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Purpose and Scope

Cortex Online Academy (“the Academy”) is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. This policy sets out the Academy’s approach to safeguarding and child protection in an online education environment.

Safeguarding responsibilities apply at all times and in all contexts, including remote and online learning. The Academy ensures that its online provision is safe, appropriate, and supported by clear reporting routes and safeguarding procedures.

Legal and Statutory Framework

This policy is informed by, and should be read alongside, relevant UK legislation and statutory guidance, including:

Keeping Children Safe in Education (DfE, current edition)

Safeguarding and Remote Education (DfE)

Data Protection Act 2018 and UK GDPR

These documents form the basis of the Academy’s safeguarding arrangements and expectations.

Policy Statement and Child-Centred Approach

Safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children is everyone’s responsibility. All adults associated with Cortex Online Academy must adopt a child-centered approach, considering at all times what is in the best interests of the child.

The Academy is committed to:

Early identification of safeguarding concerns

Appropriate information sharing

Timely and proportionate action to protect children from harm

Online education presents specific safeguarding risks, addressed through secure systems, clear expectations, staff training, and robust reporting procedures.

Roles and Responsibilities

Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)

Oversees safeguarding arrangements

Receives and manages safeguarding concerns

Maintains secure safeguarding records

Makes referrals to statutory agencies where required

Deputy DSL(s)

Support the DSL and act in their absence

All Staff, Tutors, Contractors, and Volunteers

Uphold safeguarding principles and professional boundaries

Remain vigilant to signs of abuse or neglect, including online risks

Report concerns immediately to the DSL

Follow the Academy’s safeguarding procedures at all times

Parents and Carers

Support appropriate supervision during online learning

Reinforce safe online behaviour

Share safeguarding concerns promptly with the Academy

Online Safety and Remote Learning

The Academy ensures safeguarding arrangements extend fully to remote education, including:

Use of secure, approved platforms for teaching and communication

Clear expectations for pupil behaviour during online sessions

Appropriate filtering, monitoring, and access controls

Provision of age-appropriate online safety guidance for pupils

Support and guidance for parents and carers

Parents are encouraged to take an active role in supporting children’s online safety at home.

Recognising and Responding to Safeguarding Concerns

Indicators of Harm

Abuse and neglect may occur online or offline and can take many forms, including physical, emotional, sexual abuse, or neglect

Staff should remain alert to changes in behaviour, communication, or engagement

Responding to Disclosures

If a child discloses a safeguarding concern:

Listen carefully and remain calm

Avoid asking leading questions

Reassure the child the concern is taken seriously

Explain that information may need to be shared to keep them safe

Never promise absolute confidentiality

All concerns must be recorded accurately and shared with the DSL without delay.

Reporting and Referrals

Safeguarding concerns must be reported immediately to the DSL using the Academy’s reporting procedures

The DSL will assess concerns and take appropriate action, which may include referral to children’s social care, the police, or other relevant agencies

Clear reporting routes are communicated to staff, pupils, and parents

Information Sharing and Data Protection

Safeguarding information is handled in accordance with Data Protection Act 2018 and UK GDPR

Information will be shared lawfully and proportionately to protect a child’s welfare

Consent is not required where information sharing is necessary for safeguarding purposes

Decisions to share or withhold information will be recorded, including the rationale

Training and Awareness

All staff and tutors receive safeguarding training appropriate to their role, including:

Recognising abuse and neglect

Online safety risks

Reporting procedures

The DSL undertakes enhanced and regular training to fulfil their responsibilities effectively

Policy Review

Reviewed at least annually or in response to changes in legislation, guidance, or operational practice

Contact Information

Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL):

safeguarding@cortexonlineacademy.net

Record-Keeping and Confidentiality

Safeguarding records are accurate, factual, and timely

Stored securely and separately from academic records

Accessed only by those with a legitimate safeguarding role

Retained in line with legal and regulatory requirements

Confidentiality is respected and information shared strictly on a need-to-know basis