Little Sprouts Gardening Club Safeguarding Policy

1. Introduction
This safeguarding policy outlines the steps taken by Little Sprouts Gardening Club to protect children from harm, abuse, and neglect. The wellbeing of children is paramount, and we are committed to creating a safe, inclusive, and nurturing environment where children can learn and enjoy gardening activities. This policy applies to all staff, volunteers, parents, and visitors involved with the club.

2. Purpose
The purpose of this policy is to:

  • Ensure the safety and wellbeing of all children attending gardening sessions.

  • Provide a clear framework for staff (Hannah ) and volunteers to follow in case of safeguarding concerns.

  • Promote good practices that contribute to a positive and safe environment for children.

3. Scope
This policy covers all activities conducted by Little Sprouts Gardening Club and applies to:

  • Staff (both paid and unpaid)

  • Volunteers

  • Parents/guardians

  • External partners or visitors

4. Legal Framework
This policy is based on the following legislation and guidelines:

  • The Children Act 1989 and 2004

  • Working Together to Safeguard Children (2018)

  • The Protection of Children Act 1999

  • The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC)

5. Roles and Responsibilities

a. Safeguarding Officer
The designated Safeguarding Officer (DSO) Hannah Gorman is appointed to oversee safeguarding practices at all sessions conducted under Little Sprouts Gardening Club. The DSO is responsible for:

  • Acting as the first point of contact for safeguarding concerns.

  • Ensuring safeguarding policies and procedures are followed.

  • Keeping accurate records of concerns and actions taken.

  • Liaising with local authorities when necessary.

b. Staff and Volunteers
All staff and volunteers are required to:

  • Read and understand the safeguarding policy.

  • Attend safeguarding training as required.

  • Report any concerns regarding the welfare of a child to the DSO (Hannah Gorman).

  • Maintain appropriate boundaries and avoid situations that could be misinterpreted.

6. Safe Recruitment
All staff and volunteers involved with the club will be vetted to ensure they are suitable to work with children. This will include:

  • Completing Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks (or equivalent).

7. Code of Conduct
All staff, volunteers, and visitors are expected to:

  • Treat children with respect and dignity at all times.

  • Ensure appropriate ratios of adults to children are maintained.

  • Avoid being alone with a child where possible; where one-on-one interaction is necessary, it should take place in a visible or open space.

  • Refrain from physical punishment, shouting, or using inappropriate language.

8. Responding to Concerns

a. Recognizing Abuse
Abuse can take various forms, including physical, emotional, sexual abuse, or neglect. Staff and volunteers should be vigilant for signs such as unexplained injuries, changes in behavior, and signs of distress or anxiety.

b. Reporting Concerns

  • Any concerns about a child’s safety must be reported immediately to the DSO.

  • Concerns should be documented, including the date, time, and details of the incident.

  • The DSO will decide the appropriate course of action, which may include contacting children’s social care services.

c. Responding to a Child
If a child discloses information indicating they are at risk:

  • Listen carefully without interrupting.

  • Avoid leading questions; let the child share their story.

  • Reassure the child that they did the right thing by telling someone.

  • Report the disclosure to the DSO immediately.

9. Parental Involvement
Parents and guardians will be informed about the club’s safeguarding policies and practices. The club encourages open communication and works collaboratively with families to ensure the safety of all children.

10. Health and Safety

  • Regular risk assessments will be carried out to identify potential hazards in the garden and activity areas.

  • Tools and equipment will be age-appropriate and used under supervision.

  • A first aid kit will be available at all times, and at least one staff member with first aid training will be present during activities.

11. Online Safety
Little Sprouts Gardening Club will take steps to protect children’s online safety, including:

  • Ensuring children do not access inappropriate content during activities.

  • Obtaining parental consent before taking and sharing photographs or videos of children.

12. Confidentiality
All safeguarding concerns will be treated with confidentiality. Information will only be shared on a need- to-know basis, in accordance with relevant data protection laws.

13. Monitoring and Review
This safeguarding policy will be reviewed annually or whenever there are significant changes in legislation or club activities. Feedback from staff, parents, and children will be considered in the review process.

15. Contact Information

Designated Safeguarding Officer:
Name: Hannah Gorman
Phone: 07716686241
Email: hannahlgorman@gmail.com

Local Authority Safeguarding Contact:
Phone: 01323 464222

This safeguarding policy is designed to create a safe and positive environment for children participating in gardening activities, ensuring that their safety and welfare are always a priority.