At five Children's Centre we follow best practice guidelines concerning Child Protection in order to improve our safeguarding children procedures. We will always use this document with volunteers, staff new to the service including supply staff, our board of directors and contractors who carry out work in our building.

It is a simple tool that helps to send out the message that this is an aware organisation.

Below is a summary of our Child Protection Policy

• Staff and others in regular contact with children and young people are in a position to get to know them well, to develop trusting relationships, observe changes in behaviour and may be chosen by the young person to share confidence and concerns. Regrettably, there are occasions where child abuse is alleged or suspected. All such situations must be taken seriously.
• It is the policy of Five Children's and Families Trust to safeguard the welfare of children and all others involved in our activities by protecting them from physical, sexual and emotional harm.
• It is the responsibility of each adult visiting or working in our centre to ensure that his/her behaviour is appropriate at all times. A Code of Behaviour is included in this document to give positive guidance for all adults. It is essential that all adults follow the Code of Behaviour whether they work with children, young people or not. Details of the steps to take if abuse is alleged or suspected are also included in this document, although more detailed Child Protection Guidelines are also available to all staff.
• If there is an allegation or suspicion of abuse then this must be reported immediately to the Child Protection Co-ordinator, Susan Roberts or the Head of establishment, whose responsibility it is to refer to social services / police (who are the investigative agencies). At all times the welfare of the young person is paramount. Swift reporting will enable the investigative agency to give advice and take appropriate action.
• These procedures exist not to discourage adults from being involved in the life of Five Children's and Families Trust but to ensure, as far as possible, that people who may abuse children do not get the opportunity to do so.