safeguarding

1. QE2 Activity Centre is fully committed to safeguarding the well being of its users
2. Centre staff and volunteers should show respect and understanding for the rights, safety and welfare of others and conduct themselves appropriately
3. The Centre is committed to a policy of non-discrimination on the grounds of age, race, gender, religion or ability
4. All visitors will be respected and their individuality and potential recognised, valued and nurtured
5. Activities offer people opportunities to develop in an environment free from prejudice and discrimination
6. Discriminatory behaviour and remarks are unacceptable
7. Confidentiality: Information given (eg on consent forms) will not be passed on to others without permission.  Staff will not discuss individual children, other than for reasons of session planning and group management

 Procedure in event of complaint against staff member or volunteer or suspicion of abuse by others

 Create specific, confidential record:

·        Name, address, age of child

·        Timed and dated observations describing objectively the situation as known

·        Where possible exact words spoken by the child, without comment or interpretation

·        Dated name and signature of recorder 

Notify QE2 Activity Centre manager or chair and visiting staff or visiting school/centre head

Good practice guidelines

1. Read and adhere to the Child Protection Policy
2. Avoid situations where you are alone with one child
3. If any form of physical support is required ask the student’s permission, explain what you are doing and why to the student and their carer
4. If it is necessary to do things of a personal nature for children who are young or disabled, make sure you have another adult accompanying you.  Get the consent of the child/carer
5. Don’t allow inappropriate games, talking or touching
6. Ensure that claims of abuse by a child are taken seriously and dealt with appropriately
7. Ensure that the nature and intensity of activities does not exceed the capacity of a child’s immature and growing body

Duty of care

The duty which rests upon an individual or organisation to ensure that all reasonable steps are taken to ensure the safety of any person involved in any activity for which that individual or organisation is responsible.

Principles

• The welfare of the child or vulnerable adult is the first consideration
• Anyone under the age of 18 is classed as a child.  Adults with learning disabilities, physical or sensory impairments are classed as vulnerable adults
• Everyone regardless of age, disability, gender, racial origin, religious belief and sexual identity has a right to be protected from abuse
• It is generally acknowledged that there are four main types of abuse: physical, sexual, emotional and neglect:
• Physical abuse – includes hitting, shaking, squeezing, burning, biting.  During activities this might result if the activity is inappropriate for the capacity of the student
• Sexual abuse – where young people are used by adults to meet the adult’s own sexual needs.  It could range from sexually suggestive comments to full intercourse
• Emotional abuse – occurs when a child is not given love, help and encouragement and is constantly derided or ridiculed (eg racial or sexual remarks)
• Neglect – failing to meet children’s basic needs such as food, warmth, adequate clothing, medical attention or constantly leaving them alone.  It could also mean failing to ensure they are safe or exposing them to harm or injury.

 revised January 2009, Phil Oates, Manager