Please find below our comprehensive Safeguarding Policy.

To navigate, please click on the appropriate section.


Guideline 1
Adopt a policy statement - Our Policy Statement.

Guideline 2.
Plan the work of the organisation to minimize situations where the abuse of children may occur.

Guideline 3.
Provide a system whereby children may talk with, an independent person.

Guideline 4.
Apply agreed procedures for protecting children to all paid staff and volunteers.

Guideline 5.
Give all paid staff and volunteers clear roles.

Guideline 6.
Use supervision as a means of protecting children.

Guideline 7.
Treat all would-be paid staff and volunteers as applicants for any position involving contact with children.

Guideline 8.
Gain at least two references from a person. who has experience of the applicants paid work or volunteering with children where possible.

Guideline 9.
Explore all applicants’ experience of working or contact with children in an interview before appointment.

Guideline 10.
Find out whether an applicant has any convictions for criminal offences against children.

Guideline 11.
Make paid and voluntary appointments as an approved worker conditional on the successful completion of a probationary period.

Guideline 12.
Know how to deal with the disclosure or discovery of abuse.

Information from a Third party.

Guideline 13.
Train paid staff and volunteers, their group leaders and policy makers in the prevention of child abuse.

First Aid.

Fire safety.

Medication.

Telephone Numbers.

POLICY AND GUIDELINES FOR SAFEGUARDING CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE
AT WEST KIRBY METHODIST CHURCH
October 2008

Introduction to Policy: This is to replace all previous policies and amendments; the marked sections are for inclusion in the guideline booklet.

Safeguarding children and young people is the responsibility of the Church Council. The policy is based on Safeguarding February 2000 prepared by the Methodist Church as a response to The Children Act (1989) legislation and the subsequent Home Office codes of practice for safeguarding the welfare of children in voluntary organisations in England and Wales.

The policy encourages development of good practice to promote every child matters aims and objectives for all young people to be safe, healthy, enjoy and achieve, make a contribution and achieve economic well being. This policy also protects those who work with children and young people, and those who hold office within the church, from unfounded accusations or from behaving in ways which may be well intentioned but inadvisable. S.O.010 (2)(ii) (Safeguarding p41)

There is a continuing need for the Church to protect the young, those who work with them, and all come into contact with them. The policy provides a framework for action. It has implications for the whole church. We need to be at the forefront of good practice in our work with children and young people. It is a sign of a Christian community, which cares about all people.


Guideline 1. Adopt a policy statement - Our Policy Statement

As the people of West Kirby Methodist Church we are concerned with the wholeness of each individual within God’s purpose for everyone. We seek to safeguard all members of the church community, of all ages. We each have a duty of care to prevent the physical, emotional, sexual abuse and neglect of children and young people, and to report known or suspected abuse.

Responsibilities and Management of Policy: -

The policy applies to all work with children and young people up to the age of 18 years.

The policy applies to all work carried out under the auspices of West Kirby Methodist Church. S.O.010 (2) (ii) (Safeguarding p41)

The Church Council is responsible for the development, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of Policy and Procedures.

The Policy statement will be permanently displayed in the hall and foyer.

A review of policy will be on the agenda of the first Church Council in each connexional year.

‘Safeguarding children and young people’ will be on the agenda of all Church Council meetings, with the possibility of referral to other committees.

The Church Council will appoint a ‘Safe from Harm coordinator’ (who understands and supports the issues) for a maximum of 3 years.

The Circuit Administration Officer is responsible for: -

Issuing and monitoring receipt of the application/declaration/job description forms, checking details and ensuring that they are kept in the safe place at West Kirby Methodist Church. (All forms are confidential to the appointments panel. Guideline 9)

Issuing guidance for obtaining a Disclosure from the Criminal Records Bureau

Obtaining two references per applicant

The Safe from Harm coordinator’ is responsible for

Bringing the Policy statement and Guidelines to the attention of the Church community

Receipt and dissemination of updated information and materials

Keeping Safeguarding issues high profile within the life of the Church

Displaying the policy statement, other relevant communications and notices for children’s use (Guideline 3).

Arranging training for all workers, group leaders and policy makers, as and when appropriate

Liaison with Liverpool Methodist District Child Protection Group

Bringing the Policy Statement and Guidelines to the attention of the Church community and new workers who come into contact with children and young people together with amendments as necessary.

