OVEREND METHODIST MISSION Banner Street, Cradley, Halesowen, B63 2SL
SAFEGUARDING POLICY
1 – Introduction
Overend Methodist Mission will make every endeavour to safeguard the welfare of children who are involved in church based activities and will conform with the Home Office Code of Practice “Safe from Harm”and the “Safeguarding” Policy of The Methodist Church published in April 2003. Unless otherwise stated, the term children relates to all those under the age of 18.
2 – Basis of Policy
2.1. Overend Methodist Mission will create and maintain an environment where both children and the adults working with them are safe and valued, and in which children can develop physically, emotionally and spiritually. The Church Council will endeavour to make all church members aware of the policy and will also ensure that its principles are followed by all non-church groups using its premises.
2.2. Overend Methodist Mission, by regular inspection by the secretary of the Property Committee, will ensure that its premises are safe and that the furnishings and equipment are suitable for the activities undertaken. Access to the stage will be restricted and the stage area will only be used by children when they are under the direct supervision of adult helpers.
Exits and entrances will be kept free from obstruction.
Children will not be allowed to operate the overhead gas unit heaters.
The church will keep a First Aid box and an Accident Book and their location will be made known to all leaders of groups using the premises. Group leaders will make a careful note of any accident occurring, and in the case of children, will inform their parents at the earliest possible moment. Group leaders will be encouraged to undertake basic First Aid training.
2.3 Group activities will normally take place in the Schoolroom only, with access to stores, toilets, kitchen and entrances. Group activities will not take place in the church or vestries without the expressed approval of the Church Council. Where permission is given to use other rooms there will always be at least two adults allocated to each room.
Groups planning trips away from the church or meeting at other locations shall ensure that parental consent has been given for each child involved and shall arrange for emergency telephone numbers to be given to each parent.
2.4. Whenever group activities involve the transportation of children, either by minibus or private car, the group leader must ensure that the driver is insured to drive the vehicle and that there will always be another adult present as long as there are children in the vehicle. Group leaders will give to the Church Council Secretary a list of names of people prepared to offer transport for annual appointment by the Church Council.
2.5. Overend Methodist Mission will ensure that all people leading and supervising children’s activities are appointed only after appropriate checks, inquiries and consideration for their suitability for the work have been carried out. All people working with children must complete the Registration Form and Group Leaders will be responsible for checking the information and taking up references where appropriate. The Church Council will appoint a Safeguarding Co-ordinator to ensure that this requirement is implemented by all groups.
2.6. Overend Methodist Mission will ensure that all people working with children are trained supervised and supported in the work they do.
2.7. All members of the church, including children, will be given information on how to obtain advice, support and help if they suspect that a child is being harmed. All concerns will be taken seriously and shared with the group leader and an appropriate officer of the church. The church will not investigate any concerns or allegations of harm. Such situations will be referred to an appropriate body (e.g. Social Services, Police or NSPCC) for proper independent investigation. The telephone number of the NSPCC and / or CHILDLINE will be prominently displayed on the vestibule notice board.
3 – Roles and Responsibilities
3.1 The Church Council of Overend Methodist Mission accepts the responsibility for the introduction, implementation and maintenance of this Safeguarding Policy and undertakes to review the working of the policy on at least an annual basis.
3.2 The Registration Forms and other related documents will be kept securely by the Minister. Access will be restricted to the Minister and the Safeguarding Co-ordinator appointed by the Church Council.
3.3. Safeguarding Co-ordinator. The Church Council will appoint a Safeguarding Co-ordinator to help with the administration and implementation of this policy. The Church Council will endeavour to appoint a person experienced in child care or child protection and with a commitment to developing the role.
Safeguarding Co-ordinator: Mrs Jan Brennan
Date: Signed: