POLICIES

Child Protection Policy – Reviewed May 2023

Legislation Guidance - Children & Families Act 2014

Child Protection Officer – Reece Brown

The purpose of this policy is to explain the obligations of volunteers and any paid sessional staff involved in TRW The Right Way Manchester ensuring the safety and wellbeing of children in their care.

TRW aims to ensure that all children who attend can have fun and learn in a safe and caring environment. It is the responsibility of session staff/volunteers and any paid sessional workers to protect the children from all forms of abuse and discrimination so far as is reasonably practicable, while attending TRW sessions.

Through this policy document staff and volunteers are informed of the different forms of abuse, how to recognise these and any action that should be taken when suspecting or receiving any indications that abuse has taken place. The policy also includes what is deemed to be good practice and behaviour to adopt when working with children. A list of useful contacts is also included.

All volunteers and any paid staff involved in TRW must read and refer to the contents of the Child Protection policy. They are to be provided with access to a copy and must sign to say that it has been read, understood and that they will abide by the contents.

The Child Protection Policy has been prepared with reference to information obtained from various support organisations including The FA, NSPCC and Youth Federation.

A Child Protection Policy has been produced to establish the following principles:

• The welfare of the child is paramount

• All children without exception have the right to protection from abuse

• All suspicions and allegations of abuse will be taken seriously and responded to swiftly and appropriately

• All volunteers and staff have a responsibility to report concerns.

What is Child Abuse?

It is an unfortunate and distressing fact that not all adults confirm to what is regarded in society as acceptable ethical standards in their relationships with children. Child abuse is the term used to describe ways in which children are harmed, usually by adults, and often by people they know and trust.

Definitions of different forms of abuse:

Physical Abuse

Physical may involve hitting, shaking, throwing, poisoning, burning or scalding, drowning, suffocating, or otherwise causing physical harm to the child. Physical harm may also be caused when a parent or carer feigns the symptoms of, or deliberately causes ill health to a child whom they are looking after.

Emotional Abuse

Emotional abuse is the persistent emotional ill treatment of a child such as to cause severe and persistent adverse effects on the child’s emotional development. It may involve conveying to children that they are worthless or unloved, inadequate, or valued only in so far as they meet the needs of another person. It may involve causing children frequently to feel frightened or in danger, or the exploitation or corruption of children.

Sexual Abuse

Sexual abuse involves forcing or enticing a child or young person to take part in sexual activities, whether or not the child is aware of what is happening. The activities may involve physical contact, including penetrative (e.g. rape and buggery) or non-penetrative acts. They may include non-contact activities, such as involving children in looking at, or in the production of, pornographic material or watching sexual activities, or encouraging children to behave in sexually inappropriate ways.

Neglect

Neglect is the persistent failure to meet a child’s basic physical and/or psychological needs. It may involve a parent or carer failing to provide adequate food, shelter and clothing, failing to protect a child from physical harm or danger, or the failure to ensure access to appropriate medical care or treatment. It may also include neglect of, or unresponsiveness to, a child’s basic emotional needs.

*Definitions supplied by the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC)

Recognition of abuse

WB06 understands that we have a responsibility to report any concerns in relation to abuse to the appropriate bodies. The following list highlights some of the indicators of abuse. It is important to note that although a child maybe showing some of these signs or behaving in some way which is giving cause for concern it may not mean that the child is actually suffering from abuse.

Action Statement

Be proactive at all times. Recognise the signs and symptoms. If you suspect, or if you are informed that a child or young person is experiencing abuse NEVER try to investigate further. Always refer to the guidelines as set out for reporting an allegation and seek further advice from Social Services. Do not pass judgement on what is said. Try to reassure the child or young person. Do not ask questions about what you might suspect. Make it clear that you are available to listen and can offer support but that you MUST pass on the information. Remember…Do not try to sort it out yourself

Behaviour Statement

Protecting children/young people:

Always

• Treat children/young people with respect

• Respect and defend children/young people’s individual rights • show tolerance towards children/young people; however, insults or abuse need to be challenged

• Be aware of the damaging effects of sarcasm, insults, inappropriate jokes and put downs on the fragile ego and self-respect of children/young people

