Proud To Be Me CIC- Safeguarding  Policy 

Legal Framework

This policy is guided by:

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Children Act 1989 and Children Act 2004

​

Working Together to Safeguard Children

​

NSPCC safeguarding guidance

Purpose of Our Work

The purpose of proud to be me CIC’s children and young people’s programmes is to provide a safe and welcoming environment where children can take part in engaging activities, build confidence and develop socially and emotionally.

We may deliver activities directly or in partnership with other organisations.

Aims

We aim to:

• Provide safe and structured activities for children and young people

• Support personal, social and emotional development

• Enable children to express themselves freely

• Support integration into the wider community

• Promote diversity, inclusion and cultural awareness

Registration and Consent

All children and young people must be formally registered or referred into our services.

This includes:

• Parent/guardian consent forms

• Emergency contact details

• Medical information

These records are stored securely and are accessible during sessions.

Where we work in partnership with another organisation, we may rely on their registration process where appropriate.

.Attendance

A register is taken at every session to ensure accurate records of attendance.

Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)

Proud to be me CIC has appointed a Designated Safeguarding Lead.

Name:
Contact:

The DSL is responsible for:

• Acting as the first point of contact for safeguarding concerns

• Recording and managing concerns

• Liaising with external agencies where necessary

• Ensuring staff and volunteers are supported and trained

• Reporting concerns to the Local Authority where appropriate

All staff and volunteers are made aware of who the DSL is.

Safeguarding Procedures

If a child discloses information or you have concerns:

What to do

• Listen carefully and take them seriously

• Stay calm and reassuring

• Do not promise confidentiality

• Record exactly what was said

• Report immediately to the DSL

What not to do

• Do not investigate

• Do not ask leading questions

• Do not make assumptions

• Do not share information with unauthorised people

If necessary, concerns will be reported to the Local Authority or relevant safeguarding services.

Health and Safety

We ensure:​

• Safe environments for all activities

• First aid provision and trained staff

• Emergency procedures (including fire safety)

• Appropriate supervision at all times

Children under 16 will never be left unattended.

Personal and Professional Conduct

Staff and volunteers must:

• Maintain appropriate professional boundaries

• Avoid being alone with a child where possible

• Ensure another adult is aware if 1:1 support is needed

• Never arrange to meet a child outside of approved activities

• Follow all safeguarding procedures at all times

Trips and Outings

For all trips and outings:

• Written parental consent is required

• Risk assessments are completed

• Adequate supervision ratios are maintained

• Emergency contact information is available

• Appropriate insurance is in place

Transport

We follow safer recruitment practices to ensure all staff and volunteers are suitable to work with children.

This includes:

• Application and interview process

• Identity verification

• Reference checks

• Enhanced DBS checks

• Investigation of employment gaps

• Supervision and probation period

No individual will have unsupervised access to children until all checks are complete.

Safer Recruitment

We follow safe recruitment practices, including:

• Application and interview process

• Reference checks

• Identity verification

• Enhanced DBS checks

• Supervision and training

No staff or volunteers will work unsupervised until checks are complete.

Training and Support

Staff and volunteers are encouraged to undertake safeguarding training and are supported through supervision and guidance to maintain good practice.

Recording and Reporting

• All safeguarding concerns are:

• Recorded accurately

• Stored securely

• Shared only with appropriate individuals

• Records may be shared with external safeguarding agencies where necessary.

Safeguarding Contacts

Designated Safeguarding Lead:
Name:
Phone:
Email:

Local Authority Safeguarding Team:
[Insert local contact details]

NSPCC Helpline:
0808 800 5000

Policy Review

This policy will be reviewed annually to ensure it remains up to date and effective.

Date adopted:
Last reviewed:
Next review due:

Approval

Signed on behalf of Proud to be me CIC:

Name:
Position:
Date:

Approval

Signed on behalf of Proud to be me CIC:

Name:
Position:
Date: