Safeguarding
At Make A Difference Provision (MADPro), safeguarding is at the heart of everything we do. We take our responsibility to protect and promote the welfare of the children and young people in our care extremely seriously.
In line with Section 157 of the Education Act 2002, we have a statutory duty to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all students who access our provision.
Our Approach
Our safeguarding approach is guided by two key pieces of national statutory guidance.
These documents define safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children as:
Providing help and support as soon as concerns arise.
Protecting children from maltreatment, both within and outside the home, including online.
Preventing the impairment of children’s physical and mental health or development.
Ensuring children grow up in safe, supportive and effective care.
Taking action to ensure all children achieve the best possible outcomes.
The term ‘children’ refers to anyone under the age of 18.
At MADPro, we work closely with parents, carers, and a range of external agencies to ensure our students and their families receive the right support at the right time.
Sheffield Children Safeguarding Partnership
At MADPro, we follow the guidance of the Sheffield Children Safeguarding Partnership (SCSP) to keep children safe.
This means we work closely with other local organisations to:
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Protect children and promote their wellbeing
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Share information to make the best decisions for children
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Learn from experience to improve our support
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Spot risks early and act quickly
For more information, you can read the SCSP Child Protection and Procedure Manual and Working Together to Safeguard Children 2023.
Helping Families with the Sheffield Directory
At MADPro, we want families to know about the Sheffield Directory,
a free online guide to local services in Sheffield.
It can help you find support with health, childcare, education, parenting, and activities for children and young people.
Whether you need advice, groups for families, or help for children with special needs, the Directory makes it easy to connect with the right services quickly.
Radicalisation and Extremism
Advice for Parents and Carers
At MADPro, we take the safety of our students very seriously, including protecting them from the risks of radicalisation and extremism.
What is radicalisation and extremism?
Radicalisation is the process by which someone comes to support or take part in extremist or terrorist activities.
Extremism is strongly opposing the core values of British society, such as democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, and respect and tolerance for others.
Children and young people may sometimes be exposed to ideas or influences that promote extremist beliefs. Public bodies, including schools, have a legal responsibility to prevent this and provide support through the Channel programme for those at risk.
Why this matters for children and young people
Extremism and radicalisation are now recognised as potential risks to children’s welfare. Early help, specialist support, or protection may be needed if a child shows signs of being influenced by extremist ideas.
Signs that a child might be at risk
There is no single way to identify someone at risk, but some warning signs can include:
Withdrawing from family and friends
Speaking in ways that feel rehearsed or scripted
Avoiding discussions about their views
Showing sudden disrespectful or aggressive behaviour
Becoming secretive, particularly online
Low self-esteem, or being a victim of bullying or discrimination
Extremists may try to target vulnerable children, making them feel special and encouraging them to cut themselves off from friends and family.
What to do if you’re concerned
If you are worried about a child or young person, contact the Sheffield Safeguarding Hub on 0114 273 4855.
For more advice and guidance, parents can visit the Educate Against Hate website: https://educateagainsthate.com
Our Safeguarding Team
Lynn Wood
Safeguarding Compliance Lead
Lynn ensures that all our safeguarding policies and practices are up to date and fully compliant with legal and best-practice standards.
She leads with compassion, working closely with staff, students, and families to make sure every child and young person in our care is safe, supported, and able to thrive.
