Child Safeguarding Policy

October 2025

1. Purpose

This policy sets out the specific commitment of Pups in the Park to safeguard and promote the welfare of all children (persons under the age of 18) who attend our events. Its purpose is to ensure a safe, positive, and inclusive environment by establishing clear practices for preventing and responding to harm.

2. Scope

This policy applies to all Pups in the Park organisers, volunteers, and attendees, particularly in their interactions with children. It also applies to parents and guardians accompanying children. It covers all activities and events organised by Pups in the Park.

3. Definitions

4. Guiding Principles

• Child-Centred: The welfare of the child is, and must always be, the paramount consideration. We are committed to listening to children and respecting them.
• Zero Tolerance: Pups in the Park has a zero-tolerance approach to harm, abuse, and neglect. All suspicions and allegations of poor practice or abuse will be taken seriously and responded to swiftly and appropriately.
• Shared Responsibility: We believe everyone has a responsibility to promote the welfare of all children and young people, to keep them safe, and to practise in a way that protects them.
• Open Culture: We are committed to creating a safe and encouraging environment where children, young people, and adults feel comfortable sharing any concerns they may have without fear of judgement.

5. Policy Statements

5.1. Our Commitment

Pups in the Park is committed to practices that protect children from harm. We recognise that some children are additionally vulnerable because of the impact of discrimination, previous experiences, their level of dependency, or communication needs, and we will take proactive steps to include and protect them.

5.2. Equality and Diversity

We will give equal priority to keeping all children and young people safe regardless of their age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation.

5.3. Confidentiality

Information about safeguarding concerns will be shared on a strict need-to-know basis. However, our duty to safeguard children may override an individual's right to confidentiality. All information will be managed in line with UK data protection legislation.

Volunteers must never promise a child that they will keep a secret; they must explain that information may need to be shared with others who can help.

Where appropriate, we will inform parents and carers of our concerns and any referrals made, unless doing so would place the child at greater risk of harm.

5.4. Safer Recruitment & Training

Any relevant organisers and volunteers who have contact with children will be recruited in line with our safer recruitment procedure including enhanced DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) checks and references.

All organisers and volunteers will receive a safeguarding induction alongside refresher training ahead of each event. The DSL will undertake specific training for their role.

6. Roles and Responsibilities

• Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL): Is responsible for being the first point of contact for any safeguarding concerns, maintaining confidential records, providing support and guidance to volunteers, and making statutory referrals when required.
• Volunteers: Are responsible for being familiar with this policy and the code of conduct, modeling good practice, identifying and reporting concerns to the DSL without delay, and helping to maintain a safe and welcoming environment.
• Parents and Guardians: Are responsible for the supervision and welfare of children in their care.
• All Attendees: Are responsible for adhering to the code of conduct and reporting any concerns they may have.

7. Procedures

7.1. Recognising Concerns

It is not the responsibility of volunteers or attendees to diagnose abuse, but it is essential to recognise signs that might indicate a child is at risk of harm. Abuse can happen to any child, regardless of their background, and perpetrators can be anyone, including parents, other family members, or strangers.

Indicators of abuse or neglect in children may include, but are not limited to:

• Physical Signs: Unexplained bruises, burns, bites, or fractures; injuries that form a pattern (e.g., handprints or implement marks); untreated injuries; looking consistently dirty or unwashed.
• Behavioural Signs: Sudden changes in behaviour (e.g., becoming withdrawn or aggressive); fear of going home or of specific individuals; flinching at sudden movements; sexual knowledge or behaviour that is inappropriate for their age; regression in development (e.g., bedwetting).
• Neglect: Inadequate clothing for the weather; being consistently hungry or tired; poor personal hygiene; lack of supervision appropriate for their age and safety; failure to seek medical attention for illness or injury.
• Emotional Signs: Excessive clinging or attention-seeking; appearing terrified of making a mistake; lack of attachment to parents or carers; self-harm or eating disorders.
• Online Concerns: Being secretive about online activities; spending excessive time online; receiving gifts from unknown sources; looking at age-inappropriate content.

Volunteers should trust their instincts. If something feels wrong or a child’s welfare seems compromised, it must be reported in line with section 7.2.

7.2. Responding to and Reporting Concerns

1. If you believe a child is in immediate danger, contact the police on 999. Ensure you do not put yourself at risk.
2. If a child discloses:
   1. Listen carefully and patiently. Do not interrupt or ask leading questions. Never promise to keep secrets.
   2. Reassure the child that they have done the right thing and it is not their fault.
   3. Inform the child what you are going to do next. Ensure they understand you must pass the information on to keep them safe.
   4. Do not investigate or confront the alleged person(s).
3. Report your concern as soon as possible to the Designated Safeguarding Lead (Beck) or another identifiable volunteer. Provide a factual account of what you have seen or heard. Do not attempt to investigate yourself.
   Concerns can be reported directly via the online form
4. The DSL will make a written, confidential record of the concern, detailing the date, time, location, persons involved, and the nature of the concern, using the child's own words where possible. This record will be stored securely.
5. The DSL will assess the information and decide on the appropriate course of action. This will involve a referral to the local authority's Children's Social Care services and/or the police if a child is believed to be at risk of significant harm.

7.3. Allegations Against Volunteers or Organisers

Any allegation made against a volunteer or organiser will be dealt with swiftly. The DSL will report the allegation to the relevant Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) for investigation, in line with statutory guidance. Volunteers may be suspended during any investigations against them.

8. Supporting Documents

This policy is supported by a set of detailed procedures and additional policies that outline the steps all volunteers and organisers must take to keep children safe.

• Code of Conduct
• Safer Recruitment Procedure
• Online Safety Policy
• Event Safety Procedures (Including Risk Assessments)

9. Policy Review

This policy will be reviewed annually by the DSL to ensure it remains effective and fit for purpose. It will also be reviewed sooner in the event of a significant incident, or change in legislation or guidance. The next scheduled review date is October 2026

10. Contact

For any questions regarding this policy, or to report a non-urgent concern, please contact the DSL via safeguarding@pupsinthepark.uk.

If you have a concern about a child and cannot reach the DSL, or wish to seek external advice, you can contact:

• NSPCC Helpline: 0808 800 5000
• Childline (for children and young people): 0800 1111
• In an emergency where a child is at immediate risk of harm, call the police on 999.