Safeguarding Policy

Last updated: January 2026

Introduction

Trailblaze is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children who use our platform. This policy outlines our approach to safeguarding and child protection, and applies to all staff, contractors and partners working with Trailblaze.

Scope

This policy applies to:

  • All Trailblaze employees and contractors
  • Any third parties who interact with children on behalf of Trailblaze
  • All activities involving children aged under 18

Key principles

Trailblaze is committed to:

  • The welfare of children as our paramount concern
  • Ensuring all children can use our platform safely
  • Taking appropriate action if we become aware of any safeguarding concerns
  • Working in partnership with schools, parents and other agencies to protect children

Designated safeguarding lead

Name: Stephen Pavlovich (CEO)

Email: stephen@t5i.io

The designated safeguarding lead is responsible for:

  • Acting as the main point of contact for safeguarding concerns
  • Ensuring this policy is implemented and reviewed annually
  • Liaising with schools and external agencies as required
  • Ensuring all staff understand their safeguarding responsibilities

Platform safeguards

Trailblaze has implemented the following safeguards:

Age-appropriate design

  • Platform designed in accordance with the ICO's Age Appropriate Design Code
  • No social features, messaging or user-generated content
  • No behavioural advertising or profiling
  • Privacy settings configured to maximum protection by default

Data protection

  • Minimal data collection - only what is necessary for educational delivery
  • Data stored securely in EU-based servers
  • No data shared with third parties for marketing purposes
  • Clear data retention and deletion policies

Content safety

  • All educational content created and reviewed by qualified professionals
  • No external links or third-party content within the learning environment
  • Regular content audits to ensure age-appropriateness

Reporting concerns

If any Trailblaze staff member becomes aware of a safeguarding concern through platform use (eg concerning patterns of behaviour, disclosures through support channels), they must:

  1. Record the concern accurately
  2. Report immediately to the designated safeguarding lead
  3. Not investigate independently or make promises of confidentiality
  4. Maintain appropriate confidentiality

The designated safeguarding lead will:

  1. Assess the concern
  2. Contact the relevant school's designated safeguarding lead and/or local authority as appropriate
  3. Cooperate fully with any subsequent investigation
  4. Maintain records securely

Safer recruitment

For any roles involving direct contact with children, Trailblaze will:

  • Require an enhanced DBS check
  • Verify identity and qualifications
  • Obtain references
  • Conduct safeguarding-focused interviews

School visits

When visiting school premises, Trailblaze staff will:

  • Follow the school's visitor procedures
  • Wear visitor identification at all times
  • Be accompanied by school staff when in areas where children are present
  • Never be left unsupervised with children

Training

All Trailblaze staff will:

  • Receive safeguarding awareness training appropriate to their role
  • Understand how to recognise signs of abuse and neglect
  • Know how to report concerns
  • Receive refresher training annually

Review

This policy will be reviewed annually or sooner if required by legislative changes or incidents.

Last reviewed: January 2026

Next review due: December 2026