1. Introduction
Stealth Arenas is committed to providing a safe and nurturing environment for all children who interact with our services. This Child Protection Policy outlines the steps we take to ensure the safety and well-being of children under our care and to safeguard them from harm, abuse, and exploitation. Our commitment extends to ensuring that our staff are appropriately vetted and trained to handle situations involving children in a responsible and protective manner.
2. Purpose
The purpose of this policy is to:
- Promote the welfare of children and safeguard them from harm.
- Ensure that staff are equipped to prevent and respond to incidents of abuse or harm.
- Establish a clear framework for child protection in line with current legislation, including the Children Act 1989, the Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006, and relevant UK guidelines and standards.
3. Definitions
For the purposes of this policy, “children” refers to individuals under the age of 18. “Staff” refers to all employees, volunteers, and contractors who work with children as part of their role within Stealth Arenas.
4. Legal Framework
This policy is informed by the following legislation:
- The Children Act 1989 and 2004
- The Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006
- The Protection of Freedoms Act 2012
- The Safeguarding Children and Young People: Roles and Competencies for Healthcare Staff (Department of Health)
- Keeping Children Safe in Education (Department for Education, 2022)
5. Staff Enhanced DBS Checks
As part of our commitment to safeguarding children, all staff who have regular contact with children will undergo an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check before they begin their role. This includes all employees, volunteers, and contractors who may have direct or indirect contact with children in any capacity.
The enhanced DBS check will include:
- A check of the Protection of Children and Vulnerable Adults List.
- A search of police records for any convictions, cautions, or other relevant information.
Staff who fail to pass the DBS check will not be permitted to work with children, and any prior arrangements for their employment or involvement in child-related activities will be re-evaluated.
In addition, periodic rechecks will be conducted at regular intervals (at least every three years) for staff members who continue to work with children.
6. Staff Training
To ensure that all staff members understand their roles and responsibilities in child protection, we provide regular training on:
- Recognizing the signs of child abuse and neglect.
- Responding appropriately to disclosures of abuse.
- The procedures for reporting concerns.
- Maintaining appropriate boundaries and relationships with children.
Staff are expected to refresh their training every two years and to attend additional sessions as needed to stay updated on safeguarding best practices and legal requirements.
7. Safeguarding Procedures
We have established clear procedures for staff to follow if they suspect a child is at risk of harm or has been harmed:
- Reporting Concerns: Any concerns or disclosures related to child abuse or harm must be reported immediately to the designated safeguarding lead (DSL) within the organization.
- Responding to Disclosures: If a child makes a disclosure, staff must listen carefully and respond in a calm and reassuring manner. They should avoid asking leading questions and must not promise confidentiality, as the child’s safety is the priority.
- Recording Concerns: All concerns should be documented in writing, including any actions taken, and should be kept in a secure and confidential manner.
- Reporting to Authorities: Where necessary, concerns will be reported to the relevant local authorities, including local safeguarding children boards (LSCBs), social services, or the police, in accordance with statutory requirements.
8. Safer Recruitment
We implement a safer recruitment process for all positions involving children. This process includes:
- Advertising job vacancies and job descriptions clearly outlining the responsibilities and expectations concerning safeguarding.
- Conducting interviews and reference checks to assess the candidate’s suitability to work with children.
- Ensuring that all job offers are contingent on the successful completion of an enhanced DBS check.
9. Monitoring and Review
To ensure the effectiveness of our Child Protection Policy:
- All incidents and concerns related to child protection are reviewed regularly by the safeguarding team.
- The policy will be reviewed annually to ensure it remains compliant with current legislation and best practices.
- Staff will be encouraged to provide feedback on the policy and safeguarding practices to identify any areas for improvement.
10. Role of the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)
The designated safeguarding lead (DSL) is responsible for overseeing all child protection concerns within the organization. The DSL’s role includes:
- Providing guidance and support to staff on safeguarding matters.
- Maintaining up-to-date records of all child protection concerns.
- Ensuring the appropriate reporting and follow-up of any incidents.
- Liaising with external authorities, such as local authorities, the police, and social services.
11. Confidentiality
All staff members are required to maintain confidentiality concerning any child protection concerns. Information should only be shared with relevant authorities and individuals involved in addressing the concern. This ensures that children are protected and that proper procedures are followed.
12. Responsibility of Parents and Guardians
We encourage open communication with parents and guardians. If concerns are raised regarding child protection or safeguarding, we will work together with families to ensure the safety and well-being of the child.
13. Conclusion
Stealth Arenas is dedicated to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children in all aspects of our operations. We have clear systems in place to ensure the safety of children, and we expect all staff to adhere to our safeguarding practices and procedures.
By working together, we aim to create a safe, supportive environment where children can thrive without fear of harm or exploitation.
For further information or if you have any concerns, please contact our Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) at hello@stealtharenas.group