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Safe Guarding

After-School Club Safeguarding Policy

1. Policy Statement

Katies Craft Club /MOD54 Ltd is committed to providing a safe, positive, and inclusive environment where all children and young people feel valued, respected, and protected from harm.

The welfare of every child is our highest priority. All staff, volunteers, and visitors share responsibility for safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children attending our club.

This policy applies to all employees, volunteers, contractors, students, and anyone working on behalf of the club.

2. Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to:

  • Protect children from abuse, neglect, exploitation, and harm.
  • Promote the welfare and wellbeing of all children.
  • Ensure all staff understand their safeguarding responsibilities.
  • Establish clear procedures for reporting concerns.
  • Create a culture where safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility.

3. Scope

This policy applies to:

  • All children attending the club.
  • All staff and volunteers.
  • Visitors and external providers.
  • Activities both on and off-site organised by the club.

4. Definitions

Safeguarding means:

  • Protecting children from maltreatment.
  • Preventing impairment of children’s health or development.
  • Ensuring children grow up in safe and effective care.
  • Taking action to enable children to achieve the best outcomes.

A child is anyone under the age of 18.

5. Types of Abuse

Staff should be aware of the following forms of abuse:

Physical Abuse

Deliberately causing physical harm to a child.

Emotional Abuse

Persistent emotional maltreatment affecting a child’s emotional development.

Sexual Abuse

Forcing or enticing a child to take part in sexual activities.

Neglect

Persistent failure to meet a child’s basic physical or emotional needs.

Staff should also be aware of:

  • Child exploitation
  • Domestic abuse
  • Online abuse
  • Bullying and cyberbullying
  • Grooming
  • Radicalisation
  • Female genital mutilation (FGM)
  • Forced marriage
  • County lines exploitation
  • Child-on-child abuse

6. Safeguarding Responsibilities

Club Manager / Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)

The DSL is responsible for:

  • Receiving safeguarding concerns.
  • Keeping safeguarding records securely.
  • Making referrals to children’s social care or the police where necessary.
  • Liaising with parents where appropriate.
  • Ensuring staff receive safeguarding training.
  • Reviewing safeguarding procedures annually.

Designated Safeguarding Lead:

Name: Katie O’Donovan

Telephone: 07788624759

Email: craftwithkatie@icloud.com

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7. Staff Responsibilities

All staff and volunteers must:

  • Put children’s welfare first.
  • Complete safeguarding training.
  • Know the signs of abuse.
  • Report concerns immediately.
  • Maintain professional boundaries.
  • Treat children with dignity and respect.
  • Never ignore safeguarding concerns.

8. Recruitment

The club is committed to safer recruitment by:

  • Obtaining enhanced DBS checks where required.
  • Verifying identity.
  • Taking up references.
  • Conducting interviews.
  • Checking qualifications where appropriate.
  • Providing safeguarding induction.

No person may work unsupervised with children until all appropriate checks have been completed.

9. Code of Conduct

Staff must:

  • Be positive role models.
  • Maintain appropriate professional boundaries.
  • Use respectful language.
  • Avoid favouritism.
  • Never use physical punishment.
  • Never humiliate or intimidate children.
  • Avoid being alone with a child where possible.
  • Report any allegation made against themselves or others immediately.

Staff must not:

  • Exchange personal contact details.
  • Communicate with children through personal social media.
  • Give lifts to children without prior authorisation.
  • Take photographs using personal devices.

10. Responding to Concerns

If a child discloses abuse:

  • Stay calm.
  • Listen carefully.
  • Do not promise confidentiality.
  • Reassure the child they have done the right thing.
  • Record exactly what was said.
  • Report immediately to the DSL.

Do not:

  • Ask leading questions.
  • Investigate yourself.
  • Confront alleged perpetrators.
  • Delay reporting.

    11. Reporting Procedure

    If there is concern that a child is at immediate risk:

    1. Contact emergency services (999) immediately.
    2. Inform the DSL as soon as possible.
    3. Record all actions taken.

    For non-emergency concerns:

    1. Report to the DSL immediately.
    2. Complete a written safeguarding concern form.
    3. The DSL will decide whether referral to Children’s Social Care is required.

    12. Record Keeping

    The club will:

    • Keep safeguarding records confidential.
    • Store records securely.
    • Restrict access to authorised personnel.
    • Retain records in accordance with legal requirements.

    13. Confidentiality

    Safeguarding information is shared only on a need-to-know basis.

    Information will only be shared where necessary to protect a child or where required by law.

    14. Health and Safety

    The club will:

    • Complete risk assessments.
    • Maintain suitable staff-to-child ratios.
    • Keep emergency contact details.
    • Ensure premises are safe.
    • Record accidents and incidents.
    • Maintain appropriate first aid provision.

    15. Online Safety

    Children will be supported to use technology safely.

    The club will:

    • Supervise internet use.
    • Use age-appropriate content.
    • Promote responsible online behaviour.
    • Report online safeguarding concerns.

    Staff must not communicate with children through personal accounts or devices.

    16. Behaviour Management

    Positive behaviour will be encouraged through:

    • Praise and encouragement.
    • Clear expectations.
    • Consistent boundaries.

    Physical punishment or degrading treatment is never permitted.

    17. Allegations Against Staff

    Any allegation concerning a member of staff or volunteer must be reported immediately to:

    • The Club Manager (unless the allegation concerns them).
    • The Designated Safeguarding Lead.
    • The Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO), where appropriate.

    Staff must not investigate allegations themselves.

    18. Training

    All staff and volunteers will receive:

    • Safeguarding induction.
    • Regular safeguarding updates.
    • Annual safeguarding refresher training.
    • Additional training for the DSL.

    19. Equality and Inclusion

    The club values diversity and is committed to safeguarding every child regardless of:

    • Age
    • Disability
    • Gender
    • Race
    • Religion or belief
    • Sexual orientation
    • Gender identity
    • Family background

    Every child has an equal right to protection.

    20. Review

    This policy will be reviewed annually or sooner if:

    • Legislation changes.
    • Guidance is updated.
    • Following a safeguarding incident.
    • Following organisational changes.

    Policy Approved By: Morgan O’Donovan

    Position: Director MOD54 Ltd

    Date Approved: 13 July 2026

    Signature: MOD