Safeguarding Statement
Website Safeguarding Policy for 'Your Specialist Teacher' Website
Effective Date: 01/06/2025 Policy Last Reviewed: June 2025
1. Policy Statement & Commitment
'Your Specialist Teacher' is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people in all aspects of my work, including through the operation of my website. I recognise that the online environment presents unique safeguarding considerations, and I am dedicated to ensuring my website is a safe and appropriate platform for all users, particularly children and those who interact with children.
This policy outlines the measures taken to minimise online safeguarding risks associated with the 'Your Specialist Teacher' website and complements my broader Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy.
2. Scope of This Policy
This policy applies to all content, functionalities, and interactions associated with the 'Your Specialist Teacher' website, including:
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Website content and materials.
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Contact forms or inquiry submission methods.
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Links to external websites.
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Any interactive features (e.g., if comments or forums were to be introduced in the future).
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The collection and processing of data through the website, particularly concerning children.
3. Key Principles of Online Safeguarding
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Protecting Children: Prioritise the safety and well-being of children and young people online.
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Appropriate Content: Ensure all website content is suitable for a general audience, including children.
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Secure Communication: Provide secure and monitored channels for communication.
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Transparency: Be clear about how data is collected and used, especially concerning children.
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Reporting Concerns: Facilitate the reporting of online safeguarding concerns.
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Professional Boundaries: Maintain professional boundaries in all online interactions.
4. Website Content and Appropriateness
4.1 All content published on the 'Your Specialist Teacher' website will be reviewed to ensure it is appropriate for all ages and does not contain any material that could be deemed harmful, offensive, or exploitative.
4.2 Images and media used on the website will be carefully selected to ensure they are respectful, non-exploitative, and do not compromise the privacy or safety of any individuals, particularly children. I will not use identifiable images of children on the website without explicit, informed consent from parents/guardians.
5. Online Communication and Interaction
5.1 Contact Forms/Inquiries:
Any contact forms on the website are designed to collect only necessary information (e.g., name, email, message).
Users are advised not to share highly sensitive personal information, particularly special category data about children, via initial contact forms. Such discussions should occur through more secure, direct channels (e.g., phone call, secure email) after initial contact.
All communications received via the website will be handled in accordance with my Privacy Policy and Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy.
5.2 Interactive Features (e.g., comments, forums, chat - if applicable in future): * Should the website introduce any interactive features where users can post content, these will be carefully considered for safeguarding risks.
Such features would require robust moderation policies and mechanisms to prevent the posting of inappropriate, harmful, or exploitative content.
Clear rules of conduct would be established, and users would be informed of how to report concerns.
Direct messaging between users (if implemented) would be strictly prohibited, especially involving children.
6. Links to External Websites
6.1 The 'Your Specialist Teacher' website may contain links to external websites for informational purposes.
6.2 While I endeavour to link only to reputable and relevant sites, I am not responsible for the content or safeguarding practices of external websites.
6.3 Users are advised to review the privacy and safeguarding policies of any external websites they visit.
7. Data Privacy and Children's Data Online
7.1 The collection and processing of personal data through the website, including any data related to children, will strictly adhere to my Website Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy.
7.2 I will not knowingly collect personal data from children under the age of 13 via the website without verifiable parental consent, unless it is for the sole purpose of responding to a one-time request from the child.
7.3 Any personal data about children provided via the website (e.g., through a parent's inquiry) will be handled with the utmost care and in accordance with my Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy and Privacy Policy.
8. Reporting Online Safeguarding Concerns
8.1 If you encounter any content on the 'Your Specialist Teacher' website that you believe is inappropriate, harmful, or raises a safeguarding concern, please report it immediately to:
Email: jamie@yourspecialsitteacher.com Phone: 07440 160004
8.2 If you have an immediate safeguarding concern about a child that requires urgent attention, please refer to the emergency contact details in my Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy (e.g., 999, Local Authority Children's Social Care, LADO, NSPCC).
9. Professional Boundaries Online
9.1 I will maintain clear professional boundaries in all online interactions. 9.2 I will not engage in personal or inappropriate communications with children/learners or their families via online channels associated with the website.
9.3 My personal social media profiles are kept separate from my professional online presence.
10. Policy Review
This Website Safeguarding Policy will be reviewed and updated at least annually, or immediately in response to any changes in website functionality, online safeguarding legislation, or best practice guidance.
Jamie Evans
Your Specialist Teacher
jamie@yourspecialistteacher.com
074401 160004
