Studia Safeguarding Policy 2024/2025

Last Update: 21st August 2025

Purpose and Scope

This policy sets out the safeguarding measures adopted by Studia to protect children (ages 14–18) who participate in our live online sessions and mentorship services (“Users”). Although children may also be referred to as “young people” or “young adults,” for the purposes of this policy and in line with UK safeguarding law, the term “children” will be used.

Studia is dedicated to ensuring the safety and wellbeing of every child who uses its services and platform. All children, irrespective of age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation, are entitled to equal protection from harm or abuse.

We acknowledge that abuse and neglect can take different forms and require staff to approach all situations with the mindset of ‘it could happen here.’ Abuse may involve direct harm or neglect, including failing to act to prevent harm. Harm includes both physical ill treatment and the emotional impact of witnessing others being harmed.

Further definitions of abuse and neglect are available in Appendix A of *Working Together to Safeguard Children 2023*.

Legal Framework

This policy has been developed in line with current UK Government legislation and statutory guidance relating to safeguarding children. This includes:

- Government Guidance on Remote Education
- Keeping Children Safe in Education 2024
- Working Together to Safeguard Children 2023
- Information Sharing Guidance 2024

Studia commits to:

- Providing a secure and confidential reporting system (via email) for children to raise concerns. This will be continuously monitored.
- Making children and families aware of the NSPCC helpline and other sources of independent support.
- Placing the welfare and dignity of children at the forefront, by valuing, respecting, and listening to them.
- Adhering to recognised safeguarding and child protection best practice through policies, procedures, and codes of conduct for all staff and volunteers.
- Implementing a robust online safety policy with supporting procedures.
- Promoting confidence and competence across all staff and volunteers in relation to safeguarding procedures and behaviour standards.
- Recruiting staff and volunteers safely, following safer recruitment practices and completing all required checks.
- Recording, storing, and managing information professionally and securely, in line with data protection legislation.
- Involving children, parents, carers, and families where appropriate.
- Managing any allegations against staff or volunteers through established safeguarding procedures.
- Creating an environment of mutual respect and ensuring a zero-tolerance approach to bullying.
- Maintaining procedures for addressing bullying and responding effectively to incidents.
- Establishing a culture of safeguarding that prioritises respect, trust, and open communication.
- Operating clear complaints and whistleblowing procedures.

Steps we take to ensure our students’ safety

Online Safety

We recognise that abuse can occur online and that technology may also be used to facilitate offline abuse. If a child discloses online abuse, the matter will be referred to the DSL, who will take action and escalate where necessary.

Children are encouraged to report any peer communication that makes them feel uncomfortable. Such behaviour may amount to peer-on-peer abuse and will be addressed in line with the Student Code of Conduct.

Student Code of Conduct

All children using our live sessions and mentorship services must follow the Student Code of Conduct, which prohibits behaviour that could endanger others, including bullying, harassment, or discrimination. The Code of Conduct also sets out the consequences of breaches, which may include disciplinary measures or removal from the programme.

Communication Guidelines

All communication between educators and children must take place via official Studia channels. Private messaging or sharing personal contact details is strictly prohibited to prevent inappropriate communications.

Educators must not engage in personal discussions unrelated to the educational or mentorship service. Any communication that occurs outside official channels or is of a personal nature will be considered a disciplinary issue and, depending on severity, may be referred to external authorities.

Reporting Procedure for Staff

All concerns relating to inappropriate communication, breaches of the Student Code of Conduct, or other safeguarding issues must be reported immediately to team@studia.io

Reports should include:
- Names of those involved
- The platform where the incident took place (e.g. Studia platform, livestream,)
- Reporter’s preferred contact details (email, phone, address)
- A factual summary of the concern and any steps already taken

When receiving a disclosure from a child, staff should offer reassurance and signpost them to sources of support.

Safer Recruitment

Studia is committed to ensuring a safe culture by recruiting only individuals suitable to work with children. Applicants must provide two forms of photographic identification or a birth certificate. All staff undergo enhanced DBS checks and additional background checks including criminal records, references, and verification of qualifications. At least one reference will be verified verbally using contact details obtained independently.

Allegations against Staff or Volunteers

We recognise that staff or volunteers may act inappropriately and are committed to addressing any allegation seriously. ‘Keeping Children Safe in Education 2024’ distinguishes between low-level and high-level concerns. All allegations must be referred immediately to the DSL, who will assess whether the concern is low or high level. High-level allegations will be referred to the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) for further action.

Staff are encouraged to self-report if they believe they may have been perceived as acting inappropriately. All allegations will be treated with strict confidentiality.

Parental Consent

For any User under 18, full parental or guardian consent must be obtained. Both the student and parent/guardian confirm they understand the Terms under which Studia courses are provided, as outlined in the Terms and Conditions, Privacy Policy, and Student Code of Conduct.

Data Protection

Studia is committed to protecting the personal information of children and all participants in our sessions and services. We comply with relevant data protection laws and apply strict measures to ensure personal information is handled securely and confidentially.