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Safeguarding Policy

1. Purpose & Commitment

Fen & Wold Creative Hub is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children and young people who participate in our activities. We believe that every child has the right to feel safe, secure, and respected.

We operate in line with UK safeguarding legislation and guidance, including principles outlined by NSPCC and relevant statutory frameworks.

 

2. Scope

This policy applies to:

  • All staff, freelancers, and volunteers

  • All children and young people under the age of 18

  • All activities, sessions, and events delivered by our Fen & Wold Creative Hub, including those held at third-party venues

 

3. Key Principles

We will:

  • Prioritise the safety and wellbeing of children at all times

  • Provide a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment

  • Act promptly on any concerns regarding a child’s welfare

  • Ensure all staff understand their safeguarding responsibilities

  • Maintain clear procedures for reporting and responding to concerns

 

4. Legal Framework

This policy is informed by UK legislation and guidance, including:

  • Children Act 1989 and Children Act 2004

  • Working Together to Safeguard Children

  • Keeping Children Safe in Education

 

5. Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)

We appoint a Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) responsible for:

  • Overseeing safeguarding procedures

  • Acting as the main point of contact for concerns

  • Liaising with external agencies where required

  • Maintaining secure safeguarding records

DSL Name: Elle Palmer (Owner & Founder)
Contact Details: elle@fenandwold.com

 

6. Safer Recruitment & DBS Checks

We are committed to safer recruitment practices:

  • All staff working with children will undergo appropriate background checks through the Disclosure and Barring Service

  • References may be obtained where appropriate

  • Staff will receive safeguarding briefing or training prior to working with children

 

7. Staff Responsibilities

All staff, freelancers, and volunteers must:

  • Treat all children with respect and dignity

  • Maintain appropriate professional boundaries

  • Avoid situations where they are alone with a child where possible

  • Report any safeguarding concerns immediately

  • Never ignore or dismiss concerns raised by a child or third party

 

8. Recognising Signs of Abuse

Staff should be alert to potential signs of abuse, including:

  • Physical abuse (unexplained injuries)

  • Emotional abuse (withdrawal, anxiety)

  • Sexual abuse (inappropriate knowledge or behaviour)

  • Neglect (poor hygiene, unmet basic needs)

Concerns may arise from:

  • Direct disclosure

  • Observed behaviour

  • Third-party reports

 

9. Responding to Concerns or Disclosures

If a child discloses information:

  • Stay calm and listen carefully

  • Do not promise confidentiality

  • Reassure the child they have done the right thing

  • Record the information accurately as soon as possible

  • Report immediately to the DSL

Staff must not:

  • Investigate the concern themselves

  • Ask leading questions

  • Delay reporting

 

10. Reporting Procedures

All concerns must be reported to the DSL immediately.

The DSL will:

  • Assess the concern

  • Record details securely

  • Determine whether to escalate to local safeguarding services or the police

Where there is immediate risk of harm, emergency services should be contacted.

 

11. Record Keeping

  • All safeguarding concerns will be documented clearly and factually

  • Records will be stored securely and confidentially

  • Access will be limited to those with a legitimate safeguarding role

 

12. Working with Parents & Guardians

We aim to maintain open and transparent communication with parents/guardians. However:

  • Concerns may be reported to authorities without parental consent where necessary to protect a child

  • The child’s welfare is always the primary consideration

 

13. Online Safety & Photography

  • We obtain explicit consent before capturing or using images of children

  • Images are stored securely and used only for approved purposes

  • Staff must not use personal devices to photograph children

 

14. Code of Conduct

Staff must:

  • Act as positive role models

  • Use appropriate language at all times

  • Avoid physical contact unless necessary and appropriate

  • Not engage in private communication with children outside of approved channels

 

15. Health & Safety

Safeguarding is supported by strong health and safety practices:

  • Risk assessments for all sessions

  • Appropriate supervision ratios

  • Safe use of materials and equipment

 

16. Allegations Against Staff

Any allegation against a member of staff will be:

  • Taken seriously and acted upon immediately

  • Reported to appropriate authorities where necessary

  • Managed in line with safeguarding procedures

The individual may be suspended from duties pending investigation.

 

17. Whistleblowing

Staff are encouraged to report concerns about colleagues or practices without fear of retaliation. All concerns will be handled confidentially and appropriately.

 

18. Review & Monitoring

This policy will be reviewed annually or sooner if required by changes in legislation or operational needs.

 

19. Contact Information

For safeguarding concerns, contact:

Designated Safeguarding Lead: Elle Palmer, elle@fenandwold.com

For external support:

  • NSPCC Helpline - 0808 800 5000 help@nspcc.org.uk 

  • Local Authority Safeguarding Team (relevant to session location)

 

This policy is effective from: 13th May 2026

Next review date: 13th May 2027

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