Privacy Policy

Bright Rising Stars ('BRS', 'we', 'our', or 'us') is committed to providing a safe and supportive online learning environment for all our students. Safeguarding the welfare of children and young people is our top priority. This Safeguarding Policy outlines the measures we take to protect students from harm, abuse, or neglect, in accordance with the UK’s statutory guidance, including Keeping Children Safe in Education and the Children Act 1989.

We are dedicated to:

• Protecting children and young people from abuse, exploitation, and neglect.
• Ensuring that all staff members are aware of their safeguarding responsibilities.
• Providing a safe online platform for learning where students can thrive academically and personally.
• Responding promptly and effectively to any concerns or allegations of harm.

• Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL):
• We have appointed a Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) who is responsible for overseeing all safeguarding matters. The DSL is trained to manage concerns, report issues to relevant authorities, and provide guidance to staff on safeguarding protocols.
• Staff Members:
• All BRS staff members, including tutors and support staff, have a duty to promote the welfare of students. They are trained to recognize signs of abuse and are required to report any concerns to the DSL without delay.
• Parents and Guardians:
• Parents and guardians play a crucial role in safeguarding. We encourage open communication with parents to ensure they are aware of their child’s activities and can support our safeguarding efforts.

BRS follows a strict safer recruitment process to ensure that all staff members are suitable to work with children and young people. This process includes:

• Consent: When you have given us explicit consent to process your data for specific purposes.
• Contractual Necessity: When processing your data is necessary to provide the services you have requested.
• Legal Obligation: When we are required to process your data to comply with legal obligations.
• Legitimate Interests: When processing is necessary for our legitimate interests, such as improving our services and ensuring the security of our operations.

As an online school, we place a strong emphasis on online safety. Our measures include:

• Providing a secure online platform with robust access controls.
• Educating students on safe internet practices, including recognizing and reporting inappropriate behavior.
• Monitoring online interactions during lessons to ensure a safe learning environment.
• Implementing filters and security tools to prevent access to harmful content.

Reporting: If a staff member has any concerns about a student’s welfare, they must report it to the DSL immediately. The DSL will assess the situation and take appropriate action, which may include contacting social services or other relevant authorities. Confidentiality: We handle all safeguarding concerns with the utmost confidentiality. Information is shared on a need-to-know basis and in accordance with the law. We respect the privacy of all parties involved, while prioritizing the safety of the student. Supporting Students: We are committed to supporting students who have been affected by abuse or neglect. This may involve working with external agencies to provide counseling or other necessary support.

All BRS staff members receive regular safeguarding training to ensure they are up to date with the latest practices and legislation. This training includes:

• Recognizing the signs of abuse and neglect.
• Understanding online risks and how to mitigate them.
• Knowing how to report and respond to safeguarding concerns.
• Maintaining professional boundaries in an online learning environment.

BRS regularly reviews its safeguarding policies and procedures to ensure they remain effective and in line with current legislation. We seek feedback from staff, students, and parents to continuously improve our safeguarding practices.