Safeguarding Policy

Safeguarding Policy for Children and Vulnerable Adults

Rock City Academy is committed to safeguarding the welfare, safety, and rights of all children and vulnerable adults involved in our programmes, services, or activities.

Effective Date: 4 August 2025 Last Updated: 4 August 2025
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1. Policy Statement

Rock City Academy has a zero-tolerance approach to abuse, neglect, exploitation, or discrimination. All children and vulnerable adults have the right to be protected and to thrive in a safe environment.

2. Scope of Policy

  • All staff, teachers, volunteers, and contractors
  • Students and programme participants
  • Third parties working with or on behalf of the academy
  • Visitors interacting with children/vulnerable adults on-site or online

3. Definitions

a. Child

Any person under age 18 as defined by the Child Rights Act, 2003.

b. Vulnerable Adult

A person aged 18 or over unable to protect themselves due to age, illness, disability, or capacity.

c. Safeguarding

Protecting a person's right to live in safety, free from abuse and neglect.

d. Abuse

Physical, emotional, sexual abuse, or neglect that causes actual or potential harm.

4. Legal Framework and Compliance

  • Child Rights Act (2003)
  • Trafficking in Persons Act (2015)
  • Nigeria Data Protection Regulation (NDPR, 2019)
  • Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC)
  • UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities

5. Responsibilities

Management

  • Train staff on safeguarding policy
  • Designate a safeguarding officer
  • Maintain reporting systems and records
  • Review procedures regularly

Staff and Volunteers

  • Report concerns immediately
  • Maintain professional boundaries
  • Avoid unsupervised private meetings
  • Treat all individuals with dignity

6. Code of Conduct

Always

  • Listen respectfully
  • Use appropriate language
  • Work in open, visible settings
  • Obtain consent for photos/videos
  • Report concerns promptly

Never

  • Use physical punishment
  • Engage in sexual contact or conversations
  • Use threatening or discriminatory language
  • Share personal contact details
  • Ignore or delay disclosure reporting

7. Recognising Abuse

  • Unexplained injuries or bruises
  • Fear of certain adults or locations
  • Withdrawal, aggression, or behaviour changes
  • Inappropriate sexual behaviour or knowledge
  • Poor hygiene or neglect signs
  • Repeated absences or lateness

8. Reporting Procedures

  1. Respond calmly and listen without interrogation.
  2. Record facts (who, what, when, where).
  3. Report to the Designated Safeguarding Officer immediately.
  4. DSO decides further action (parents, police, protection services).
Important: Never promise confidentiality. Information may need to be shared for safety.

9. Designated Safeguarding Officer (DSO)

Name: Mr Tayo Are

Position: Designated Safeguarding Lead/Officer

Phone: +234 704 949 3845

Email: hr@rockcityacademy.live

10. Training and Awareness

  • All staff receive safeguarding training during induction
  • Regular refresher sessions are conducted
  • Visitors are briefed on safeguarding expectations
  • Students are taught their rights and reporting pathways

11. Confidentiality and Data Protection

  • Information is shared only on a need-to-know basis
  • Reports and files are stored securely in compliance with NDPR

12. Policy Review

This policy is reviewed annually or after safeguarding incidents and legal changes.

Next review date: 03 August 2026

13. Contact and Emergency Numbers

  • Designated Safeguarding Officer: Mr Tayo Are
  • NAPTIP: 0703 0000 203
  • Nigeria Police Child Protection Unit: 112 or 199
Take the next step

Have Questions About Our Safeguarding Policy?

Contact our Designated Safeguarding Officer for any concerns or questions about safeguarding procedures.

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Zero-tolerance safeguarding framework