Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy and Procedure

Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy and Procedure

2022 - 2023

  1. Introduction (what is safeguarding, who is our Child Protection Officer and what are our responsibilities and principles)
  2. Recruitment and Employment
  3. Roles and Responsibilities of the Child Protection Officer
  4. Good Practice
  5. Practice to be Avoided
  6. Reporting Concerns
  7. Identifying and Managing Bullying
  8. Photographing and filming of children
  9. Responding to information received (disclosure) about a child
  10. Sharing concerns with parents, guardians or carers
  1. Introduction

1.1 Safeguarding the welfare of children is everyone’s responsibility. All children have the right to be safe and, as adults, we have a responsibility to protect children.

Everybody who has contact with children (including access to personal data and information) should have a basic understanding of safeguarding and child protection. All children under the age of 18 years should be considered under safeguarding and child protection procedures. All members, staff and volunteers have a duty to pass on any concerns they have or information they receive that might prevent a child being further harmed.

1.2 Safeguarding involves all agencies doing everything possible to minimise the risk of harm to children and young people and is defined as:

  • protecting children from maltreatment.
  • preventing impairment of children’s health or development; and
  • ensuring that children are growing up in circumstances consistent with the provision of safe and effective care; and

  • undertaking that role to enable those children to have optimum life chances and to enter adulthood successfully.

    1.3 The child protection officer for Dog Kennel Hill Adventure Playground is:

Patrick Pierre-Powell Contact details: • Patrick - 020 7274 6197 / 07904 039864

In cases where a member of staff believes a child has or is being abused in anyway, they should report the matter to Southwark child protection referral and assessment. The referral assessment service receives referrals about children and their families who may require an assessment. This is to decide how children's services and other professionals can best help to meet the needs of children and their families in Southwark.

• Referral & Assessment Team - 020 7525 1921 • Out of Hours Service - 020 7525 5000 • email MASH@southwark.gov.uk

1.4 Safeguarding guidance can be found at the following points:

  • HM Government – Working Together To Safeguard Children
  • London Safeguarding Children Procedures and Practice Guidance
  • HM Government – What to do if you’re worried a child is being abused
  • Mandatory Reporting of Female Genital Mutilation

  • Charity Commission - Strategies for dealing with safeguarding issues in charities

    1.5 Responsibilities Dog Kennel Hill Adventure Playground will: • Promote the health and welfare of children by providing opportunities for them to take part in sports, the Arts and education related activities. • Respect and promote the rights, wishes and feelings of children. • Promote and implement appropriate procedures to safeguard the well-being of children and protect them from abuse. • Recruit, train, support and supervise its members to adopt best practice to safeguard and protect children from abuse and to minimise risk to themselves. • Require members to adopt and abide by this Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy and these Procedures. • Respond to any allegations of misconduct or abuse of children in line with this Policy and these Procedures as well as implementing, where appropriate, the relevant disciplinary and appeals procedures. • Review and evaluate this Policy and these Procedures on a regular basis.

    1.6 Principles

• The welfare of children is the primary concern. • All children, whatever their age, culture, disability, gender, language, racial origin, socio-economic status, religious belief and/or sexual identity have the right to protection from abuse. • It is everyone's responsibility to report any concerns about abuse and the responsibility of Southwark child protection referral and assessment and the police to conduct, where appropriate, a joint investigation. • All incidents of alleged poor practice, misconduct and abuse will be taken seriously and responded to swiftly and appropriately. • All personal data will be processed in accordance with the requirements of the Data Protection Act 1998 or current and future legislative amendments.

  1. Recruitment and Employment

2.1 All reasonable steps must be taken to ensure unsuitable people are prevented from working with children. For all positions that require regular contact with children the following recruitment procedures must be completed.

