It is lovely to take photographs of your child enjoying themselves during your visit to Curiosity Corner Play.

However, some children, parents, carers and staff members, may not be comfortable with images of themselves or their children being taken. There can be a variety of different reasons for this and include;

• If a child and/or their family have experienced abuse they may worry about the perpetrator tracing them
  • Children/ adults who choose not to have contact with some members of their family may decide to minimise their online presence
  • Families may have religious or cultural reasons for choosing not to be photographed.
  • Some children visiting may be fostered / adopted and photographs without consent can have far reaching consequences.

It’s important to be aware of child protection and safeguarding issues when taking photos of or filming.
With this in mind we kindly ask that you only take photographs of your child/ children when visiting.

 

    Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy

Curiosity Corner Play

Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL):
Rachael Boland
📞 07533 852831
📧 curiositycornerplay@gmail.com

External Safeguarding Contact:
NSPCC Helpline: 0808 800 5000

1. Policy Statement

Curiosity Corner Play is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children and young people. This policy outlines our principles and procedures to protect children who attend our sessions, as well as the children of adults who use our services.

This policy applies to all team members, volunteers, and anyone working on behalf of Curiosity Corner Play.

Important: While Curiosity Corner Play takes every reasonable measure to promote a safe environment, parents/carers remain fully responsible for the supervision of their children during sessions. Curiosity Corner Play does not assume direct responsibility for children attending events.

2. Legal Framework

This policy is based on legislation, guidance, and best practice in England, including:

• The Children Act (1989, updated 2004)
• The Children and Families Act (2014)
• The Children and Social Work Act (2017)
• Working Together to Safeguard Children (2018)

3. Our Commitment

We believe:

• Children and young people should never experience abuse of any kind.
• We have a responsibility to promote their welfare and protect them from harm.
• All children, regardless of background, ability, or identity, deserve equal protection.

We recognise:

• The welfare of children is paramount.
• Some children may be more vulnerable due to previous experiences, disability, communication needs, or other factors.
• Collaboration with children, parents/carers, and professionals is essential for effective safeguarding.

4. Safeguarding Practices

We will safeguard children by:

• Valuing, listening to, and respecting every child and young person.
• Appointing a Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) to manage concerns and provide support.
• Providing a confidential point of contact for parents/carers to raise concerns.
• Following robust recruitment procedures to ensure team members and volunteers are safely and appropriately selected.
• Refusing engagement with any individual known to pose a risk to children or vulnerable adults.
• Handling and storing personal data securely and in line with data protection regulations.
• Using safeguarding procedures to share concerns with relevant authorities where needed.
• Managing allegations appropriately and in line with safeguarding protocols.
• Ensuring a safe environment by complying with health and safety regulations.
• Fostering a culture of respect and openness where concerns can be raised and addressed.

5. Photography and Media Consent

Photographs or videos of children will only be taken with prior written consent from a parent or carer. No content will be published on Curiosity Corner Play’s social media without explicit parental consent.
(See our Photography Policy for more details.)

6. Procedures for Specific Incidents

Abandoned Child

If a child is left at the end of a session with no parent or carer present:

• Reasonable attempts will be made to contact the parent/carer.
• If contact cannot be made, Children’s Social Care (HCC) or police (999 in an emergency) will be informed.
• A child will never be taken home by staff or leave with an unauthorised adult.

Missing Child

Children at sessions are under the supervision of their parents/carers. If a child is reported missing:

• All present will assist in a coordinated search of the premises.
• Doors and exits will be checked for breaches.
• The group will be alerted, and no one will leave the premises until the child is found.
• If the child is not found, police will be contacted immediately.
• A record of the incident will be made, including when and where the child was last seen.

7. Responding to Concerns

If you witness or suspect abuse, or a child discloses information:

DO:

✔ Listen carefully and offer reassurance
✔ Record factual information
✔ Report the concern to the DSL within 24 hours
✔ Take action – safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility

DO NOT:

✘ Dismiss or ignore concerns
✘ Investigate the issue yourself
✘ Confront the alleged abuser
✘ Promise confidentiality
✘ Take responsibility for proving abuse

8. Reporting Procedure

1. Record & Report
   Anyone with a safeguarding concern must complete an Incident Report Form and report it to the Designated Safeguarding Lead within 24 hours.
2. Review & Refer
   The DSL will review the report and assess the need for external referral. Where required, referrals will be made to the appropriate authority within 24 hours.
3. In Case of Allegation Against Staff/Volunteers
   Follow the four Rs:
   Recognise – Respond – Report – Refer

9. Emergency Contacts

• NSPCC Helpline: 0808 800 5000
• Police (Immediate danger): 999

10. Review of Policy

• Date Implemented: 2nd May 2022
• Last Reviewed and Updated: 16th November 2023
• Next Review Due: November 2024
• Policy Reviewed By: Rachael Boland, Curiosity Corner Play