Child protection and safeguarding
Design Club mentors work with children and need to follow best practice for safeguarding. This section runs through information and advice when working with children. You should also have applied for a DBS check.
Do not be left alone with a child. Remove yourself from any situation where you might find yourself alone with a child – for example do not accompany a child to the toilet.
Do not make physical contact. Manage personal space and be aware of what may be perceived as inappropriate contact. Avoid contact if at all possible.
Do not share your personal details or befriend online. Use your first name only.
Do not share your social media details with young people.
Do not take photos without permission, or store personal data. To take photos of children (under 16 years old) you will need to gain consent from their parent or caregiver. Use this photo release form. You can either ask the school to arrange this in advance or send it home with the children after your first session.
Do not keep personal data of the children.
While it is unlikely that a child in your care will make a disclosure to you about any type of abuse that is happening to them, it remains possible. Should you find yourself in this situation please do as follows:
If a young person chooses to disclose something to you, avoid being in a room alone (or if unavoidable leave the door open). Avoid physical contact.
Inform them that it is good that they have decided to tell someone.
Listen carefully and empathetically.
Do not promise confidentiality to the young person – you must inform them that you will have to tell someone.
Write down all details you can remember as soon as you can
Contact the school as soon as possible and ask to speak with the person who deals with safeguarding disclosures.
Write down as soon as you can all details of any incident that has caused you concern.
Contact the school as soon as possible and ask to speak to the person who deals with safeguarding disclosures.
