1. Introduction
1.1 Little Tales is committed to providing a safe and secure environment for all children participating in our activities. This Safeguarding & Child Protection Policy outlines our commitment to safeguarding the well-being of children, ensuring their protection from harm, and providing guidelines for reporting concerns.
2. Definitions
2.1 "Child" refers to any individual under the age of 18.
2.2 "Staff" includes all employees, volunteers, and anyone else involved in the activities of Little Tales.
3. Our Commitment
3.1 We are committed to promoting the welfare and safety of children by adhering to relevant legislation, guidance, and best practices.
3.2 We will implement measures to ensure that all children participating in our activities are protected from harm and are treated with dignity and respect.
4. Staff Responsibilities
4.1 All staff members are responsible for the safety and well-being of the children under their care.
4.2 Staff members will receive appropriate training to recognise signs of abuse, know how to respond to concerns, and understand their reporting responsibilities.
5. Reporting Concerns
5.1 Any staff member who suspects or receives information about abuse, neglect, or any behavior that may be harmful to a child has a duty to report their concerns immediately.
5.2 Concerns can be reported in person, in writing, or by phone, as long as they are communicated promptly.
6. Designated Safeguarding Officer
6.1 The class host will act as the primary contact for all safeguarding concerns.
6.2 The Designated Safeguarding Officer will follow appropriate procedures and, if necessary, escalate concerns to the relevant authorities.
7. Confidentiality
7.1 All safeguarding concerns will be treated confidentially and shared only with those who need to know.
7.2 Information will be shared on a "need-to-know" basis to ensure the child's protection and support.
8. Dealing with Allegations
8.1 In the event of an allegation against a staff member, Little Tales will follow the appropriate procedures, including cooperating fully with relevant authorities.
8.2 The welfare of the child will be the paramount consideration in all stages of the process.
9. Code of Conduct
9.1 All staff members will adhere to a strict code of conduct that prohibits any form of abusive behaviour or mistreatment towards children.
9.2 Staff members will treat all children with respect, listen to their needs, and provide appropriate support.
10. Working with Parents/Guardians
10.1 We recognise that parents/guardians have an essential role in safeguarding their children.
10.2 We will communicate our safeguarding practices to parents/guardians and encourage open dialogue about concerns.
11. Training and Development
11.1 Staff members will receive regular training on safeguarding policies, procedures, and best practices.
11.2 Training will ensure that staff members are equipped to respond effectively to safeguarding concerns.
12. Review and Revision
12.1 This Safeguarding & Child Protection Policy will be reviewed annually and updated as necessary to reflect changes in legislation, guidance, and best practices.
13. Contact Information
13.1 For any safeguarding concerns, please contact:
Designated Safeguarding Officer: Class Lead at Little Tales
Contact Details: hello@littletales.co.uk