• Make sure you are representing and including all children / young people

• Be available for all children/young people, not just those who you like or who are popular. If this is inappropriate the child/young person should be referred to another volunteer

• Exercise due care in all activities so that children/young people are not exposed to risk through adult negligence or incompetence

• Organise activities in a way that reduces those situations within which it may be possible for children/young people to be abused

• Make sure that any group of children/young people are supervised by at least two responsible adults at all times (preferably mixed genders)

• Make sure that everyone knows who the supervision volunteer and sessional workers are on all activities

• Respect the confidentiality of children/young people’s disclosures and gain their permission before sharing their information. However, disclosures of any type of abuse must be referred to nominated person (see Action Statement below) and the child/young person must be made aware of this obligation

• Respect confidential material that is collected on children/young people relevant to their address, dietary needs and medical needs etc, and only share the information between adults on a need-to-know basis

• Contact your local interagency child protection officer/Social Services Central Advice and Duty Team or identified independent person (see Action Statement and telephone numbers below) whenever in doubt of situations regarding children/young people

Never

• Permit abusive youth peer activities (e.g. initiation ceremonies, ridiculing, bullying etc.)

• Exaggerate or trivialise child abuse issues

• Make suggestive or inappropriate remarks, jokes or gestures in the presence of children/young people

• Overpower children/young people with your own views or opinions but give them the time and space to work things out in their own minds

• Deflate children/young people with negativity or sarcasm

• Use racist, sexist or other discriminatory language

• Tell racist, sexist or other discriminatory jokes

• Jump to conclusions

• Make false promises

• Use physical force against children/young people, unless in exceptional circumstances, and after all other diplomatic efforts have failed.

• Every effort should be made to find alternative methods to physical force to defuse and work through difficult situations.

Protecting yourself as a Volunteer/Sessional Staff member:

Always

• Ensure that another adult is present when you are in the company of children/young people, ideally mixed genders (see section below; If One-To-One Contact Is Unavoidable)

• Be aware of the dangers of leaving yourself open to accusations

• Remember that your actions or comments might be misinterpreted no matter how well intentioned

• Recognise that caution is required when working with children/young people, particularly in sensitive moments e.g. dealing with bullying, grief or abuse etc.

• Be aware of the possible implications of physical contact with children/young people

• Set realistic plans and goals

• Refer any disclosures of child abuse to the nominated person (see Action Statement below)

Never

• Allow yourself to be drawn into any inappropriate attention seeking behaviour by children/young people (e.g. tantrums, crushes, etc.)

• Show favouritism towards any individual, or to become overly familiar with a child/young person

• Provide ammunition for accusations against yourself through inappropriate or suggestive remarks or conduct

• Rely upon just your good name to protect you

• Believe ‘it could never happen to me’ both dealing with child abuse or being accused of it

If One-To-One Contact With Children/Young People Is Unavoidable

• Ensure you are accessible to other staff/volunteers

• Tell another adult where you are going, what you are doing and why and establish that they support your actions

• Make sure it is for as short a time as possible

• Try to move with the child/young person to an area where there are more people

• Try to avoid unnecessary physical contact especially if it may be misconstrued by the child/young person or other people

• if you have to touch the child/young person get their permission first

Dealing With Aggressive Behaviour

Definitions of aggressive behaviour are very personal, and our perceptions of aggression are influenced by our past experiences. What one person finds aggressive, someone else accepts as normal behaviour. It is very important to remember this when confronted with aggressive behaviour. The following list (not exhaustive) is a guideline of acceptable responses to aggressive behaviour:

• Never respond with aggression

• Try to diffuse the situation by talking to the parties involved

• Stay calm

• If possible, remove the aggressive person from the situation • Use non-threatening body language, e.g. use protective movements, be relaxed, have an outward welcoming posture, have a calm expression, make eye contact etc.

• Talk using a calm voice

• Do not shout

• Avoid physical contact

• Be honest

• If possible, and if appropriate, remove the victim of the aggression from the situation

• Never put yourself at unnecessary risk

Action Statement:

Administration and implantation of all procedures in support of the Child Safety Policy will be the responsibility of Antony Allen.

Amended & Updated May 2023.