Arranging the interview process for new workers.




Guideline 2. Plan the work of the organisation to minimize situations where the abuse of children may occur

All organisations should plan their work so that where possible:

No adult is ever alone with a child or young person (this protects the child from abuse and adults from allegations of abuse

Staffing ratios are respected:

Crèche - 1:3
Church work with 4 - 11 year olds - 1:8
Church work with 12-18 year olds - 1:12

Particular activities e.g. vigorous sports/outdoor activities or work with children and young people with Special Needs may require a higher ratio.

Workers must consider adequate control, supervision and the ability to cope with an emergency in the event of injury or illness.

A minimum of 2 adults is present, at all times, on or off the premises.

Where the group is mixed, it is recommended that a male/female worker be present. Where an activity is organised by a husband/wife/partner, the appointment of a third neutral adult is advisable. In the event of a need to work 1 to 1 with a child, the worker informs the person to whom they are responsible, and the door will be left open.

Access by unwanted visitors is monitored.

No worker meets a child off Church premises without a parent/guardian present.

Transport as part of an organised activity needs careful consideration. When traveling by minibus a minimum of 2 adults should be present in the vehicle. When traveling by car, at least 2 passengers should always be present. Group Leaders/workers are not responsible for the transporting of children/young people to and from the premises, unless specifically arranged and negotiated with parents/carers. It is advisable to encourage parents/carers to deliver and collect children, as far as possible.

Prepare a register of names & addresses of children and young people and all adults who attend each session.

All records are kept safe and confidential.




Guideline 3. Provide a system whereby children may talk with, an independent person

The telephone numbers of: -

Childline - 0800 1111

NSPCC Child Protection help line - 0800 800 500

will be displayed in the hall and Hilda Shore entrance where children can see them.

We request all workers to note these numbers and have them readily available.




Guideline 4. Apply agreed procedures for protecting children to all paid staff and volunteers

Form A

The agreed procedures apply to ALL workers who come into regular contact with children and young people under 18 years. At present they include The Minister and all workers within the following groups/organisations -   

J.M.A. Secretaries

Crèche

Cradle Roll Secretary
Groundbreakers        

Sunday School
Toddlers Club  

Holiday Club

Organist/Choir Manager

Pastoral Visitors of members under 18

Church Plan for Growth Coordinator

Web Manager

Form C

The agreed procedures apply to Church Stewards, Church plan for growth publicity, Church plan for growth auditor, Worship Leaders, Flower Arrangers, Pastoral Visitors (other than those included in list for Form A), Church Council Members, Communion Stewards, Property Committee and anyone representing the church in an official capacity.

The list will be regularly reviewed and updated by Church Council.

All workers will be offered their entitlement to training as outlined in Guideline 13.

Temporary support workers, external speakers or workshop leaders on an occasional basis must be accompanied by an approved worker at all times.

Form D

All key holders to sign form D       Responsibility: Property Secretary




Guideline 5. Give all paid staff and volunteers clear roles

The group leader will give all would-be workers :

a job description

a copy of the Policy Statement

a copy of the Guidelines

an application/declaration form A

(copies of these are available from the Wirral Circuit Administrator or the Safe from Harm Co­-ordinator)

Three copies of the job description will be required which, upon appointment, will be signed and dated. (1 for the worker, I for the person to whom the worker is responsible and I for the Church Council)




Guideline 6. Use supervision as a means of protecting children

Group leaders should provide regular opportunities for workers to

Review and plan their work

Share information, experiences and concerns

Receive training

Discuss confidentially relationships with children and young people (including favouritism and inappropriate treatment)

Group leaders should take opportunities to observe those for whom they are responsible, as they work with children and young people.




Guideline 7. Treat all would-be paid staff and volunteers as applicants for any position involving contact with children

Workers will be requested to complete an application/declaration Form A for the post for which they are applying every 5 years and obtain a fresh disclosure.

Completed forms must be returned to the West Wirral Administrator or the Safe from Harm Coordinator, who are responsible for the safekeeping of all forms.

The information is confidential to the appointments panel and West Wirral Circuit Administrator as identified in Guideline 8.




