Child Protection & Welfare
Safeguarding
Wild Minds Pro is committed to the safety, welfare, and wellbeing of every young person in our care. Safeguarding is everyone's responsibility, and it underpins every aspect of what we do.
Our Commitment
At Wild Minds, safeguarding is not a policy document — it is a daily practice that sits at the heart of our therapeutic model. We work with young people who are often at their most vulnerable, and the trust placed in us by families and commissioning bodies is something we take with the utmost seriousness.
All staff receive regular safeguarding training aligned with Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) and the Working Together to Safeguard Children guidance. Enhanced DBS checks are mandatory for all team members, volunteers, and contractors who work with young people.
We operate a clear reporting structure with a named Designated Safeguarding Lead and a Deputy DSL, both trained to Level 3. All concerns — however minor — are recorded, reviewed, and acted upon in line with our Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy.
We work closely with Buckinghamshire Children's Services, local schools, and commissioning local authorities to ensure that safeguarding concerns are identified early, communicated promptly, and responded to appropriately.
Reporting a Concern
Anyone can raise a safeguarding concern — parents, carers, professionals, or members of the public. You do not need evidence. If something does not feel right, please report it.
Parents & Carers
If you have a concern about a young person at Wild Minds, contact our DSL directly on 07403 015891 or email [email protected]. If a child is in immediate danger, call 999 first.
Professionals
Schools, social workers, and commissioning teams can contact our DSL directly or refer to Buckinghamshire Children's Services (MASH) on 0800 999 7677. Allegations against staff should be referred to the LADO: 01296 382070.
Urgent & Out of Hours
In an emergency, always call 999 first. For urgent, out-of-hours children's social care concerns in Buckinghamshire, call 0800 999 7677 — available 24 hours a day. Do not wait if a child is at risk.
Policy & Legislative Framework
Our safeguarding practice is underpinned by current statutory guidance and best practice across the sector.
Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE)
All staff read Part 1 annually. DSL and Deputy DSL read in full. Updated policies are implemented at the start of each academic year.
Working Together to Safeguard Children
Our multi-agency referral pathways and response procedures are aligned with the statutory guidance for child protection.
The Children Act 1989 & 2004
Our child protection procedures reflect the legal framework for promoting children's welfare and safeguarding from harm.
Information Sharing Guidance
We follow lawful, proportionate information-sharing principles when working with external agencies on safeguarding matters.
The Prevent Duty
All staff are trained in the Prevent duty and aware of their responsibilities in identifying and managing concerns about radicalisation.
Wild Minds Safeguarding Policy
Our full policy is reviewed annually and is available to families, commissioners, and inspectors on request at any time.
Our Safeguarding Approach
Everything we do is underpinned by the following principles:
DBS Checked and Trained
All staff, volunteers, and regular contractors hold an enhanced DBS disclosure. No individual works unsupervised with young people without one.
Trauma-Informed Culture
Our regulation-first approach means we recognise and respond to signs of trauma, abuse, and neglect with sensitivity as well as procedure.
Clear Reporting Procedures
All staff know exactly how to report a concern, who to report it to, and what happens next. Concerns are never minimised or dismissed.
Robust Record-Keeping
All safeguarding concerns are recorded on the same day, stored securely, and transferred appropriately when a young person changes placement.
Safer Recruitment
We follow a rigorous recruitment process including references, identity checks, and DBS vetting before any appointment is confirmed.
Regular Training and Updates
All staff receive annual safeguarding training. DSL and Deputy DSL hold Level 3 certification and attend regular refresher training.
Multi-Agency Working
We work openly and collaboratively with Buckinghamshire Children's Services, schools, health professionals, and commissioning teams.
Listening to Young People
We support young people to understand their rights, recognise safe and unsafe situations, and know how to get help when they need it.
Key External Contacts
If you need to escalate a concern beyond Wild Minds, these are the key statutory contacts for Buckinghamshire.
Emergency
Immediate risk to life or safety
999Police or ambulance
Have a safeguarding concern?
Contact our Designated Safeguarding Lead directly — any time.
For out-of-hours emergencies, call 999 or Buckinghamshire MASH on 0800 999 7677.
Full safeguarding policy available on request — email [email protected]