Safeguarding Policy and Procedures

 

Key Contacts

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Safeguarding lead

Laura Newnham

07734 885 670

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Deputy Safeguarding lead

Helen Timmins

07766 741 481                           

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Trustee/Committee lead for safeguarding and child protection

Josephine Dubber                       

07977 130 127                       

 

NSPCC Helpline:                

0808 800 5000

 

 

Local Safeguarding Partnerships                                                  

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East Sussex Safeguarding Children Partnership

ESSCP.Contact@eastsussex.gov.uk                           

01273481544

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Brighton and Hove Safeguarding Children Partnership       

FrontDoorForFamilies@brighton-hove.gov.uk      

01273 290400

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West Sussex Safeguarding Children Partnership                    

wsscp@westsussex.gov.uk                                          

01403 229 900 (Mon-Fri)                                                                                                                                                                 03302 226 664 (Out of hours)

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Safeguarding Policy

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Purpose and Scope

Plumpton Activity Scheme provides summer holiday activities for primary school aged children (Reception to Year 6). The purpose of this policy statement is:

 

• to protect children and young people who use the Activity Scheme’s services.

• to provide parents, committee members and those working at the scheme with the overarching principles that guide our approach to child protection.

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This policy statement applies to anyone working on behalf of the Plumpton Activity Scheme including Play Leaders, Deputy Play Leaders, Assistant Play Leaders, Youth Helpers, all members of the committee and those volunteers and people providing any service or activity to the scheme.

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Legal framework

This policy has been drawn up on the basis of legislation, policy and guidance that seeks to protect children in England.  A summary of the key legislation and guidance is available from nspcc.org.uk/child protection.

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We believe that:

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• children and young people should never experience abuse of any kind

• we have a responsibility to promote the welfare of all children and young people, to keep them safe and to practise in a way that protects them.

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We recognise that:

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• the welfare of the child is paramount

• all children, regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation have a right to equal protection from all types of harm or abuse

• some children are additionally vulnerable because of the impact of previous experiences, their level of dependency, communication needs or other issues

• working in partnership with children, young people, their parents, carers and other agencies is essential in promoting young people’s welfare.

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We will seek to keep children and young people safe by:

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• valuing, listening to and respecting them

• appointing a nominated child protection/safeguarding lead, a deputy child protection/safeguarding lead and a lead trustee/board member for safeguarding

• developing child protection and safeguarding policies and procedures which reflect best practice

• using our safeguarding procedures to share concerns and relevant information with agencies who need to know, and involving children, young people, parents, families and carers appropriately

• creating and maintaining an anti-bullying environment and ensuring that we have a policy and procedure to help us deal effectively with any bullying that does arise

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Safe Recruitment Practices & Safeguarding Training of those engaged to work at the scheme

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During 2024, each session at the Activity Scheme is made up of at least:

• 1 Play Leader

• 1 Deputy Play Leader

• 2 Assistants / Youth Helper

 

Each session includes at least 1 qualified paediatric first aider.

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Anyone engaged to work at the scheme is required to have completed safeguarding training.  This training is updated every three years.

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DBS checks are undertaken, and references obtained for each person engaged to work at the Activity Scheme. DBS checks are updated every three years.

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All Activity Scheme workers (Play Leaders, Deputy Play Leaders, Assistants & Youth Helpers), and committee members are aware of and understand our safeguarding policies and procedures.  A copy of this policy is available at every session of the Activity Scheme.

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Visitors providing activities at the scheme will not be left alone with children.

 

Safeguarding Procedures

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Reporting Concerns about a Child

If anyone working at the scheme, any committee member, contractor or activity provider has concerns about a child they should discuss these with the Play Leader, Safeguarding Lead or Deputy Safeguarding Lead.  If they are not available, they should contact the relevant local safeguarding children partnership for a consultation regarding the action they should take.

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If you are concerned that a child is at risk of significant harm, contact the Play Leader and/or the Safeguarding Lead immediately.  The relevant local safeguarding children partnership should be contacted immediately and the reporting procedures of the local safeguarding children partnership followed.  If the child is in immediate danger or you suspect a crime has been committed, you must also contact the police immediately. All discussions should be recorded in writing and forwarded to the Safeguarding Lead.

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It is expected that concerns are discussed with the child’s parents and their agreement sought to make a referral to Children’s Social Care, unless it is considered that this would place the child at increased risk of significant harm or lead to loss of evidence for a police investigation. If the decision is taken not to discuss concerns with the child’s parents, this must be recorded in writing and forwarded to the Safeguarding Lead.

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If you believe that the child is not at risk of significant harm, you should raise concerns with the Play Leader and/or Safeguarding Lead or Deputy Safeguarding Lead.  The local safeguarding children partnership can be contacted for advice without necessarily identifying the child.

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General Advice when dealing with a disclosure made by a child:

• Listen to what is being said without displaying shock or disbelief

• Only ask questions where necessary to clarify

• Accept what is being said

• Allow the child to talk freely – do not put words into their mouth

• Reassure the child that what has happened is not their fault

• Do not make promises you may not be able to keep

• Do not promise confidentiality – it may be necessary to refer the child to Children’s Social Care

• Stress it was the right thing to tell

• Do not criticise the alleged perpetrator

• Explain what has to be done next and who has to be told

• Inform the Play Leader and/or Safeguarding Lead without delay

• Record your discussion with the child in writing and pass to the Safeguarding Lead

• Dealing with disclosure from a child can be stressful – consider seeking support for yourself.

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The Safeguarding Lead or Deputy Safeguarding Lead will ensure all written statements and evidence are held securely and confidentially and forwarded where required to the appropriate local safeguarding children partnership.  Any such information will be held and destroyed according to general data protection principles.

 

Managing allegations of abuse made against anyone engaged to work at the Activity Scheme, or visitors providing activities

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Activity Scheme takes seriously any allegations of abuse made against anyone working at the scheme, volunteers, committee members and visitors.

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Concerns should be reported immediately to the Play Leader and/or Safeguarding Lead or Deputy Safeguarding Lead.  The Safeguarding Lead or Deputy Safeguarding Lead will act as the case manager, speaking to those concerned and obtaining written statements where required and seeking advice, if required, from relevant outside agencies. 

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Initial action by the person receiving an allegation or noticing a concern:

• Treat the matter seriously and keep an open mind

• Do not make assumptions or offer alternative explanations

• Do not investigate or ask leading questions

• Do not promise confidentiality

• Act quickly

• Make a written record of the information where possible using the exact words of the person making the allegation including date, time and names of people present

• Sign and date the record

• Immediately report the matter to the Play Leader and/or Safeguarding Lead

 

Policy Review

We are committed to reviewing our policy, procedure, and good practice annually.

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This policy was last reviewed on 12th February 2024.

 

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