Child Protection

CHILD PROTECTION POLICY

Cluny Kids recognise that child protection should not be treated in isolation. Cluny Kids will address the recruitment and selection of volunteers and paid employees by following the procedures set out below:

Cluny Kids accept that it is their responsibility to check that all adults with substantial access to children have been appropriately vetted and may include a Disclosure check.

Cluny Kids will ensure that every new volunteer or member of staff completes a personal profile form

Cluny Kids will request details of previous addresses on volunteer / job application forms.

Cluny Kids will ask for the names of two referees who would be prepared to provide a written reference.

Cluny Kids will follow up each reference with a telephone call or personal contact during which Cluny Kids will discuss the applicant's suitability to work with children. A record of this discussion will be kept in the applicant's file.

Cluny Kids will interview prospective volunteers and staff.

Cluny Kids will note at interview all previous experience of working with children held by volunteers and staff.

Cluny Kids will carry out a probationary period of at least 1 month for all volunteers and staff.

Cluny Kids believe that every child, regardless of age, has at all times and in all situations a right to feel safe and protected from any situation or practice that could result in a child being physically or psychologically damaged. Cluny Kids will take action if they have suspicions concerning a child's physical, sexual or emotional well-being.

All volunteers and / or staff are enctheiraged to share concerns with the staff member who has agreed to monitor child protection issues. If the situation is clearly an urgent case, if the child is too frightened to go home, or if Cluny Kids have very serious doubts about the child's safety, parents or guardians will be informed immediately.

It is important that all volunteers and staff communicate their concerns accurately. To this end, volunteers and staff will observe the following procedures:

Upon the receipt of any information from a child, or suspicions, it is necessary to accurately record what they have seen heard or know at the time the event occurs.

Share their concerns within Cluny Kids and agree action to be taken. This may include liaising with:

Local Area Social Work Office Phone: 08451555555 Ext 444112

Glenrothes Police Station Phone 01592 418600

Out of hours Social Work Emergency Service: Phone: 08451550099

Policy Statement for Cluny Kids, Cluny Clays, Cluny, Fife. KY2 6QU

Cluny Kids will:

Hold a register of every child involved with golf coaching and golf membership, including relevant medical details, and keep a contact name and number close to hand in case of emergencies.

Remember that some issues are confidential.

Wherever possible, plan activities which involve more than one adult being present, or at least conduct them within sight and hearing of others.

Be aware that their actions might be open to misinterpretation by others, even though they are well-intentioned.

Respect a child's right to personal privacy.

Provide time for children to talk to us.

Enctheirage children to respect and care for others.

Take action to stop any inappropriate verbal or physical behavitheir.

Have a group policy for the collection of children after meetings have finished.

Remember to refer, not investigate, any suspicions or allegations of abuse.

Only share concerns and seek support from the committee member identified to act as a monitor for child protection issues in the group's child protection policy.

Complete the vetting checklist.

Act if Cluny Kids have concerns, knowing that Cluny Kids may be providing the final piece of the jigsaw that is needed to protect that child, and Cluny Kids may prevent further children from being hurt.