Child protection

Blossom Education is committed to safeguarding the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. This policy outlines the measures in place to protect children, defines appropriate behavior when working with children, and establishes procedures for reporting concerns and responding to situations involving child protection.

All staff and volunteers undergo background checks and are required to provide references before working with children.

Regular training sessions on child protection are conducted to ensure staff and volunteers are aware of signs of abuse and appropriate procedures to follow.

Supervision and monitoring mechanisms are in place to ensure the safety and well-being of children during activities and programs.

Clear guidelines are provided for appropriate conduct and interaction with children to maintain professional boundaries.

When working directly with children, all staff are expected to:

Treat all children and young people with respect, dignity, and sensitivity.

Listen to children and take their concerns seriously.

Avoid being alone with a child in an isolated setting.

Refrain from physical, verbal, emotional, or sexual abuse of any kind.

Use appropriate language and behaviour at all times.

Children are informed about their rights and encouraged to report any concerns or incidents of abuse or harm to a trusted adult.

Staff and volunteers are trained to recognize signs of abuse or harm and are required to report any suspicions or disclosures promptly.

Procedures are in place to respond to disclosures sensitively and to ensure the safety and well-being of the child.

Any concerns or incidents of abuse or harm must be reported immediately to the designated safeguarding officer or child protection focal point.

Reports should include detailed information about the incident or concern, including dates, times, locations, and any relevant observations or disclosures made by the child.

Confidentiality will be maintained throughout the reporting and investigation process, with information shared on a need-to-know basis only.

Upon receiving a report or disclosure, the designated safeguarding officer will initiate an investigation following established procedures.

Support will be provided to the child involved, including access to counseling services or other appropriate interventions.

If necessary, external agencies such as child protective services or law enforcement will be contacted for further assistance and intervention.

This policy will be reviewed annually to ensure it remains up-to-date and compliant with relevant legislation and best practices.

Any incidents or concerns raised will be documented and reviewed to identify areas for improvement in safeguarding measures and procedures.

Our organization is committed to creating a safe and supportive environment for children and young people. By adhering to this Child Protection Policy and working together, we can ensure their well-being and promote their right to live free from abuse and harm.