Safeguaring Policy

Safeguarding Policy for After-School Arts and Crafts Workshop

Name of craft club - Tildabelle’s
Date of Policy: 24.02.2025
Policy Review Date: 24.02.2026 (or if any changes are made to leglisation)
Policy Created by: Fern DeFazio

1. Introduction

Tildabelle’s is committed to ensuring that all children who attend our arts and crafts sessions are kept safe and free from harm. We believe that every child has the right to be treated with dignity and respect, and we take our responsibility to safeguard the welfare of all children very seriously. This safeguarding policy outlines the steps we take to promote the safety, protection, and well-being of the children attending our after-school club.

2. Our Commitment to Safeguarding

  • Child-Centered Approach: The welfare of the child is our primary concern. We will take all necessary steps to protect children from harm and promote their well-being.
  • Compliance with Legislation: We will follow relevant safeguarding laws, regulations, and guidance in our local area (e.g., local authority safeguarding standards, Children Act 1989, Keeping Children Safe in Education).
  • Safe Environment: Our venue will be safe and welcoming for all children, ensuring that risks are minimized, and that children can participate in activities confidently and securely. We have a risk assessment, that will be updated when nessecary.

3. Recruitment and Staff Training

  • Safer Recruitment: All staff and volunteers working with children will be subject to a thorough recruitment process, including an enhanced DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check and relevant background checks.
  • Staff Training - I Fern DeFazio have taken a safeguarding course.
  • Code of Conduct: All staff will adhere to a code of conduct which sets out the expected standards of behavior when interacting with children. This code will be clearly communicated to all staff and volunteers.

4. Safeguarding Procedures

  • Recognizing Signs of Abuse: All staff will be trained to identify potential signs of abuse or neglect, which may include physical injury, emotional distress, changes in behavior, or neglect of basic needs.
  • Reporting Concerns: If a staff member or volunteer has concerns about the safety or well-being of a child, they must report it to the designated safeguarding lead (DSL) immediately. If the DSL is unavailable, concerns should be raised with another responsible adult within the organization.
  • Confidentiality: All concerns and reports will be treated with the utmost confidentiality. Information will be shared only with the relevant authorities, such as social services, as required by law.
  • Parental Communication: Parents will be informed of our safeguarding policy upon enrollment. If there are concerns about a child’s safety, parents or guardians will be contacted, unless doing so would put the child at further risk.

5. Code of Conduct for Working with Children

  • Appropriate Touch and Behavior: All staff must ensure that interactions with children are appropriate. Physical contact should only occur when necessary (e.g., to help a child with a craft activity). Staff should avoid situations where they are alone with a child in private spaces.
  • Respect for Children: Children will be treated with respect, and their dignity will always be preserved. Discriminatory behavior, including bullying or verbal abuse, will not be tolerated.
  • Supervision: Children will be appropriately supervised during all activities, including arts and crafts sessions, breaks, and transitions between activities. The staff-to-child ratio will be maintained to ensure adequate supervision.

6. Responding to Disclosure

If a child discloses that they have been harmed or are at risk of harm:

  • Listen Carefully: Do not interrupt or challenge the child’s story. Allow them to share at their own pace.
  • Reassure: Let the child know that it is okay to speak up, and that you will take appropriate action to ensure their safety.
  • Record Information: Write down the details of the disclosure as accurately as possible. Do not make judgments or interpretations—stick to the facts.
  • Report Immediately: Notify the designated safeguarding lead (DSL) immediately after the disclosure and follow the organization's procedure for reporting concerns.

7. Safe Use of Social Media and Communication

  • Digital Safety: Staff will ensure that children are not exposed to inappropriate or unsafe online content. Communication with children will be limited to in-person interactions or via the workshop’s official communication channels (e.g., email, newsletters).
  • Social Media Policy: Staff and volunteers will not contact children through social media or personal phone numbers. Any communication will take place through appropriate, authorized channels only.

8. Health and Safety Considerations

  • Safe Environment: We will ensure the space used for the arts and crafts activities is safe, secure, and free of hazards. All tools and materials will be age-appropriate and safe for children to use under supervision.
  • Emergency Procedures: All staff will be trained in emergency procedures, including evacuation plans in case of fire or other emergencies. First-aid kits will be available on-site, and staff members will have basic first-aid training.
  • Supervision: Adequate staff will be assigned to supervise children at all times, including when transitioning between activities.

9. Review and Monitoring

This policy will be reviewed annually or sooner if there are any changes to legislation, guidance, or operational procedures. Any safeguarding incidents will be reviewed as part of our ongoing commitment to improvement.

10. Contact Information

If you have any concerns about safeguarding or child protection at Tildabelle’s, please contact me.

  • Name: Fern DeFazio
  • Contact Number:: 07432485114
  • Email Address: tildabelle@outlook.com