2.2 Advertising - All forms of advertising used to recruit members for positions involving regular contact with children will include the following: • The aims of Dog Kennel Hill Adventure Playground and, where appropriate, details of the particular programme involved. • The responsibilities of the role. • The level of experience or qualifications required (eg. experience of working with children is an advantage). • Details of Dog Kennel Hill Adventure Playground’s open and positive stance on children.

2.3 Pre-application Information - pre-application information for positions involving regular contact with children will be sent to applicants and will include: • A job description including roles and responsibilities. • A candidate specification (eg. stating qualifications or experience of working with children required). • An application form and self-declaration form. • Information on Dog Kennel Hill Adventure Playground and related topics.

2.4 Application and Self-Declaration Form - All applicants will be requested to complete an application and self-declaration form. The purpose of the application form is to obtain relevant details from the applicant for the position. The purpose of the self-declaration form is to collect information on criminal behaviour that is relevant to the position eg. criminal records or investigations. The self-declaration form is requested in a separate sealed envelope and is not opened until the applicant is selected for an interview. If the applicant is not selected the form is returned unopened to the applicant.

2.5 References - Two references must be provided including one from the Applicant’s current or most recent line manager. Where possible at least one of these references will be from an employer or a voluntary organisation where the position required working with children in any of the following capacities: employee; volunteer; or work experience. If the person has no experience of working with children, specific training requirements will be agreed before appointment.

2.6 DBS - Employees must undertake an enhanced DBS check prior to starting to work or volunteer and comply with the identification requirements of the check.

2.7 Interview - For positions that require regular contact with children, interviews will be carried out. An interview will include requests for additional information to support the application. The interview must be with at least two senior members of Dog Kennel Hill AP (normally the manager and at least one Trustee).

2.8 Offer of Position - Once a decision has been made to appoint an individual, an offer letter will be presented to the applicant including the details of the position, any special requirements and the obligations eg. agreement to the policies and procedures of the organisation, the probation period and responsibilities of the role.

Confirmation of the position being accepted will require the offer letter to be formally accepted and agreed to in writing eg. by the individual signing and dating their agreement on the offer letter and returning it to the organisation.

2.9 Induction - The induction process for any newly appointed employee or volunteer will include the following: • An assessment of training, individual aids and any other needs and aspirations. • Clarification, agreement and signing up to the Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy and Procedures. • Clarification of the expectations, roles and responsibilities of the position.

2.10 Training - Newly appointed members will complete the following training over an agreed period: • Protecting children. • Working effectively with children (including presentation skills, developing child friendly resources and activities). • Any other identified training needs.

2.11 Probation - Newly appointed members will complete an agreed period of probation on commencement of their role.

2.12 Monitoring and Performance Appraisal - All members who have contact with children will be regularly monitored and their performance appraised. This will provide an opportunity to evaluate progress, set new goals, identify training needs and address any concerns of poor practice.

  1. Role and Responsibilities of the Child Protection Officer

3.1 Within Dog Kennel Hill Adventure Playground the Child Protection Officer will:

  • Implement and promote Dog Kennel Hill Adventure Playground’s Child Protection Policy and procedures
  • Regularly report to the Management Committee
  • Act as the main contact within Dog Kennel Hill Adventure Playground for the protection of children
  • Provide information and advice on the protection of children.
  • Support and raise awareness of the protection of children.
  • Communicate with members on issues of child protection.
  • Keep abreast of developments and understand the latest information on data protection, confidentiality and other legal issues that impact on the protection of children.
  • Encourage good practice and support of procedures to protect children.
  • Establish and maintain contact with local statutory agencies including the Police and Social Work Department.
  • Maintain confidential records of reported cases and action taken and liaise with the statutory agencies and ensure they have access to all necessary information.
  • Organise training for members.
  • Regularly monitor and review the Dog Kennel Hill Adventure Playground’s Child Protection Policy and Procedures.
  • Attend training on the protection of children whenever the law is updated.
  • Code of Conduct for the Protection of Children

4.1 Dog Kennel Hill Adventure Playground supports and requires the following good practice by members when in contact with children:

