Working With Children
Child Protection
All who work with children and young people have filled out an application form and hold, or are in the process of application for a CRB enhanced disclosure.
Volunteers without a current CRB enhanced disclosure never have sole responsibility for a group of children. The ‘recruiter’ for CRB applications is Jemma Maslen.
Child protection training is offered every three years to all involved in children’s and youth work, and updates given to new recruits. The policy is available to all on the church website.
Adults are never left on their own with children. To this end, Junior church and crèche take place in the same room. Activities that take place during our week-time clubs ensure that more than one adult are with children and young people at all times.
Adults in church are not allowed free access into the children’s groups unless they are a parent. To that end, the toilets behind the hall are not to be used by congregation members during Junior church and crèche times.
A mixture of both male and females are present at all times; when this is not the case, designated ‘emergency’ leaders can be called upon the help:
(Kidz Klub – Phil Maylor 07793037976)
The church child protection office is Mary Causer. Records of conversations with children which implicate abuse or neglect should be written down as soon as possible after the conversation ends. Confidentiality should never be promised. Mary should then be informed immediately on 07974653813. In her absence, contact Ruth Wills (07990593623). Social services will then be contacted on 0161 794 8888 or advice taken from CCPAS ON 0845 120 45 50.
Records
A register of names and addresses is kept and updated regularly. Consent forms must be filled in and signed by parents and carers before children can attend a midweek group.
Accidents and incidents are to be recorded in the accident book which is kept with the first aid kit. A first aid kit and mobile phone is kept in the small kitchen at the back of the worship area.
The nominated first aider for Kidz Klub is Jemma Maslen; on a Sunday it is Jemma Maslen and Ruth Wills and at BASE is Ruth Wills.
Appropriate Behaviour Around Children
Ratio guidelines for adults to children are upheld:
- 2 years and under: 1 adult to 3 children
- 3 years: 1 adult to 4 children
- 4-8 years: 1 adult to every 8 children
- Over 8 years: 1 adult to every 12 children
Workers do not touch children inappropriately, play rough physical games and refrain from comments of a sexual nature. Application of first aid should be done sensitively, encouraging the children and young people to do as much as they can for themselves. Workers should monitor each other in terms of physical contact, and ensure that nothing is said or done in private.
Workers encourage the children and young people as much as possible and do not belittle or use inappropriate language.
