Safeguarding children is the responsibility of everyone

Ealing and Hammersmith District Woodcraft Folk recognises its responsibility to safeguard and promote the welfare of children within the legal framework of the Children Acts 1989 and 2004.

We are aware that many children and young people are the victims of different kinds of abuse and that they can be subjected to social factors that have an adverse impact upon their lives – including domestic violence, substance misuse, bullying, child prostitution and ritualistic abuse.

We aim to create a safe environment within which children and young people can thrive and adults can work with the security of clear guidance.

Under the terms of the Children Act 2004 anyone under the age of 18 is considered to be a child/young person.

These guidelines are for the use of all volunteers, parents, carers and visitors. We will make them available to the parents and carers of the children and young people to whom we offer a service. Through them, we will endeavour to ensure that:

• Children and young people are listened to, valued, respected and know where to raise any concerns
• Members are aware of the need to be alert to the signs of abuse and know what to do with their concerns
• All  members are subject to rigorous recruitment procedures
• All members are offered appropriate support and training
• All child protection concerns should be acted upon immediately. Any concerns that a child might be at risk or is suffering abuse will be reported to our Nominated Safeguarding Officer.

Furthermore we will endeavour to keep up-to-date with national developments relating to the care and protection of children and young people.

Ealing and Hammersmith District Woodcraft Folk adheres to Ealing’s Child Protection Procedures (the Yellow Book) and the code of conduct that is below.

This policy was reviewed by the District on 10th March 2016 (planned date)

Code of Conduct for Members of Ealing and Hammersmith District Woodcraft Folk

• Be aware that your main priority is the child/young person in your care
• Never use any kind of physical punishment or chastisement such as smacking or hitting
• Physical contact should be open and initiated by the child’s needs, e.g. for a hug when upset or help with toileting. Always prompt children to carry out personal care themselves and if they cannot manage ask if they would like help. Do not kiss children
• Be available to listen and ready to refer to someone more experienced
• Talk to children and young people about their right to be kept safe from harm
• Listen to children and young people and take every opportunity to raise their self-esteem
• Exercise caution about being alone with a child or young person.  For example leave the tent open and do not enter the tent completely if you need to comfort a child at night. Tell another adult what you are doing and where you are
• You should not invite a young person to your home or arrange to see them outside the set activity times
• 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
• Challenge unacceptable behaviour and report all allegations/suspicions of abuse
• Seek advice and support from your colleagues, activity leaders or supervisors and your Nominated Safeguarding Person
• Never let allegations, made by anyone, go unacknowledged, unresolved or not acted upon. Talk to your Nominated Safeguarding Person or Manager