A) Policy Statement

A1) Background

Students under 18 study in classes with adult students. We try to place younger students together in the same classes when possible, but this depends on their English level. All ELC staff receive safeguarding training.

If ELC arranges accommodation for students under 18, they are placed in suitable homestay accommodation with DBS-checked hosts, or in the Young Adult Summer Residence (June–August), unless parents or guardians have made other suitable arrangements.

All school social activities are considered suitable for students under 18. Students under 18 are not allowed to drink alcohol during school social activities.

A2) Terminology

It is important that everyone at ELC understands our safeguarding policies and procedures so that we can work together to keep students under 18 safe. The terms below explain the language used in this policy.

  • Under 18s (U18s) – The British Council and ELC use the term “under 18s” for students younger than 18 years old.
  • Safeguarding under 18s – This is the general term for protecting and supporting students under 18. It includes child protection and pastoral care. Safeguarding means taking action to promote the welfare and safety of young people. Adults who work with under 18s have a legal duty of care to protect them.
  • Child Protection – Part of safeguarding. It means protecting children from abuse by adults or by other under 18s.
  • Abuse – Abuse can be emotional, sexual, physical, or neglect. It means causing harm or failing to prevent harm.
  • DSL (Designated Safeguarding Lead) – The person with overall responsibility for safeguarding at ELC. The DSL manages the safeguarding policy, makes sure it is followed correctly, and keeps it updated.
  • DDSL (Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead) – Other members of the safeguarding team who support the DSL and take responsibility when the DSL is unavailable.
  • KBSP (Keeping Bristol Safe Partnership) – A local organisation that supports safeguarding in Bristol.
  • LADO (Local Authority Designated Officer) – The person responsible for dealing with concerns about staff or homestay providers who work with children.
  • First Response – Bristol’s main contact service for reporting child protection concerns involving outside organisations or other ELC students.
  • Safeguarding in Education Team – A Bristol City Council team that supports schools and educational organisations with safeguarding policies and procedures.
  • Prevent – A UK government programme designed to reduce the risk of people supporting terrorism or becoming involved in terrorism.
  • Vulnerable Adult – A person aged 18 or over who may need extra care or support because of disability, illness, age, or other difficulties, and who may not be able to protect themselves from harm or exploitation. Although few ELC students fit the official definition, we understand that many students may still be vulnerable because they are living away from home in another country. Please see the Vulnerable Adults Policy for more information.

A3/A4/A5) Statement, Under 18s entitlement and Adult Responsibilities

Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility at ELC Bristol. This includes students, staff, accommodation providers, school bus and taxi drivers, maintenance staff, and anyone else connected with the school. We must all work to protect students from anything that is not in their best interests.

Students under 18 and vulnerable adults have a legal right to be safe and protected, regardless of their race, gender, or background. ELC also believes it has a moral duty to care for and support all students, whatever their age or background.

ELC has a trained Safeguarding Team with five staff members, all trained to Safeguarding Level 3 (see A8). This ensures that safeguarding staff are always available in the school and during outside activities. A member of the safeguarding team can also be contacted by phone 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

The DSL organises regular safeguarding training for staff and homestay providers. Training takes place at least once a year and includes updates on the latest laws and guidance. Members of the safeguarding team receive refresher training every two years. Training also covers:

  • Female Genital Mutilation (FGM)
  • Prevent
  • Honour-Based Violence (HBV)
  • Child-on-child abuse
  • Whistleblowing
  • The increased vulnerability of students with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND)

Safeguarding includes health and safety, pastoral care, and child protection. Everyone connected with the school must:

  • understand the safeguarding procedures in the school policy
  • stay alert to signs of abuse
  • know how to respond to concerns
  • know who to report concerns or allegations to
  • know who the safeguarding team members are
  • and know how to contact KBSP if necessary

The Academic Director and Director of Studies are responsible for ensuring that teaching materials are suitable for students. They are supported by the senior teachers.

A6) Associated Policies

  • School Rules
  • Disciplinary Policy for Students
  • Complaints and Suggestions Procedures
  • Equality Policy
  • Health and Safety Policy
  • First Aid Policy
  • Fire Safety Policy
  • Risk Assessment Policy
  • Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Policy
  • Mental Health Policy
  • Abusive behaviour, Bullying and Harassment Policy
  • Prevent Policy
  • Safer Recruitment Policy
  • Code of Conduct for Staff

Full policy documents can be found on the school website.
https://elcbristol.co.uk/our-school/students-under-18/

A7) Policy Review

This policy is reviewed at least annually or sooner in line with relevant changes.

A8) ELC's Safeguarding Team

Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)

Neil Mullens (Director of Operations)
Mob: 07842 431726
Trained to safeguarding level 3

Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (DDSL)

Andrew Edwards (Principal)
Mob: 07521 062436
Trained to safeguarding level 3

Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (DDSL)

Beatrice Convert (Admissions Manager)
Phone: 01179707060
Trained to safeguarding level 3

  • Rob Farrow – Clifton College DSL and Director of Safeguarding - has lead responsibility for Safeguarding and Child protection (including online safety) within the college as a whole .
  • Neil Mullens – Director of Operations and Designated Safeguarding Lead for ELC
  • Andrew Edwards - Principal and DDSL at ELC
  • Beatrice Convert – Admissions Manager and DDSL at ELC
  • Nicola Laird / Alice Bennett – LADO – the person to contact regarding staff concerns that meet the harm threshold.
  • First Response – KBSP’s first point of contact with regard to child protection concerns with external parties or other ELC students

A9) Under 18s Involvement

ELC have class reps who welcome new students and get feedback and facilitate communication with all students (but particularly those students under 18s).

A10) Policy Review

ELC Bristol has a legal duty of care to all of our students.

In England the law states that people who work with children have to keep them safe. This safeguarding legislation is set out in The Children Act (1989) and (2004), and Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006. It also features in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (to which the UK is a signatory) which sets out the rights of children to be free from abuse.

The Government also provides guidance in the document Working Together to Safeguard Children 2026. While complying with the law, ELC Bristol follows Accreditation UK’s guidelines set out in Inspection criteria requirements and additional guidance which reflect good practice and in certain circumstances goes beyond legal requirements.

See Additional Forms and Resources at the bottom of the under 18 section of the school website.

A11) Policy Availability and Formats

  • ELC’s condensed and full safeguarding policies are available on the school website http://www.elcbristol.co.uk/school/students-under-18
  • These policies are also in the staff manuals on the school website.
  • A hard copy is kept in the Director's office.
  • A link to the condensed policy and the full version is also sent to prospective employees before calling them in for an interview.
  • A link to the condensed Safeguarding Policy is sent to all Educational Tour Operators and parents/guardians of under 18s with their acceptance papers.

Updated by Neil Mullens 20 May 2026