Safeguarding of children is our primary concern.

If, as part of any of our staff work, where they are in contact with children you:

  • will have to undergo an Enhanced ‘disclosure check’ by The Disclosure and Barring Service
  • will follow the recognised statutory guidance as directed by the Sheffield Safeguarding Partnership
  • will receive ‘safeguarding’ training with an appropriate organisation. Your line manager may also ask you to go on a training refresher course annually.
  • must be familiar with the definition of a ‘child in need’ and have an understanding of the factors, signs and symptoms
  • will be entitled to external support/counselling if you have had to deal with safeguarding issues. Discuss this with the Child Protection Liaison Officer (CPLO).

Guidelines

These guidelines are here for the protection of the children in our staff care and for their own protection against accusations of inappropriate behaviour.

  • If you believe a child to be in need, suffering, or likely to be suffering from significant harm you must pass the information on immediately to the CPLO. A discussion will take place and a decision made about an appropriate action. You should inform your line manager that there has been an incident, but details of safeguarding issues will only be shared on a need to know basis
  • You should avoid any situation where you may feel compromised or that may leave you vulnerable to allegations relating to child protection issues. i.e., you should never be left alone with a child. This includes session work, detached involvement and organised event work.
  • You should not agree to supervise children without an appropriately qualified external professional being present
  • You will need the permission (beforehand) of a parent/guardian if a child is taking part in any Trust activities
  • You must get written consent of the parent/guardian/carer of the child, prior to any photographs filming or any media involvement
  • Consent forms will be held in a confidential file and photographs will not be kept on a data base
  • Make sure you prepare a risk assessment, which can be seen by parents/guardians before the start of any activities
  • You must make sure that children are supervised at all times by trained staff or their parents
  • Avoid excessive cuddling of a child
  • Do not take a child to the toilet on your own
  • If a child requires assistance in undressing or changing their clothes, make sure another member of staff is aware or present dependent upon the child’s needs.
  • Physical punishment of a child is unlawful and as such, any allegations will be assessed and dealt with by the disciplinary procedure
  • If you notice any existing injuries which the child has, you should write them down, stating date and time that you noticed the injury, details of the injury and sign the statement, utilising the existing injuries form.
  • If a child is hurt as the result of an incident or accident which happened while under your supervision you should record the incident in a log and the child’s parent/guardian/carer should be told. You should ask the parent/guardian/carer to countersign the incident log, in acknowledgement that they have been told of the accident/incident and the consequent injury.
  • If the child does hurt itself, a person with appropriate first aid qualifications should give first aid
  • If it is felt that a child needs to be examined for assessment of injuries, then where possible another member of staff should be present throughout this procedure
  • You must always maintain professional boundaries with all children ensuring appropriate care.
  • All children, their families and guardians/carers have the right to confidentiality at all times. You may only share information if you believe a child is at risk of significant harm.  Any breach of confidentiality may lead to disciplinary action.