Safeguarding Policy

Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL): Mark Trewby (0626/279, The Dyslexia Guild)

Policy last updated: 20 October 2026

Next review: September 2027

1. Introduction and Purpose

Dyslexia Tests Online (https://www.dyslexia-tests.online) is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people who use our online and face-to-face diagnostic assessment service.

The welfare of the child or young person is the primary consideration throughout the assessment process, and any concerns regarding their safety or wellbeing will be acted upon appropriately. For the purposes of this policy, a child or young person means anyone under the age of 18.

This policy is designed to:

Promote the welfare, digital safety, and emotional well-being of young candidates during online and face-to-face assessments.
Ensure safeguarding concerns are recognised and acted upon immediately without hesitation.
Provide a clear pathway for responding to disclosures or observations during assessment sessions.
Ensure safeguarding records are recorded factually and handled securely under UK GDPR.

Dyslexia Tests Online operates in accordance with applicable safeguarding legislation and guidance in England, including:

Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE)
Working Together to Safeguard Children
Current statutory guidance on information sharing and the Prevent duty

2. Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)

The Designated Safeguarding Lead for Dyslexia Tests Online is:

Mark Trewby

Email: mtrewby@hotmail.com

As the DSL, Mark Trewby has overall responsibility for safeguarding within the service, including:

Assessing and responding to safeguarding concerns or disclosures.
Making referrals to local authority children’s social care services, the police, or the NSPCC where appropriate.
Maintaining secure, restricted safeguarding records.

3. Safeguarding During Remote Video Assessments

Remote assessments are conducted live via secure video platforms (e.g., Zoom or Teams).

Environment: Testing must take place in a quiet, suitable room with an adult available nearby in the building for school-age candidates.
Observation: The assessor remains alert to signs of distress, disclosures, comments regarding home safety, or inappropriate third-party presence during an online session.
Session Interruption: If the assessor becomes concerned about the immediate safety or severe emotional distress of a young candidate during a live session, the assessment will be paused or ended while appropriate safeguarding steps are taken.

4. Reporting, Referrals, and Information Sharing

Immediate Risk: Where a child or young person is believed to be at immediate risk of harm, emergency services will be contacted immediately by calling 999.
Referrals: Safeguarding concerns will be referred to the relevant local authority children’s social care team (e.g., BCP Council for candidates living in Bournemouth, Christchurch or Poole, or the candidate's home local authority across the UK) without delay.
Information Sharing: Data protection laws (UK GDPR) do not prevent the sharing of relevant personal information with statutory agencies (social care or police) where necessary to protect a child or young person.

5. Emergency Contacts

Emergency Services (Police / Ambulance): 999
Non-Emergency Police: 101
NSPCC Helpline: 0808 800 5000
Childline: 0800 1111

6. Face-to-Face Assessments

Where face-to-face assessments are provided, appropriate consideration will be given to the safety and wellbeing of the child or young person throughout the appointment. Parents or carers will be informed of the arrangements for the assessment. The assessment environment will be appropriate for the work being undertaken and safeguarding concerns will be dealt with in accordance with this policy.

7. Responding to a Disclosure

If a child or young person discloses a safeguarding concern, the assessor will listen calmly, take the concern seriously and allow them to explain in their own words. The assessor will avoid leading questions, will not promise confidentiality and will explain, where appropriate, that information may need to be shared to keep them safe.

A factual record will be made as soon as reasonably possible and appropriate advice or a referral sought. The assessor will not carry out a formal investigation.

8. Professional Boundaries

Communication with children and young people should be directly related to the assessment service. Where possible and appropriate, communication about appointments, assessment arrangements and reports will involve the parent or guardian who arranged the assessment. The assessment relationship will not be used for inappropriate personal communication or relationships.

9. Allegations or Concerns About the Assessor

Any allegation or concern about the assessor that may indicate a risk to a child or young person will be taken seriously. Where a concern relates to Mark Trewby, advice will be sought from the appropriate external safeguarding authority, including the relevant Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) or other appropriate agency where applicable. The assessor will not investigate an allegation against themselves.

10. Policy Review

This policy will be reviewed at least annually and sooner where significant changes to safeguarding guidance, legislation, the assessment service or local safeguarding arrangements require it.