Child Protection Policy

We in Acme Games are committed to a practice, which protects children from harm. Staff and volunteers in this organisation accept and recognise our responsibilities to develop awareness of issues, which cause children and young people harm. We will endeavour to safeguard children and young people by:

  • Adopting child protection guidelines through a code of behaviour for staff and volunteers.
  • Sharing information about child protection and good practice with children, parents, staff and volunteers.
  • Sharing information about concerns with agencies who need to know, and involving parents and children appropriately.

We are committed to reviewing our policy and good practice on an annual basis

 

Guidelines for all Acme Games staff and volunteers

Staff and volunteers are committed to;

  • Treating children and young people with respect and dignity.
  • Valuing each child and young person
  • Recognising the unique contribution each individual can make

Staff and volunteers will endeavour to;

  • Provide an example, which we would wish others to follow
  • Use appropriate language with children and young people and challenge any inappropriate language used by a young person or child or an adult working with young people.
  • Respect a young person’s right to privacy

This policy describes

  • How we create a safe play environment
  • Promotion of inclusive practice
  • Promotion and awareness of safeguarding
  • Training for our staff to liase with outside agencies.

Safe Play Environment

  • Checks are carried out on a weekly basis to ensure that the play space is safe
  • A handrail is in place on the stairs, and all members are encouraged to use it.
  • Access to the gaming space is solely permitted through the door visible to staff next to the counter.
  • Attendance is noted as people arrive
  • All confidential records; such as parent contact details, are kept in a safe location accessible only by staff.
  • We have an anti-bullying policy stating procedure for staff to follow
  • We provide a safe and supportive environment so members feel comfortable talking to staff if any need arises during the session
  • If a child wishes to go home early or a parent is late to collect them every effort is made to contact the parent or guardian. We will also remain open until they are collected if the parent is late.

Inclusive Practise

  • We welcome all children to take part in Saturday sessions
  • Everyone is encouraged to take part in the way they feel most comfortable.
  • It is recommended that children be 12 years of age or older to fully benefit from the gaming sessions but we recognise that younger children may be involved.

Awareness of Safeguarding

  • Policies are available to view on demand in the shop.

Procedure

  • Suspicions of abuse will be written down on an Initial Concern Sheet and given to the Designated Safeguarding Lead; accurate, dated details will be kept. These notes are confidential and will be stored securely in a locked filing cabinet. This record may be needed for
    • Any subsequent child protection conference
    • Any court action by police or social care
    • And any work with the family

Disclosure

  • When a child tells a staff member about a problem it is important to stay calm and reassure the child.
    • Staff are to explain to the child that we may need to involve someone else to help as we cannot promise to keep what the child has told you a secret.
    • Staff should listen to the child and believe what the child says, and tell them that they are not to blame.
    • Staff should not press for details, it is better if the child does not have to repeat these unnecessarily.
    • Staff can ask the child if they have told anyone else, if they haven't you could discuss who would be a good person to tell, say you will help them.
    • Staff shouldn’t make any promises, as they may not be able to fulfil them.
    • Staff should reassure the child that they have done the right thing to tell someone. Do not ask leading questions.
    • Record all details immediately after the conversation on the Initial Concern form
  • Initial Concern forms to be filled out and handed to the Designated Safeguarding Lead, to be handed on to social services.

Role of Safeguarding Lead

  • To update the policy as needed, at least annually
  • To discuss any safeguarding issues with staff
  • To support staff, children and parents during an investigation
  • To liase with outside agencies should the need arise

Staff Working Practise

  • There is a need to avoid a situation where children and staff are put at risk by a child protection issue. For children risk of abuse, and for adults; risk of accusation.
  • The following situations should be avoided:
    • being alone with a child behind closed doors
    • confrontations with children
    • aggressive physical contact with children

 

Appendix

Appendix i

If you're worried about any child and think they may be a victim of neglect, abuse or cruelty, contact:

Conwy Social Services

During office hours : 01492  575111

Out of hours: 01492 515777

When is a child at risk?

Abuse can take many forms, including:

Physical abuse: e.g hitting, shaking, burning or scalding, deliberate poisoning, suffocation or physically harming a child in any other way.

Emotional abuse: e.g. telling a child they are worthless or unloved, humiliating them, causing them to feel frightened, or asking them to do something that is not reasonable for their age.

Sexual abuse: e.g. encouraging or forcing a child to take part in inappropriate sexual acts.  This can involve physical contact or showing pornographic material to a child.

Neglect: e.g. failure to provide enough food, warmth, safety, medical attention, education or mental stimulation

You do not need to know everything about the child and what is happening. The fact that you are worried, or feel that something is not right, is enough.

Appendix ii – Safeguarding Children in Wales

We have a statutory duty to safeguard and promote the welfare of children, in line with the Children's Act 2004.

The key outcomes for improving the wellbeing of children from conception to adulthood, includes the requirement that children live in a safe environment, and that they are protected from harm.

The Welsh Government has seven core aims around safeguarding children.  They aim to make sure that all children:

  • have a flying start in life
  • have a comprehensive range of education and learning opportunities
  • enjoy the best possible health and are free from abuse, victimisation and exploitation
  • have access to play, leisure, sporting and cultural activities
  • are listened to, treated with respect, and have their race and cultural identity recognised
  • have a safe home and a community which supports physical and emotional wellbeing
  • Are not disadvantaged by poverty.

Appendix iii – Vulnerable Adults

We have a statutory duty to prevent and reduce the risk of significant harm to vulnerable adults from abuse or other types of exploitation.  We must also support individuals in maintaining control over their lives, and in making informed choices without coercion.

Adults who need safeguarding help are often elderly and frail, living on their own in the community, or without much family support in care homes.  They are often people with physical or learning disabilities and people with mental health needs at risk of suffering harm.

Safeguarding adults encompasses six key concepts:

  • empowerment
  • protection
  • prevention
  • proportionate responses
  • partnership
  • accountability