Safeguarding Policy

1. Our Commitment

HelloJunior recognises its duty of care to all students using our platform and participating in our programmes. We are committed to:

• Creating a safe, supportive, and inclusive learning environment.
• Protecting children and young people from harm, abuse, and exploitation.
• Responding promptly and appropriately to safeguarding concerns.
• Working in partnership with parents, guardians, schools, and relevant authorities.

2. Scope

This policy applies to:

• All students enrolled in HelloJunior programmes (aged 11–18).
• All HelloJunior staff, contractors, mentors, and volunteers.
• All activities conducted through our online platform, community spaces, and in-person events including the UK tour.

3. Designated Safeguarding Lead

HelloJunior has a Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) who is responsible for managing safeguarding concerns. The DSL can be contacted at contact@hellojunior.uk with the subject line "Safeguarding".

4. Staff & Volunteer Standards

• All staff and volunteers who interact with students undergo enhanced DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) checks.
• All team members receive safeguarding training before working with students, with annual refresher training.
• Staff are trained to recognise signs of abuse, neglect, bullying, and exploitation.
• A strict code of conduct governs all interactions between staff and students.

5. Online Safety

As an online platform, we take digital safety seriously:

• All community interactions are moderated.
• Private messaging between students and adults is monitored and logged.
• Inappropriate content is swiftly removed, and users may be suspended.
• Students are educated about online safety, privacy, and responsible digital behaviour as part of the curriculum.
• We use age-appropriate content filtering and reporting tools.

6. UK Tour Safeguarding

During the UK educational tour:

• Appropriate adult-to-student supervision ratios are maintained at all times.
• All tour staff have current DBS checks and first aid training.
• Emergency contact information is collected and accessible to tour leaders.
• Risk assessments are conducted for all venues and activities.
• Written parental consent is required for all tour participants under 18.
• Medical information and allergies are collected and shared with relevant staff.

7. Reporting Concerns

If you have a safeguarding concern about a student, please:

1. Contact us immediately at contact@hellojunior.uk with the subject "Safeguarding Concern".
2. If a child is in immediate danger, call 999 (UK emergency services).
3. You can also contact the NSPCC Helpline on 0808 800 5000 or the Childline on 0800 1111.

All concerns will be:

• Taken seriously and treated confidentially.
• Recorded and reviewed by the Designated Safeguarding Lead.
• Reported to relevant authorities (e.g., local children's services, police) where appropriate.

8. Anti-Bullying

HelloJunior has a zero-tolerance policy on bullying, including cyberbullying. Students found to be engaging in bullying behaviour will face:

• A formal warning.
• Temporary suspension from the platform and community.
• Permanent removal from the programme in serious or repeated cases.

We encourage students to report bullying to any member of staff or via our reporting tools without fear of retaliation.

9. Data & Privacy

Safeguarding records are stored securely and separately from general student data. Access is restricted to the Designated Safeguarding Lead and relevant personnel. For more details, see our Privacy Policy.

10. Review

This safeguarding policy is reviewed annually and updated in response to changes in legislation, guidance, or organisational structure. All staff are notified of updates and receive refresher training as required.

11. Contact

For safeguarding queries or concerns:

• Email: contact@hellojunior.uk (subject: Safeguarding)
• Emergency (UK): 999
• NSPCC: 0808 800 5000
• Childline: 0800 1111