The group will create and environment in which children are safe from harm
and abuse; in which the welfare of the children is paramount and any suspicion
of abuse is
responded to promptly and appropriately.
Exclude Known Abusers
It will be made clear to applicants for posts, both paid and unpaid, within the group. that they will be asked to sign a statement giving details of any convictions of criminal offences against children, including any 'spent' convictions under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and to give permission for checks to be made for any criminal records.
All applicants for work within the group, both paid and unpaid, will be interviewed before appointment and asked to provide at least one reference from someone who has experience of their work with children. All references will be followed up.
All appointments, both paid and unpaid, will be subject to a probationary period and will not be confirmed unless the group is confident the applicant can be safely entrusted with the children.
Prevent Abuse by Means of Good Practice
Children will be supervised at all times by a responsible adult.
Adults who have not been registered as 'fit' persons will not take children unaccompanied to the toilet.
There are no circumstances in which children will be punished by smacking, slapping, or shaking. Neither will humiliating and/or frightening methods of punishment be used. Children will not be left alone with visitors to the group.
Children will only be collected from the group by an authorized adult whose details are held by the group.
The group will ensure all staff and volunteers have knowledge of, and access to, Wales PPA -'Child Protection Guidelines', and encourage accurate record keeping.
The group will hold regular meetings with all staff and volunteers working in the group to facilitate the raising of any concerns.
Children are accompanied at all times by authorized adults when taking groups'
external activities eg. visiting the Leisure Centre.
Respond Appropriately to Suspicion of Abuse
Changes in a child's behaviour or injuries will be investigated.
If there are grounds for suspecting abuses, Playgroup Supervisor will seek advice
from the Health Visitor.
All suspicions/investigations/referrals will be kept confidential and shared
only with those who need to know. These would usually be, the supervisors members
of staff and
committee chairperson.
Keep Accurate Records
Whenever worrying changes are observed in a child's behaviour or physical condition, or if there is an injury a confidential record should be set up. The record will include (in addition to the child's names address, age, and date) observations of the child's behaviour/appearance. without comment or interpretation. Exact words spoken by the child may also be recorded, timed, dated and signed by the recorder.
Such records will be kept confidential and should not be accessible to anyone
in the group other than the supervisor. chairperson and other members of staff
as appropriate.
Lease with Other Bodies
The group will operate within the local authority guidelines.
Support Families
The group will do all in its power to build trusting and supportive relationships between families, staff and volunteers within the group.
Where abuse is suspected at home or elsewhere, the group will continue to welcome the child and the family whilst investigations proceed.
Confidential records on a child will be shared with the child's parents.
The group believes the care and safety of the child are paramount and will do all it can to support and work with the child's family.
Offer Training
The group will ensure all staff and volunteers have knowledge of. and access
top Wales PPA 'Child Protection Guidelines'. Staff and volunteers will be encouraged
to attend Child Protection training sessions to enable them to recognise signs
of abuse.
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