Safeguarding Policy (Condensed)

Background

ELC is committed to providing the safest possible environment for all our students and staff. Safeguarding our studentsUnder 18s is everyone's responsibility. We all share a legal and moral Duty of Care to protect them from ‘that which is not in their best interests.’ Everyone has a responsibility to speak out and report things they are worried about. ELC recognises that for some students this may be their first time away from home or they may struggle to understand the local area and by this very context ELC will treat all students as vulnerable.

ELC has a safer recruitment policy that clearly sets out our practices when employing people to work with our students (see the Safer Recruitment Policy).

For ELC's Full Safeguarding Policy and other related documents, see here.

Risk assessments are a key tool in safeguarding all our students, including those under 18. All staff are responsible for preparing and following risk assessments within ELC.

Clifton College Education Group has an established Code of Conduct which applies to ELC. For students, ELC has a set of School Rules, these rules help to establish a safe environment for all students. A copy of the School Rules can be found here.

Both ELC staff and students should be aware of behaviour that would not be considered appropriate (A low-level Concern). Examples of such behaviour may include

ELC is a multicultural and international community that actively promotes intercultural understanding. We endeavour to educate all our students about acceptance and tolerance of a range of views and beliefs provided that those views are reasonable. While it is unlikely at ELC, if you suspect someone is expressing views that might hurt or denigrate those with different beliefs, you must inform the Vice Principal immediately. It is particularly important if that person is attempting to radicalise other students.

Child protection

If you are worried that an Under 18 is, or may be, at risk of harm, you must contact a member of ELC’s Safeguarding Team which can be contacted 24 hours a day, 7 days a week (see contact details below).

If you have a concern about a member of staff, you must report this directly to the Clifton College Headmaster (0117 3157106)

The concern could be due to something you have seen yourself or something you have been told. Regardless of how the information has been received by you it is important to report your concerns. Signs may include:

  • physical signs which are not easily explained
  • changes in behaviour, e.g. becoming withdrawn or becoming aggressive, or swinging between both overtly sexual behaviour/language
  • being afraid of a particular person
  • showing signs of low self-esteem

If an under 18 starts to tell you about abuse that is happening/has happened to them, it is very important that you:

  • LISTEN
  • ask open-ended questions (use: tell me, explain to me and describe)
  • don’t promise confidentiality, as you must contact a member of the safeguarding team immediately
  • write a report using the student’s own words
  • do not talk about it to anyone outside the safeguarding team

Remember if someone is in immediate danger call 999 and ask for the appropriate emergency service.

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: 07521062436
Safeguarding oversight of U18 Accommodation
Trained to Safeguarding Level 3

Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (DDSL)

Beatrice Convert
Admissions Manager
Phone: 0117 9707060
Trained to Safeguarding Level 3

Updated by Neil Mullens 01/06/26