Safeguarding & Child Protection Policy
The Piie Club
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Last updated: [Insert date]
Next review date: [Insert date]
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1. Statement of Intent
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The Piie Club is fully committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children in our care. We believe that every child has the right to feel safe, respected, and protected from harm, abuse, and neglect. Safeguarding is central to all that we do and is the responsibility of everyone involved in The Piie Club.
This policy applies to all staff, volunteers, contractors, and anyone working on behalf of The Piie Club.
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2. Our Values and Ethos
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Rooted in Christian values and open to all, The Piie Club upholds the dignity, worth, and wellbeing of every child. We aim to create an environment that is safe, nurturing, inclusive, and supportive, where children are encouraged to thrive emotionally, socially, physically, and spiritually.
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3. Legal Framework
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This policy is informed by and complies with the following legislation and guidance:
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Children Act 1989 and 2004
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Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE)
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Working Together to Safeguard Children
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The Education Act 2002
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The Equality Act 2010
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The UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR)
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4. Definitions of Safeguarding and Child Protection
Safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children includes:
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Protecting children from maltreatment
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Preventing impairment of children’s health or development
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Ensuring children grow up in circumstances consistent with safe and effective care
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Taking action to enable all children to have the best outcomes
Child protection is part of safeguarding and refers to actions taken to protect
specific children who are suffering, or are likely to suffer, significant harm.
5. Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)
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The Piie Club has a Designated Safeguarding Lead responsible for overseeing safeguarding practices.
Designated Safeguarding Lead:
Name: Ama Asamoah
Contact: contact@ThePiieClub.com
In the absence of the DSL, concerns should be reported to the Deputy DSL or, if necessary, directly to local safeguarding authorities.
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6. Roles and Responsibilities
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The Piie Club will:
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Ensure safeguarding policies are implemented and reviewed regularly
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Provide safeguarding training for all staff and volunteers
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Maintain safer recruitment practices
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Work in partnership with parents, carers, schools, and external agencies
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Staff and Volunteers will:
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Act in the best interests of the child at all times
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Be alert to signs of abuse or neglect
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Follow reporting procedures without delay
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Maintain professional boundaries
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Promote a culture of openness and trust
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7. Safer Recruitment
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The Piie Club is committed to safer recruitment practices, including:
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Enhanced DBS checks for all staff and volunteers
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Verification of identity and right to work
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Reference checks
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Safeguarding training as part of induction
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8. Recognising Signs of Abuse
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Staff and volunteers are trained to recognise indicators of abuse, including:
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Physical abuse
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Emotional abuse
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Sexual abuse
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Neglect
Signs may include unexplained injuries, changes in behaviour, withdrawal, fearfulness, or disclosure by a child.
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9. Responding to Safeguarding Concerns
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If a safeguarding concern arises:
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Listen carefully and reassure the child
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Do not promise confidentiality
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Record the concern accurately and promptly
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Report immediately to the DSL
The DSL will decide the appropriate course of action, which may include referral to local safeguarding services.
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10. Allegations Against Staff or Volunteers
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Any allegation against a member of staff or volunteer must be reported immediately to the DSL. The Piie Club will follow local authority procedures and, where necessary, involve the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO).
11. Online Safety
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The Piie Club recognises the importance of online safety. Measures include:
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Appropriate supervision during digital activities
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Safe use of devices and online platforms
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Clear guidance on photography and social media use
12. Confidentiality and Information Sharing
Information will be shared only on a need-to-know basis and in line with data protection laws. Safeguarding concerns override confidentiality where a child’s safety is at risk.
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13. Health and Safety
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We maintain safe premises and appropriate risk assessments for all activities, including off-site visits and outdoor learning.
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14. Equality and Inclusion
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The Piie Club is committed to ensuring safeguarding for all children, including those with additional needs or vulnerabilities. Discrimination, bullying, or exclusion will not be tolerated.
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15. Whistleblowing
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Staff and volunteers are encouraged to report concerns about poor practice or safeguarding failures without fear of reprisal. Concerns can be raised with the DSL or relevant authorities.
