Child Safeguarding Policy

ForestTots is an children’s club with a focus on woodland-themed activities, usually on 4-6 tuft trays. These activities include pretend mud, indoor garden, mud kitchen, herb cutting and organic play dough. Each activity is designed to immerse 3-5-year-olds into a sensory and role-play experience in a safe way.

 

As our club is aimed at toddlers, it is important that the parent/carer are responsible for the care and wellbeing of their children for the duration of these activities. A terms and conditions and allergen information sheet relating to all activities will be available for each parent/carer to check before the child enters ForestTots. 

 

The purpose of this policy is to protect young children who participate in ForestTots activities, and also to ensure that any adult that comes into contact with children is aware of their responsibilities in promoting the safeguarding and welfare of children.

 

This policy is based on UK legal and regulatory framework.

 

ForestTots, and Hopkins Leisure Limited, is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

 

We recognise that the welfare of the child is paramount. All children, regardless of age, gender, ability, race, religion or culture have the right to protection from harm. All suspicions/allegations of abuse will be taken seriously and responded to appropriately. We will work with children, their parents/carers and other agencies to promote the welfare of the children that use our services.

 

We will safeguard children by ensuring all staff and volunteers are aware of this safeguarding policy, and are trained to know how to report concerns of abuse or neglect. We will provide a safe and secure environment for children to participate in the activities, by risk assessing any venue and using indoor fencing and soft matting where needed. 

 

Natalie Hopkins is our trained designated safeguarding lead (DSL) who is responsible for child protection, liaising with other agencies if necessary. If there is any concerns about a child, these should be reported immediately to the DSL, or failing that, the Managing Director (Michael Hopkins). If a child is in immediate danger, you should call the police on 999.