Children Safeguarding Policy

Sumeet’s Step2Step abides by the duty of care to safeguard and promote the welfare of children and young people and is committed to safeguarding practice that reflects statutory responsibilities, and government guidance and complies with best practice requirements.

• We recognise the welfare of children is paramount in all the work we do and in all the decisions we take
• All children, regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation have an equal right to protection from all types of harm or abuse
• Some children are additionally vulnerable because of the impact of previous experiences, their level of dependency, communication needs, or other issues
• Working in partnership with children, young people, their parents, carers and
  other agencies is essential in promoting young people’s welfare.

Purpose:

Sumeet’s Step2Step will:

• Protect children and young people who receive services from harm. This includes the children of adults who use our services
• Provide staff and volunteers, as well as children and young people and their families, with the overarching principles that guide our approach to child protection.

This policy applies to anyone working on behalf of Sumeet’s Step2Step, including senior managers and the board of trustees, paid staff, volunteers, sessional workers, agency staff, and students. Failure to comply with the policy and related procedures will be addressed without delay and may ultimately result in dismissal/exclusion from the organization.

Definitions:

The Children Act 1989 definition of a child is: anyone who has not yet reached their 18th birthday, even if they are living independently, are a member of the armed forces, or are in hospital.

Adult at Risk:

• An adult who has needs for care and support (whether or not the authority is meeting any of those needs),
• is experiencing, or is at risk of, abuse or neglect, and
• as a result of those needs is unable to protect himself or herself against the abuse or neglect or the risk of it.

Safeguarding children:

• Child Protection Policy: Developing a child protection policy that outlines the commitment to safeguarding children and procedures for addressing suspected abuse.
• Staff Training: Ensure that all staff members receive training in child protection, recognizing signs of abuse, and appropriate response procedures.
• DBS Checks: Require background checks, such as Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks, for all staff and volunteers working with children.

Legal Framework:

This policy has been drawn up on the basis of legislation, policy and guidance that seeks to protect children in England.

Sumeet’s Step2Step should have in place arrangements that reflect the importance of safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people.

Training and Awareness:

Sumeet’s Step2Step will ensure an appropriate level of safeguarding training is available to its Employees, Volunteers, and any relevant persons linked to the organization who requires it (e.g. contractors).
For all employees who are working with children, this requires them as a minimum to have awareness training that enables them to:

• Understand what safeguarding is and their role in safeguarding children.
• Recognise a child potentially in need of safeguarding and take action.
• Understand how to report a safeguarding Alert.
• Understand dignity and respect when working with children.
• Have knowledge of the Safeguarding Children Policy.

Confidentiality and Information Sharing:

Sumeet’s Step2Step expects all employees, to maintain confidentiality. Information will only be shared in line with the General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR) and Data Protection.

However, information should be shared with the Local Authority if a child is deemed to be at risk of harm or contact the police if they are in immediate danger, or a crime has been committed.

Recording and Record Keeping:

A written record must be kept about any concern regarding an adult with safeguarding needs. This must include details of the person involved, the nature of the concern and the actions taken, decision made and why they were made. All records must be signed and dated.

All records must be securely and confidentially stored in line with General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR).

Safe Recruitment & Selection:

Sumeet’s Step2Step is committed to safe employment and safe recruitment practices, that reduce the risk of harm to children from people unsuitable to work with them or have contact with them.

Sumeet’s Step2Step has policies and procedures that cover the recruitment of all employees.

Social Media:

All employees and volunteers should be aware of Sumeet’s Step2Step social media policy and procedures and the code of conduct for behaviour towards the children we support.

Use of Mobile Phones and other Digital Technology:

All employees, and volunteers should be aware of Sumeet’s Step2Step policy and procedures regarding the use of mobile phones and any digital technology and understand that it is unlawful to photograph children and young people without the explicit consent of the person with parental responsibilities.

Whistleblowing:

It is important that people within Sumeet’s Step2Step have the confidence to come forward to speak or act if they are unhappy with anything. Whistle-blowing occurs when a person raises a concern about dangerous or illegal activity, or any wrongdoing within their organization. This includes concerns about another employee or volunteer. There is also a requirement by Sumeet’s Step2Step to protect whistleblowers.