Reviewed by: Phil Parker
Next Review Date: September 2025
Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL): Phil Parker
🗓 Date of Training: September 2023
Deputy Safeguarding Leads:
Kieran Fletcher 🗓 May 2023
Alex Ralph 🗓 May 2023
Prevent Lead: Phil Parker
Prevent/WRAP Training: December 2023
Our Commitment
At FUNDA, safeguarding 🛡 and promoting the welfare of children and young people is our top priority. We expect all colleagues to share this commitment.
Recognising Concerns 🚨
We have a legal duty to respond to:
📉 Significant changes in a child’s behaviour
😔 Deterioration in their general well-being
❓ Unexplained bruises, marks, or signs of possible abuse
🚪 Signs of neglect
🗣 Comments from children that raise concerns
⚠️ Key Message: If you notice anything concerning, DO NOT IGNORE IT. Take action!
Types of Abuse (🚫)
Neglect
Definition: Failing to meet basic needs over a long period.
Signs:
🍴 Constant hunger
👕 Poor hygiene or inappropriate clothing
🏥 Untreated medical problems
😔 Low self-esteem
Physical Abuse
Definition: Causing deliberate harm or injury.
Signs:
🤕 Unexplained injuries
🚶 Shrinking from physical contact
🏠 Fear of going home
Sexual Abuse
Definition: Exploitation or inappropriate sexual activity.
Signs:
✏️ Sexual knowledge beyond age-appropriate levels
💢 Aggression or anxiety
Emotional Abuse
Definition: Undermining self-worth or exposing children to harmful environments.
Signs:
🥀 Withdrawal or depression
🍽 Eating disorders
Other Specific Concerns
Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE) 🚨
Definition: Exploitation where power is abused for sexual purposes.
Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) ✂️🚫
Definition: Illegal procedure causing harm to female genitalia. Mandatory Reporting to Police.
Forced Marriage 👰♀️🚫
Definition: Marriage without full consent involving threats or coercion.
Peer-on-Peer Abuse 👫⚠️
Abuse between children is serious and treated as such.
How to Handle a Disclosure 🗣
👂 Listen calmly and avoid making promises you can’t keep.
🤝 Reassure the child and affirm their bravery.
📒 Record their words accurately (facts vs. opinions).
📞 Report to your manager or safeguarding lead ASAP.
Protect Yourself from Allegations 🛡
🚫 Avoid being alone with a child.
✅ Keep doors open if you must enter a room with a child.
🤼 Don’t play-fight or engage in rough physical games.
📋 Take a register for each session.
🛑 Avoid social media contact with children.
Whistleblowing 📢
FUNDA encourages reporting inappropriate behaviour by:
🤝 Promoting open communication.
📑 Providing multiple ways to report (e.g., confidential forms).
🙌 Supporting whistle-blowers throughout the process.
Allegations Against Staff 👩💼
If an allegation is made:
🛑 Stay calm and cooperate.
🤝 Follow instructions from managers or head office.
👨⚖️ Seek advice (e.g., Citizens Advice).
Promoting Awareness Among Colleagues 🎓
📚 All colleagues receive safeguarding training.
🛡 Designated staff are trained and experienced.
🛠 Safe recruitment practices are followed.
🖼 Posters and resources are available on-site.
Good Practice Guidelines ✅
🏢 Work in open environments.
🤝 Treat all children equally and with respect.
🙌 Always prioritize the welfare of young people.
Practices Never to Be Sanctioned 🚫
Engaging in inappropriate physical/sexual games.
Allowing children to use offensive language.
Failing to act on allegations.
Prevent Duty 🛡🇬🇧
FUNDA prevents extremism by:
🏫 Promoting positive values and challenging prejudice.
📞 Reporting concerns about children, families, or colleagues to authorities.
Changing 🚻
In the rare event a child needs to get changed, our team will encourage the child to do this themselves in the toilets/private space. If the child needs additional support, two members of staff will assist.
Contact Information 📞
If you have concerns:
DSL Contact: [email protected] or call 📱 01282 525 200
NSPCC: ☎️ 0808 800 5000
Childline: ☎️ 0800 1111
This policy is designed to protect children, families, and staff while creating a safe and supportive environment for all. 🌈