Safeguarding

This relates to the actions taken to promote the welfare of children and protect them from harm whilst in the care of Motion Dance.

Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility.

Safeguarding is to:

· Protect children form abuse and maltreatment

· Prevent harm to children’s health and development

· Ensure that children can grow up with the provision of safe and effective care

· Enable children and young people to enjoy opportunities achieving the best outcome

Child Protection is part of the process of safeguarding. It focuses on protecting individual children identified as likely to or suffering significant harm. This includes Child Protection procedures which detail how to respond and record concerns about a child.

Motion Dance will be vigilant and identify if they believe a child may be at risk. If an allegation, incident or a suspicion of abuse is suspected or seen, the person receiving the information should:

· Focus on what you are being told or seen

· Listen carefully, avoid interrupting if you are being told significant events

· Take any such report seriously and give it immediate priority

· React in a calm and considerate manner

· Let the child, young adult or third party know that they are right to share this information

Give them reassurance that  you take what they are telling you seriously 

· You cannot assure confidentiality but you can explain that the information told to you will be given to individuals who can help.

· At all times offer reassurance

· Consider if the child or young adult is at immediate risk and therefore what action is required.

· Ensuring the safety of the young person is paramount.

· You should alert the appropriate authorities and stay with anyone you believe to be at immediate risk until they can be transferred to safe care, where practical.

· Never approach alleged abusers yourself.

· Comprehensively record what has been said or seen at the earliest opportunity, detailing the nature of the incident and any information which may be useful.

Safe guarding children and child protection guidance and legislation applies to all children up to the age of 18 years.