Purpose of This Policy:

• to protect children and young people who participate in Reel Kids Club, LLC activities from harm. This includes the children of adults who are involved with Reel Kids.

• to provide staff and volunteers, as well as children and young people and their families, with the overarching principles that guide our approach to child protection.

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This policy applies to anyone working on behalf of Reel Kids Club, LLC, including paid staff, volunteers, sessional workers, and students.

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We believe that:

• children and young people 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 and to practice in a way that protects them.

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We recognize that:

• the welfare of children is paramount in all the work we do and in all the decisions we make

• working in partnership with children, young people, their parents, guardians and other agencies is essential in promoting young people’s welfare

• all children, regardless of age, disability, gender, race, or religious beliefs or have an equal right to protection from all types of harm or abuse

• some children are additionally vulnerable because of the impact of previous experiences, their level of dependency, communication needs or other issues

• extra safeguards may be needed to keep children who are additionally vulnerable safe from abuse.

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Appendix – Safer Working Practices 

Staffing Levels

It is the responsibility of the group leader to consider individual circumstances and arrange sufficient supervision to ensure the safety and effective management of all activities.

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The following issues must be considered when determining appropriate numbers of helpers:

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• the gender of the group – if mixed, then staff members should also be mixed, where possible the duration of the activity

• the competence and experience of the staff providing oversight and support

• the age of the group – staff should have the appropriate skills for the age they are working with

• children with additional support needs, such as physical disabilities, behavioural or mental health problems – extra staff may be necessary

• the size and layout of the room or outdoor area and any particular issues that may be relevant to that location

• young people attending who are being encouraged to develop their leadership skills through helping. They should always be overseen by an appointed worker who will be responsible for ensuring that good practice and safeguarding procedures are followed, and the work they are doing is appropriate to both their age and understanding. Only those over 18 can be counted as part of the staff to child ratio.

• first aid cover

• the nature of the activity, what this involves and what tasks there will be for children

• There should be a minimum of two adults present at any activity (it is recommended that there be at least one male and one female) in line with the ratios below. Staff ratios should also be based on a risk assessment (e.g. increased ratios for outdoor or activities).

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Unaccompanied Children

Reel Kids Club, LLC is designed for children ages 8-11. It is advisable that children under the age of 11 years should be taken to and collected from the church/school where Reel Kids is being hosted. 

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Action on Arrival of an Unaccompanied Child

On occasion, a child may be sent to Reel Kids on their own without prior arrangement or decide to attend Reel Kids themselves. Where possible, the following steps should be taken by a party who has been cleared to work with children in regulated activity.

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The following actions should be taken if an unaccompanied child arrives on church/school premises:

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1. Make them welcome and reassure them that they are not at fault.

2. Confirm their name(s) and try to find out who the parent/guardian is and their contact details.

3. If the child says anything that suggests there may be a safeguarding issue, the church's/school's safeguarding officer should be contacted for guidance.

4. If there are no safeguarding concerns that involve the parent/guardian, contact them and discuss the following topics:

   • Confirm the child’s location and that they are safe.

   • Provide details of the party who is looking after them and the activity the child has come to attend.

   • Get permission for the child to remain.

   • Provide a consent form and request that they complete it as soon as possible.

   • Obtain contact information for the child’s next of kin and details of allergies or other health conditions.

   • Ensure that the parent/carer is made aware of the time the activity finishes and encourage them to collect their child at this time. Highlight the normal dropping off and pick up points for the activity.

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Children Not Collected from Reel Kids Session

The Reel Kids staff and church/school leaders should not be expected to be responsible for, or transport, children unless this has been arranged and agreed beforehand. The required provisions around the transportation of children must be followed if this becomes necessary.

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Where a child is not collected from an activity without prior agreement, the following steps should be taken:

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• The parent or guardian should be contacted to confirm whether it is safe for them to go home unescorted.

• If both the parent/guardian and activity leader deem it is safe for them to go alone, the child should be given details of the activity. The parents/guardians should be invited to discuss future arrangements.

• In the event the parent/guardian cannot be contacted, follow the above steps 1-3. The police should be called and the child reported as missing from home. If there are safeguarding concerns explain these to the police. Keep trying to contact the parent/guardian unless the police advise you otherwise.

• Two church/school leaders should always remain with a child in these circumstances. If it is not possible to contact parent/guardian.

   

PLEASE NOTE: If there is a risk that the child may run away before a parent/carer or social care staff arrive then do not share with child that parent/guardian has been called. Make a note of their physical appearance including what they are wearing in case they run away and the police have to search for them. Also, consider moving to a place in the building that is less open so they cannot easily abscond, and try to keep the child occupied with an activity in the meantime. If the child leaves the building or premises, then it is not advisable to follow the child as this can make their behaviour more unpredictable and dangerous (e.g. with traffic in their attempt to get away). Church staff should not leave until all children have departed.

