Safeguarding Policy for TaraDakin.com

Effective from: 19 May 2025

Policy Owner: Tara Dakin, Chartered Psychologist (CPsychol), QTS, MSc, Specialist Teacher, Inclusion Specialist, SENCO

Review Date: May 2026

1. Policy Statement

TaraDakin.com is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children and young people. This includes protecting them from abuse, neglect, exploitation, and harm. This policy applies to all services provided through TaraDakin.com, including consultancy, direct support to children, school-based work, family engagement, training, and advisory services.

This policy is informed by:
- Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) – DfE
- Working Together to Safeguard Children – HM Government
- Children Act 1989 and 2004
- Education Act 2002
- Equality Act 2010
- GDPR/Data Protection Act 2018

2. Scope

This policy applies to all interactions conducted under the banner of TaraDakin.com. This includes work:
- Directly with children and young people
- With school staff, education providers and professionals
- With parents, carers, and external agencies
- Online, via email or virtual meetings
- In-person at schools, homes, or other professional settings

3. Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)

Tara Dakin is the Designated Safeguarding Lead for all work undertaken. She holds:
- Enhanced DBS (updated annually)
- Relevant safeguarding training (renewed at least every 2 years)
- Experience as a Head of Inclusion, SENCO, and Safeguarding Lead
- Chartered Psychologist status with the BPS

4. Principles

TaraDakin.com upholds the following principles:
- Child-centred practice: The welfare of the child is paramount
- Prevention: Taking proactive steps to reduce risk
- Proportionality: Acting in the child’s best interest, based on risk
- Partnership: Working with families, schools, and agencies
- Accountability: Clear roles and procedures are in place

5. Code of Conduct

All work carried out by Tara Dakin or associates will follow these standards:
- Maintain appropriate professional boundaries at all times
- Avoid lone working with children unless risk-assessed and approved by a setting
- Ensure that all communication with children is transparent and appropriate
- Respect confidentiality, while understanding when to share information
- Follow up all safeguarding concerns promptly and in line with local procedures

6. Responding to Safeguarding Concerns

If a safeguarding concern is raised:
1. Immediate safety: Prioritise the child’s safety and wellbeing
2. Disclosure management: Remain calm, listen carefully, and avoid questioning
3. Record and report:
- Write a clear, factual account of the concern
- Report to the school or setting’s Designated Safeguarding Lead where relevant
- If not attached to a setting, contact the appropriate local authority MASH
4. Follow-up: Record outcomes and next steps; preserve records securely

7. Information Sharing and Confidentiality

TaraDakin.com will:
- Comply with the Data Protection Act 2018 and GDPR
- Share information with relevant agencies where there is a risk of harm
- Keep secure written and electronic records of safeguarding concerns
- Store data confidentially for the minimum time required by law

8. Whistleblowing

If any concern arises about the conduct of a professional, including Tara Dakin, individuals are encouraged to:
- Follow the Whistleblowing Policy of the relevant setting (if applicable)
- Report concerns to the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO)
- Contact the NSPCC Whistleblowing Advice Line: 0800 028 0285

9. Training and Compliance

Tara Dakin will:
- Maintain up-to-date safeguarding training
- Participate in relevant safeguarding CPD
- Regularly review and update this policy
- Ensure that all associates (if any) are trained and DBS-checked

10. Monitoring and Review

This policy will be reviewed annually or in response to significant legislative or organisational changes. A record of revisions and training updates will be maintained.