Guideline 8. Gain at least two references from a person. who has experience of the applicants paid work or volunteering with children where possible

Written references will be obtained before interview.

Any ambiguity or vagueness in the reference will be followed up.

We accept that the Methodist Church is en equal opportunity employer.

In the event of an applicant not having yet gained experience working with children, a reference will be obtained from a person who has known the applicant in a personal capacity (not a relative) for at least 2 years.




Guideline 9. Explore all applicants’ experience of working or contact with children in an interview before appointment

The Church Council will annually identify an appointments panel, which will include the Minister, Church Steward, Sunday School Superintendent, and the Safe from Harm coordinator.

Normally 3 members of the appointments panel should meet with a new applicant, to explore previous experiences and suitability through informal conversation.

Any doubts about suitability will be explored further through searching questions.

Should someone be considered unsuitable for work with children and young people, the applicant will be debriefed and encouraged to become involved in other work in the life of the Church. Any subsequent appeal must be referred to Church Council.




Guideline 10. Find out whether an applicant has any convictions for criminal offences against children

The appropriate declaration forms to be signed and dated.

Appropriate level of CRB disclosures to be obtained from Methodist Publishing House.

CRB forms obtained through CAS no older than 6 months old the worker will not need to obtain a new one for a similar role within the church.




Guideline 11. Make paid and voluntary appointments as an approved worker conditional on the successful completion of a probationary period

It is a requirement of the Methodist Church that all workers with children and young people should be trained properly and serves a probationary period. (S.O. 660 Safeguarding p41)

All new workers will be trained using Core Skills (work with children), Spectrum (work with young people) relevant specialist training (e.g. canoeing, badminton).

New workers will be required to work under supervision whilst in training or if employed as an assistant.

Experienced workers returning to work may hold a leaders role whilst undergoing training.

Support workers, temporary workers (e.g. short term cover) should be supervised as if they were undertaking a probationary period.

At the end of the probationary period the new worker should meet with the group leader to review competence in their work with children/young people and the worker’s commitment to safeguarding children/young people.

All workers and people in positions of trust to undertake relevant training (Creating a Safer Space) modules A, B, C and/or D as identified by conference.




Guideline 12. Know how to deal with the disclosure or discovery of abuse

There are four main areas of abuse:­

Physical - where there is physical harm or injury

Emotional - where children/young people are harmed by constant lack of love and affection or motional pressures such as threats, taunts, shaming, belittling

Sexual - where people seek gratification by using children/young people

Neglect - where there is deprivation of those things, which are essential for well-being


The possibility of abuse may come to the workers notice in a number of different ways :

Disclosure by the child/young person

Information from a third party (friend, family member, another worker)

Observation of unexplained injury or changes in behaviour

Dealing with disclosure

If a child or young person wants to talk about abuse:

Listen, keep calm, accept what they say seriously, do not question

Reassure the child/young person, let them know what you are going to do next and that you will let them know what happens

Helpful things to say - I understand; I am glad you told me; It is OK to tell me; You are brave to tell. What happened was wrong; I am sorry that happened; It is not your fault; I will try to help

Avoid - What? Why? How? When? Where? Who? Are you sure?; Why didn’t you say before?; can’t believe that;  This is really serious; Don’t tell anyone; lam shocked; Making false promise.

Do not offer absolute confidentiality, the information may need to be passed to Child Services/Police. A criminal offence may have been committed; other children may be at risk too.

The allegation might concern a person within or outside the Church Community. In either instance, the allegation should not, at this stage, be shared with the adult about whom the child has spoken.

Consult without delay with the group leader. If there is felt to be no immediate risk, allow the child home at the end of the session. The group leader should always contact Child Services or the Police.

If there is felt to be immediate risk, the group leader should contact the Child Services or Police immediately.

In either instance, the Minister or the Safe from Harm Co-odinator and the Liverpool District Child Protection Officer must be informed.

If the allegation is made about a worker/Minister an appropriate person must contact the Liverpool Methodist District Child Protection Group immediately.

Make notes as soon as possible, writing down exactly what was said by all present (including yourself) where possible using the person’s own words. Record dates and times of events, when you were told of them and when you made the record. Sign your notes. Keep in a safe place



Information from a Third party

Listen, keep calm, accept what they say seriously, do not question

Ask them to make a note of what they were told or observed

Reassure them and decide on a course of action, tell them that they are right to tell you.

