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Statement of Intent
Learning Brains is committed to providing an educational experience which reinforces and extends the learning that children receive in their fulltime education, to enhance their understanding, to help them to overcome misunderstanding and to help to prepare them for external assessment.
We work with young people through all stages of education, except for early years. We aim to provide support appropriate for the level and understanding of each young person with a view to helping each student to make good progress.
Equality
All children are welcome and will be treated equally and fairly, irrespective of their:

  • Race
  • Religion
  • Home language
  • Family background
  • Gender
  • Disability
  • Learning difficulty
    Staff
    Learning Brains will ensure that:
  • All children attending any of our centre will be kept safe from harm.
  • All adults working for Learning Brains, who are in regular contact with children and may be working unsupervised, are suitable to work with children and are of integrity and good character. They will all have been checked with the Disclosure and Barring Service. No volunteer under the age of 17 will work unsupervised with children.
  • There will always be a sufficient number of staff present to ensure the safety, welfare and efficient supervision of the children. Qualified teachers may supervise groups of up to 25 children. Volunteers will work with groups of no more than 8 children. The leader, or a representative of the leader, will always be present.
  • All adults will have sufficient command of English language to ensure the safety and welfare of the children. We also have staff with the capability of communicating in Urdu/Hindi/Punjabi.
    •
  • At least one person working with students at any of our centres has appropriate first aid training.
  • Staff working in the centre have appropriate qualifications, as necessary.
  • No adult will ever use any form of corporal punishment.
  • NO person working in any of our centres will smoke or be under the influence of alcohol or any drugs (including medication that may have an adverse effect on the individual’s ability to provide appropriate supervision).
    Safeguarding
  • Learning Brains operate under a written statement of procedures to be followed for the protection of children.
  • See appendix 1
    Health and Safety
    Learning Brains operates in a variety of settings. For each setting the following will be in place
  • The premises will be safe and appropriate for the purposes of the organisation
  • Each premises must have appropriate access arrangements for children with disabilities. Details will be provided on request.
  • Fire evacuation procedures will be available and all adults working with the children will be aware of the correct procedures and evacuation points. (Fire Evacuation procedures and safety arrangements will be available for each centre.
  • Procedures will be in place to ensure that no young people can leave the premises unsupervised during the session or after the session unless previously agreed with the parents.
  • No person will be able to enter the premises and gain access to the children without the knowledge of the person in charge.
  • Careful assessment of each setting will take place to ensure the health and safety of all the children and adults working in each centre.
  • Learning Brains will ensure that insurance is in place in the name of Learning Brains, in respect of liability which may be incurred for death, injury, public liability, damage or other loss.
  • The certificate of registration with Ofsted will be displayed during sessions at each of the premises used by Learning Brains.
    Behaviour
    It is expected that all children attending sessions with Learning Brains behave in a cooperative manner:
  • They will participate in learning and follow instructions.
  • They will not disrupt the learning of other children.
  • They will complete all work set
  • They will complete all Homework and other assessment according to deadlines.
    All adults working for Learning Brains will:
  • Have appropriate expectations for the work of the children according to their needs, ability and special considerations.
  • Insist on cooperative and responsible behaviour.
  • Treat all young people appropriately and with respect.
  • Try to modify teaching and learning to satisfy learning and physical needs of all children.
    If any children do not work appropriately, or are badly behaved so that they adversely affect the work of other children or put their safety at risk then Learning Brains reserve the right to refuse to continue to teach that child.
    Complaints procedure
    See appendix 2
    Data and data protection
    The following records will be kept and will be retained for a period of two years
  • The name, home address and date of birth of each child who attends sessions at each premises.
  • The name, home address and telephone number(s) of a parent/guardian/carer of each child who attends sessions at each premises.
  • Information about any particular health requirements for each child, which may have an impact during sessions.
  • Information about any particular learning needs of each child.
  • A record of the names of the children who attend each session and their hours of attendance.
