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Safeguarding Policy

Emma Blackburn
Independent Dyslexia & JCQ Access Arrangements Assessor
AMBDA | APC Holder | Level 7 Specialist Assessor

Applies to: Diagnostic Dyslexia Assessments, JCQ Access Arrangements Assessments and Specialist Assessment Services

1. Statement of Commitment

WordWise Dyslexia is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children, young people and vulnerable adults. Their welfare is paramount in every aspect of my professional practice.

I provide independent diagnostic dyslexia assessments, JCQ Access Arrangements assessments and specialist educational assessments for schools, colleges, universities and private clients. Assessments are carried out within educational settings, at my assessment venue, in clients' homes where appropriate and online.

I am committed to maintaining a safe, respectful and professional environment in which individuals feel listened to, valued and protected.

This policy is written in accordance with:

  • Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE)

  • Working Together to Safeguard Children

  • Children Act 1989 and 2004

  • Education Act 2002

  • JCQ Regulations

  • SASC Guidance

  • UK GDPR

  • Data Protection Act 2018

2. Safeguarding Responsibilities

As an independent assessor I will:

  • Place the welfare of children and vulnerable adults above all other considerations.

  • Maintain appropriate professional boundaries at all times.

  • Treat every individual with dignity and respect.

  • Remain alert to indicators of abuse, neglect, exploitation or harm.

  • Listen carefully to any disclosure without asking leading questions.

  • Record safeguarding concerns accurately and factually.

  • Report concerns promptly through the appropriate safeguarding procedures.

  • Maintain confidentiality except where safeguarding responsibilities require information to be shared.

3. Professional Standards

Emma Blackburn:

  • Holds Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).

  • Holds an Enhanced DBS Certificate and is subscribed to the DBS Update Service.

  • Holds a current Assessment Practising Certificate (APC).

  • Holds AMBDA status.

  • Holds Professional Indemnity and Public Liability Insurance.

  • Undertakes regular safeguarding training and maintains up-to-date safeguarding knowledge.

  • Works in accordance with the professional standards of SASC, the British Dyslexia Association Code of Professional Practice and current JCQ regulations.

4. Working Within Schools and Colleges

When working within schools or colleges, I recognise that safeguarding responsibility rests with the educational setting.

I will:

  • Follow the school's safeguarding procedures.

  • Comply with visitor safeguarding arrangements.

  • Report any safeguarding concern immediately to the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL).

  • Cooperate fully with safeguarding investigations where appropriate.

  • Maintain confidentiality throughout the process.

5. Independent Assessments

For assessments undertaken privately:

  • A parent, guardian or appropriate responsible adult must remain available throughout any assessment involving a child or young person under 18 years of age.

  • Parents or carers should not normally remain in the assessment room during standardised testing to ensure assessment validity.

  • Appropriate waiting arrangements will be made where assessments take place at my assessment venue.

  • Home assessments will only be undertaken where another responsible adult is present within the property.

6. Online Assessments

For online assessments:

  • A parent or responsible adult must remain contactable throughout assessments involving anyone under 18 years of age.

  • The identity of the child and accompanying adult will be confirmed at the start of the assessment.

  • Assessments are undertaken using secure platforms.

  • Sessions are not recorded unless explicit written consent has been obtained in advance.

  • Any safeguarding concerns arising during an online assessment will be managed in accordance with this policy.

7. Responding to Safeguarding Concerns

If a safeguarding concern arises I will:

  • Remain calm and listen carefully.

  • Never promise confidentiality.

  • Make a factual written record as soon as possible.

  • Report concerns immediately to the school's Designated Safeguarding Lead where applicable.

  • Where working independently, refer concerns to the relevant Local Authority Children's Services.

  • Contact the Police immediately if a child or vulnerable adult is believed to be at immediate risk of significant harm.

8. Confidentiality and Data Protection

All personal information and assessment records are stored securely in accordance with UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018.

Information will only be shared:

  • with informed consent;

  • where there is a safeguarding concern;

  • where disclosure is required by law.

Assessment materials remain confidential and copyrighted.

9. Professional Boundaries

I will always:

  • Maintain professional boundaries.

  • Avoid dual relationships where possible.

  • Communicate professionally with families and educational settings.

  • Dress and behave appropriately.

  • Work within the limits of my professional competence.

10. Safeguarding Contacts

For school-based assessments, safeguarding concerns will be reported immediately to the school's Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL).

For independent assessments, concerns will be referred to the relevant Local Authority Children's Services or, where appropriate, the Police.

Emergency: 999

NSPCC Helpline:
0808 800 5000
www.nspcc.org.uk

11. Policy Review

This policy is reviewed annually or sooner if safeguarding legislation or statutory guidance changes.

Last reviewed: July 2026

Next review: July 2027

Emma Blackburn
Independent Dyslexia & JCQ Access Arrangements Assessor
WordWise Dyslexia
📧 emma@wordwisedyslexia.com
🌐 www.wordwisedyslexia.com

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