  • Make sport and activities fun, enjoyable and promote fair play.
  • Always work in an open environment eg. avoid private or unobserved situations and encourage an open environment for activities.
  • Treat all children equally, with respect and dignity.
  • Be an excellent role model including not smoking or drinking alcohol in the company of children.
  • Give enthusiastic and constructive feedback rather than negative criticism.
  • Ensure that if any form of manual or physical support is required for a child, it is provided openly, the child is informed of what is being done and their consent is obtained.
  • Deliver educational instruction first verbally; secondly role-modelled; and thirdly, and only if necessary, with hands on - which must be accompanied by telling the child where you are putting your hands and why it is necessary and obtaining their consent.
  • Involve parents, guardians and carers wherever possible.
  • Build balanced relationships based on mutual trust that empower children to share in the decision-making process.

  • Recognise the developmental needs and capacity of children and avoid excessive training or competition and either pushing them against their will or putting undue pressure on them.

    4.2 First Aid and Treatment of Injuries - If, in your capacity as a member of Dog Kennel Hill Adventure Playground, a child requires first aid or any form of medical attention whilst in your care, then the following good practice must be followed:

  • Be aware of any pre-existing medical conditions, medicines being taken by participants or existing injuries and treatment required.
  • Keep a written record of any injury that occurs, along with the details of any treatment given.
  • Where possible, ensure access to medical advice and/or assistance is available.
  • Only those with a current, recognised First Aid qualification should respond to any injuries.
  • Where possible any course of action should be discussed with the child in language that they understand and their permission sought before any action is taken.
  • In more serious cases, assistance must be obtained from a medically qualified professional as soon as possible.
  • The child’s parents/guardians or carers must be informed of any injury and any action taken as soon as possible, unless it is in the child’s interests and on professional advice not to do so.

  • A Notification of Accident Form must be completed and signed and passed to the organisation as soon as possible.

    4.3 For taking and transporting children away from home - If it is necessary to provide transport or take children away from home the following good practice must be followed: • Where practicable request written parental/guardian consent if members are required to transport children. • Always tell another member that you are transporting a child, give details of the route and the anticipated length of the journey. • Ensure all vehicles are correctly insured and all reasonable safety measures are taken eg. seatbelts • Ensure, where possible, a male and female accompanied mixed groups of children. These adults should be familiar with and agree to abide by Dog Kennel Hill Adventure Playground's Child Protection Policy and Procedures. • Always plan and prepare a detailed programme of activities and ensure copies are available for other members and parents/guardians.

  • Practice To Be Avoided

5.1 In the context of your role within Dog Kennel Hill Adventure Playground, the following practice should be avoided: • Avoid having ‘favourites’ - this could lead to resentment and jealousy by other children and could lead to false allegations. • Avoid spending excessive amounts of time alone with children away from others. • Ensure that when children are taken away from home adults avoid entering their rooms unless in an emergency situation or in the interest of health and safety. If it is necessary to enter rooms, the door should remain open, if appropriate. • Avoid taking children to your home. • Avoid, where possible, doing things of a personal nature for children that they can do for themselves.

5.2 Practice never to be sanctioned - In the context of your role within Dog Kennel Hill Adventure Playground, the following practices should never be sanctioned: • Never engage in sexually provocative games, including horseplay. • Never engage in rough or physical contact except as permitted within the rules of sport or competition. • Never form intimate emotional or physical relationships with children. • Never allow or engage in touching a child in a sexually suggestive manner. • Never allow children to swear or use sexualised language unchallenged. • Never make sexually suggestive comments to a child even in fun. • Never reduce a child to tears as a form of control. • Never allow allegations made by a child to go unchallenged, unrecorded or not acted upon. • Never share a room with a child for sleeping accommodation. • Never invite or allow children to stay with you at your home.

