August 2017

OUR SAFEGUARDING POLICY

This policy applies to all staff, including those at Director level, paid staff, volunteers, students, those on work experience or anyone working on behalf of Max Ski.

The purpose of this policy is:

To protect children and young people who receive Max Ski’s services. This includes the children of adults who use our services;
To provide staff and volunteers with the overarching principles that guide our approach to safeguarding.

Max Ski believes that a child or young person should never experience abuse of any kind. We have a responsibility to promote the welfare of all children and young people and to keep them safe. We are committed to practice in a way that protects them.

LEGAL FRAMEWORK

This policy has been drawn up on the basis of law and guidance that seeks to protect children, namely:

Children Act 1989
United Convention of the Rights of the Child 1991.
Data Protection Act 1998
Sexual Offences Act 2003
Children Act 2004
Protection of Freedoms Act 2012
Relevant government guidance on safeguarding children.

We recognise that:

The welfare of the child is paramount, as enshrined in the Children Act 1989.
All children, regardless of age, disability, gender, racial heritage, religious belief, sexual orientation or identity, have a right to equal 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.
Working in partnership with children, young people, their parents, carers and other agencies is essential in promoting young people’s welfare.

WE WILL SEEK TO KEEP CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE SAFE BY:

Valuing them, listening to and respecting them.
Adopting child protection practices through procedures and a code of conduct for staff and volunteers.
Developing and implementing an effective e-safety policy and related procedures.
Providing effective management for staff and volunteers through supervision, support and training.
Recruiting staff and volunteers safely, ensuring all necessary checks are made.
Sharing information about child protection and good practice with children, parents, staff and volunteers.
Sharing concerns with agencies who need to know, and involving parents and children appropriately.

WE ARE COMMITTED TO REVIEWING OUR POLICY AND GOOD PRACTICE ANNUALLY

This policy was last reviewed by Tom and John Bedford (Directors) on 14th August 2017