Safeguarding Statement

We have a comprehensive safeguarding policy that outlines our procedures for protecting children from harm. All staff members are required to read, understand, and follow this policy.

Our safeguarding approach is based on the principle that:

• The child's welfare is paramount
• All children have the right to protection from abuse
• All suspicions and allegations must be taken seriously and responded to swiftly
• Staff must work in partnership with parents and other agencies

We operate robust safer recruitment practices to ensure that all staff and volunteers are suitable to work with children:

• Enhanced DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) checks for all staff
• Verification of identity and right to work
• At least two references, including from the most recent employer
• Full employment history with explanations for any gaps
• Checks against the Children's Barred List
• Interview process designed to assess suitability for working with children

All our staff receive:

• Safeguarding and child protection training before starting work
• Regular refresher training (at least annually)
• Paediatric first aid certification
• Training on recognising signs of abuse and neglect
• Prevent duty awareness training
• Online safety awareness

Training records are maintained and monitored to ensure all staff remain up to date.

Our staff are trained to recognise the signs of different types of abuse:

If you have any concerns about a child's safety or wellbeing, please report them to us immediately. All concerns are taken seriously and handled confidentially.

Our procedure for reporting concerns:

1. Staff members report any concerns to the Designated Safeguarding Lead immediately
2. The DSL assesses the concern and decides on appropriate action
3. If necessary, a referral is made to the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) or Children's Social Care
4. All concerns are documented and stored securely
5. Parents/carers are informed unless doing so would put the child at further risk

We maintain clear guidelines on physical contact and personal care to protect both children and staff:

• Physical contact is kept to a minimum and is always appropriate to the child's age and needs
• Comfort and reassurance may include age-appropriate hugs if initiated by the child
• First aid is administered by trained staff with another adult present where possible
• Personal care (e.g., assistance with toileting for younger children) is handled sensitively with parental consent
• Staff never transport children alone in their personal vehicles

While our activities are primarily outdoors, we take online safety seriously:

• Children are not permitted to use personal electronic devices during sessions
• Any photography is conducted by staff only, with parental consent
• Staff do not communicate with children or parents through personal social media accounts
• All official communications go through our business channels

We encourage all staff, volunteers, parents, and visitors to report any concerns about the conduct of staff members or the running of our setting. Whistleblowers are protected by law and will not face retaliation.

If you have concerns about a member of staff, including the DSL, please contact the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) directly.

Our safeguarding policy and procedures are reviewed annually or whenever there are changes to legislation or guidance. All staff are informed of any updates and receive additional training as needed.