Safeguarding

At CyberSmart Institute, the safety and well-being of our students are our top priorities. We are committed to providing a secure and supportive learning environment for all participants, particularly children aged 11–18. Our safeguarding measures ensure that every student can thrive in a respectful, inclusive, and protected space.

Our Key Safeguarding Measures

1. Background Checks for Instructors

• All instructors and staff working with children undergo thorough background checks, including Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) clearance in the UK or equivalent checks for international instructors.

2. Child Protection Training

• All staff are trained in child protection and safeguarding protocols to recognize and respond appropriately to potential risks or concerns.
• Instructors are aware of their duty to report safeguarding issues to the designated safeguarding lead (DSL).

3. Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)

• A Designated Safeguarding Lead is appointed to oversee all safeguarding matters. The DSL acts as the primary contact for any concerns raised by students, parents, or instructors.

4. Online Safety Protocols

• Secure Platforms: Classes are conducted on secure, monitored platforms with password-protected access to ensure only authorized participants can join.
• Recording and Monitoring: Live sessions may be recorded for safeguarding purposes, with parental consent obtained beforehand. Recordings are securely stored and deleted after a set retention period.
• Supervised Communication: Communication between instructors and students is restricted to official channels to maintain transparency.

5. Parental Involvement

• Parents and guardians are welcome to observe sessions or receive updates on their child’s progress.
• Transparent communication ensures parents are informed about class schedules, content, and any incidents.

6. Age-Appropriate Content

• Course materials and activities are carefully designed to be suitable for the age and maturity level of the students.
• Sensitive topics (e.g., ethical hacking or cybersecurity risks) are handled with caution and aligned with the educational context.

7. Anti-Bullying Policy

• A zero-tolerance policy for bullying, harassment, or inappropriate behavior ensures that all students feel respected and included.
• Students are encouraged to report any concerns to instructors or the DSL.

8. Privacy and Data Protection

• Personal data, including contact details and project work, is handled in compliance with the GDPR and UK Data Protection Act.
• Video recordings or images of students are not shared without explicit parental consent.

9. Emergency Response Procedures

• Clear protocols are in place to handle emergencies or safeguarding incidents, ensuring swift and appropriate action.
• Parents or guardians are immediately informed if any concerns arise regarding their child’s safety.

10. Feedback and Continuous Improvement

• Regular feedback is sought from students, parents, and staff to improve safeguarding measures.
• Safeguarding policies are reviewed and updated periodically to align with best practices and legal requirements.

Reporting Concerns

If a student, parent, or instructor has any concerns about safeguarding, they are encouraged to contact our Designated Safeguarding Lead. The relevant, direct contact details of the Designated Safeguarding Lead will be provided following enrolment.

CyberSmart Institute is dedicated to creating a safe and inspiring environment for all learners. Together, we can ensure that every student has the opportunity to learn and grow without compromise to their safety or well-being.