Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy

Art for Artist CIC

1. Purpose of This Policy

The purpose of this policy is to:

• Safeguard and protect all children, young people, vulnerable adults, and families who participate in Art for Artist CIC activities.

• Provide staff, volunteers, parents, carers, artists, and partner organisations with clear guidance on our approach to safeguarding and child protection.

• Ensure consistent, safe practice across all workshops, community projects, holiday programmes, outreach events, exhibitions, school partnerships, and pop-up creative engagements.

This policy applies to all individuals representing Art for Artist CIC, including Directors, paid staff, volunteers, students, artists, facilitators, visiting practitioners, and partner organisations.

2. Legal and Policy Framework

This policy is underpinned by national legislation, statutory guidance, and sector best practice, including but not limited to:

• Children Act 1989 & 2004

• Working Together to Safeguard Children (2018, updated 2023)

• Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE)

• Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006

• The Equality Act 2010

• Care Act 2014

• Data Protection Act 2018 and UK GDPR

Guidance is aligned with the principles recommended by the NSPCC and local safeguarding procedures.

3. Our Commitment

At Art for Artist CIC, we believe that:

• All children, young people, and vulnerable individuals have the right to feel safe, respected, valued, and protected from harm.

• The welfare of the child is paramount in every decision and action we take.

• Children, young people, and families — particularly those with SEND, disabilities, additional needs, trauma experiences, or social isolation — must have equitable access to safe and inclusive creative opportunities.

• Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility.

• Strong partnership working between families, professionals, artists, and community organisations strengthens safeguarding outcomes.

We recognise that some participants may be more vulnerable due to:

• Disabilities or complex needs

• Communication differences

• Trauma histories

• Mental health challenges

• Social exclusion or isolation

• High levels of dependency or care needs

Inclusive practice is central to safety, participation, dignity, and belonging.

4. Our Context and Delivery Model

Art for Artist CIC is a non-profit community arts organisation delivering inclusive creative projects for children, young people, families, and community groups.

Our activities may include:

• Creative workshops for SEND children and young people

• Family arts engagement sessions

• Community festivals and outdoor arts events

• School-based and library-based workshops

• Pop-up exhibitions and public engagement projects

• Creative mentoring and youth leadership programmes

• One-to-one and small group creative support

• Collaborative projects with local organisations and artists

As part of our delivery model, safeguarding considerations include:

• Working within public venues such as libraries, community centres, galleries, schools, and outdoor spaces.

• Managing multi-room and open-access environments.

• Supporting children and young people with sensory, behavioural, communication, or emotional regulation needs.

• Delivering activities in busy public settings where additional supervision and boundaries may be required.

• Ensuring accessibility and inclusion while maintaining safe practice.

5. Safeguarding Measures

To ensure the safety and well-being of all participants, Art for Artist CIC commits to the following:

5.1 Listening, Respecting and Valuing Children

• Upholding children’s rights to be heard and included.

• Treating all participants with dignity and respect.

• Adapting communication methods to suit individual needs and abilities.

5.2 Leadership and Accountability

• Appointing a trained Designated Safeguarding Officer (DSO).

• Ensuring safeguarding responsibilities are understood by all staff and volunteers.

5.3 Safer Recruitment

• Carrying out enhanced DBS checks where appropriate.

• Obtaining references and assessing suitability for working with children and vulnerable groups.

5.4 Training and Supervision

• Providing safeguarding induction and ongoing training.

• Ensuring volunteers and facilitators understand professional boundaries and safe practice.

5.5 Safe Practice in Community and Public Spaces

• Conducting risk assessments for venues and activities.

• Maintaining clear sign-in and sign-out procedures where applicable.

• Ensuring children are supervised appropriately during sessions and transitions.

• Encouraging parents/carers to remain responsible for children outside designated session times and public/shared spaces.

5.6 Safe Practice During Outdoor and Pop-Up Events

• Implementing venue-specific safeguarding and risk assessments.

• Using clear boundaries, meeting points, and visual markers in public spaces.

• Ensuring staffing ratios are appropriate to participants’ needs.

5.7 Data Protection and Media Consent

• Handling personal information securely in line with GDPR.

• Obtaining consent before using photographs, videos, or recordings.

• Respecting confidentiality and privacy at all times.

5.8 Record Keeping

• Recording safeguarding concerns, disclosures, incidents, and actions taken.

• Storing records securely and confidentially.

5.9 Managing Concerns and Disclosures

• Responding appropriately and promptly to safeguarding concerns.

• Reporting concerns to Children’s Services, Adult Services, or Police when necessary.

• Maintaining transparency with families unless doing so would place someone at increased risk.

5.10 Allegations Against Staff or Volunteers

• Following statutory safeguarding procedures.

• Referring allegations to the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) where appropriate.

5.11 Anti-Bullying and Inclusion

• Promoting a respectful, inclusive environment.

• Challenging discrimination, bullying, harassment, or unsafe behaviour.

5.12 Whistleblowing

• Ensuring staff and volunteers can raise concerns safely and without fear of reprisal.

6. Safeguarding in SEND and Inclusive Practice Contexts

Our safeguarding approach prioritises:

• Predictability, consistency, and emotional safety

• Sensory-aware and trauma-informed practice

• Clear communication tailored to individual needs

• Recognising signs of distress, dysregulation, or overwhelm

• Respecting autonomy, dignity, and communication differences

• Avoiding physical intervention unless required to prevent immediate harm

• Working collaboratively with parents, carers, and professionals

• Supporting transitions and reducing anxiety in unfamiliar environments

7. Roles and Responsibilities

Designated Safeguarding Officer (DSO)

Name: Eliyah Qureshi
Role: Director & Art Educator
Organisation: Art for Artist CIC
Email: admin@barkingsideartclub.com

Responsibilities include:

• Managing safeguarding concerns and referrals

• Advising staff and volunteers on safeguarding matters

• Maintaining safeguarding training and policy compliance

• Liaising with external agencies and professionals

• Ensuring safeguarding procedures are reviewed regularly

8. Key Safeguarding Contacts

• NSPCC Helpline: 0808 800 5000

• Childline: 0800 1111

• Police (non-emergency): 101

• Local Authority Children’s Services: Redbridge MASH

• Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO): via London Borough of Redbridge

9. Policy Review

This policy will be reviewed annually or sooner if:

• Legislation or statutory guidance changes

• There is a significant safeguarding incident

• The organisation expands or changes its delivery model

• New safeguarding risks or operational changes emerge

Policy Review Date: 1st January 2026

Next Review Due: Open review in the event of any required changes, safeguarding updates, legislative changes, or organisational developments.

Approved and Adopted By: Eliyah Qureshi
Role: Director & Designated Safeguarding Officer
Organisation: Art for Artist CIC