Safeguarding | The Artroom

SAFEGUARDING POLICY STATEMENT

Child protection and child safety are of paramount importance to The Artroom. We intend to create an environment in which children are safe and happy. Any concerns will be taken seriously and acted upon appropriately and will pay attention to what children and young people say and feel. Children in our care have the right to be safe – in other words, to be protected. We will do this through a careful recruitment and selection process, on-going supervision and monitoring arrangements and guidance on appropriate behaviour. We will ensure that health & safety procedures are followed and that appropriate insurance cover is in place.

1) Recruitment

Where appropriate, all new adult (over 18 years) Teachers and Chaperones will complete an application form, will be asked to provide two references and will be interviewed before the appointment is made. All references will be followed up. Where appropriate, checks will be made on any gaps or inconsistencies in employment history.
It will be made clear to applicants that the position is exempt from the provisions of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.
All adult appointments, whether voluntary or paid, will need Disclosure and Barring Service clearance.
All appointments will be subject to a probationary period of one term and will not be confirmed unless we are confident that the applicant may be safely entrusted with children.
There will be times that young adults (16 - 18 year olds) will be working at The Artroom for Youth Experience. These young adults will be aware of The Artroom's safeguarding procedures. These young adults will never be left solely in charge of the welfare of the children attending corses.

2) Teachers and Chaperone training

Teachers and Chaperones will follow The Artroom Safeguarding Policy and will sign a copy of to show that they have read it.
The Artroom will seek out training opportunities for all adults to ensure that they recognise the symptoms of possible abuse and know how to respond to the child appropriately.

3) Code of behaviour

Do read this code and revise it regularly.
Do treat everyone with dignity and respect.
Do set an example for others to follow.
Do treat all young people equally – do not show favouritism.
Do endeavour that you are not in a one to one environment with a young person, without another adult within hearing or eyesight.
Do respect a young person’s right to personal privacy.
Do allow young people to talk about any concerns they may have.
Do encourage others to challenge attitudes or behaviours they do not like.
Do avoid being drawn into inappropriate attention-seeking behaviour, eg tantrums and crushes
Do make everyone (young people, parents, and The Artroom staff) aware of our safeguarding arrangements, where appropriate
Do remember this code at sensitive moments, eg when helping someone who has been bullied, bereaved or abused.
Do remember someone else might misinterpret your actions, even if you mean well.

Do take any allegations or concerns of abuse seriously and refer them to Social Services.
Do not trivialise abuse.
Do not take part in inappropriate behaviour or contact, whether physical, verbal or sexual.
Do not make suggestive remarks or threats to a young person, even in fun.
Do not let allegations, suspicions, or concerns about abuse go unreported.
Do not rely just on your good name to protect you.

4) Responding appropriately to suspicions of abuse

Changes in children’s behaviour/appearance will be recorded and enquiries made.
Parents will be the first point of reference, though suspicions will also be referred, as appropriate, to the Social Services Department.
All such suspicions and enquiries will be kept confidential, and professional help will be sort as to what actions to take.

If an Artroom team member is concerned that a professional (either another team member or otherwise) might be involved in abuse it is important that they take action. In such circumstances associates should report these concerns to Social Services.

5) Keeping records

Records will kept of DBS checks and times/dates that adults work.
Child registration forms will include details of health, allergies, specific requirements and who has parental responsibility.
An accident book will be kept to record any injuries.
A separate, specific and confidential record will be kept whenever worrying changes are observed in a child’s behaviour, physical condition or appearance. This record will include timed and dated observations and, where possible, the exact words spoken by the child and the dated name and signature of the recorder. Such records will be kept in a separate file only accessible to John Ritchie or other member of staff as appropriate.
Confidential records kept on a child will be shared with the child’s parents, unless concerns of safeguarding involve the parents.
Records will be kept of the Social Services contact and other contacts as appropriate.

6) Complaints

Service users may not be satisfied with arrangements made or actions taken by The Artroom and may wish to make a complaint. There are clearly laid down complaints procedures on The Artroom's website.

1/4/24 to be revised 1/4/25