Safeguarding Policy

Wokingham Driving School dated 13 May 2020
Policy review date 12 May 2021

Wokingham Driving School and persons responsible explicitly agrees to the following Statement of Policy and Procedures in regard to Safeguarding:

The relevant legalisation includes;

Children Act 1989 Every Child Matters 2003 Working Together to Safeguard Children 2015 Keeping Children Safe in Education 2016 The Care Act 2014 Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2016

Wokingham Driving School and persons responsible are committed to safeguarding children (those under 18) and ‘adults with needs for care and support’, and protecting them from abuse when they are engaged in services organised and provided by us.

We will act in the best interest of the child or adult at all times, and will proactively seek to promote their welfare and protection.

All trainers Approved Driving Instructors (ADIs) and Potential Driving Instructors (PDIs) are subject to DBS checks as part of the requirements to be entered onto the ADI register.

The DVSA ensures that unsuitable people are prevented from working with children, young people and adults with care and support needs through using safe recruitment and selection processes. This will involve DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) checks.

We will take any concern made by a franchisee, pupil, parent, relative, or member of the public, seriously and sensitively, and will not tolerate harassment of a person who raises concerns.

All ADIs (and PDIs) will be made aware that language should be appropriate. Any ADI or PDI who makes offensive remarks, uses inappropriate gestures, inappropriate material or physical or violent abuse will be immediately suspended from working with Wokingham Driving School and reported to the LWO/NOW for Wokingham Driving School and/or the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) and where deemed necessary, the police.

We confirm that we have at least one Designated Safeguarding Officer responsible for raising concerns about abuse or suspected abuse towards a child or adult with needs for care and support as appropriate.

We acknowledge our responsibility if we become aware of concerns about a Child or Adult with needs for care and support.

Should the welfare of a child or adult be at risk Wokingham Driving School will take immediate steps to protect those individuals. This may include removing the learners to the care of a safe person, removing the ADI/PDI, contacting the Social Services or the police.

We confirm that those raising a concern will be made aware that it will be shared with appropriate people who are in a position to help them but will be treated in confidence as far as possible.

Staff and franchisees will not discuss the concern except with the Designated Safeguarding Officer.

We agree to make referrals, and retain records, securely and appropriately in accordance with relevant legislation.

We understand that it is our responsibility to make sure that appropriate training takes place for staff and franchisees in respect of safeguarding. All concerns and queries must be addressed to Wokingham Driving School and Keith Gambles. Should your issue be with this person, then contact another LWO/NOW if available for the driving school or the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency.

Definitions; LWO – Lead Welfare Officer NOW – Nominated Welfare Officer

In Wokingham Driving School – the LWO is Keith Gambles (owner) who has been trained and qualified to Level 3 Award in Principles of Safeguarding and Protecting Children, Young People or Vulnerable Adults