Bowen Education Sunday Chinese School
Version: 1.0 | Reviewed: July 2025 | Next Review: July 2026
1. Aims
This policy aims to ensure:
Prompt and appropriate action to safeguard and promote the welfare of all children attending Bowen Education.
All staff, volunteers, and governors understand their statutory responsibilities under UK safeguarding legislation.
Robust systems for identifying, reporting, and responding to safeguarding concerns, including those specific to our bilingual context and extracurricular activities (e.g., Fencing, Lamda, Arts).
2. Legal Framework
This policy is based on the following legislation and guidance:
Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) 2024 (incorporating 2025 updates)
Working Together to Safeguard Children (2023)
Equality Act 2010
Prevent Duty Guidance (2025)
Childcare (Disqualification) Regulations 2018
UK REACH SVHC compliance for art materials (2025)
3. Definitions
Safeguarding: Protecting children from maltreatment, preventing impairment of health/development, ensuring safe care, and promoting optimal outcomes.
Child Protection: Actions to protect specific children at risk of significant harm (e.g., abuse, neglect, exploitation).
SEND: Children with special educational needs or disabilities, including those with communication barriers or medical conditions.
4. Roles and Responsibilities
4.1 Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)
Name: Jessica Chang (DSL)
Contact: head@boweneducation.org +44 (0) 7988886666
Name: Cathy Zhu (DDSL)
Contact: info@boweneducation.org +44 (0) 758827781
Responsibilities:
Oversee all safeguarding procedures, including referrals to local authorities (the Trafford Children's First Response Team. Telephone: 0161 912 5125 or email: FirstResponse@trafford.gov.uk).
Conduct termly risk assessments for extracurricular activities (e.g., Fencing equipment safety checks).
Manage training for staff on recognizing abuse, online safety, and Prevent Duty.
4.2 All Staff/Volunteers
Complete annual safeguarding training (2 hours) and sign a declaration of compliance.
Report concerns immediately to the DSL using the Low-Level Concern Form (Appendix A).
Maintain professional boundaries (e.g., no personal social media contact with students).
4.3 Governors
Approve and review this policy annually.
Ensure the DSL has adequate time, funding, and resources (e.g., bilingual support materials).
5. Identifying and Responding to Concerns
5.1 Signs of Abuse/Neglect
Staff must be alert to indicators such as:
Unexplained injuries (especially for contact sports like Fencing).
Changes in behavior (e.g., withdrawal, aggression).
Cultural or linguistic barriers preventing disclosure (e.g., non-English speaking parents).
5.2 Reporting Procedures
Immediate Risk: Call 999 and notify DSL within 1 hour.
Non-Immediate Concern: Complete a Safeguarding Referral Form and submit to DSL within 24 hours.
FGM Concerns: Teachers must report directly to police (101) if FGM is disclosed or suspected.
5.3 Allegations Against Staff
Report to DSL or Chair of Governors (if allegation is against DSL).
Liaise with Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) via Trafford Children and Families Portal.
6. Extracurricular Activities Safety
6.1 Risk Assessments
| Activity | Hazards | Controls |
|---|---|---|
| Fencing | Equipment injury | Certified coaches (British Fencing Association), mandatory protective gear. |
| Arts | Allergic reactions | Non-toxic materials (UK REACH SVHC compliant), allergy registers. |
| Outdoor Trips | Weather/exposure | 1:5 staff-to-student ratio, GPS tracking for off-site activities. |
6.2 External Coaches
Enhanced DBS checks and references required.
Must attend Bowen’s safeguarding induction (including child-on-child abuse protocols).
7. Supporting Vulnerable Groups
7.1 SEND Provisions
Bilingual (Chinese-English) visual aids for communication (e.g., “I need help” cards).
1:1 support for students with autism during group activities (e.g., Chess tournaments).
7.2 International Students
Translation support for parents (e.g., Mandarin versions of safeguarding policies).
Awareness of cultural differences in reporting abuse (e.g., stigma around mental health).
8. Online Safety
No personal device use during classes; school tablets only with filtering software (Qustodio).
Ban on sharing student images/videos (e.g., Fencing matches) without parental consent.
9. Training and Record-Keeping
Training: Annual updates on KCSIE, Prevent Duty, and SEND awareness.
Records: Store safeguarding concerns for 25 years (or 31 years for EHCP students) on secure servers (CPOMS).
10. Appendices
Appendix A: Low-Level Concern Form
Appendix B: Fencing Safety Checklist
Appendix C: Bilingual Parent Guide (English/Mandarin)
Approved by Governors: [Name], Chair of Governors
Date: July 18, 2025
This policy is available in English and Mandarin on the Bowen Education website.
Appendix A: Low-Level Concern Form
| Section | Details |
|---|---|
| 1. Reporter Information |
Name: Role:
Contact:
|
| 2. Concern Details |
Person Involved: (Name/Role)
Date/Time of Incident: Location:
Description (include specific behaviours/context):
|
| 3. Risk Assessment |
Level of Concern: Minor Moderate Requires Follow-Up
Potential Impact on Children:
|
| 4. Action Taken |
Immediate Steps: Reported to (DSL/Deputy DSL):
Date Notified:
|
| 5. Sign-Off |
Reporter Signature: Date:
DSL Review:
(Signature/Date)
|
Confidential: Store in secure CPOMS folder. Retain for 10 years.
Appendix B: Fencing Safety Checklist
Pre-Session Checks
Coach holds valid British Fencing Association (BFA) certification.
All equipment meets BFA safety standards (e.g., CE-marked masks, gloves, chest protectors).
Fencing swords are inspected for damage (no bent blades, secure hilts).
Piste area is clear of obstacles; non-slip flooring confirmed.
First aid kit and emergency contact list (Trafford First Response Team: 0161 912 5125) are accessible.
During Session
All students wear full protective gear (mask, jacket, glove, plastron).
Coach maintains 1:8 student ratio; no unsupervised pairings.
Footwork drills only permitted before blade work.
No horseplay or unauthorized sparring.
Post-Session
Equipment is sanitized and stored in safety room.
Incident log completed for any injuries (even minor).
Appendix C: Bilingual Parent Guide (English/Mandarin)
English Version
How We Protect Your Child
Staff Vetting: All staff/volunteers undergo Enhanced DBS checks.
Reporting Concerns: Contact DSL Jessica Chang (07988886666) or complete the online form at boweneducation.org/safeguarding.
What to Do If You’re Worried:
Speak to your child’s teacher or DSL immediately.
For emergencies, call 999 or Trafford Children’s Social Care (0161 912 5125).
Key Contacts
DSL: Jessica Chang head@boweneducation.org 07988886666
Deputy DSL: Cathy Zhu info@boweneducation.org 0758827781
中文版本
我们如何保护您的孩子
员工审查：所有员工及志愿者均通过Enhanced DBS背景审查。
报告担忧：请联系 safeguarding负责人常校长 (07988886666) 或填写在线表格：boweneducation.org/safeguarding。
如您有担忧，请执行以下步骤：
立即联系孩子的老师或safeguarding负责人。
紧急情况请拨打999或Trafford儿童社会关怀部 (0161 912 5125)。
主要联系方式
Safeguarding负责人：常校长 head@boweneducation.org 07988886666
副负责人：朱老师 info@boweneducation.org 0758827781
All appendices are aligned with KCSIE 2024 requirements and tailored to Bowen Education’s bilingual context and extracurricular activities.