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Involving Other Agencies

In certain situations, there may be a need to involve other agencies. If a child were very young, it would not be appropriate for them to attend church or any activities on their own. This would be regarded as neglect on the part of their parent or carer. If a parent/guardian is insistent that their child can attend and return home on their own and you do not feel that this is appropriate, you should contact your designated safeguarding officer (DSO). They will provide advice on what to do next. If you are unable to get in touch with your DSO and the situation cannot wait, children’s social care should be contacted for advice. Firstly, however you should let the parent/guardian know of your intention to get in touch with children’s social care. This will help to maintain a positive working relationship with the family and may encourage the parent/guardian to collect their child.

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In the event a child tells you something that indicates they may be at risk of harm (for example, the child has a visible bruise or injury and tells you a parent/carer caused this), you should contact your DSO immediately for advice and support. Should you be unable to contact your DSO, or if the situation requires urgent action, contact children’s social care. If you are unable to get in touch with them, call the police who will be able to give you guidance. Always make sure you inform your DSO.

 

Children under 11 who regularly attend on their own without prior arrangement

If there do not appear to be any safeguarding issues and the child is routinely attending church/school on their own, parents/guardians should be contacted so a discussion can take place. The reasons for their lone attendance should be discussed and any safety implications. Other options for escorting them should be explored.

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If it is not possible to avoid lone attendance, a risk assessment should be undertaken in conjunction with parents/guardians and the DSO to consider whether this can be supported in the local church/school. The following areas should be considered:

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• how the child would get to and from church/school

• their level of maturity

• the child’s wishes and feelings

• the views of parents/guardians

• the availability of staff or volunteers who are cleared to undertake regulated activity to escort the child

• any risks that may arise from lone attendance and how they might be minimized

• consideration of any persons who might present a risk on site

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If the outcome of the assessment suggests lone attendance is supported, arrangements should be agreed upon and recorded. Parents/guardians should provide written consent for these arrangements. If the outcome suggests that lone attendance cannot be supported, other alternatives in the locality should be considered.

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Mixed-Age Activities

As Reel Kids is a mixed-age activity, care should be taken to ensure that children are supervised. Separate changing facilities should be provided when needed for adults and children and different genders. Children should be supervised only by those authorized to do so. Background checks are not required for adults in those groups who do not have specific responsibility for children.

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Safe Environment

 In a prominent place where everyone can see it, the names and phone numbers of governmental support agencies should be on display. Undertake a risk assessment for each activity and in greater detail for an unusual activity or when away from the usual location.

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Insurance, first aid kits and fire precautions should be checked and a health and safety check should be completed regularly with reference to the following minimum standards.

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When evaluating a venue to host Reel Kids, the following should be considered:

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• The meeting place should be warm, well lit and well ventilated. It should be kept clean and free of clutter.

• Fire exits should be checked regularly and clearly marked. The fire exits should not be blocked or obstructed.

• Electric socket covers must never be used as they present a safety hazard. 

• Toilets and hand basins with hygienic drying facilities should be easily available.

• Appropriate space and equipment should be available for any intended activity.

• If food is regularly prepared on the premises, the facilities should be in compliance with the appropriate governmental agency. 

• If children bring packed lunches, the lunches should be kept refrigerated.

• Drinks should be available.

• Groups must have access to a phone in order to call for help if necessary.

• Adults must be aware of the fire procedures.

• Unaccompanied children or adults deemed vulnerable should be discouraged from walking along dark and badly lit paths in or outside of the premises.

• Suitable provision for first aid must be available.

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Special Needs

If a child or adult has special needs, welcome them to the group. Try to make the premises, toilets and access suitable for their needs. Ask the parents/guardians how best to meet the person’s needs. If premises are being redesigned or refurbished, take the opportunity to anticipate the possible special needs of future children and adults.

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Disability legislation requires organizations to take reasonable steps to meet the needs of disabled people, and this includes children.

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Children and young people who self harm or who have mental health needs

Some children and young people self-harm to help them express their emotions. Others may express thoughts of self-harm or suicidal intent. If any child or young person expresses thoughts of suicide, advice should be sought immediately. The group leader should be informed and discussions should take place about the need to inform parents/carers and involve other services. If the situation is not urgent, consideration should still be given to contacting parents/carers and referring to appropriate agencies who can offer support.

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Vulnerable Children and Young People

Some children and young people are more vulnerable than others to being victims or child sexual exploitation, human trafficking and modern day slavery. If it is suspected that a child or young person is affected by any of these issues, the group leader should be informed and further advice sought from the DSO and statutory authorities.

 

Whistleblowing

Concerns about safer practice and behaviour should always be raised as soon as possible. If any member, volunteer or employee feels that any adult is or has behaved inappropriately towards a child, they should speak to a group leader of an activity in the first instance or a church, circuit or district safeguarding officer or statutory services.

 

Drug and Alcohol Use

Drugs and alcohol are strictly forbidden while participating in Reel Kids activities. This applies to staff, volunteers, visitors, children and young people. If drug or alcohol use is suspected, the group leader must be informed and a discussion should take place about informing parents/carers. Consideration should be given to the need to inform the police and for a referral to appropriate support services.

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