Key Contacts

Cheshire East – Child Protection:

CHECS@cheshireeast.gov.uk

0300 123 5012
0300 123 5022 – Emergency Duty Team (Out of Hours)

NSPCC Child Protection Helpline 0808 800 5000
Child Line 0800 1111
Parentline Plus 0808 800 2222

THE RIGHT WAY MANCHESTER SAFEGUARDING POLICY SUMMARY

1. TRW believes that children must be protected from harm at all times.

2. We believe every young person should be valued, safe and happy. We want to make sure that children and young people we have contact with know this and are empowered to tell us if they are suffering harm.

3. We want children and young people who use or have contact with this organisation to enjoy what we have to offer in safety.

4. We want parents and carers who use or attend our organisation to be supported to care for their children in a way that promotes their child’s health and well-being and keeps them safe.

5. We will achieve this by having an effective child protection procedure and following National and Local guidance.

6. If we discover or suspect a young person is suffering harm, we will notify social services or the police in order that they can be protected if necessary.

7. This child protection policy and our child protection procedure apply to all staff, volunteers and users of WB06 and anyone carrying out any work for us or using our premises.

8. We will review our child protection policy and procedures at least every year to make sure they are still relevant and effective.

SAFEGUARDING PROCEDURE

1. There will be a named person for child protection who will be responsible for dealing with any concerns about the protection of children. This person is currently Antony Allen

2. All staff and volunteers will be carefully selected and vetted to try and ensure they do not pose a risk to children. Those staff and volunteers having contact with children and young people will be checked through the DBS system

3. All staff and volunteers will receive information and basic training in safe conduct and what to do if they have concerns about a child. This will include information on recognising where there are concerns about a child, where to get advice and what to do if no one seems to have taken their concerns seriously.

4. We will endeavour to make this organisation a safe and caring place for children to be by having a code of conduct for staff, volunteers and users. This will be given to all staff, volunteers and users and they will be expected to comply with it.

5. There will be a complaints procedure.

DESIGNATED CHILD PROTECTION OFFICER

1. This organisation has a dedicated person to take responsibility for child protection matters. The officer is selected and nominated by the management

2. They should ideally be someone with some knowledge or expertise in the field of child protection and/or childcare or has taken up the specialist Child Protection & Safeguarding Training

3. Because of their key role in keeping children and young people safe enhanced level DBS checks will be undertaken and 2 references taken up.

4. Their role is to;

a. Ensure the organisation’s child protection policy and procedures are followed. AND

UPDATED REGULARLY

b. Ensure they know how to make contact with social services and police staff responsible for dealing with child protection concerns both during and after office hours.

c. Report any concerns to social services or the police. (N.B. Urgent concerns should be reported immediately by those aware of them even if the designated person is not available.)

d. Act as a source of advice on all child protection matters and seek further advice and guidance from local statutory agencies as needed.

e. Ensure that a record is kept of any concerns about a child or adult and of any conversation or referrals to statutory agencies.

f. Ensure that any such record is kept safely and securely.

CODE OF CONDUCT FOR WORKERS

1. Always remember that while you are caring for other people’s children you are in a position of trust and your responsibilities to them and the organisation must be uppermost in your mind at all times.

2. Never use any kind of physical punishment or chastisement such as smacking or hitting.

3. Do not smoke in front of any child or young person.

4. Do not use non-prescribed drugs or be under the influence of alcohol.

5. Never behave in a way that frightens or demeans any child or young person.

6. Do not use any racist, sexist, discriminatory or offensive language.

7. Generally, you should not give children presents or personal items. The exceptions to this would be a custom such as buying children a small birthday token or leaving present or help to a family in need such as equipment to enable them to participate in an activity. Both types of gift should come from the organisation and be agreed with the named person for child protection and the child or young person’s parent. Similarly, do not accept gifts yourself other than small tokens for appropriate celebrations, which you should mention to the activity leader.

8. You should not invite a young person to your home or arrange to see them outside the set activity times.

9. You should not engage in any sexual activity (this would include using sexualised language) with a young person you meet through your duties or start a personal relationship with them, this would be an abuse of trust; even if they are over the legal age of consent.

