving children or young people.

 

9. Online Safety and Remote Assessments

Where remote assessments are conducted:

• secure digital platforms will be used where possible;

• personal data will be handled in accordance with the Privacy Policy;

• sessions will take place in an appropriate professional environment;

• and professional standards of conduct will be maintained at all times.

 

The suitability of remote assessment will be considered on an individual basis.

 

10. Record Keeping

Any safeguarding concerns or disclosures will be recorded factually and securely.

Records may include:

• dates,

• times,

• observations,

• disclosures made,

• actions taken,

• and referrals made.

Safeguarding records will be stored securely in accordance with data protection requirements.

 

11. Safer Recruitment and DBS

The Assessor will maintain an appropriate enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) certificate where required for professional practice.

Relevant safeguarding training and professional updating will also be maintained.

 

12. Complaints

Concerns regarding safeguarding practice or professional conduct should be raised directly with the Assessor in writing.

Complaints will be handled professionally and promptly in accordance with the complaints procedure.

Where necessary, concerns may also be referred to relevant professional bodies or statutory agencies.

 

13. Policy Review

This policy will be reviewed annually or sooner if there are significant changes to legislation, guidance, or professional practice.

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Reviewed and Updated by Cara Mullins, June 2026.