Safeguarding Policy

Version 1.6 - January 11, 2021

Policy Statement

Summer Boost is fully committed to safeguarding the welfare of all children in our care. We believe every child has the right to be protected from harm, feel safe and thrive in a nurturing environment. Our staff and volunteers share this commitment and will take all reasonable steps to ensure the safety and wellbeing of every child participating in our summer school.

Scope of the Policy

This policy applies to all staff, volunteers, contractors and anyone working on behalf of Summer Boost, including those delivering activities or working directly or indirectly with children.

Legal Framework

This policy has been drawn up based on legislation, policy and guidance that seeks to protect children, including:

• The Children Act 1989 and 2004
• Working to Safeguard Children (latest version)
• Keeping Children Safe in Education (if applicable)
• UN Convention on the Rights of the Child
• Local Safeguarding Children Partnership Guidance

Key Principles

• The welfare of the child is paramount.
• All children, regardless of age, disability, gender, race, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation, have equal rights to protection.
• We take a child-centred approach and actively listen to children's concerns.
• All allegations or concerns will be taken seriously and responded to immediately and appropriately.

Roles and Responsibilities

Dedicated Safeguarding Lead (DSL): Add name and info here

The DSL is responsible for coordinating safeguarding matters, liaising with external agencies, and providing support and guidance to staff and volunteers.

Staff and volunteers must complete safeguarding training and understand their duty to report concerns or disclosures.

Code of Conduct for Staff and Volunteers

All adults working with children must:

• Treat children with respect and dignity
• Maintain appropriate boundaries at all times
• Never use abusive language or behaviour
• Avoid being alone with a child where possible (e.g. Use the "two adult rule".)
• Report any concerns or disclosures immediately or at the first opportunity to the DSL.

Safer Recruitment

We follow robust recruitment procedures to ensure that all staff and volunteers are suitable to work with children. This includes:

• In-depth application procedures
• Thorough interview process
• Comprehensive reference checks
• Enhanced DBS (or equivalent) checks
• Safeguarding training prior to starting work

Responding to Concerns or Disclosures

• All concerns, suspicions or disclosures of inappropriate behaviour or any form of abuse must be reported to the DSL immediately.
• The DSL will take appropriate steps, including contacting parents, police and children's services if necessary.
• Confidentiality will be maintained at all times, and information only shared on a "need to know" basis.

Types of Abuse

Staff will be trained to recognise signs of:

• Physical abuse
• Emotional abuse
• Psychological abuse
• Sexual abuse
• Neglect
• Bullying (including online bullying)

Online Safety

If children have access to digital devices or platforms under the aegis of Summer Boost, staff must ensure:

• Age-appropriate content at all times
• Safe internet use
• Monitoring of all communications where applicable
• Education on online safety

Health & Safety

Risk assessments will be carried out for all activities. Staff will be briefed on emergency procedures, and first aid will be available on-site at all times.

Policy Review

This policy will be reviewed annually or following any significant safeguarding incident or change in legislation or relevant national policy.

Date of policy: 01.06.2025

Next Review Date: 01.05.2026

Approved by: Hasan Ali, Director