Safeguarding policy
Badge Club Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy
Purpose and Scope
The Badge Club is dedicated to maximizing personal development and providing high-quality recreational opportunities for children and young people. We are committed to maintaining a high level of care that complies with the Children's Acts 1989 & 2004, and the Children and Social Work Act 2017.
Importance of Child Protection
Child protection and safety are critical at Badge Club. All complaints of suspected or actual child abuse, or of children being put at risk, must be taken seriously and acted upon immediately.
Creating a Safe Environment
We strive to create a safe and secure environment for the children and young people attending our activities. Our staff and volunteers often form positive relationships with the children and young people, which may result in disclosures of personal information, including potential abuse.
Guidelines and Procedures
Minimizing Scope for Abuse / Self-Protection
Safety First: Always prioritize the safety of the children/young people and yourself. Familiarize yourself with all relevant risk assessments and ensure you understand the policies and procedures.
Code of Conduct: Adhere strictly to the ‘Staff and Volunteer Code of Conduct’.
Good Practice: Promote an environment free from bullying, shouting, racism, or sexism.
Avoid Vulnerable Situations: Never be alone with a child; always work in pairs.
Voice Concerns: Challenge and report any inappropriate behavior and unethical conduct by colleagues and children/young people.
Reporting Procedure
Immediate Action: If you identify or suspect abuse, or it is reported to you, contact the Service Manager immediately. If the Service Manager is unavailable, contact the nominated Trustee by phone.
Detailed Reporting: Work with the Service Manager to record all relevant details on a relevant form. Take note of exactly what happened or was said, including the date and time.
Continued Monitoring: Keep an accurate record of observations and anything said by the child or others in connection with the suspected abuse. The Service Manager will assist you.
Communication with Authorities: Clearly convey the extent of suspected suffering or risk to the Service Manager, who will contact the social services duty team. Under certain circumstances, Ofsted will also be informed.
Alternative Reporting: If you are unable to talk to the Service Manager due to concerns regarding them, inform the designated trustee immediately.
Confidentiality
Strict Confidentiality: Maintain strict confidentiality at all times. Issues must not be discussed with anyone other than the Service Manager, the designated trustee, and those directly involved.
Do Not Confront Parents/Carers: Do not confront parents or carers about your suspicions or concerns. It is not our responsibility to investigate suspected child abuse.
Handling Accusations Against Staff
Suspension: The member of staff will be suspended from activities while the complaint is being investigated.
Informing Authorities: Where appropriate, the Service Manager will contact Social Services.
Prevent Duty
From 1st July 2015, all educational providers, including Badge Club, are subject to a duty under section 26 of the Counter-Terrorism and Security Act 2015. This duty requires us to have “due regard to the need to prevent people from being drawn into terrorism.” Please read the Prevent Duty policy document for further details.
Definitions of Abuse
Physical Abuse
Physical abuse may involve hitting, shaking, throwing, poisoning, burning, or otherwise causing physical harm to a child. Physical harm may also result when a parent or carer fabricates symptoms or deliberately causes ill health to a child.
Emotional Abuse
Emotional abuse is the persistent treatment of a child in a way that causes severe and persistent adverse effects on the child’s emotional development. This may include conveying to children that they are worthless, unloved, or valued only insofar as they meet another's needs, causing children to feel frightened, or exploiting/corrupting children.
Sexual Abuse
Sexual abuse involves forcing or enticing a child to take part in sexual activities, whether or not the child is aware of what is happening. This includes physical contact activities, non-contact activities such as looking at or producing pornographic material, or encouraging children to behave in sexually inappropriate ways.
Neglect
Neglect is the persistent failure to meet a child’s basic physical and/or psychological needs. This may involve failing to provide adequate food, shelter, or clothing, failing to protect a child from harm, or failing to ensure access to appropriate medical care or treatment.
Economic/Financial Abuse
Economic abuse involves behaviors that interfere with an individual’s ability to acquire, use, and maintain economic resources such as money, transportation, and utilities. It can be controlling or coercive, making the individual economically dependent on the abuser and limiting their ability to escape and access safety.
Key Contacts
Designated Trustee: Claire Sharpe claire@badgeclub.org