Safeguarding
DAIS-POL-011
Safeguarding Policy
Data and AI School of London, NCFE Approved Centre
Policy Owner: Designated Safeguarding Lead
Version: 1.0 | Date: April 2026 | Review: April 2027
NCFE Risk Level: High
Mode of Delivery: Fully Online
11.1 Purpose and Scope
The Data and AI School of London is committed to protecting all learners from harm, abuse, exploitation, and radicalisation. As the school operates entirely online, this policy addresses the specific safeguarding risks of a digital learning environment.
This policy complies with: the Children Act 1989 and 2004; Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) 2024; the Counter-Terrorism and Security Act 2015 (Prevent duty); the Online Safety Act 2023; and Working Together to Safeguard Children 2023.
11.2 Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)
The school's DSL is named in the staff register and registered with NCFE as a key contact. The DSL holds a Level 3 DSL qualification (or equivalent) plus current online safeguarding training and annual refresher training. In the DSL's absence, a deputy DSL covers responsibilities. The DSL's contact details are published on the VLE.
11.3 Online-Specific Safeguarding Risks
Video Session Standards
All one-to-one sessions between a tutor and a learner under 18 are logged or recorded with consent.
Tutors must not conduct private sessions without informing the DSL.
A second staff member may be invited where appropriate.
Communication Channel Rules
All staff-learner communication must take place through the school's official platform only.
Personal email, WhatsApp, or any messaging app outside the VLE are not permitted.
Staff who receive communications from learners via personal channels must report this to the DSL immediately.
Online Prevent Duty
Tutors must report to the DSL if they become aware that a learner has been exposed to radicalisation material or extremist content through any channel.
All staff complete annual online Prevent awareness training.
The DSL will refer appropriate cases to the local Prevent coordinator or Channel programme.
Online Harassment
Any report of cyberbullying or harassment between learners will be investigated by the DSL and may result in suspension of the relevant learner's platform access.
11.4 Safer Recruitment
All staff with learner contact, including remote tutors, must complete an Enhanced DBS check before beginning work, have their identity verified, provide at least one recent employment reference, and complete the online safeguarding component of induction. The school maintains a Single Central Register (SCR) of all pre-employment checks.
11.5 Reporting a Safeguarding Concern
1. Report to the DSL as soon as possible using the Safeguarding Concern Form on the staff portal (staff) or by emailing the DSL directly (learners).
2. Do not attempt to investigate the concern independently.
3. Record what was seen, heard, or reported, using the learner's own words where possible.
The DSL will assess the concern and, where appropriate, refer to local authority children's services, adult social care, or the police.
11.6 Online Learner Code of Conduct
All learners receive an Online Code of Conduct at induction covering appropriate behaviour during live sessions, respectful communication with tutors and peers, prohibited content on school platforms, and what to do if they feel unsafe.
11.7 Review and Training
This policy is reviewed annually by the DSL and Head of Centre, or sooner following any safeguarding incident. All staff complete safeguarding training at induction and annually thereafter.
This policy is reviewed annually. Next review: April 2027. Approved by: Head of Centre. © Data and AI School of London, April 2026. NCFE Approved Centre.