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KEEPING SAFE

INCLUDING THE INTERNET AND SOCIAL MEDIA

We all share a responsibility for safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and in the UK all organisations that work with children have a legal requirement to have appropriate policies and procedures in place.

This includes:

  • Policies for safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, including a child protection policy.
  • A recruitment procedure that includes arrangements for appropriate checks on new staff and volunteers.
  • Arrangements to ensure staff and volunteers receive training; are aware of the appropriate codes of practice for working with children; and are aware of the procedures for reporting concerns they may have about the welfare of children they meet.
  • Appointing a designated person who is responsible for liaison with local child protection agencies and Ofsted on child protection issues.

Your denomination should be able to provide help with putting these policies and procedures in place and offer the appropriate training. Alternatively, or additionally, for detailed information, policy templates, training and regular updates on legislation and best practice join The Church and Child Protection Advisory Service (CCPAS).

organisations

ccpas

Child Church Protection Advisory Service (CCPAS)

Provides regular training events around the country and a variety of helpful publications and training DVDs.

Particularly helpful booklets to buy or download:

  • Help… I want to work safely with young people and children covers issues such as appropriate touching, being on your own with children, giving lifts in cars and taking children to the toilet.
  • Help… I want to communicate safelyaddresses the creation of an ICT policy that ensures that children are protected and the integrity of workers is safeguarded, covering the use of email, mobile phones, chat and messenger services, and the use of photographs of children on web sites.
  • Help… how can I support a child who has been abused? covers pastoral care, behavioural issues, spiritual issues, anger and forgiveness.
  • Help… something bad happened to me is a booklet for children aged 8-10.
ofsted

Ofsted

Childcare is defined in UK law as any form of care for a child including education or any other supervised activity. Under the provisions of the Childcare Act 2006, childcare providers caring for children under eight years must register with Ofsted unless the law says they are exempt. Generally church groups meeting for less than 2 hours a week are exempt. Up to date information is on the web site.

dayprogramme

The DAY Programme

DAY is a multimedia programme that raises awareness and provides education about domestic abuse and child sexual exploitation in a relevant way to teenagers. They have produced a free resource to help parents understand the need to have conversations with younger children about online pornography including a PowerPoint presentation, a parent’s guide and a short video, ‘creepy, naked stuff’ that can be used as a conversation starter with children.

nakedtruth

The Naked Truth Project

1 in 3 ten-year olds have seen porn online. The Naked Truth Project has useful information for leaders.