Policies and Procedures

The Little Holiday Camp:  Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy

1. Introduction

The Little Holiday Camp, we are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children aged 4-11 years. Our aim is to create an environment where children feel safe, secure, and protected.

This policy outlines the procedures and protocols we follow to ensure that all staff and volunteers understand their roles in safeguarding and protecting the children in our care, in accordance with Ofsted requirements and the London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham guidelines.

2. Legal Framework

This policy is underpinned by the following legislation and guidance:

Children Act 1989 & 2004

Working Together to Safeguard Children 2018

Keeping Children Safe in Education 2023

London Safeguarding Children Board Procedures

Ofsted Safeguarding and Welfare Requirements

Data Protection Act 2018 and GDPR

London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham Child Protection Guidelines

3. Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)

The Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) is responsible for overseeing all safeguarding matters within The Little Holiday Camp.

The DSL is fully trained in safeguarding and child protection.

In their absence, a Deputy DSL will assume this role.

DSL Contact Information.

Name: Kimberley Bhagat 

Contact: info@littleholidaycamp.co.uk

Deputy DSL: Lisa Oladejo

4. Aims

-Ensure that all staff and volunteers are aware of and understand their safeguarding responsibilities.

- Provide a safe environment for children where they feel heard, valued, and protected.

- Identify and report safeguarding concerns, including suspected cases of abuse, neglect, and exploitation.

- Work collaboratively with parents, guardians, and external agencies to protect the welfare of children.

5. Types of Abuse

Staff are trained to recognise the four categories of abuse as defined by the **Children Act 1989**:

-Physical Abuse Inflicting physical harm or injury on a child.

- Emotional Abuse Persistently making a child feel worthless, unloved, or inadequate.

- Sexual Abuse Forcing or enticing a child to take part in sexual activities.

- Neglect Failing to meet a child’s basic physical and emotional needs.

6. Recognising Signs of Abuse

Staff are trained to recognise signs and symptoms of abuse, which may include:

- Unexplained injuries or bruises.

- Changes in behaviour (e.g., withdrawal, anxiety, aggression).

- Developmental delays or neglect of basic needs.

- Sudden changes in school performance or attendance.

7. Reporting Concerns

All staff and volunteers are required to report safeguarding concerns immediately to the DSL or Deputy DSL. The following process should be followed:

1. Immediate Action: If a child is in immediate danger, staff should call 999

2. Disclosure by a Child If a child discloses abuse, staff should listen carefully, take the child seriously, and reassure them that the issue will be handled. Staff should never promise confidentiality.

3. Report to DSL Staff should immediately report their concerns or disclosures to the DSL or Deputy DSL and complete a Child Protection Concern Form

4. Referral: If the DSL believes a child is at risk, a referral will be made to Hammersmith and Fulham Children’s Services with in 24 hours. Parental consent is usually sought unless doing so could put the child at further risk.

8. Procedures for Reporting to External Agencies

The DSL is responsible for liaising with external agencies, including:

- Hammersmith and Fulham Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH)** for referrals.

- Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) for allegations against staff.

- Ofsted for serious safeguarding incidents.

Hammersmith and Fulham Children’s Services Contact Information: 

MASH: 020 8753 6600 (Mon-Fri 9am-5pm) 

Emergency Out of Hours: 020 8748 8588 

LADO: 020 8753 5125

9. Allegations Against Staff or Volunteers

If an allegation is made against a member of staff or volunteer:

1. The DSL or Deputy DSL must be informed immediately.

2. The DSL will report the matter to the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) within 24 hours.

3. The staff member involved will be suspended from duties while an investigation takes place, following the guidelines of Keeping Children Safe in Education and London Safeguarding Children Board.

10. Safe Recruitment

The Little Holiday Camp ensures that all staff and volunteers undergo rigorous safeguarding checks before employment, including:

- Enhanced DBS checks

- Verification of references and qualifications.

- Right-to-work checks.

- A probationary period during which their interaction with children is closely monitored.

11. Staff Training

All staff and volunteers at The Little Holiday Camp are required to complete safeguarding and child protection training before commencing work. This training includes:

- Recognising and responding to signs of abuse.

- How to handle a child’s disclosure of abuse.

- Reporting procedures within the camp.

- Annual refresher training to ensure all staff remain updated on safeguarding policies.

12. Confidentiality and Information Sharing

We are committed to maintaining confidentiality in all safeguarding matters. However, when the welfare of a child is at risk, the priority is always to act in the best interest of the child, which may require sharing information with external agencies (e.g., Children’s Services, Police). All information sharing will be done in accordance with GDPR  and Working Together to Safeguard Children.

13. Code of Conduct for Staff and Volunteers

All staff and volunteers must adhere to the Staff Code of Conduct when interacting with children, including:

- Always prioritising the child’s welfare and safety.

- Avoiding situations where they are alone with a child.

- Never engaging in inappropriate physical contact or behaviour.

- Reporting any concerns about colleagues to the DSL.

14. Whistleblowing

All staff are encouraged to report any concerns about the behaviour or practices of colleagues or management if they believe it may be endangering a child’s welfare. Whistleblowing concerns can be raised with the DSL, Ofsted, or the LADO.

15. Monitoring and Review

This policy is reviewed annually or in response to significant changes in legislation, guidance, or camp practices. Any changes will be communicated to staff and parents.

Conclusion

At The Little Holiday Camp, Safeguarding is at the heart of everything we do. We are dedicated to creating a nurturing environment where children are safe, happy, and supported. By working in partnership with parents, staff, and external agencies, we ensure the welfare of every child in our care.

Contacts for Further Information

DSL Name: Kimberley Bhagat

MASH Contact: 020 8753 6600 

LADO Contact: 020 8753 5125 

Emergency Services: 999 (in case of immediate danger)