Safeguarding Children and Young people

We recognise our responsibility to safeguard and promote the welfare of all children and young people, through a commitment to practice which protects them.

All members of the public, as well as professionals, have a responsibility for the protection of children and reporting concerns about a child’s welfare or safety.

We will seek to safeguard children and young people by:

• valuing them, listening to and respecting them

• sharing information about child protection and good practice with children, parents, staff and volunteers

• sharing information about concerns with agencies who need to know, and involving parents and children appropriately

• providing effective management to volunteers through supervision, support and training

• ensure appropriate action is taken in the event of incidents/concerns of abuse and support provided to the individual/s who raise or disclose the concern

• ensure that confidential, detailed and accurate records of all safeguarding concerns are maintained and securely stored

• prevent the employment/deployment of unsuitable individuals as volunteers

• ensure robust safeguarding arrangements and procedures are in operation

We recognise that:

• the welfare of the child/young person is paramount

• all children, regardless of age, ability, gender, racial heritage, religious belief, sexual orientation, or identity, have the right to equal protection from all types of harm or abuse

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

All our volunteers who come into contact with the children, young people and their families will:

• Be able to identify potential indicators of abuse or neglect

• Have read our safeguarding guidance and confirmed they understand it

• Know their role and responsibilities within their team

• Know how to communicate and record concerns

• Know to act upon concerns in line with the principles and procedures for local child protection management

The wellbeing of a child is the paramount consideration in all circumstances.

Our policy will be reviewed every two years or in response to changes in legislation and/or government guidance or significant internal changes.