  1. Reporting Concerns 6.1 If members have concerns about an incident involving a child that seems untoward or unusual they must report their concerns as soon as possible to the Child Protection Officer. Parents should also be informed of the incident as soon as possible unless it is not in the child's interests to tell them.

6.2 Report, record and inform if the following occur: • If you accidentally hurt a child. • If a child seems distressed in any manner. • If a child misunderstands or misinterprets something you have said or done. • If a child appears to be sexually aroused by your actions. • If a child needs to be restrained.

  1. Identifying and Managing Bullying

7.1 The lives of many people are made miserable by bullying. Victims of bullying can feel

lonely, isolated and deeply unhappy. It can have a devastating effect on a child’s self- esteem and destroy their self-confidence and concentration. They may become

withdrawn and insecure, more cautious and less willing to take any sort of risk. They may feel it is somehow their fault or that there is something wrong with them and at worst cause depression and/or feelings of worthlessness that can lead to self-harm and in the worst case, suicide. 7.2 Any suspicions or allegations of bullying of a child against a member will be dealt with through the Dog Kennel Hill Adventure Playground Disciplinary Procedures and/or Responding to a Suspicion or Allegation of Abuse against a Member of Dog Kennel Hill Adventure Playground.

  1. Photographing and Filming of Children. 8.1 The following is required for Dog Kennel Hill Adventure Playground activities or events where children are participating: • Where appropriate, all materials promoting Dog Kennel Hill Adventure Playground events or activities shall state that accredited photographers will be present. • Where possible consent from the parent/guardian for photographing, videoing and/or filming of a child must be obtained prior to the event or activity. • Where possible anyone wishing to use photographic/film/video equipment at a venue must obtain the approval of Dog Kennel Hill Adventure Playground. • An activity or event specific identification badge/sticker must be provided to and clearly displayed at all times by accredited photographers, film and video operators on the day of the activity or event.

• No unsupervised access or one-to-one sessions are to be permitted unless this has been approved in advance by the child, parent/guardian and the organisation, and appropriate vetting has occurred.

• Dog Kennel Hill Adventure Playground reserves the right at all times to prohibit the use of photography, film or video at any event or activity with which it is associated. • The requirements above are publicly promoted to ensure all people present at the event or activity understand the procedure and are aware of whom to contact if concerned.

8.2 Concerns about Photographers, Video or Film Operators - Any concerns with photographers or video or film operators are to be reported to Dog Kennel Hill Adventure Playground Child Protection Officer and where relevant, the Police.

8.3 Children in publications and on the Internet - Sport websites and publications provide excellent opportunities to broadcast achievements of individuals to the world and to provide a showcase for the activities of young people. In some cases, however, displaying certain information about children could place them at risk. The following procedures must be followed to ensure Dog Kennel Hill Adventure Playground publications and Dog Kennel Hill Adventure Playground information on the Internet do not place children at risk.

  • Publications or information on an Internet site must never include personal information that could identify a child e.g. home address, e-mail address, telephone number of a child. Any contact information must be directed to either Dog Kennel Hill Adventure Playground or another relevant organisation's address, for example another governing body or club.
  • Before publishing any information about a child, written consent must be obtained from the child’s parent or guardian. If the material is changed from the time of consent, the parents/guardians must be informed and consent provided for the changes.
  • The content of photographs or videos must not depict a child in a provocative pose or in a state of partial undress other than when depicting a sporting activity. Where relevant, a tracksuit may be more appropriate attire. Children must never be portrayed in a demeaning or tasteless manner.
  • For photographs or videos of groups or teams of children ensure that only the group or team is referred to, not individual members. Credit for achievements by a child are to be restricted to first names e.g. Tracey was Player of the Year 2022.
  • All published events involving children must be reviewed to ensure the information will not put children at risk. Any publications of specific meetings or child events e.g. team coaching sessions, must not be distributed to any individuals other than to those directly concerned.
  • Particular care must be taken in publishing photographs, film or videos of children who are considered particularly vulnerable e.g. the subject of a child protection issue or a custody dispute. • Particular care is to be taken in publishing photographs, films or videos of children with physical, learning and/or communication or language disabilities, as they could be particularly vulnerable to abuse. 8.4 Any concerns or enquiries about publications or Internet information should be reported to Dog Kennel Hill Adventure Playground’s Child Officer.
  • Responding to information received (disclosures) about a child

