Risks to Children

Children may be exposed to a variety of safeguarding risks. It is essential to recognise that harm can arise in many forms and circumstances, including but not limited to:
• Physical or emotional abuse
• Neglect
• Sexual abuse
• Grooming and exploitation
• Human trafficking and modern slavery
• Domestic abuse (exposure to or direct harm)
• False or malicious allegations
• Bullying and cyberbullying
• Exposure to inappropriate content or behaviours (e.g. violence or criminal activity)
• Self-harm
• Injury resulting from inadequate supervision

Risk factors may originate from family environments, community members, or other external influences.

Safeguarding Principles

Protecting children from harm is a core responsibility of the Organisation. We are committed to ensuring that every child engaging with our services is appropriately safeguarded.

All individuals covered by this policy are expected to actively contribute to safeguarding by:
• Remaining vigilant to potential safeguarding risks
• Ensuring safe environments through appropriate supervision and controls
• Promoting the wellbeing and safety of all children
• Reporting concerns promptly in line with procedures
• Understanding reporting obligations and confidentiality boundaries
• Challenging and reporting inappropriate behaviour by other adults
• Maintaining appropriate conduct when interacting with children
• Avoiding unnecessary or inappropriate risk-taking
• Refraining from smoking, alcohol consumption, or drug use in the presence of children

Confidentiality and Data Protection

All personal data relating to children will be handled and stored in accordance with the Organisation’s data protection and privacy policies. See GDPR link.

DBS Checks and Reporting

Where required by law, appropriate DBS checks will be conducted, typically for:
• Teachers
• Teaching assistants
• Adult volunteers

Where individuals are removed from regulated activity due to safeguarding concerns, referrals will be made to the DBS as required.

Responding to Safeguarding Concerns

Immediate Risk

If a child is at immediate risk of serious harm, emergency services (999) must be contacted without delay. The Safeguarding Officer should then be informed as soon as possible.

Non Immediate Risk

If there is a safeguarding concern without immediate danger, it must be reported to the Safeguarding Officer as soon as practicable and no later than the same day.

Responding to Disclosures

If a child discloses abuse or harm:
• Listen carefully and calmly
• Take the child seriously and offer appropriate reassurance
• Do not ask leading or intrusive questions
• Do not promise confidentiality
• Record the disclosure accurately, including key details (time, date, individuals involved)
• Avoid audio or video recording
• Report the matter to the Safeguarding Officer promptly (same day)

The Safeguarding Officer will assess the concern and make referrals to appropriate authorities, including Local Authority Children’s Services where necessary.

Concerns About Other Adults

Concerns regarding the behaviour of any adult connected to the Organisation must be reported. This includes:
• Physical or emotional harm to a child
• Exposure to harmful behaviour
• Involvement in criminal activity relating to a child

Reports should be made to the Safeguarding Officer or, if inappropriate, a senior member of the Organisation.

Possible outcomes include:
• Internal enquiries
• Referral to Local Authority or police
• Disciplinary procedures or suspension
• Referral to the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) or other regulatory bodies

All allegations will be handled fairly, with due process, and with the child’s safety as the primary concern. Both the accused and the reporting individual will be treated appropriately throughout investigations.

Safeguarding at Events and Activities

Responsibilities

The Safeguarding Officer retains overall responsibility for event safety but may delegate tasks. All staff share responsibility for safeguarding during activities.

Planning

Appropriate background checks will be carried out for all adults involved. Additional policies or codes of conduct may be issued for specific events and must be followed.

Venues

All venues will undergo appropriate risk assessments to ensure suitability and safety. Fire safety procedures will be clearly communicated.

Arrivals

• Children should be dropped off 15 minutes before sessions • Parents/carers must hand children over to staff at designated points • Responsibility for children remains with parents until handover • The Organisation is not liable for incidents during drop-off

Departures

• Children will be supervised in a designated collection area • Parents/carers must identify the child to staff before collection • Feedback will be provided via a structured queue system • Any changes to collection arrangements must be communicated in advance • Responsibility for children transfers to parents upon collection