Purpose
To ensure all allegations against adults working with children are managed fairly, promptly and in accordance with Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE).
Scope
This policy applies to employees, agency staff, volunteers, contractors and visitors across all Evolution Education centres. It covers allegations that an adult working with children has behaved in a way that meets the harm threshold set out below.
Definitions
An allegation is where an adult has:
- behaved in a way that harmed or may have harmed a child;
- possibly committed a criminal offence against a child;
- behaved towards a child in a way indicating they may pose a risk of harm;
- behaved in a way that may make them unsuitable to work with children.
Low-level concerns that do not meet this threshold are managed under the Low-Level Concerns Policy.
Responsibilities
- All staff, volunteers, agency workers, contractors and visitors must report concerns or allegations immediately.
- Concerns must be reported to the Chief Executive Officer / Proprietor.
- Where the allegation concerns the Chief Executive Officer / Proprietor, it must be reported directly to the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO).
- The Leadership Team ensures fair process, child protection, confidentiality and statutory liaison, including with the LADO.
- Staff must not investigate before advice from the LADO.
Procedures
Reporting
- Report the concern immediately to the Chief Executive Officer / Proprietor (or to the LADO where the allegation concerns the Chief Executive Officer / Proprietor).
- Protect the child and secure immediate safety.
- Do not investigate before advice from the LADO.
- Maintain confidentiality on a need-to-know basis.
- Record facts only: what was said, seen, when and by whom.
Contact for reporting: admin@evolution-sportsgroup.com or 07944 985698. If a child is in immediate danger, call 999.
Initial response
- Protect the child.
- Seek and follow LADO advice before any internal investigation.
- Maintain confidentiality.
- Record facts only.
Suspension
Suspension is not automatic. It will only be considered where necessary to protect children or to preserve the integrity of an investigation.
Outcomes
Allegation outcomes are recorded using the following categories:
- Substantiated
- Unsubstantiated
- Unfounded
- False
- Malicious
Learning lessons
Following each case, the Leadership Team reviews practice and implements improvements where necessary.
Record keeping
Records are retained securely in accordance with statutory guidance, the Data Protection Act 2018 and UK GDPR.
Monitoring
This policy is reviewed annually. The Leadership Team monitors implementation through allegation records, LADO liaison, safeguarding oversight and school improvement planning. Last reviewed: January 2026.
Review Cycle
This policy is reviewed annually by the Chief Executive Officer / Proprietor, or sooner following changes in legislation, statutory guidance, or significant incidents. Next formal review: January 2027. Approved by the Proprietor / Leadership Team.
Related Policies
Child Protection and Safeguarding; Low-Level Concerns; Staff Code of Conduct; Safer Recruitment; Whistleblowing; Peer-on-Peer Abuse; Behaviour for Learning; Online Safety; Data Protection; Complaints; Equality, Inclusion and Anti-Discrimination.
Legislation and guidance
This policy has regard to Keeping Children Safe in Education (latest DfE edition), Working Together to Safeguard Children, the Education (Independent School Standards) Regulations 2014, the Data Protection Act 2018 and UK GDPR, and local LADO procedures. Where Independent School registration is completed, this policy will be reviewed against any updated registration conditions and DfE requirements.