Policies

Our policies ensure Oakbridge operates safely, transparently and professionally while supporting students, parents, schools and Host Families.

Our Policies

Oakbridge is committed to operating in a safe, transparent and professional manner.

Our policies help ensure that students, parents, schools, Host Families and staff understand our standards, expectations and responsibilities.

The policies listed below are publicly available and provide an overview of key areas relating to safeguarding, student welfare, privacy and service delivery. Full controlled copies are available on request.

Safeguarding standards

Oakbridge’s safeguarding work is guided by Working Together to Safeguard Children 2026, Keeping Children Safe in Education 2026, and the Prevent duty guidance 2023.

Joshua Deighton is the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL). There is no Deputy DSL. The DSL is always reachable on the duty number, which is issued to registered families and is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week during school term time.

Staff, Trusted Oakbridge Adults and host family members must tell the DSL the same day about anything that could affect their suitability to work with or host children.

Our Online Safety Policy covers harmful online content and the sharing of nudes or semi-nudes, including AI-generated or digitally altered imagery. Where a child-protection concern needs a local-authority referral, Oakbridge follows that authority’s published process, including referral to the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) where required.

Host households are DBS-checked. Everyone in the household aged 16 or over must have an enhanced DBS check before hosting.

Oakbridge is preparing for AEGIS accreditation and does not claim accredited status until it is formally awarded.

Key Policies

Safeguarding & Child Protection Policy

The welfare and safety of students is our highest priority.

This policy outlines how Oakbridge:

  • Safeguards and promotes student welfare.
  • Responds to safeguarding concerns, including self-reporting by staff and hosts.
  • Reports and manages child protection concerns.
  • Works with schools, parents and relevant agencies.
  • Meets its safeguarding responsibilities under Working Together 2026, KCSIE 2026 and Prevent 2023.
Request Safeguarding & Child Protection Policy

Complaints Policy

Oakbridge welcomes feedback and is committed to resolving concerns fairly and professionally.

This policy explains:

  • How to raise a concern.
  • How to make a formal complaint.
  • How complaints are investigated.
  • Timescales for responses.
  • Escalation options where appropriate.
Request Complaints Policy

Privacy Notice

Oakbridge collects and processes personal information to provide educational guardianship services.

This notice explains:

  • What information we collect.
  • Why we collect it.
  • How information is stored and protected.
  • How information may be shared.
  • Individual rights relating to personal information.
View Privacy Notice

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Policy

Oakbridge is committed to creating an environment where every student, parent, Host Family and stakeholder is treated fairly, respectfully and without discrimination.

This policy explains our commitment to:

  • Equality of opportunity.
  • Respect for diversity.
  • Inclusion and accessibility.
  • Fair treatment and decision making.
  • Promoting a positive and welcoming environment.
Request Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Policy

Additional Policies

Oakbridge maintains a comprehensive suite of policies covering areas including:

Additional policies are available on request.

Policy Reviews

All Oakbridge policies are reviewed regularly to ensure they remain accurate, effective and compliant with applicable legal, safeguarding and operational requirements.

Policies may also be updated sooner where necessary due to:

Questions?

If you would like a copy of a policy, require clarification regarding any aspect of our procedures or wish to discuss a policy-related matter, please contact Oakbridge.

We are committed to openness, transparency and continuous improvement in all areas of our work.

Contact Oakbridge