Creating a safe, respectful and inclusive Bridgepoint
Bridgepoint Learning CIC is committed to providing an environment where children, young people, families, staff and professionals feel safe, respected and included.
Everyone using, working within or visiting Bridgepoint is expected to contribute to that environment.
At Bridgepoint, we expect everyone to:
Discrimination, bullying, harassment, intimidation, threatening behaviour or deliberate harm towards another person will not be accepted.
Bridgepoint recognises that behaviour is communication.
Many children accessing our services have SEND, communication differences, sensory needs or difficulties with emotional regulation.
We therefore do not expect every child to demonstrate behaviour in the same way.
Our response to behaviour will be individualised, proportionate and supportive, taking account of a child's needs, communication, environment and any relevant plans or reasonable adjustments.
Children will not be shamed or punished for behaviour arising from an unmet need or disability.
Our priority is to understand what is happening, maintain safety and help the young person develop appropriate strategies for communication and regulation.
Adults working with children through Bridgepoint hold additional responsibilities.
They must:
Photographs or recordings of children must only be taken where appropriate permission and organisational arrangements are in place.
Staff and volunteers must not use personal devices to photograph or record children unless specifically authorised under Bridgepoint procedures.
Children's information, photographs or experiences must never be shared through personal social-media accounts.
Some children may seek or require physical support.
Any physical contact must be appropriate to the child's needs, age and circumstances and should always maintain the child's dignity and safety.
Adults must remain aware of professional boundaries and individual safeguarding plans.
Information about children and families must be treated sensitively and confidentially.
Information will only be accessed or shared where there is a legitimate reason to do so.
Confidentiality does not prevent safeguarding information being shared where this is necessary to protect a child.
Visitors to Bridgepoint are expected to follow our safeguarding, health and safety and conduct requirements.
Visitors must follow staff instructions regarding access to areas used by children and must not photograph, record or obtain information about children without authorisation.
We ask parents and carers to work respectfully with Bridgepoint staff and other families.
We understand that discussions about children's needs can sometimes be difficult or emotional. We will always aim to communicate openly and respectfully and ask that the same courtesy is extended to our team.
Threatening, abusive or discriminatory behaviour towards children, families or members of staff will not be accepted.
If you see or experience something at Bridgepoint that concerns you, please tell a member of staff.
Safeguarding concerns should be reported to:
Designated Safeguarding Lead
Charlotte Ujvari
Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead
Daniel Shave
Where a concern relates to the conduct of a member of staff or volunteer, it will be managed under Bridgepoint's safeguarding and allegations procedures.
If a child is in immediate danger, call 999.
Bridgepoint works best when children, families, staff and professionals work together.
Our aim is not to create an environment based around compliance.
It is to create one built around safety, respect, communication, understanding and belonging.