9.1 Information you receive about or from a child may fall into one of the following categories:

  • Suspicion or allegation of misconduct or inappropriate behaviour against an employee or volunteer of Dog Kennel Hill Adventure Playground
  • Suspicion or allegation of abuse against an employee or volunteer of Dog Kennel Hill Adventure Playground
  • Suspicion or allegation of misconduct or inappropriate behaviour against someone who is not an employee or volunteer

  • Suspicion or allegation of abuse against someone who is not an employee or volunteer

    9.2 If unclear about the nature of the information (and therefore which category the disclosure falls into) advice must be sought from the Child Protection Officer or the Police or Southwark child protection referral and assessment.

    9.3 It is not the responsibility of anyone from Dog Kennel Hill Adventure Playground to decide whether or not a child has been abused. It is however everyone's responsibility to report concerns.

    9.4 It is very important that Dog Kennel Hill Adventure Playground employees and volunteers understand what is meant by the term 'abuse'. The different types of abuse are: • Emotional Abuse

• Neglect • Physical Abuse • Sexual Abuse • Negative Discrimination (including racism) • Bullying (includes bullying by gangs; bullying by family members; physical bullying; verbal bullying; teasing; and harassment)

9.5 How to Listen to a Disclosure - It is important to listen carefully to the information a child discloses. When listening to a disclosure the following good practice is required:

• React calmly so as not to frighten the child. • Listen to the child. • Do not show disbelief. • Tell the child that he/she is not to blame and that he/she was right to tell. • Take what the child says seriously, recognising the difficulties inherent in interpreting what a child says, especially if they have a speech disability and/or differences in language. • Do not pre-suppose that the experience was bad or painful - it may have been neutral or even pleasurable. Always avoid projecting your own reactions onto the child. • If you need to clarify, keep questions to the absolute minimum to ensure a clear and accurate understanding of what has been said. • If you need to clarify or the statement is ambiguous, use open-ended, non-leading questions. • Do not introduce personal information from either your own experiences or those of other children • Reassure the child.

9.6 Actions to Avoid when receiving a disclosure: • Avoid panic. • Avoid showing shock or distaste. • Avoid probing for more information than is offered.

• Avoid speculating or making assumptions. • Avoid making negative comments about the person against whom the allegation has been made. • Avoid approaching the individual against whom the allegation has been made. • Avoid making promises or agreeing to keep secrets. • Avoid giving a guarantee of confidentiality.

9.7 Responding to a Suspicion or Allegation of Inappropriate Behaviour or Misconduct against Someone who is not an Employee or Volunteer of Dog Kennel Hill Adventure Playground - in the course of your role within Dog Kennel Hill Adventure Playground a child may disclose information to you about a person who is not an Employee or Volunteer that leads to a suspicion or allegation of inappropriate behaviour or misconduct. If the disclosure is about an incident that occurred during a Dog Kennel Hill Adventure Playground event or activity:

• Listen to the child as detailed above. • Acknowledge the information received. • Pass the information to both the manager of the event or activity and the Child Protection Officer and, if appropriate, the parents/guardians/carers of the child (see below - sharing Concerns with Parents, Guardians or Carers). • Make a full written record of the disclosure on the day you receive the disclosure. • Sign and date the record then pass it to the Child Protection Officer.

9.8 Responding to a Suspicion or Allegation of Inappropriate Behaviour or Misconduct against a Member of Dog Kennel Hill Adventure Playground - if you receive a disclosure that leads to a suspicion or allegation of inappropriate behaviour or misconduct against a member of staff or volunteer:

• Listen to the child as detailed above. • Acknowledge the information received. • Pass to the Child Protection Officer. • Make a full written record of the disclosure on the day you receive the disclosure. • Sign and date the record then pass to the Child Protection Officer.