  • Accidents that occur on the premises where the sessions take place
  • Any medicine which may administered to any child who attends any session, including the date and circumstances and who administered it, including medicine which the child is permitted to self-administer together with a record of the consent of the parent/guardian/carer.
  • All records, information and confidential notes will be kept securely online.
    The following information will be made available to parents/guardians/carers:
  • Information about the learning activities that will be taking place
  • Copies of any written statements of safeguarding procedures and complaints procedures.
  • Information about the registration system for the voluntary part of the Childcare Register.
    Ofsted will be informed of:
  • Any change of circumstances as soon as possible and no later than 14 days after the change occurs.
  • Any changes to the addresses where the provision takes place.
  • Any change of name, address or telephone number
  • Any significant event which is likely to affect the suitability of the director or any person caring for children during sessions on any remise, such as offences or orders which may disqualify them.
  • A change of director or management
  • Changes to the person nominated for Child Protection.
  • Any serious accident or injury to, or the death of any child attending sessions
  • Any serious accident or injury to, or the death of any other person on the premises in which sessions take place.
  • Any allegation of serious harm to, or abuse of , a child committed by any person looking after children at any of the premises used,(whether that allegation refers to harm or abuse committed on the premises or elsewhere), or by any person, where the allegation relates to harm or abuse occurring on any premises used.
    Appendix 1
    Learning Brains
    Child Protection and Wellbeing Policy
  1. Introduction
  • We in Learning Brains are committed to a practice, which protects children from harm. Teachers and volunteers in this organisation accept and recognise our responsibilities to develop awareness of issues, which cause children and young people harm. We will endeavour to safeguard children and young people by –
  • Adopting child protection guidelines through a code of behaviour for teachers and volunteers.
  • Sharing information about child protection and good practice with children, parents, teachers and volunteers.
  • Sharing information about concerns with agencies who need to know, and involving parents and children appropriately.
  • Following carefully the procedures for recruitment and selection of teachers and volunteers
  • Providing effective management for teachers and volunteers through supervision, support and training We are also committed to reviewing our policy and good practice on an annual basis.
  1. Statement of Intent
    It is the policy of Learning Brains to safeguard the welfare of all children and young people by protecting them from all forms of abuse including physical, emotional and sexual harm. This organisation is committed to creating a safe environment in which young people can feel comfortable and secure while engaged in any of Learning Brains activities. Personnel should at all times show respect and understanding for individual’s rights, safety and welfare, and conduct themselves in a way that reflects the ethos and principles of Learning Brains.
  2. Guidelines for all Learning Brains teachers and volunteers
    a. ATTITUDES
    Teachers and volunteers are committed to:
  • Treating children and young people with respect and dignity.
  • Always listening to what a child or young person is saying
  • Valuing each child and young person
  • Recognising the unique contribution each individual can make
  • Encouraging and praising each child or young person
    b. BY EXAMPLE
    Teachers and volunteers will endeavour to
  • Provide an example, which we would wish others to follow
  • Use appropriate language with children and young people and challenge any inappropriate language used by a young person or child or an adult working with young people.
  • Respect a young person’s right to privacy
    c. ONE TO ONE CONTACT
    Teachers and volunteers will
  • Not spend excessive amounts of time alone with children, away from others. Staff should try to always be visible to others in their contact with children.
  • In the unlikely event of having to meet with an individual child or young person make every effort to keep this meeting as open as possible.
  • If privacy is needed, ensure that other adults are informed of the meeting and its whereabouts
    d. PHYSICAL CONTACT
    Teachers and volunteers should never:
  • Engage in sexually provocative or rough physical games, including horseplay
  • Do things of a personal nature for a child or a young person that they can do for themselves. If such an incident arises, for example, where a child or young person has limited mobility, (organisation name) staff should seek the support of another member of staff to deal with such an incident
  • Allow, or engage in, inappropriate touching of any kind:
    o Be aware that someone might misinterpret our actions no matter how well intentioned
    o Never draw any conclusions about others without checking the facts
  • Never allow ourselves to be drawn into inappropriate attention seeking situations such as tantrums or crushes
  • Never exaggerate or trivialise child abuse issues or make suggestive remarks or gestures about, or to a child or young person, even in fun
    f. RELATIONSHIPS
    Teachers and volunteers who are involved in relationships with other members of staff or volunteers should ensure that their personal relationships do not affect their role within Learning Brains or its work.
    g. SHARING INFORMATION
    In Learning Brains, every effort will be made to assure that, should individuals have concerns, they will be listened to and taken seriously.
