The Design Table Safeguarding Policy

1. Statement of Purpose

The Design Table (the Organisation, we, our, or us) is committed to the welfare and safety of all children we work with. We will safeguard all Beneficiaries without discrimination and in accordance with UK laws.

2. Scope of this Safeguarding Policy

• This Policy explains how The Design Table prevents harm via its practices and its Staff Members’ conduct.

• Applies to all activities involving children, primarily Art, Design, and Craft activities.

• Applies to all individuals working for or on behalf of The Design Table, including employees, volunteers, and interns.

• This Policy may be amended at our absolute discretion.

3. Defining Safeguarding

• Safeguarding: Work aimed at preventing or responding to harm or risks of harm to vulnerable individuals, particularly children.

• Children: Individuals younger than 18 years old.

• Safeguarding Concern: Any conduct or situation known or reasonably suspected by a Staff Member that risks violating our safeguarding commitments.

4. Key Measures to Safeguard Beneficiaries

• Training: Staff will be trained to recognize and report safeguarding concerns.

• Reporting Concerns: Staff will follow reporting procedures for any safeguarding concerns.

• Response: All reported concerns will be handled promptly and fairly.

• Recruitment: Appropriate pre-employment checks (e.g., DBS checks) will be conducted.

• Transparency: Information about our safeguarding procedures will be provided to Beneficiaries and Staff Members.

• Review: Regularly review safeguarding policies to ensure they remain up-to-date and suitable.

5. Responsibilities of Staff Members

• Promote Safety: Uphold The Design Table’s policies and UK laws on safeguarding.

• Training: Actively participate in assigned training.

• Reporting: Report any safeguarding concerns immediately.

• Conduct: Never engage in or facilitate abuse, exploitation, or any activity that risks the safety of Beneficiaries.

6. Procedures: Reporting

• Immediate Action: If a child is in immediate danger, call 999.

• Report to DSL: Contact Chanel Bartley (thedesigntableclub@gmail.com, 07494852720) with a written account.

• Recording Concerns: Use the designated safeguarding report form to document concerns factually.

7. Procedures: Investigation and Response

• Initial Response: DSL will acknowledge receipt of the report and begin an initial assessment.

• Assessment: DSL will assess the severity and decide if external referral is needed.

• Consultation: DSL may consult with external safeguarding professionals or the Local Safeguarding Children Board (LSCB).

• Referral: DSL will make a formal referral to appropriate external agencies if necessary.

• Internal Follow-Up: Ongoing support to the child and involved staff members.

• Record Keeping: Maintain detailed, secure records of the concern and actions taken.

• Support for the Child: Ensure appropriate support and protection throughout the process.

• Feedback: Provide feedback to the reporting staff member while respecting confidentiality.

• Review and Learning: Post-case review to identify lessons learned and improve safeguarding practices.

8. Supporting Documents and Other Protections

• Additional Documents: Include specific safeguarding considerations and rules for recruitment.

• Availability: Policies and procedures are available on request from HR or via line managers.

9. Contact Information

• Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL): Chanel Bartley

• Email: thedesigntableclub@gmail.com

• Phone: 07494852720

Quick Reference Guide: Safeguarding Policy

Immediate Danger: Call 999.

Report to DSL: Contact Chanel Bartley (thedesigntableclub@gmail.com, 07494852720) with a written account.

Use Reporting Form: Document concerns factually.

Responsibilities:

• Promote safety.

• Follow policies and laws.

• Participate in training.

• Report concerns immediately.

Safeguarding Procedures:

1. We follow the safeguarding procedures outlined by the Borough of Richmond Upon Thames and comply with any specific guidance provided by Ofsted. This includes reporting procedures, escalation pathways, and collaboration with relevant external agencies, such as children's services and the police, where necessary.

Training and Awareness:

1. We provide regular safeguarding training and updates for all staff and volunteers to ensure they are equipped with the knowledge and skills to recognize and respond to safeguarding concerns effectively. This includes training on signs of abuse, reporting procedures, maintaining professional boundaries, and first aid training.

Confidentiality:

1. All safeguarding concerns will be handled with the utmost confidentiality, in line with data protection regulations and our duty to safeguard children and young people. Information will only be shared on a need-to-know basis and in accordance with the guidance of the Borough of Richmond Upon Thames, Ofsted, and our internal safeguarding procedures.

Review and Monitoring:

1. This safeguarding policy will be reviewed annually to ensure it remains up-to-date and effective. We also conduct regular monitoring and evaluation of our safeguarding practices to identify any areas for improvement and ensure ongoing compliance with statutory requirements.

Contact Information:

If you have any safeguarding concerns or queries, please contact our designated safeguarding lead:

Chanel Bartley

1. thedesigntableclub@gmail.com

Photography and Consent:

1. We may occasionally take photographs or videos during after-school sessions and holiday workshops for promotional and documentation purposes. These photos will be used to showcase the activities and achievements of the participants and may be shared on our website, social media channels, or promotional materials. We will obtain consent from parents or legal guardians before taking any photographs or videos of children and young people participating in our sessions. Parents will have the option to specify whether they grant permission for their child's photo to be taken and whether they allow us to share these photos online. Any photos or videos taken will be stored securely and will not include personal details or identifying information of the children. They will only be used for the purposes stated above and will be deleted after a reasonable period of time. Participants and their parents or legal guardians have the right to withdraw consent for photography or sharing of photos at any time. If consent is withdrawn, we will ensure that no further photographs or videos of the individual are taken or shared.

First Aid Training

1. In addition to our commitment to safeguarding, Chanel Bartley is trained in first aid to provide immediate assistance in the event of accidents or medical emergencies during club sessions. This ensures that participants receive prompt and appropriate care when needed.