Safeguarding Policy – Online DofE Courses

At Creative Writing Workshops we are deeply committed to providing a safe, supportive and secure online environment for all participants, especially for those under 18. Your well-being is our utmost priority.

Essential Verification for All Participants

For all participants in a DofE online course, we implement a rigorous verification process to ensure a safe and secure learning environment.

Parental/Guardian Consent Form

For every participant under 18, a consent form must be completed and signed by their parent or legal guardian. This form includes:

• Course Understanding: Confirmation that the parent/guardian understands the nature of the class (online creative writing, DofE Skills section).
• Platform Acknowledgment: Acknowledgement of the specific online platform(s) being used for the course.
• Participation Permission: Explicit permission for their child to participate in the course.
• Emergency Contact: Emergency contact details for the parent/guardian.
• Age Declaration: A declaration of the child’s age.

Verification of the Parent/Guardian

To verify the identity of the parent/guardian signing the consent form, we require:

• Photo ID: A clear photo of the parent/guardian’s government-issued photo ID (such as a passport or driving license) to verify their identity against the signature and name on the consent form. We may also request they hold the ID next to their face for a “liveness” check.
• Phone Call/Video Call (optional but recommended): A brief phone call or video call with the parent/guardian to further help confirm their identity and ensure they fully understand the consent they are providing.

Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Registration Evidence

For participants undertaking the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, we require proof that the young person is genuinely enrolled and that this creative writing class is intended for their Skills section. This can be:

• eDofE Account Screenshot: A screenshot of their eDofE account showing their registration and the “Creative Writing” activity logged for their Skills section.
• Letter/Email from DofE Leader: A letter or email from their DofE Leader confirming their participation and the suitability of our class for the Skills section.

Additional Safeguarding Measures

Beyond our initial verification steps, we maintain ongoing safeguarding measures to ensure a continuously safe environment:

• Clear Communication Guidelines: We establish clear rules for communication between participants and with the tutor. All communication happens virtually. 
• Code of Conduct: We implement a clear Code of Conduct for all participants, outlining expected respectful behaviour and promoting online safety.

By implementing these rigorous verification and ongoing safeguarding measures, we aim to create the safest and most secure environment possible for the young people participating in our online creative writing class.

If you have any safeguarding concerns or would like to know more about our policies, please do not hesitate to contact us.

info@creativewritingworkshops.co.uk

Designated Safeguarding Lead: Millie Stone

Millie holds an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) certificate and has a Diploma in Therapeutic Child Care & Education.

Other Policies

Risk Assessment

Health and Safety

Emergency Procedure

Equal Opportunities

Complaints Procedure