9.9 Establishing the Basic Facts - The Child Protection Officer must clarify the basic facts to establish whether there is reasonable cause to suspect or believe that misconduct has occurred. If the basic facts support a suspicion or allegation of misconduct by a member, the matter will be dealt with in accordance with the Dog Kennel Hill Adventure Playground’s Disciplinary Procedure.

9.10 Responding to a Suspicion or Allegation of Abuse against Someone who is Not a Member of Staff or volunteer of Dog Kennel Hill Adventure Playground - All allegations of abuse must be taken seriously. Although false allegations of abuse do occur, they are less than usual. If a child says or indicates that he/she is being abused or information is obtained which gives concern that a child is being abused, you must react as soon as possible that day in line with the following procedures. Where there is uncertainty about whether the concern relates to abuse or misconduct, the Child Protection Officer must firstly be consulted for advice on the appropriate course of action. If the Child Protection Officer is unavailable, external agencies such as the Police and/or Southwark child protection referral and assessment must be consulted for advice. This is important because they have an overview of child protection issues and they may well have other information that together causes concern. 9.11 On receiving information about a non-member that leads to a suspicion or allegation of abuse: • Listen to the child. • Pass your concerns to the Social Work Department or the Police in the area where the abuse is alleged to have occurred immediately (they are available 24 hours a day). Act on any advice given. At the earliest opportunity tell the Child Protection Officer about the action taken. • Make a full written record of what has been seen, heard and/or told as soon as possible in the child’s own words. The information must, where known, include the following: • Name of child, date of birth of child, home address and telephone number of the child, the nature of the allegation in the child own words. Any times, dates or other relevant information. Whether the person making the report is expressing their own concern or the concerns of another person. The child’s account (if it can be given) of what has happened and how any injuries occurred. A description of any visible (when normally dressed) injuries or bruising, behavioural signs, indirect signs (do not examine the child). Details of any witnesses to the incident. Whether the child parents/guardians/carers have been contacted. Details of anyone else who has been consulted and the information obtained from them. If it is not the child making the report, whether the child has been spoken to, if so what was said. • Record, sign and date what you have seen, heard or been told.

• If making an electronic copy do not save to the hard drive or floppy disk. Print off the record, sign and date, then delete the electronic copy, that day. • Pass the record to the Social Work Department or the Police.

Remember: Listen; Respond; Report and Record

9.12 Responding to a Suspicion or Allegation of Abuse against a member of staff or volunteer of Dog Kennel Hill Adventure Playground - the feelings caused by the discovery of potential abuse by a member of staff or volunteer will raise different issues, e.g. disbelief that a member of staff or volunteer would act in this way. It is not the responsibility of a member of staff to take responsibility or to decide whether or not a child has been abused. However, it is the responsibility of the individual to act on any concerns. 9.13 Any information that raises concern about the behaviour of a member of staff towards a child must be passed on as soon as possible that day, in accordance with these procedures. No member of staff or volunteer in receipt of such information shall keep that information to himself/ herself or attempt to deal with the matter on their own. 9.14 These Procedures aim to ensure that all suspicions and/or allegations of abuse against a member are taken seriously and are dealt with in a timely and appropriate manner. They must be read in conjunction with Dog Kennel Hill Adventure Playground’s Disciplinary Procedures. 9.15 On receiving information about a member that leads to a suspicion or allegation of abuse: • Listen to the child. • Pass your concerns on the day to the Child Protection Officer or if not available, Southwark child protection referral and assessment or the Police in the area where the abuse is alleged to have occurred (these are available 24 hours a day). Act on any advice given. • Make a full written record of what has been seen, heard and/or told as soon as possible in the child’s own words. • Sign and date the record including what you have seen, heard or been told, that day. • If making an electronic copy do not save to the hard drive or floppy disk. Print the record, sign and date, then delete the electronic copy, that day. • Pass the record to the Child Protection Officer or the Southwark child protection referral and assessment or Police.

