Safeguarding Policy

Barkingside Art Club

Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy

1. Purpose of This Policy

The purpose of this policy is to:

Safeguard and protect all children, young people, and vulnerable individuals who participate in Barkingside Art Club activities.
Provide staff, volunteers, parents, carers and partner organisations with clear guidance on our approach to safeguarding and child protection.
Ensure consistent, safe practice across our weekly term-time programmes, holiday workshops, outdoor arts events, school-based activities, and all community pop-up engagements.

This policy applies to all individuals representing Barkingside Art Club, including the Director, paid staff, volunteers, students, visiting facilitators, and partner practitioners.

2. Legal and Policy Framework

This policy is underpinned by national legislation, statutory guidance and sector best practice, including but not limited to:

Children Act 1989 & 2004
Working Together to Safeguard Children (2018, updated 2023)
Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE)
Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006
The Equality Act 2010
Data Protection Act 2018 and UK GDPR

Guidance is aligned with the principles recommended by the NSPCC and local child protection procedures.

3. Our Commitment

At Barkingside Art Club, we believe that:

All children and young people have the right to feel safe, valued, respected and protected from harm.
The welfare of the child is paramount in every decision and action we take.
Children, young people, and families—particularly those with SEND—must have equitable access to creative opportunities in safe environments.
Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility, and strong partnership working is essential to protect children effectively.

We recognise that:

Some children and young people may be more vulnerable, including those with disabilities, additional needs, communication differences, trauma histories, or high levels of dependency.
Inclusive practice is central to safety, belonging and participation.
Transparent communication with parents, carers and external professionals strengthens safeguarding outcomes.

4. Our Context and Delivery Model

Barkingside Art Club operates as an inclusive registered arts centre based within Fullwell Cross Library and delivers:

Weekly juniors (ages 4–7), portfolio groups (8–16), Creative Ambassador programmes (11+), and specialist SEND sessions (4–16 and 16+).
Holiday programmes, weekend clubs, one-to-one sessions, outdoor arts events, and pop-up engagement spaces.
School-based workshops, library partnerships, and collaborations with community organisations.

Given our unique model, safeguarding must address:

A public library setting where toilets and corridors are shared with members of the public.
Multi-room activity delivery requiring structured movement, supervision and communication.
Engaging children with complex needs who may require predictability, sensory regulation support and clear boundaries.
A mixed environment where siblings and children of varying needs attend simultaneously.
Outreach events in public outdoor spaces, festivals, school halls, libraries and community venues.

5. Safeguarding Measures

To ensure the safety and well-being of all participants, Barkingside Art Club commits to:

5.1 Listening, Respecting and Valuing Children

Upholding children’s rights to be heard, included and treated with dignity.
Adapting communication for children with SEND.

5.2 Leadership and Accountability

Appointing a trained Designated Safeguarding Officer (DSO).
Ensuring all staff and volunteers understand their duty to act on concerns.

5.3 Safer Recruitment

Conducting enhanced DBS checks for staff and long-term volunteers.
Obtaining references and assessing suitability for working with children.

5.4 Training and Supervision

Providing safeguarding training and induction to all staff and volunteers.
Offering supervision, guidance, and clear role descriptions.

5.5 Safe Practice in a Public Library

Informing families that toilets are public spaces requiring parental supervision.
Ensuring children are not left unsupervised in library corridors or exits.
Implementing secure sign-in/sign-out procedures.
Ensuring children do not leave the premises without a parent or responsible adult.

5.6 Safe Practice During Pop-Up and Outdoor Events

Conducting risk assessments for every venue.
Ensuring adequate staffing ratios for SEND participants.
Using visual markers and boundaries for safe movement in busy public spaces.

5.7 Data Protection

Handling personal and sensitive information securely and in line with GDPR.
Restricting photos, videos or recordings unless permission is granted.

5.8 Record Keeping

Recording concerns, incidents, disclosures and actions taken.
Storing safeguarding records securely and confidentially.

5.9 Managing Concerns and Disclosures

Responding immediately to safeguarding concerns.
Reporting concerns to children’s services or police when required.
Ensuring transparency with parents/carers unless doing so increases risk.

5.10 Allegations Against Staff or Volunteers

Following clear procedures in line with statutory guidance.
Reporting to the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) when necessary.

5.11 Anti-Bullying Commitment

Maintaining an inclusive, respectful culture where discrimination or bullying is not tolerated.
Addressing incidents promptly and appropriately.

5.12 Whistleblowing

Ensuring staff and volunteers can raise concerns without fear of reprisal.

6. Safeguarding in SEND-Specific Contexts

Our safeguarding approach prioritises:

Consistency and predictability in sessions.
Clear communication tailored to participants’ needs.
Recognising signs of distress or dysregulation in non-verbal or semi-verbal children.
Ensuring staff and volunteers do not physically intervene unless absolutely necessary (e.g., to prevent immediate harm).
Encouraging parents of SEND children to remain accessible and engaged in early sessions.
Supporting children through changes, transitions and sensory needs.

7. Roles and Responsibilities

Designated Safeguarding Officer (DSO)

Name: Eliyah Qureshi (Director & Art Educator)
Email: admin@barkingsideartclub.com

Responsibilities include:

Managing safeguarding concerns and referrals.
Advising staff and volunteers on safeguarding matters.
Maintaining training and policy compliance.
Liaising with external agencies and professionals.

8. Key Safeguarding Contacts

NSPCC Helpline: 0808 800 5000
Childline (for young people): 0800 1111
Police (non-emergency): 101
Local Authority Children’s Services: Redbridge MASH
LADO (Local Authority Designated Officer): via Redbridge Council

9. Policy Review

This policy will be reviewed annually or sooner if:

Legislation changes,
There is a significant safeguarding incident, or
Barkingside Art Club expands or alters its delivery model.