Safeguarding
Policy & Procedures
Last updated: 25/11/25
BeingBest
Being Best is a small and bespoke family business, set-up with the sole purpose of helping young school aged people to succeed, both in education and personally.
The organisation offers a range of services including one-to-one coaching, mentoring, one-to-one tutoring, GCSE and A-level Revision courses for small groups, and specialist support for families with neurodivergent children or children with EBSA (Emotionally Based School Avoidance).
The Scope of this Policy
This Policy applies to everyone working with or representing BeingBest in the UK, regardless of position or affiliation.
BeingBest reserves the right to update or revise the Policy at any time and is committed to communicating changes transparently.
In writing this Policy we have paid due consideration to the latest safeguarding laws of England, Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland. In the event that there is any conflict between this Policy and these laws, BeingBest will prioritise the legal requirements. We have taken also taken into account health and safety and financial management.
The right to be protected from harm
BeingBest works with school aged students and we recognise that all students and young people have the right to be protected from harm. The organisation is committed to ensuring the safety and wellbeing of all our students and this Policy fulfils our obligations as an organisation working with children.
The right to feel safe
At BeingBest we hold our meetings and courses in positive and safe spaces for our students. We strongly believe that a comfortable environment leads to improved emotional wellbeing and better academic performance. To achieve this, we prioritise:
Fostering a sense of community.
Providing a physical space conducive to learning that is both relaxing and comfortable.
Building respectful and supportive relationships between the working team and the students.
Encouraging students to grow in confidence in terms of independent thinking and decision-making, openness, expressing opinions, and asking questions.
This approach is rooted in the belief that feeling valued, relaxed, and comfortable directly translates to a positive student experience and enhanced learning outcomes.
Safer Recruitment and Team responsibilities
The organisation prioritises working with people who share our values, in particular a deep respect for young people. Everyone working with or representing BeingBest is committed to ensuring the safety and wellbeing of all our students, free from discrimination based on age, disability, race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or any other protected characteristic.
The BeingBest team includes:
Director, Marianne Thompson-Hill (trained to DSL Level 3 / Advanced Safeguarding Lead)
Partner Tutors
Partner Counsellors
Partner SEN Practitioners
Wellbeing & Premises Managers
Additional staff for non-student-facing roles (e.g., catering, facilities)
Everyone working with or representing BeingBest has a duty to:
Recognise and understand that "it could happen here".
Familiarise themselves with our Safeguarding Policy.
Have a clear understanding of all aspects of safeguarding that are relevant to their role.
Agree to always take the necessary steps to protect a child.
Maintain a culture of transparency and awareness.
In addition, each member of the team must have:
A DBS check at least every three years.
Up to date child protection training to Level 2 (to be renewed every three years). In Oxfordshire, this training is delivered by OSCP (Oxfordshire Safeguarding Children Partnership).
BeingBest commits to working with people who:
Are experienced in their field.
Have been highly recommended by colleagues and students alike.
Have worked and/or continue to work in schools and/or universities.
Marianne Thompson-Hill is designated as the lead for safeguarding polices and procedures within BeingBest. In addition to the training referenced above Marianne is trained in Safer Recruitment in Education and has years of experience as a Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead in a secondary setting.
Identifying a concern
Children are individuals under the age of 18. A ‘Safeguarding Concern’ is any conduct or situation that violates or has the potential to violate the safety of a student, in particular a child.
The Level 2 training mentioned on page 5 includes understanding how to recognise signs of physical, emotional and sexual abuse. It also covers neglect and exploitation and when to report a concern.
Any member of the team who feels that they would like to refresh their knowledge on how to identify a concern, should contact Marianne Thompson-Hill who will arrange the necessary training.
How to report a concern
BeingBest provides clear procedures for anyone concerned about a child's vulnerability, risk, welfare, or safety. Steps that can be taken are detailed below:
Contact the Director: Raise concerns directly with Marianne Thompson-Hill.
Talk to a Tutor: If the concern involves the Director or if preferred, discuss the matter with a tutor to decide on next steps together.
Seek advice from the LADO: If uncomfortable addressing the team directly advice can be sought from the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO). In Oxfordshire (as of October 2025), this is Jo Lloyd, reachable at 01865 810603 or LADO.SafeguardingChildren@oxfordshire.gov.uk.
Report to MASH: In some extreme circumstances the right agency to contact is the Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH). MASH is connected to schools, GPs, the police, social services and ambulance services. There is a Threshold of Needs form that needs to be completed for a MASH referral – Marianne can assist with this. https://www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/business/information-providers/multi-agency-safeguarding-hub
How to respond to an allegation or concern about a child or young person
When a student shares a concern, we stop any other activities and focus on listening carefully. It is important to trust that what is being said is true and not to interrupt or ask leading questions. We offer support and reassurance but we never promise confidentiality or secrecy.
We may remind the student that in the event that they share something that leads us to believe that they or another person is at risk of serious harm, then we have a duty of care to report what we’ve been told. This might lead to some anxiety and we recognise the importance of being calm and reassuring.
Our procedure focuses on making the student feel comfortable and safe by:
Positive and open attitude – remain reassuring and open minded. Avoid extreme reactions or expressing strong opinions.
Actively listen – listen without interrupting or passing judgement, give the student the space and time to talk. Avoid making any assumptions or jumping to conclusions.
Ask gentle questions – Reflect back what you’ve heard to ensure that you’ve understood correctly. Ask further questions if necessary for a deeper understanding of the situation.
Record the conversation as accurately and factually as possible and where possible using the person’s own words.
Communicate next steps – assuming the student needs support or help, it is best that they know what you intend to do next, even if that’s just to seek further advice. If you don’t explain how you intend to act, they might later feel betrayed or misled.
The organisation is committed to protecting all parties involved in an allegation and this includes treating all matters with utmost confidentiality and, where relevant, respecting the investigation process including its findings.
Safeguarding information should be shared internally only on a strict need-to-know basis to ensure the best possible care for everyone involved.
External referrals or notifications (eg to police services, local authorities or regulatory bodies) will only be made when deemed necessary and strictly following applicable laws, including data protection regulations.
If you have any questions about this Policy, please contact Marianne Thompson-Hill in the first instance, via email (marianne@beingbest.co.uk) or via phone on 07787 501505.