Policies & Procedures

Child Protection Policy 5 January 2017 (reviewed 9 February 2023, 14 March 2024)

 

Children Protection Policy Guidance

The child protection policy

This is a statement of intent that demonstrates a commitment to safeguard children involved with a charity from harm. The essential inclusions for a child protection policy are outlined below:

  • the welfare of the child is paramount;
  • all children without exception have the right to protection from abuse regardless of gender, ethnicity, disability, sexuality or beliefs;
  • the policy is approved and endorsed by the board of trustees;
  • who the policy applies to (i.e. all trustees, staff and volunteers);
  • children and parents are informed of the policy and procedures as appropriate;
  • all concerns, and allegations of abuse will be taken seriously by trustees, staff and volunteers and responded to appropriately - this may require a referral to children’s services and in emergencies, the Police;
  • a commitment to safe recruitment, selection and vetting;
  • reference to principles, legislation and guidance that underpin the policy;
  • arrangements for policy and procedures review;
  • Reference to all associated policies and procedures which promote children’s safety and welfare e.g. with regards to: health and safety, anti-bullying, protection of children online, and photography.

 

Sedgebrook Parish Council

Child Protection Policy dated 5 January 2017 (Reviewed and adopted at a meeting held on 24 February 2022, 9 February 2023, 14 March 2024)

We work in accordance with The Children Act 1989 and any subsequent amendments to the Act.  We intend to create an environment in which children are safe from abuse and in which any suspicions of abuse are promptly and appropriately responded to. To achieve this please see procedure.

  • The welfare of the children attending Sedgebrook Parish Council Recreation Field is paramount and concerns about child abuse should be taken seriously.
  • All volunteers will be aware of child protection procedures.
  • The person with responsibility for child protection issues within the organisation is the Chair of Sedgebrook Parish Council.
  • Details of Child Protection Procedures are available from the Parish Clerk, Sedgebrook Parish Council, Email: clerksedgebrook@gmail.com
  • All child protection concerns will be strictly confidential, shared only with those who need to know.
  • The Parish Clerk will be responsible for making a referral to Social Services, Police or NSPCC.
  • Advice about concerns can always be sought from Social Services / Lincolnshire Safe Guarding Children Board by contacting:

Social Services (Lincoln)                                          01522 782155

Social Services ‘Out of hours’ service                    01529 782333

NSPCC                                                                          01522 545225 

Police                                                               Phone 101 to speak to the police where there is not an emergency.  Phone 999 if you need police assistance immediately.         

  • Any observations which cause concern for a child (i.e. a distinct change in behaviour) should be recorded accurately, without comment or interpretation, dated and signed on an incident form.  If possible another person should witness the observation.
  • Where an allegation is made against a member of staff or volunteer, then the action that will be taken where the complaints procedure is not relevant is set out in the child protection procedure.
  • All staff and volunteers will be encouraged to attend Child Protection Training.
  • Always seek professional advice from the Child Protection Team (Children’s Links/ Social Services/Police) before taking any actions. The child’s welfare is paramount and any suspicions of abuse should be dealt with immediately.

This policy was adopted by Sedgebrook Parish Council at a Parish Council Meeting on 5 January 2017.  Reviewed and adopted on 24 February 2022 Reviewed and adopted on 9 February 2023