    It is the responsibility of the management to ensure that information is available to, and exchanged between all those involved in this organisation and its activities. Some information is confidential and should only be shared on a strictly need‐to‐know basis.
    Children & Young People
    Children and young people have a right to information, especially any information that could make life better and safer for them. Learning Brains will act to ensure they have information about how, and with whom, they can share their concerns, complaints and anxieties.
    When sharing information, personnel will be sensitive to the level of understanding and maturity, as well as to the level of responsibility, of the people with whom they are sharing.
    Parents
    Parents / persons with parental responsibility are ultimately responsible for their children’s welfare at all times, and they should be assured that their children are involved with a credible organisation.
    We achieve this by:
  • Publicising information on all our work
  • Publishing the named Designated Child Protection Person(s) and how to make a complaint
  • Publishing a full copy of the Child Protection Policy
    Staff & Volunteers
    As an organisation, which offers support and guidance to children and young people, it is imperative that every person who works with or for Learning Brains is aware of their responsibilities under the Child Protection legislation and has a working knowledge of Learning Brains procedures. All people wo work with Learning Brains will receive guidance regarding Child Protection.
    Other Bodies
    A copy of our Child Protection Policy will be made available to any other appropriate body.
    h. WHAT TO DO IF A CHILD SEEKS YOU OUT TO SHARE INFORMATION ABOUT ABUSE OR NEGLECT, OR TALKS SPONTANEOUSLY INDIVIDUALLY OR IN A GROUP WHEN YOU ARE PRESENT.
    In these situations, YOU MUST:
  • Listen carefully to the child. DO NOT directly question the child
  • Give the child time and attention.
  • Allow the child to give a spontaneous account; do not stop a child who is freely recalling significant events.
  • Make an accurate record of the information you have been given taking care to record the timing, setting and people present, the child’s as well as what was said. Do not throw this away as it may later be needed as evidence.
  • Use the child’s own words where possible.
  • Explain that you cannot promise not to speak to others about the information they have shared – do not offer false confidentiality.
  • Reassure the child that:
    o they have done the right thing in telling you;
    o they have not done anything wrong;
  • Tell the child what you are going to do next and explain that you will need to get help to keep him/her safe.
  • DO NOT ask the child to repeat his or her account of events to anyone
    i. CONSULT ABOUT YOUR CONCERN
    Because of your observations of, or information received you may become concerned about a child who has not spoken to you.
    It is good practice to ask a child why they are upset or how a cut or bruise was caused, or respond to a child wanting to talk to you. This practice can help clarify vague concerns and result in appropriate action.
    If you are concerned about a child you must share your concerns. Initially you should talk to one of the people designated as responsible for child protection within your organisation. In this organisation this person is Syed Sajid Shah or any senior member of staff in the event of Syed’s absence.
    If one of those people is implicated in the concerns you should discuss your concerns directly with Children Services, First Response Team on 0117 903 6444
    You should consult with your local Social Care Duty & Investigation Team in the area where the child, in the following circumstances:
  • when you remain unsure after internal consultation as to whether child concerns exist
  • when there is disagreement as to whether child protection concerns exist
  • when you are unable to consult promptly or at all with your designated internal contact for child protection
    Consultation is not the same as making a referral but should enable a decision to be made as to whether a referral to Social Care or the Police should progress.
    j. PROCEDURES FOR REPORTING ALLEGATIONS OR SUSPICIONS OF ABUSE
    Any person working with or for Learning Brains must report any concerns to the designated person for Child Protection. This person is Syed Sajid Shah or any senior member of staff in the event of Syed’s absence.