10. Exercise caution about being alone with a child or young person. In situations where this may be needed (for example where a young person wants to speak in private) think about ways of making this seem less secret for example by telling another worker or volunteer what you are doing and where you are, leaving a door ajar, being in earshot of others and lastly note the conversation in the log.

11. Physical contact should be open and initiated by the child’s needs, e.g. for a hug when upset or help with toileting (young people with addition needs) . Always prompt children to carry out personal care themselves and if they cannot manage ask if they would like help.

12. Do talk explicitly to children and young people about their right to be kept safe from harm.

13. Do listen to children and young people and take every opportunity to raise their self-esteem.

14. Do work as a team with your co-workers/volunteers. Agree with them what behaviour you expect from young people and be consistent in enforcing it.

15. If you have to speak to a child/young person about their behaviour remember you are challenging ‘what they did’ not ‘who they are’.

16. Do make sure you have read the Child Protection Procedure and that you feel confident that you know how to recognise when a child may be suffering harm, how to handle any disclosure and how to report any concerns.

17. Do seek advice and support from your colleagues, activity leaders or supervisors and your designated person for child protection.

18. Do be clear with anyone disclosing any matter that could concern the safety and wellbeing of a child that you cannot guarantee to keep this information to yourself.

19. Do seek opportunities for training such as that available through the Cheshire East Local Safeguarding Children Board.

20. The use of mobile phones or any other equipment with cameras (includes but not exclusive too tablets, laptops and cameras themselves) is NOT permitted whilst on duty and young people are in the premises. This includes and extends to club activities you are involved in but which may not be in the centre of even on a club night.

STAFF SELECTION AND TRAINING

Outline Recruitment Procedure for Staff

1. All staff and volunteers will be required to complete the selection process before taking up their duties.

Minimum requirements for volunteers would be:

a. Asking them to complete an application form

b. Checking their identity

c. Taking up two references

d. An interview

2. Brief job descriptions and person specifications will be prepared for all paid roles and volunteers. (These should make clear what personal qualities are required e.g. coaching volunteers will need to be able to deal calmly with challenging behaviour. These should be given to anyone interested so they can see what will be required and hopefully realise if they are not the right person for the role.)

3. The people responsible for selection will be: -

a. Reece Brown, Melford Knight and James Pretty

5. All staff and volunteers will be required to fill in an application form. They will be required to provide two referees who can vouch for their character and suitability to be in a position of responsibility for children and young people. They will also be required to complete a declaration of any criminal offences or matters of concern. This question would have to appear on the application form if you wished to know before DBS was to be completed. DBS which cover dealing/working with young people will be accepted as valid for volunteering at WBFC if issued within the last 12 months.

6. The people responsible as stated above will check the application and if applicant meets the basic requirements references will be taken up.

7. The applicant will then be interviewed

8. If the person is thought to be suitable for the role they will be asked to complete a DBS application form and their identity checked

9. Once DBS clearance is obtained, if there are no adverse reports the person can start their duties. They will be given a copy of the child protection procedure and the Code of Conduct and asked to sign them.

10. The activity supervisor will meet with the person to explain their duties and any key points from the code of conduct,

11. Activity coordinators will speak with volunteers during the first six months so that any concerns arising on either side can be discussed and positive feedback given where appropriate.

12. The training offered will be: child protection & health and safety & First Aid

COMPLAINTS PROCEDURE

TRW is committed to delivering the best quality service to its members. However, sometimes you might feel dissatisfied with the level of service provided and would like to speak to someone about it. WBFC welcomes all feedback and will use it to improve the services to better meet the needs of its customers.

1. The person responsible for complaints is Reece Brown, Melford Knight and James Pritty

2. In the event of the complaint being against them complaints should be made to Reece Brown

3. If the complaint leads to any suspicion that a criminal offence may have been committed against a child the complaint should be referred to the Police. They will refer to Social Services if required.

4. Similarly, a complaint that leads to a suspicion of abuse of a child that does not seem to be a criminal offence should be referred to Social Services, they will refer on the Police if needed.

5. Other matters may need to be referred to the local police station, e.g. theft.

6. Once the complaint has been investigated the complaints office will meet with the complainant to tell them the outcome of the complaint and what action if any is open to them if they do not agree with the outcome.