Legal
Safeguarding Policy
Last updated: 14 May 2026
1. Our commitment
Instituto Sapiência is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all learners — particularly children, young people and adults at risk. Everyone has the right to learn in an environment free from abuse, neglect, harassment and discrimination. This policy applies to all staff, contractors, volunteers, visitors and partner organisations.
2. Programmes involving minors
Sapiência operates three programmes with minor participants: Digi Explorers (ages 7–10), Digi Navigators (ages 11–13) and Digi Trailblazers (ages 13–16). All staff working with these cohorts undergo background checks (Certidão de Antecedentes Criminais), child-protection induction and annual refresher training before being authorised to teach.
3. Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)
The Designated Safeguarding Lead is the first point of contact for any concern about a child, young person or adult at risk. Concerns may be reported confidentially to: safeguarding@institutosapiencia.com.br — or by writing to Instituto Sapiência Ensino e Pesquisa LTDA, Av. Maranhão 304, João Pessoa/Paraíba, marked 'Confidential — Safeguarding'.
4. Reporting procedure
Any staff member, student, parent or visitor who has a concern must report it to the DSL on the same day. The DSL records the concern in the Safeguarding Log within 24 hours, assesses risk, and where the threshold is met, refers the matter to the Conselho Tutelar (Brazilian guardianship council) and/or police. We never investigate disclosures internally where a statutory referral is appropriate.
5. Online safety
Digi programmes use age-appropriate platforms with chat disabled, monitored screen-sharing, and parent/guardian consent for any image or video capture. Personal contact between staff and minor learners outside of Sapiência-managed channels is prohibited.
6. UK / NCC alignment
As an accredited NCC Education study centre, our safeguarding arrangements meet the centre criteria published by NCC Education Limited (UK), drawing on UK statutory guidance 'Keeping Children Safe in Education' and the principles of the UK Working Together to Safeguard Children framework, adapted to Brazilian law (ECA — Estatuto da Criança e do Adolescente, Lei 8.069/1990).
7. Whistleblowing
Anyone may raise a concern in good faith without fear of retaliation. Anonymous reports are accepted but, where possible, named reports help us investigate effectively. Retaliation against a reporter is itself a disciplinary offence.
8. Review
This policy is reviewed at least annually by the Academic Director and the DSL. The next scheduled review is May 2027.