SAFEGUARDING & CHILD PROTECTION POLICY

Oban Kids Thrive CIC

1. Statement of Commitment

Oban Kids Thrive CIC is fully committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children and young people who participate in our activities.

We recognise every child’s right to feel safe, respected, and protected from harm.

We take a zero-tolerance approach to abuse, neglect, or exploitation in any form.

2. Legal Framework (Scotland)

This policy aligns with:

  • Children (Scotland) Act 1995
  • Protection of Vulnerable Groups (Scotland) Act 2007
  • National Guidance for Child Protection in Scotland
  • UN Convention on the Rights of the Child

3. Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)

Bryanna Black
Director, Oban Kids Thrive CIC
admin@obankidsthrive.com

The DSL is responsible for:

  • Receiving safeguarding concerns
  • Recording and storing reports securely
  • Liaising with local authority and Police Scotland
  • Ensuring PVG compliance
  • Reviewing this policy annually

4. Activity Structure & Supervision Model

Standard Sessions

  • Parent / carer supervised
  • Children remain the responsibility of the attending adult
  • Staff facilitate activities but do not assume sole supervision

Vulnerable / Supported Sessions

Where parents are unable to attend (e.g. young carers, supported referrals):

  • Minimum two adults present at all times
  • Appropriate adult-to-child ratios maintained
  • All supervising adults PVG checked
  • Clear sign-in / sign-out procedure
  • Emergency contact details recorded

5. Prevention of One-to-One Situations

Oban Kids Thrive CIC operates a strict no unsupervised one-to-one policy.

  • No adult will be alone with a child in a closed or hidden space.
  • 1:1 support will take place in open, visible areas.
  • Toileting assistance will not be provided unless specifically agreed in writing with a parent and conducted with safeguarding measures in place.
  • At least two responsible adults will be present during sessions wherever possible.

6. PVG & Safer Recruitment

  • All staff, directors and regular volunteers involved in regulated work with children will hold PVG Scheme membership.
  • No individual without PVG clearance will have unsupervised access to children.
  • Volunteers awaiting PVG clearance will remain under direct supervision of a PVG-checked adult.

7. Inflatables & Outdoor Activities Safety

As Oban Kids Thrive CIC owns inflatable equipment:

  • All inflatables will meet current UK safety standards.
  • Equipment will be anchored according to manufacturer guidance.
  • Wind speed limits will be strictly adhered to.
  • Equipment will be supervised at all times.
  • Regular inspection logs will be maintained.
  • Risk assessments will be completed prior to each event.

8. Recognising & Responding to Abuse

All staff and volunteers must:

  • Remain vigilant to signs of physical, emotional, sexual abuse or neglect.
  • Report concerns immediately to the DSL.
  • Record concerns factually and without interpretation.

If a disclosure is made:

  • Stay calm.
  • Listen carefully.
  • Do not promise confidentiality.
  • Record exact words where possible.
  • Report immediately.

The DSL will determine whether to refer to local authority social work services or Police Scotland.

9. Allegations Against Staff

If an allegation is made against a staff member or volunteer:

  • The DSL will record the concern.
  • Advice will be sought from the local authority child protection team.
  • The individual may be suspended from duties pending investigation.

10. Record Keeping

All safeguarding records will:

  • Be stored securely.
  • Be accessible only to the DSL.
  • Be retained according to data protection requirements.

11. Review

Policy reviewed annually.

Policy Date: 11/02/2026
Review Date: 11/02/2027

DOWNLOADABLE FORMAT

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1KO_JNRynu9up4dUikHanDnxJxl6PWJE9JOzqGjJlbig/edit?usp=sharing