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16. Review of Policy
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This policy will be reviewed annually or sooner if there are changes in legislation or practice.
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17. Contact Information
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If you have any safeguarding concerns relating to The Piie Club, please contact:
The Piie Club
Designated Safeguarding Lead: Ama Asamoah
Email: dnl_n.15@hotmail.com
In an emergency, contact local children’s social care or the police on 999.
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Safeguarding Code of Conduct
The Piie Club
This Code of Conduct outlines the standards of behaviour expected of all staff, volunteers, contractors, and anyone working on behalf of The Piie Club. It exists to protect children, staff, and the organisation.
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Professional Boundaries
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All adults working with children at The Piie Club must:
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Treat all children with respect, dignity, and fairness
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Act as positive role models at all times
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Maintain clear and appropriate professional boundaries
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Avoid favouritism or forming inappropriate relationships
Physical contact must always be appropriate, necessary, and in line with the activity being undertaken. Any contact should be open, observable, and never secretive.
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Appropriate Behaviour
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Staff and volunteers must:
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Use appropriate language at all times
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Never use physical punishment, intimidation, or humiliation
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Never engage in sexualised behaviour or conversation
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Never be alone with a child without transparency and purpose
Communication
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Communication with children should always be:
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Age-appropriate
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Professional
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In line with The Piie Club’s values
Staff should not communicate with children via personal social media, personal phone numbers, or private messaging platforms.
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Photography and Media
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Photographs or videos of children may only be taken using authorised devices and with written parental consent. Images must never be stored on personal devices or shared without permission.
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Reporting Concerns
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Any safeguarding concern, disclosure, or allegation must be reported immediately to the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL). Failure to report concerns may result in disciplinary action.
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2. Parent-Friendly Safeguarding Summary
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Keeping Your Child Safe at The Piie Club
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At The Piie Club, your child’s safety and wellbeing are our highest priority. We are committed to creating a safe, caring, and supportive environment where every child feels valued and protected.
All staff and volunteers are carefully recruited, trained in safeguarding, and DBS checked. We have clear procedures in place to identify and respond to any concerns about a child’s safety or wellbeing.
Children are encouraged to speak up, share their worries, and know that they will be listened to and supported. Any concerns raised by children, parents, or carers are taken seriously and acted upon promptly.
We work closely with parents, carers, schools, and safeguarding professionals to ensure the best outcomes for children. Information is shared only when necessary to keep children safe.
If you ever have a safeguarding concern or question, we encourage you to speak to us directly.
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3. Ofsted-Aligned Safeguarding Statement
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The Piie Club
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Safeguarding is embedded in the culture, practice, and ethos of The Piie Club. We recognise our statutory responsibility to safeguard and promote the welfare of children and act in line with current safeguarding legislation and guidance, including Keeping Children Safe in Education.
Our safeguarding arrangements ensure that:
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Children are protected from harm, abuse, and neglect
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Staff understand their safeguarding responsibilities
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Concerns are identified and acted upon promptly
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Safer recruitment practices are followed
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Children’s voices are heard and respected
We regularly review safeguarding practices, provide ongoing training, and maintain clear reporting and escalation procedures. Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility, and we promote a culture of vigilance, transparency, and accountability.
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4. Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) – Role Description
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The Piie Club
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Purpose of the Role
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The Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) has lead responsibility for safeguarding and child protection at The Piie Club, ensuring that policies, procedures, and practices are effectively implemented and followed.
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Key Responsibilities
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The DSL will:
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Act as the main point of contact for safeguarding concerns
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Receive, record, and assess safeguarding disclosures
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Make referrals to children’s social care or other agencies where appropriate
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Maintain accurate and confidential safeguarding records
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Provide guidance and support to staff and volunteers
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Ensure safeguarding training is completed and up to date
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Liaise with schools, parents, and external professionals
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Review and update safeguarding policies annually
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Skills and Knowledge
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The DSL must:
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Have up-to-date safeguarding training
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Understand child protection procedures and thresholds
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Be confident in decision-making and escalation
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Communicate effectively and sensitively
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Accountability
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The DSL is accountable to the leadership of The Piie Club and must always act in the best interests of the child.