Summ

(last updated March 2020)

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1.0 Introduction

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1.1 This is the Safeguarding Policy of Mini Lingos and relates to the wellbeing of any child who participates in a Mini Lingos class or activity camp.  The aim of this policy is to promote good practice, providing children and young people with appropriate safety/protection whilst attending a Spanish class or camp and to allow Mini Lingos staff to make informed and confident responses to specific child protection issues.

 

1.2 Mini Lingos is committed:

• to devising and implementing policies so that all Mini Lingos teacher accept their responsibilities to safeguard children from harm and abuse.  This means to follow procedures to protect children and report any concerns about their welfare to appropriate staff within the Nursery or School.

• to the welfare of the child is paramount

• to all children, whatever their age, culture, ability, gender, language, racial origin, religious belief and/or sexual identity should be able to participate in a Spanish session in a fun and safe environment

• to taking all reasonable steps to protect children from harm, discrimination and degrading treatment and to respect their rights, wishes and feelings

• all suspicions and allegations of poor practice or abuse will be taken seriously and responded to swiftly and appropriately

• all Mini Lingos employees will be recruited with regard to their suitability for that responsibility, and will be provided with guidance and/or training in good practice and child protection procedures

 

1.3 Monitor and review the policy and procedures

• This Mini Lingos Child Protection Policy will be reviewed every academic year or whenever there is a major change in the organisation or in relevant legislation.

 

As defined in the Children Act 1989, for the purpose of this policy anyone under the age of 18 should be considered as a child.

 

2.0 Promoting Good Practice

 

2.1 Introduction

It is not always easy to distinguish poor practice from abuse.  It is therefore NOT the responsibility of Mini Lingos employees to make judgements about whether or not abuse is taking place.  It is however their responsibility to identify poor practice and possible abuse and act if they have concerns about the welfare of the child.

 

2.2 Good Practice

All Mini Lingos staff will adhere to the following principles and action:

• always work in an open environment (e.g. avoiding private or unobserved situations and encouraging open communication with no secrets)

• make the experience of each session fun and enjoyable by promoting fairness and confront and deal with any visible signs of bullying during the class or camp

• treat all young people equally and with respect and dignity

• always put the welfare of the young person first

• maintain a safe and appropriate distance from the children

• Avoid unnecessary physical contact with young people

• be an excellent role model, this includes not smoking or drinking alcohol in the company of young people

• always give enthusiastic and constructive feedback rather than negative criticism

• Report any injury that occurs whilst taking part in a Mini Lingos session to the designated member of School/nursery staff

 

2.3 Poor Practice

The following are regarded as poor practice and will be avoided at all times by any Mini Lingos member of staff:

• Spending unnecessary and excessive amounts of time alone with young people away from others

• allow or engage in inappropriate touching of any form

• allowing young people to use inappropriate language unchallenged

• making sexually suggestive comments to a young person, even in fun

• reducing a young person to tears as a form of control

• allow allegations made by a young person to go unchallenged, unrecorded or not acted upon

 

If the teacher accidentally hurt a child during the session, the child seems distressed in any manner and/or if the child misunderstands or misinterprets something the teacher has done, she will report any such incidents as soon as possible to appropriate nursery or school staff.

 

3.0 Abuse

 

3.1 Introduction

Child abuse is any form of physical, emotional or sexual mistreatment or lack of care that leads to injury or harm. It commonly occurs within a relationship of trust or responsibility and is an abuse of power or a breach of trust.  Abuse can happen to a young person regardless of their age, gender, race or ability.

 

3.2 Disclosure of Abuse and Procedure for Reporting Concerns

If a child mentions anything about potential abuse to the Mini Lingos teacher, the teacher will:

 

• Listen carefully and stay calm.

• Not interview the child, but question normally and without pressure, in order to be sure that she understands what the child is telling her.

• Not put words into the child’s mouth.

• Reassure the child that by telling the Mini Lingos teacher, they have done the right thing.

• Inform the child that she must pass the information on, but that only those that need to know about it will be told.  The Mini Lingos teacher will inform them of to whom she will report the matter.

• Note the main points carefully.

• Make a detailed note of the date, time, place, what the child said, did and her questions etc.

• The Mini Lingos teacher will not investigate concerns or allegations themselves but will report them immediately to the Headteacher/Nursery Manager.

 

4.0 Designated Staff with Responsibility for Child Protection

 

4.1 Introduction

Mini Lingos is fully aware that each nursery will have its own designated senior member of staff who has lead responsibility for child protection and will ensure they are aware of who this specific lead contact is.

 

4.2 Reporting Procedures

The Mini Lingos teacher will not investigate concerns or allegations themselves but will report them immediately to the Nursery Manager or Headteacher.

 

5.0 Conclusion

 

Mini Lingos teachers are committed to ensuring that when teaching:

• A safe environment is created for the children

• Any child who is potentially suffering from any form of abuse, is identified

• Any suspicions and/or allegations of abuse are taken seriously and responded to appropriately

• Appropriate action is taken to see that such children are kept safe from harm

 

Mini Lingos will take all reasonable steps to ensure that, through appropriate procedures and training, children participating in Mini Lingos Spanish activities do so in a safe environment.

 

6.0 Declaration

 

We, Mini Lingos, will take all necessary steps to ensure our Safeguarding Policy is adhered to.