July 2018
This policy applies to Rose Ash Parish Council and anyone acting on behalf of Rose Ash Parish Council.
The purpose of this policy:
- To protect children and young people who receive Rose Ash Parish Councils Services.
- To provide anyone acting on behalf of Rose Ash Parish Council the overarching principles that guide our approach to safeguarding and child protection.
Rose Ash Parish Council believes that a child or young person should never experience abuse of any kind. We have a responsibility to promote the welfare of all children and young people to keep them safe. We are committed to practise in a way that protects them.
Legal Framework
This policy has been drawn up on the basis of law and guidance that seeks to protect children, namely:
- Childrens Act 1989
- United Convention of the Rights of the Child 1991
- Data Protection Act 1998
- Human Rights Act 1998
- Sexual Offences Act 2003
- Childrens Act 2004
- Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006
- Protection of Freedoms Act 2012
- Children and Families Act 2014
- Special educational need and disability (SEND) code of practice: 0 to 25 years 0- Statutory guidance for organisations which work with and support children and young people who have special educational needs or disabilities: HM Government 2014
- Information sharing: Advice for practitioners providing safeguarding services to children, young people, parents and carers; HM Government 2015
- Working together to safeguarding children: a guide to inter-agency working to safeguard and promote the welfare of children; HM Government 2015
This policy should be read alongside our policies and procedures on:
- Code of Conduct
- Complaints
- Health and Safety
We recognise that:
- The welfare of the child is paramount, as enshrined in the Children Act 1989
- All children regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation
- Some children are additionally vulnerable because of the impact of previous experiences, their level of dependency, communication needs or other issues
- Working in partnership with children, young people, their parents, carers and other agencies is essential in promoting young people’s welfare.
We will seek to keep children and young people safe by:
- Valuing them, listening to and respecting them
- Appointing a Designated Safeguarding Officer (DSO) for children and young people, a deputy and a lead board member for safeguarding
- Adopting child protection and safeguarding practices through procedures and a code of conduct for councillors and those acting on behalf of Rose Ash Parish Council
- Getting volunteers safely ensuring that someone has all necessary checks.
- Recording and storing information professionally and securely.
- Creating and maintaining an anti-bullying environment and ensuring that we have a policy and procedure to help us deal effectively with any bullying that does arise
- Ensuring that we have effective complaints and whistleblowing measures in place
- Ensuring that we provide a safe physical environment for our children, young people, staff and volunteers, by applying health and safety measures in accordance with the law and regulatory guidance.
Our Safeguarding Officers are:
Mrs S Griffin C/O The Old Rectory Cottage, Rose Ash, South Molton
Ms T Cree Lower Ashtown Farm, Rose Ash, South Molton
Senior Lead for Safeguarding is:
Mrs T Ayre Munson Farm Bungalow, Bishops Nympton, South Molton
A copy of the document confirming the latest review of the policy can be viewed below: