Safeguarding Policy
Purpose
Kerry’s Driving School is committed to providing a safe, respectful, and supportive learning environment for all pupils. This policy outlines our approach to safeguarding and protecting learners, particularly children, young people, and vulnerable adults, from harm, abuse, or exploitation.
Our Commitment
We believe everyone has the right to learn in an environment that is free from harm, discrimination, or inappropriate behaviour.
Kerry’s Driving School will:
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Promote the welfare, safety, and well-being of all pupils.
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Take all concerns about safeguarding or welfare seriously and respond appropriately.
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Act in accordance with relevant UK legislation and guidance, including:
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The Children Act 1989 and 2004
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The Care Act 2014
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Working Together to Safeguard Children (2018)
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Keeping Children Safe in Education (2024)
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Instructor Responsibilities
As a DVSA Approved Driving Instructor (ADI) and enhanced DBS-checked professional, I have a duty of care to ensure pupils are safe throughout their driving lessons.
Responsibilities include:
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Maintaining professional boundaries at all times.
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Treating all pupils with respect and fairness.
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Creating a supportive, non-judgmental environment for learning.
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Ensuring lessons take place in safe and suitable locations.
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Reporting any safeguarding concerns or disclosures appropriately.
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Never engaging in or tolerating any form of abuse, bullying, harassment, or discrimination.
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Avoiding any inappropriate communication or relationships with pupils.
Safeguarding Procedures
If a safeguarding concern arises:
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Any disclosure or suspicion of abuse will be taken seriously and handled sensitively.
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If a pupil discloses information suggesting they or someone else may be at risk, this will be reported to the relevant safeguarding authority (e.g., local authority safeguarding team or the police) in line with statutory guidance.
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Confidential information will only be shared on a need-to-know basis to protect the individual.
Confidentiality
All personal information is handled in accordance with GDPR (UK) 2018 and the Data Protection Act 2018.
Information shared during lessons remains confidential unless there is reason to believe a pupil or someone else is at risk of harm, in which case the appropriate agencies may be contacted.
Transport and Lesson Safety
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Pupils will always be collected and dropped off at agreed safe locations.
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The lesson vehicle is regularly maintained and fitted with dual controls to ensure safety.
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Pupils must be fit to drive (free from drugs, alcohol, or medical impairment).
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Parents or guardians of under-18s are welcome to request lesson progress updates.
Online Safety
Kerry’s Driving School may share photographs or testimonials of successful pupils only with their consent (or parental consent for under-18s).
No personal details (addresses, contact numbers, or other identifying information) will ever be shared online.
Raising Concerns
If you have a safeguarding concern or wish to report inappropriate behaviour, please contact:
Designated Safeguarding Lead:
Kerry Trotman
Email: kerrytrotman1@gmail.com
All concerns will be handled promptly, confidentially, and in accordance with safeguarding best practice.
Policy Review
This policy is reviewed annually or sooner if there are significant changes in legislation or safeguarding guidance.
