Safeguarding For Parents and Guardians

 

At the Dental Nurse Academy (DNA), the safety and wellbeing of our learners is our highest priority.

We understand that, as a parent or guardian, you want to feel confident that your child is safe — both in their learning and in their workplace.

We take safeguarding seriously and have clear systems in place to protect and support every learner.

If you are worried about your child

If you have any concerns — even if you are unsure — please contact us immediately.

You do NOT need proof — just tell us.

Read our Safeguarding At A Glance guide

 

 

 

 

How We Keep Learners Safe

DNA delivers training remotely, while learners work in real dental practices.

This means safeguarding covers two areas:

  1. Online Learning (DNA). We ensure:
    • That our systems are safe through monitoring and security processes
    • We have clear boundaries between staff and learners
    • We do not facilitate learner-to-learner contact through our systems
    • We do not facilitate in-person meetings with learners and our staff
    • That our staff are trained to identify and respond to concerns
  2. Workplace (Employer). Employers must:
    • Provide a safe working environment
    • Supervise learners appropriately
    • Appoint a workplace mentor
    • Prevent bullying, harassment or unsafe behaviour
    • Report concerns to DNA immediately

We work closely with employers to make sure these expectations are met.

What Happens When You Raise a Concern about your child

You tell us → We assess → We take action

That might include:

  • Supporting your child directly
  • Helping them find the right expertise to get more help
  • Speaking to their employer
  • Involving external agencies if needed

They won’t be left to deal with it alone.

What Counts as a Safeguarding Concern?

You should speak to us if you are worried about:

  • Abuse of any kind
  • Neglect
  • Bullying or harassment (online or in practice)
  • Grooming or someone behaving inappropriately towards you
  • Mental health struggles or feeling overwhelmed
  • Radicalisation concerns
  • Feeling unsafe at work
  • Concerns about another learner or colleague or anything that just doesn’t feel right

 

What You Can Expect From Us

If you raise a concern, we will:

  • Listen to you
  • Take you seriously
  • Handle things sensitively
  • Keep information confidential (where possible)
  • Take action to keep you safe
  • Support you throughout

Our Safeguarding Policy is available here

Learning Safely Online

We take online safety seriously.

When learning online, learners are:

  • encouraged to use approved communication channels only
  • supported to understand safe online behaviour (see learner safeguarding page for more information)
  • monitored for signs of concern whenever we interact with them

If you have concerns about your child’s online safety, please let us know.

Prevent (Keeping Learners Safe from Harmful Influences)

We also have a duty to protect learners from:

  • Extremist ideologies
  • Radicalisation
  • Harmful online content

We will act on concerns and may work with external agencies where necessary.

Working Together

Safeguarding works best when we work together.

We encourage parents and guardians to:

  • raise concerns early
  • stay involved in their child’s wellbeing
  • contact us if something does not feel right

Safeguarding Policies and Guidance

Other useful contacts

Key Safeguarding Principle

Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility.

If in doubt — report the concern.

Final Reassurance

We are committed to providing a safe, supportive environment for every learner.

If you are ever concerned — please contact us. We are here to help.

IF IN DOUBT, SPEAK OUT

Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility

[email protected]