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SAFEGUARDING POLICY

Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy

Young Designers Academy

 

Policy Statement

At Young Designers Academy, we are fully committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children who attend our academy. We recognise our duty of care and responsibility to provide a safe, creative, and inclusive environment where children can thrive. This policy outlines the principles and procedures we follow to safeguard children in accordance with UK legislation, statutory guidance, and recognised best practice.

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1. Policy Aims

This policy aims to:

  • Protect children and young people attending the after-school art club from harm.

  • Provide clear guidance for recognising and responding to safeguarding concerns.

  • Ensure that staff, volunteers, and parents understand their responsibilities.

  • Promote a culture where children feel safe, respected, and supported.

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2. Legal Framework

This policy is based on the following legislation and guidance:

  • The Children Act 1989 and 2004

  • Working Together to Safeguard Children (2018)

  • Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) (2023)

  • The Education Act 2002

  • The Childcare Act 2006

  • The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC)

  • The Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006

  • Data Protection Act 2018 (incorporating the UK GDPR)

  • Prevent Duty (Counter-Terrorism and Security Act 2015)

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3. Definitions

  • Safeguarding: Protecting children from maltreatment, preventing impairment of their development and ensuring they grow up in safe and effective care.

  • Child Protection: Specific activities undertaken to protect children at risk of significant harm.

  • Child: Any person under the age of 18.

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4. Roles and Responsibilities

Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)
The club will appoint a named DSL who is responsible for safeguarding across the organisation. The DSL will:

  • Be the first point of contact for safeguarding concerns.

  • Ensure all staff and volunteers are trained and understand safeguarding protocols.

  • Liaise with external agencies, including Children’s Social Care and the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO).

  • Maintain secure and accurate records of concerns and actions.

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DSL for Young Designers Academy:
Margie Kemp
T: 01483 379064 | M: 07853 313176
E: hello@creative-academies.co.uk

 

All Staff and Volunteers
All staff and volunteers must:

  • Be vigilant and responsive to safeguarding concerns.

  • Prioritise the welfare of children at all times.

  • Report concerns promptly to the DSL.

  • Follow this policy and the staff Code of Conduct.

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5. Types of Abuse and Neglect

Staff should be familiar with the main categories of abuse:

  • Physical Abuse

  • Emotional Abuse

  • Sexual Abuse

  • Neglect

They should also be aware of contextual safeguarding risks, including:

  • Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE)

  • Child Criminal Exploitation (CCE)

  • Domestic Abuse

  • Online Abuse

  • Radicalisation and Extremism (Prevent Duty)

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6. Code of Conduct for Staff and Volunteers

Staff and volunteers must:

  • Maintain professional boundaries and avoid being alone with a child unless necessary and risk-assessed.

  • Refrain from physical punishment or aggressive behaviour.

  • Model respectful and inclusive behaviour.

  • Protect children’s privacy, especially in situations involving personal care.

  • Avoid inappropriate physical contact.

  • Use social media responsibly and never post images or personal details of children.

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7. Safer Recruitment

The Academy follows safer recruitment protocols, including:

  • Enhanced DBS checks for all staff and volunteers.

  • Obtaining a minimum of two references.

  • Conducting structured interviews that explore attitudes towards children.

  • Providing safeguarding training as part of induction.

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8. Recognising and Responding to Safeguarding Concerns

Signs of Abuse
Staff must be alert to indicators such as:

  • Unexplained injuries or bruising

  • Behavioural changes

  • Poor hygiene or neglect

  • Age-inappropriate knowledge of sexual matters

Responding to Disclosures

  • Remain calm and listen without judgment.

  • Avoid asking leading questions.

  • Do not promise confidentiality; explain that you may need to share information.

  • Report to the DSL immediately.

  • Record the disclosure factually and promptly.

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9. Reporting Procedures

All concerns must be reported to the DSL without delay. The DSL will assess the concern and, where necessary, contact:

  • Children’s Social Care

  • The Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO)

  • The Police (in cases of immediate risk)

If the DSL is unavailable and the concern is urgent, staff should contact Children’s Social Care or the Police directly.

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10. Confidentiality and Information Sharing

  • All safeguarding records will be stored securely and shared only on a need-to-know basis.

  • Staff must understand their duty to share information with external agencies to protect children, in line with government guidance on information sharing.

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11. Training and Support

  • All staff and volunteers will receive regular safeguarding training, including updates on local procedures.

  • The DSL will provide ongoing support and signpost staff to external support if needed.

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12. Use of Photographs and Social Media

  • Written parental consent must be obtained before taking or sharing any images.

  • Images will not be shared online without explicit permission.

  • All data will be processed in compliance with the UK GDPR and Data Protection Act 2018.

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13. Allegations Against Staff or Volunteers

  • Allegations must be reported immediately to the DSL.

  • The DSL will notify the LADO and follow local safeguarding procedures.

  • The staff member may be suspended during the investigation.

  • If the allegation involves the DSL, the Deputy DSL or club owner will lead the process.

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14. Whistleblowing

Staff and volunteers are encouraged to report concerns about colleagues’ behaviour. The club maintains a whistleblowing policy that ensures protection from retaliation for those who raise genuine concerns.

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15. Monitoring and Review

This policy will be reviewed annually, or earlier in response to legislative changes or incidents. Any updates will be communicated to all stakeholders.

Last Reviewed: 27 July 2025
Next Review Due: 1 July 2026

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16. Contact Information

Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)
Margie Kemp
E: hello@creative-academies.co.uk | T: 01483 379064 | M: 07853 313176

Children’s Services (Surrey County Council)
T: 0300 470 9100
E: cspa@surreycc.gov.uk

NSPCC Helpline
T: 0808 800 5000

Police (Non-Emergency): 101
Police (Emergency): 999

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Signed:
Margie Kemp
Head Teacher
Date: 27 July 2025

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