  • A referral involves giving Social Care or the Police information about concerns relating to an individual or family in order that enquiries can be undertaken by the appropriate agency followed by any necessary action.
  • Parents/carers should be informed if a referral is being made except:
    o where Sexual Abuse or sexual exploitation is suspected
    o where organised or multiple abuse is suspected
    o where there are concerns a child may be at risk of Female Genital Mutilation
    o where fabricated or induced illness (previously known as Munchausen Syndrome by proxy) is suspected
    o where contacting parents/carers would place a child, yourself or others at immediate risk
  • However, inability to inform parents for any reason should not prevent a referral being made. It would then become a joint decision with Social Care about how and when the parents should be approached and by whom.
  • If your concern is about harm or risk of harm from a family member or someone known to the children and/or vulnerable adults, you should make a telephone referral to the Social Care Duty & Investigation Team in the area where the child and/or vulnerable adult.
  • If your concern is about harm or risk of harm from someone not known to the child and/or vulnerable adult family, you should make a telephone referral directly to the Police.
  • If your concern is about harm or risk of harm from an adult in a position of trust contact Children Services, First Response Team on 0117 903 6444.
    Information required when making a referral
    Be prepared to give as much of the following information as possible (in emergency situations all of this information may not be available). Unavailability of some information should not stop you making a referral.
  • Your name, telephone number, position and request the same of the person to whom you are speaking.
  • Full name and address, telephone number of family, date of birth of child and/or vulnerable adult and siblings.
  • Gender, ethnicity, first language, any special needs.
  • Names, dates of birth and relationship of household members and any significant others.
  • The names of professionals known to be involved with the child/family and/or vulnerable adult e.g.: GP, Health Visitor, School.
  • The nature of the concern; and foundation for the concern.
  • An opinion on whether the child may need urgent action to make them safe.
  • Your view of what appears to be the needs of the child and/or vulnerable adult and their family.
  • Whether the consent of a parent with Parental Responsibility has been given to the referral being made.
    DESIGNATED CHILD PROTECTION PERSONS
    The designated person will immediately inform Children Services, First Response Team on 0117 903 6444
    Confidentiality must be maintained and information relating to individual children and young people/families shared with staff on a strictly need to know basis.
    k. ALLEGED ABUSE BY STAFF, MANAGERS, VOLUNTEERS OR TRUSTEES
    When an allegation is made against a member of staff or volunteer, then the allegation must be passed to your designated person for child protection or, if the allegation concerns them both, direct to the Local Authority Designated Officer.
    h. RECORD‐KEEPING
  • All records, information and confidential notes will be kept securley electronically.
  • Only the designated Persons will have access to these files
    APPENDIX 2
    LEARNING BRAINS
    Complaints Procedure
    Learning Brains aims to provide high quality services which meet your children’s needs. We believe we achieve this most of the time: if we are not getting it right we would like you to let us know.
    We have a procedure through which you can let us know of for any reason you are not satisfied with your dealings with the organisation.
    First stage of concern – raising a concern If you are unhappy about any service provided by Learning Brains, please speak to the any member of staff who you know or with the director, Syed Sajid Shah.
    If you are unhappy with an individual in Learning Brains, and do not feel that you can speak to them directly, then please speak to the Director, Syed Sajid Shah.
    At this stage the complaint is informal.
    Often we will be able to give you a response straight away. When the matter is more complicated we will give you at least an initial response within five working days.
    Making a written complaint
    If you are not satisfied with our response or wish to raise the matter more formally, please write to the Director, Syed Sajid Shah, explaining your concerns.
    This complaint is formal.
    All written complaints will be logged. You will receive a written acknowledgement within three working days.
    We aim is to investigate your complaint properly and to give you a reply within ten working days, setting out how the problem will be dealt with. If this is not possible, an interim response will be made informing you of the action taken to date or being considered.
    If you are still not happy
    If after we have responded you are not satisfied, and you feel that the matter is serious you may wish to contact OFSTED
    on 0300 123 4666
    Finally, please also let us know if you are happy with the services provided by Learning Brains.