Safeguarding Policy

Aims of the Policy

• To create a safe, welcoming, and inclusive environment for all children participating in Higher Ground programmes.

• To safeguard children and promote their rights and welfare.

• To ensure all staff, parents, and guardians understand their responsibilities in safeguarding children.

• Make all staff and volunteers aware of what is expected of them in terms of their approach, behaviour and actions.

• To establish clear procedures for reporting and addressing safeguarding concerns, in accordance with Luton Borough Council’s guidelines.

• To make it evident to all our users, staff, volunteers, parents, and guardians that Higher Ground is committed to safeguarding.

Scope of the Policy

This policy applies to all Higher Ground staff and volunteers, including trustees, sessional workers, students on work placements and anyone working on behalf of Higher Ground.

Definitions

Safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children is the process of:

• Protecting children from maltreatment

• Preventing impairment of children’s health or development

• Ensuring that children are growing up in circumstances consistent with the provision of safe and effective care.

• Taking action to enable all children to have the best life chances.

Legislative Framework

At Higher Ground we recognise our legal responsibility to safeguard children and promote their welfare. We will therefore act within the framework set by the Children Act 1989 and The Children Act 2004. We will also follow the working together to safeguard children 2013 guidance.

As our safeguarding procedures we adopt the LBC’s Safeguarding Children Guidance 2013 (the Green Book).

Underlying Principles

At Higher Ground we will endeavour to safeguard children by:

• Following the Green Book guidance in our day-to-day work

• Listening to children and young people and respecting and valuing them at all times.

• Challenging discrimination and promoting the right to equal protection regardless of race, ethnicity, culture, religion, faith, gender, sexual orientation, disability, social or immigration status or any other element of diversity

• Providing effective management to staff and volunteers through support, supervision and training

• Recruiting staff and volunteers safely, ensuring that all necessary checks are made and safe recruitment good practice guidelines are followed

• Responding to both child protection and non-child protection concerns immediately.

• In cases of doubt, questions or need for guidance, always seek advice by calling the MASH number (01582 547654), or, in cases involving staff/volunteers, the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) via MASH.

• Working in partnership with children, their parents and carers, members of the local community and local statutory and voluntary organisations

• Always Adhering to the attached Code of Behaviour for staff and parents.

Parental Supervision Responsibility

Supervision by Parents/Guardians: Children attending sessions offered by Higher Ground, including Creative Kids Corner, must be always supervised by a parent or legal guardian. Higher Ground staff are responsible for organising activities but are not responsible for the direct supervision of children.

Safe Environment: While Higher Ground ensures the safety and appropriateness of its facilities and materials, parents are responsible for monitoring their child’s use of these resources and their participation in activities.

Photography and Social Media

Photo Consent: Photos of children participating in Higher Ground programmes will only be taken with prior consent from parents or guardians. These images will not be used for promotional purposes without explicit permission.

Code of Conduct for Parents and Staff

Photo Consent: Photos of children participating in Higher Ground programmes will only be taken with prior consent from parents or guardians. These images will not be used for promotional purposes without explicit permission.

Respectful Environment: All parents, guardians, and staff involved in Higher Ground activities are expected to maintain a respectful, supportive, and positive environment for everyone. This includes respectful communication, cooperation during activities, and acknowledging the needs and contributions of others.

Non-Discriminatory Environment: Discrimination or exclusion based on race, gender, religion, disability, or any other characteristic is strictly prohibited. Higher Ground is an inclusive space where diversity is celebrated, and everyone is treated with fairness and equality.

Safeguarding Behaviour and Reporting Concerns: In the event of any concern, staff should seek advice and support from your colleagues, activity leaders or supervisors and your Designated Safeguarding Lead.

Any safeguarding concerns, worries or allegations (made by children, parents/carers or colleagues) should be reported immediately to Higher Ground’s Designated Safeguarding Lead or their Deputy.

Parents should feel comfortable reporting any concerns.

Active Participation: Staff and parents are encouraged to engage actively with the children during activities, fostering a supportive and stimulating environment. Staff are expected to lead with enthusiasm, while parents should encourage their children to participate fully in the day’s events.

Role of Staff: Staff members at Higher Ground are responsible for preparing and facilitating activities, ensuring that the environment is conducive to learning, creativity, and play. They are expected to be professional, approachable, and maintain clear communication with parents.

Managing Disagreements: In the event of a disagreement or misunderstanding, both staff and parents are expected to handle the situation calmly and respectfully. If an issue cannot be resolved between the individuals directly involved, it should be brought to the attention of the program manager for mediation and resolution.

Zero Tolerance for Aggression: Verbal or physical aggression from parents, staff, or children will not be tolerated under any circumstances. In the event of aggressive behaviour, Higher Ground reserves the right to ask the individual(s) involved to leave the premises immediately and, if necessary, may exclude them from future participation.

Failure to comply with this Code of Conduct may result in removal from the session, suspension from the program, or in extreme cases, permanent exclusion from Higher Ground activities. Staff and parents will be given an opportunity to address any issues before further action is taken.

Confidentiality and Data Protection

Confidential Information: Personal information shared by parents, including health concerns or safeguarding issues, will be kept confidential in compliance with GDPR and data protection laws.

Safeguarding Records: Any safeguarding concerns will be recorded, securely stored, and shared only with relevant authorities when necessary.