Organisation: Learn Create Play Ltd T/A Edubox

Last Updated: July 2025

Applies To: All staff, volunteers, contractors, and external providers working with children through Edubox

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1. Policy Statement

Edubox is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff, contractors, and volunteers to share this commitment. We provide a safe, secure, and inclusive environment in which children can learn, play, and thrive.

This policy ensures compliance with:
- Children Act 1989 & 2004
- Working Together to Safeguard Children (2023)
- Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE, 2024)
- Sexual Offences Act 2003
- The Equality Act 2010
- Data Protection Act 2018 & UK GDPR
- Prevent Duty (Counter-Terrorism and Security Act 2015)

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2. Scope

This policy applies to all Edubox staff, senior leaders, sessional instructors, volunteers, agency staff, and students involved in any delivery of services to children.

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3. Principles

- The welfare of the child is paramount.
- All children have a right to equal protection from harm, regardless of age, ability, race, religion, sex, or identity.
- Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility.
- Children must be listened to, and their concerns taken seriously.

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4. Aims of this Policy

- To protect children and young people from harm.
- To outline the roles and responsibilities of staff and volunteers.
- To provide a framework for identifying, reporting, and responding to safeguarding concerns.
- To promote a culture of openness, trust, and accountability.

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5. Designated Safeguarding Leads (DSL)

- The DSL is the point of contact for safeguarding concerns.
- The DSL will receive enhanced safeguarding training and will maintain confidential records of all concerns.
- Contact details for DSL must be accessible and available on-site and in policy documentation.

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6. Recognising Abuse and Neglect

Staff are trained to identify signs of:
- Physical, emotional, or sexual abuse
- Neglect
- Domestic abuse
- Child-on-child abuse (including bullying and sexual harassment)
- Exploitation (CSE/CCE)
- Radicalisation (Prevent Duty)

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7. Reporting Concerns

- If a child discloses something concerning, staff must listen carefully, avoid leading questions, and record verbatim.
- Concerns must be reported to the DSL immediately. Do not delay.
- Staff must not promise confidentiality to a child.
- A clear record of the incident should be submitted the same day.

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8. Online Safety

Edubox recognises the importance of protecting children in a digital environment. We will:
- Promote safe online behaviour in our activities.
- Ensure filtering/monitoring where possible (or work with host schools).
- Train staff in recognising online risks, including grooming, exploitation, and misinformation.

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9. Prevent Duty

We remain vigilant to signs of radicalisation or extremist views. Staff are expected to:
- Complete Prevent awareness training.
- Report concerns to the DSL.
- Understand how to recognise vulnerabilities to extremism.

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10. Safe Recruitment & Training

- All staff are recruited using safer recruitment practices (references, DBS checks, etc.).
- Induction includes safeguarding training and this policy.
- Regular updates and refreshers are provided annually.

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11. Working with Schools and Parents

- Edubox works closely with host schools and expects collaboration in safeguarding matters.
- A member of school staff must be available on-site during Edubox activities.
- Parents will be informed of concerns unless doing so puts the child at risk.

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12. Behaviour Expectations

All children are expected to:
- Show respect to peers and staff
- Follow instructions and take turns
- Use appropriate language and personal space
- Wear full school uniform and maintain respectful conduct
- Demonstrate school values: kindness, respect, appreciation

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13. Managing Behaviour During Clubs

1. Verbal warning and reminder
2. Second warning
3. 5-minute time out
4. Referral to staff-led club or senior school staff
5. Four time-outs = parent meeting and review (no refund for paid clubs)

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14. Toileting and Supervision

- Children will be directed to the nearest toilet within the building.
- Edubox supervisors are not required to escort or supervise toilet visits unless a specific safeguarding plan is in place.

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15. Policy Review

This policy will be reviewed annually and following any significant change in legislation or guidance.