9.16 Actions for the Child Officer when Concerns are Reported - establish basic facts: the Child Protection Officer must initially clarify the basic facts to establish whether there is reasonable cause to suspect or believe that a member of staff or volunteer may have abused a child. If the basic facts support a suspicion or allegation of abuse: • The Child Officer will refer the suspicion and/or allegation to Southwark child protection referral and assessment and the Police as soon as possible that day. • Appropriate steps may be required to ensure the safety of the child(ren) who may be at risk. • A record should be made of the name and designation of the Southwark child protection referral and assessment member of staff or the Police Officer to whom the concerns were passed, together with the time and date of the call, in case any follow up is required. • Following advice from the Southwark child protection referral and assessment and/or Police, the parent/guardian of the child should be contacted as soon as possible.

9.17 Possible Outcomes following advice from Police - Where the initial enquiry reveals that there is reasonable cause to suspect or believe that a member of staff or volunteer has abused a child and there will be an investigation. There are three types of investigation that can result: • A disciplinary investigation • A child protection investigation • A criminal investigation Following advice from the Police, disciplinary action may be taken in cases where a criminal investigation is ongoing provided sufficient information is available to enable a decision to be made and doing so does not jeopardise the criminal investigation.

9.18 Managing the Member Against Whom the Allegation has Been Made - Following advice from the Police, if the decision is made that the member of staff or volunteer against whom the allegation has been made is to be informed, the member of staff should be told an allegation has been made which suggests abuse. It is essential to preserve evidence for any criminal proceedings while at the same time safeguarding the rights of the member of staff or volunteer. 9.19 Suspension - Suspension is not a form of disciplinary action. The member may be suspended whilst an investigation is carried out. Suspension will be carried out by the Management committee in accordance with Dog Kennel Hill Adventure Playground 's Disciplinary Procedures.

9.20 At the suspension interview the member will be informed of the reason suspension is taking place and given the opportunity to give a statement should he/she wish. Notification of the suspension and the reasons will be conveyed in writing to the member in accordance with Dog Kennel Hill Adventure Playground’s Disciplinary Procedures. 9.21 Managing False or Malicious Allegations - Where after investigation, the allegation is found to be false or malicious the member of staff or volunteer will receive an account of the circumstances and/or investigation and a letter confirming the conclusion of the matter. The member of staff or volunteer involved may wish to seek legal advice. All records pertaining to the circumstances and investigation will be destroyed. Where this involves a member of staff or volunteer of Dog Kennel Hill Adventure Playground, they will be advised of the appropriate counselling services available. 9.22 Managing Allegations of Historical Abuse - Allegations of abuse may be made some time after the event e.g. an adult who was abused as a child by a member of staff or volunteer who is still currently working with children. Where such an allegation is made the procedures for managing allegations of abuse must be followed.

  1. Sharing concerns with Parents, Guardians or Carers

10.1 There is always a commitment to work in partnership with parents or guardians or carers where there are concerns about a child. Therefore, in most situations, not involving the possibility of the abuse of a child, it would be important to talk to parents/guardians/carers to help clarify any initial concerns. For example, if a child seems withdrawn, he/she may have experienced an upset in the family, such as a parental separation, divorce or bereavement. Common sense is advised is these situations however advice should be sought from the Child Protection Officer if there is any uncertainty about the appropriate course of action. 10.2 Allegations of Abuse - There are circumstances in which a child might be placed at even greater risk if concerns are shared e.g. where a parent/guardian/carer may be responsible for the abuse or not able to respond to the situation appropriately. In all cases of suspected or alleged abuse, advice and guidance must be sought from Southwark child protection referral and assessment or the Police as to who contacts the parents.