SAFEGUARDING POLICY
All babies and toddlers hereafter referred to as ‘children’ who attend Warboys Parent and Toddler Group will be accompanied for the duration of the session by their parent/guardian/carer who is responsible for their care and wellbeing during the session. Parents/guardians/carers are reminded of this responsibility when they first start attending the group.
The purpose and scope of this document
Warboys Parent and Toddler Group abides by the duty of care to safeguard and promote the welfare of children and is committed to safeguarding practice that reflects statutory responsibilities, government guidance and complies with best practice requirements. We recognise the welfare of children is paramount in all that we do and in all the decisions we take. All children, regardless of age, disability, gender, race, religion or belief, or sexual orientation have an equal right to protection from all types of harm or abuse. We recognise that 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.
The purpose of this policy statement is:
- to protect children who attend the group from harm
- to provide volunteers, as well as children and their families, with the overarching principles that guide our approach to child protection.
This policy applies to any volunteers working in the group. Failure to comply with the policy and related procedures will be addressed without delay and may ultimately result in dismissal/exclusion from the organisation.
This policy has been drawn up on the basis of legislation, policy and guidance that seeks to protect children in England, including The Children Act 1989. A summary of the key legislation is available from nspcc.org.uk/learning.
How will we ensure children are safeguarded?
All children who attend Warboys Parent and Toddler Group will be accompanied for the duration of the class by their parent/guardian/carer who is responsible for their care and wellbeing during the group.
A copy of this policy will be displayed for the duration of the session and parents/guardians/carers will be asked to familiarise themselves with the policy. A copy will be available on the group’s website. It will outline the expectations of their behaviour in order to keep all children in attendance safe from harm.
All volunteers must have undergone a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. Any volunteers who have not had a DBS check must only have contact with the children in the presence of their parent/guardian/carer.
All volunteers should be aware of the Video and Photography Policy and understand that it is unlawful to photograph children without the explicit consent of the person with parental responsibilities.
Warboys Parent and Toddler Group will ensure that we provide a safe physical environment for the children, their families and volunteers, by applying health and safety measures in accordance with the law and regulatory guidance
Reporting of Safeguarding Concerns
Concerns may be reported confidentially to the Nominated Child Safeguarding Lead: Emma Bright
Concerns will be reported to the Local Authority or Police.
Children’s Social Care:
Contact Centre (for telephone referrals) 0345 045 5203
Emergency Duty Team (out of office hours) 01733 234724
Anyone with any child safeguarding concerns can contact the NSPCC Helpline on 0808 800 5000
We are committed to reviewing our policy and good practice annually. This policy was last reviewed on: 01/09/2026