Purpose
To set out how Evolution Education conducts searching and screening to maintain a safe environment for students, staff and visitors as part of safeguarding and risk management.
Scope
All students attending Evolution Education centres and off-site activities where searching and screening arrangements apply.
Definitions
- Routine search: a planned search on arrival or before trips.
- Prohibited item: an item that is illegal, dangerous, or banned by the provision because it poses risk or significant disruption.
- Confiscation: taking possession of an item found during a search.
Responsibilities
- The Designated Safeguarding Lead (CEO) provides operational leadership for searching and screening.
- The Centre Manager (Deputy DSL) oversees day-to-day practice.
- Trained staff carry out searches respectfully and proportionately.
- Named lead contact available via admin@evolution-sportsgroup.com.
Procedures
When searches are conducted
Routine searches are carried out on arrival and before trips or off-site activities. Students may be searched to prevent weapons, drugs or alcohol, vapes, prohibited items, items that could cause harm, or items that significantly disrupt learning or safety.
How searches are carried out
Searches are carried out by trained staff, by same-gender staff wherever reasonably possible, respectfully and proportionately, and explained clearly to the student. Students may be asked to present coats, hats, bags, pockets and personal belongings. Religious head coverings are respected and are not removed unless a safeguarding concern is identified and managed appropriately. Medical head coverings are also respected where explained.
Refusal to be searched
Where a student refuses, staff attempt de-escalation, inform the parent school, may contact parents or carers, review the risk assessment, use reflection routines where appropriate, and may pause the placement if safety cannot be assured. A student cannot remain on site where a safe search has been refused and risk cannot be managed.
Confiscation, recording and complaints
Items may be destroyed, returned to parents, passed to the parent school, reported to the police or otherwise logged, always proportionately. Searches and confiscations are recorded and the parent school is notified the same day. Complaints about searching should be sent to admin@evolution-sportsgroup.com under the Complaints Policy.
Monitoring
This policy is reviewed annually or sooner if statutory guidance changes. Last reviewed: January 2026. Oversight includes the DSL, Centre Manager and, where applicable, Mayesbrook Park School and Local Authority monitoring.
Review Cycle
This policy is reviewed at least annually, 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; Behaviour for Learning; Attendance; SEND; Complaints; Equality, Inclusion and Anti-Discrimination; Prevent; Online Safety; Safer Recruitment; Staff Code of Conduct; Low-Level Concerns; Whistleblowing; Health and Safety; First Aid; Data Protection; Curriculum; Admissions; Searching and Screening; Adaptive Teaching.
Legislation and guidance
This policy is carried out in line with DfE Searching, Screening and Confiscation guidance (2022), Keeping Children Safe in Education, Local Authority Alternative Provision standards and dual-rolled Alternative Provision requirements.