Child Safeguarding Policy

This policy applies to:

• All staff members
• Volunteers and interns
• Contractors and external partners
• Visitors interacting with children

No one is exempt.

Harm includes, but is not limited to:

• Physical abuse
• Emotional or psychological abuse
• Sexual abuse or exploitation
• Neglect
• Bullying, intimidation, or harassment

Any action or failure to act that puts a child at risk is considered a safeguarding concern.

All adults interacting with children at FirstSteps must:

• Treat every child with respect and patience
• Always maintain appropriate professional boundaries
• Avoid any form of physical punishment or humiliating discipline
• Never be alone with a child in a closed or unsupervised space where it can be avoided
• Always use appropriate language and behavior
• Report any concern immediately

Any violation of this code will result in disciplinary action, including termination and possible legal reporting.

We take recruitment seriously. This includes:

• Background and reference checks where possible
• Clear expectations on safeguarding before engagement
• Mandatory understanding of this policy before working with children

No individual will be allowed to work with children without meeting these requirements.

All safeguarding concerns must be reported immediately. There is no waiting, no internal filtering, and no personal judgment about whether something is “serious enough.”

Concerns may include:

• Signs of abuse or neglect
• Inappropriate behavior by staff or others
• Disclosures made by a child

Reports must be made to the School Manager or designated safeguarding lead without delay.

Failure to report a concern is a breach of this policy.

Once a concern is reported:

• It will be taken seriously and documented
• Immediate steps will be taken to protect the child
• Parents or guardians will be informed where appropriate
• External authorities will be involved when required

The safety of the child comes first in every decision.

Information related to safeguarding concerns will be handled with strict confidentiality. It will only be shared with individuals who need to know in order to protect the child.

We work in partnership with families to ensure children are safe and supported. However, if a situation places a child at risk, FirstSteps will act in the best interest of the child, including involving appropriate authorities when necessary.

Any use of digital tools or communication involving children must:

• Be appropriate, supervised, and school-related
• Avoid private or personal communication with children
• Protect the identity and privacy of children in photos or media

All staff and representatives of FirstSteps are accountable for safeguarding. Ignorance is not an excuse. Silence is not acceptable.

This policy will be reviewed periodically to ensure it remains effective and aligned with best practices.