Safeguarding Policy for After-School Sculpture Club

 

1. Introduction

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The Muse Art School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children attending the After-School Sculpture Club. This follows statutory guidance, including Keeping Children Safe in Education (2024) and Working Together to Safeguard Children (2024).

This policy applies to all staff, volunteers, children, and parents involved in the afterschool program. It aims to create a culture of vigilance, ensuring that every child is protected from harm, abuse, neglect, and exploitation. Our primary concern is the safety and well-being of all children attending our club.

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2. Signs of Child Abuse

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Child abuse may include: Emotional abuse, Physical Abuse, Sexual Abuse, Neglect, Radicalisation, Female Genital Mutation. Possible signs of abuse may include:

• Significant changes in behaviour

• Deterioration in a child’s well-being

• Unexplained marks

• Comments made by a child

 

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2. Roles and Responsibilities

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The Muse Art School has clear safeguarding roles and responsibilities for all staff and volunteers. The Muse Art School leader must ensure there is a school DSL on site for the duration of the Club. Maisa Stolz overseas safeguarding concerns for the club and all staff and volunteers must 

• Prioritize the safety and well-being of all children.

• Be aware of and comply with this policy,

• Share safeguarding concerns immediately with the DSL in school.

• Maintain professional boundaries and avoid inappropriate interactions with children.

The Muse Art School’s leader must work in collaboration with the school they are in and relevant agencies to ensure the highest safeguarding standards are met.

 

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4. Supporting Children

The club is committed to supporting children emotionally, socially, and educationally. This includes providing a safe, supportive environment where children can express themselves freely. Staff are trained to recognise signs of distress and offer appropriate support while ensuring children feel heard and valued.

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5. Dealing with a Concern and Record Keeping

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• Any concerns about a child’s welfare must be shared with the school DSL immediately.

• Staff must document concerns in a written report, detailing observations and interactions.

The report will include details of the child, their parents, and other details the child protection service may require. Other important aspects of the report may include but are not limited to:

 

• Date of the disclosure

• Date and time at which record was made

• Name and date of birth of the child involved

 

•  A factual report of what happened

 

• In reporting disclosures, it’s recognised that child protection is a higher priority than data protection.

• Confidential records must be stored securely in line with data protection laws.

• If there is an immediate risk to the child’s safety, staff must contact emergency services (999) and inform the school DSL.

 

 

6. The Role of an Appropriate Adult in Safeguarding

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An appropriate adult is responsible for safeguarding children during club sessions. They must:

• Ensure children are supervised at all times.

• Intervene in any situations where a child’s safety is compromised.

• Share any safeguarding concerns with the school DSL immediately.

• Follow all safeguarding procedures and uphold best practices.

 

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7. Information Sharing

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• Information regarding a child’s welfare must be shared with the school DSL and, when necessary, with appropriate external agencies.

• Parents will be informed of concerns unless doing so would place the child at further risk.

• All data sharing must comply with the Data Protection Act 2018 and GDPR.

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8. Safer Recruitment

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• All staff and volunteers undergo an Enhanced DBS check before working with children (if applicable). 

• References are obtained before hiring staff.

• Recruitment follows safer recruitment procedures to prevent unsuitable individuals from working with children.

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9. Training

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• All staff must complete annual safeguarding training in line with national and local policies.

• Regular training updates are provided to ensure staff remain informed about current safeguarding practices.

• Staff are trained in recognising abuse, reporting concerns, and managing disclosures appropriately.

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10. Whistleblowing in a Safeguarding Context

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• Staff must report concerns about misconduct, safeguarding failures, or policy breaches.

• Reports should be made to the school DSL and/or Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO).

• Whistleblowers are protected under the Public Interest Disclosure Act 1998.

 

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11. Policy Review

This policy is reviewed annually or sooner if required due to legislative changes or emerging safeguarding concerns.

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12. Record Keeping

• A record of all safeguarding concerns, reports, and actions taken must be maintained securely.

• Records should be factual, detailed, and signed by the reporting staff member.

• Confidential records are only accessible to authorised personnel.

 

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13. Safeguarding Procedures Drop-Off and Pick-Up Procedures

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• Children in Year 6 or below must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at pick-up time unless he/she has written permission to leave alone.

• Parents must notify the club in writing if someone else will pick up their child.

• Staff will not release children to unauthorised individuals.

• If a child is not picked up within 10 minutes of the session ending, staff will attempt to contact parents and, if necessary, inform the authorities.

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Use of Physical Contact

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• Staff should avoid unnecessary physical contact with children.

• If physical contact is required (e.g., assisting with materials), it must be appropriate and within sight of others.

• Children should be encouraged to manage their own hygiene needs.

 

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One-to-One Interaction

•     One-to-one interactions should be minimised and must take place in an open and observable area.

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Toilet Facilities and Medical Conditions

• Staff cannot accompany children to the toilet or provide assistance.

• If a child frequently requests bathroom breaks, parents will be informed.

• Staff do not administer routine medication. Parents must inform staff in writing of any medical needs.

• In case of a medical emergency, staff will follow first aid procedures and inform parents immediately.

 

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Responding to Disclosures

• If a child makes a safeguarding disclosure, staff must listen calmly and reassure the child that their concerns are taken seriously.

• Staff must not promise confidentiality and must report concerns to the school DSL.

• A written report must be made and stored securely.

• If there is an immediate risk, staff must call 999.

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Allegations Against Staff or Volunteers

• Any allegation must be reported to the school DSL and/or LADO immediately.

• The accused individual may be suspended pending investigation.

• Investigations will be conducted in line with statutory procedures. 

Contact Information:

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Oxfordshire Safeguarding Children Board: 01865 810603        

 Police (emergency): 999

Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH): 0345 050 7666

        Maísa Stolz  (maisastolz@gmail.com  07450 197705)