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Safeguarding Children Policy |
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A child for the purposes of this document and in accordance with the Children Act 1989 is defined as anyone under the age of 18 years. This policy also applies to people with disabilities and vulnerable adults.
Policy Statement · The child’s welfare is paramount · All children whatever their age, culture, disability, gender, racial origin, religious belief and/or sexual identity, have the right to protection from abuse · All suspicions and allegations of inappropriate behaviour will be taken seriously and responded to swiftly and appropriately and will be reported to the Club’s appointed Child Protection Officer (CPO) and Secretary
Code of Practice and Procedures Some situations for abuse of children can be minimised by the promotion of good practice. These measures can also help to protect Club members from false allegations. All who have reason to deal with children on behalf of the Club and within the Club will avoid · Spending excessive amounts of time alone with any child or children unaccompanied by a Parent or Guardian · Taking children alone in a car except with the knowledge and consent of the child’s parents · Taking children to their home · Photographing or taking video film of children, or publishing their pictures, without knowledge and consent of the child’s parents · Publishing information, in print or on a website, that may enable someone to contact the child And will never · Engage in rough, physical games, including horseplay · Allow or engage in inappropriate touching in any form · Allow children to use inappropriate language unchallenged · Make any suggestive comments to a child, even in fun · Let a child’s allegations go unchallenged or unrecorded. Action will always be reported to the club’s appointed Child Protection Officer (CPO) and Secretary
Concerning visitors to Club events and activities· Children will not be accepted on site unless either accompanied by a parent or guardian · Except in emergencies, or to prevent danger, physical contact with children will be avoided · Details of rules relating to the carrying of children on Dream Rides will be available at each such event · Where possible parents or guardians will be asked to accompany children on Dream Rides · In the event of distress or injury, the parent or guardian will be expected to take the initiative to console and administer initial treatment · Nothing above should preclude a member from taking timely action to prevent an accident or injury or to act to treat a life threatening injury · No allegations a child makes will go unchallenged or unrecorded; action will always be taken · Any allegations made by a child against a member of the Club will be reported immediately to the local police by the parents. The Event Organiser will inform the Club CPO and Chairman immediately
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