Let them know that you need to tell someone, do not promise confidentiality

Make notes as soon as possible (see above)

Suspicion of abuse

There may be occasions when you suspect that a child may be experiencing abuse. The suspected abuse may be within or outside the Church context.

Discuss your concern with the group leader or Minister

It may be appropriate for the group leader or Minister to contact the District Child Protection Officer to talk over their concerns. The next step would be a joint decision.

Make notes of relevant conversations and action within the context of safeguarding as soon as possible (see above)

If you have concerns about a child/young person. Always do something. Share your concerns with the appropriate people in our Church. The child’s safety is paramount.

Support for the alleged victim and their family

A support team should be arranged for the individual and their family whilst any investigation takes place. Not to include the Minister. (Contact the District Child Protection Officer for guidelines)

Care should be taken not to do anything, which interferes with any judicial proceedings.

Information on where to turn for legal advice may be needed.

Particular procedures where the accused person is a church worker.

The whole church community is likely to need pastoral support in these circumstances. Particularly the accused person.

The appropriate authority will be informed.

The worker will stand down immediately from any involvement with children’s work pending investigation.

A support team should be arranged for the person accused and their family. Not the minister. (Contact the District Child Protection Officer for guidelines)

Care should be taken not to do anything, which interferes with any judicial proceedings. The person accused of abuse needs to know where to turn for legal advice.



Guideline 13. Train paid staff and volunteers, their group leaders and policy makers in the prevention of child abuse

The Church Council will ensure that work-appropriate training sessions are made available for all those identified in Guideline 4.

Annual Safeguarding training will be made available to existing and new officers identified in Guideline 4 (a) & 11.

Training to be funded by the budget approved by Church Council.

Training budget to be reviewed annually.

Additional recommendation (Safeguarding p27 & Form E)

The church has a responsibility to require those who hire the church premises for use involving under 18’s to declare that they are familiar with Home Office Codes of Practice. The following clause to be added to licences.

‘The licencee confirms that they are familiar with the Home Office Code of Practice Safe from Harm, have an understanding of it and undertake to follow the code of practice contained therein, in relation to work with children and young people under the age of 18 years.

A copy of the Church Safeguarding Guidelines is to be given to all licensees.

Additional advice for workers.

Procedures for activities which take place ‘off-premises

The following advice is applicable for any group attending Circuit, District or Connexional event.

Outing

Rally

Other programmed meeting (off- premises) away from, the West Kirby area, for longer than usual group session (afternoon, day, weekend)

Issue a letter to parents/carers indicating nature of event, departure time and expected time and place for return (together with relevant details).

Provide a consent/permission slip to be signed by parent/guardian and returned before the event.

Notify Church Council Secretary of event.

Leave a list of name/address/phone number of all who actually attend the event with Church Council Secretary or other nominated person e.g. Minister/group leader/parent before departure.

Group leader should take: -

Phone number of contact person (in the event of delay of return)

Consent/permission slips with the parent’s phone number (in the event of a sick child)

Duplicate list of those attending

Appropriate first aid equipment



First Aid

The first aid box is kept in the corridor near the kitchen at all times. The name and phone number of the person responsible for replenishing the contents can be found inside the box  should the contents need replenishing.

As far as possible it is advisable for each group to have at least one trained first aider present, especially where there is an increased risk of accident e.g. sports activities.

Any accident should be recorded in the accident log, and the detachable slip should be put under the door of room 3.




Fire safety
The nearest telephone is in the minister’s vestry (through the hall, towards the church).

Each group leader must keep a register of names and addresses of all persons present on each occasion (this should include children/young people and all workers).

Each group leader should be trained in fire regulations and emergency procedures.



Medication

Medication should not be administered to children unless:

Requirements have been clarified with the parent/carer directly.

Instructions are received in writing.

The worker has gained prior agreement in writing to ‘no liability’.

Each group should keep a medication logbook, with a record of the child/young person’s name, date and time of medication, details of medication provided. The worker should sign the entry. The log should be kept for tree years.



Telephone Numbers

Child Services Emergency Duty Team - 0151 652 4991

Merseyside Police - 0151 709 6010

Minister

Liverpool District Child Protection Group - 0151 625 1451








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