Dream Care Farm Safe Children Guarding Policy

DREAM CARE FARM CIC 

Safeguarding Children Policy 

  • Introduction

Safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children

Dream Care Farm CIC recognises that, under the Children Act 1989 and 2004, it has a duty and responsibility to make arrangements to ensure all its functions are discharged having regard to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children/young people in their care – this includes all services directly provided and commissioned by the local authority. Dream Care Farm CIC also recognises and meets its responsibilities under Working Together 2018 and The Domestic Abuse Act 2021 for safeguarding children.  A child is anyone up until their 18th birthday.

2. Purpose

“Safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children” is defined in Working Together 2018 as:

  • protecting children from maltreatment
  • preventing impairment of children’s health and development
  • ensuring that children grow up in circumstances consistent with the provision of safe and effective care 
  • taking action to enable all children to have the best outcomes

3. Definitions

  • Safeguarding: Actions taken to promote the welfare of children and protect them from harm.
  • Child Protection: Part of safeguarding focuses on protecting individual children identified as suffering or likely to suffer significant harm.

4. Types and Signs of Abuse 

  • Physical Abuse: Inflicting physical harm to a child.
  • Emotional Abuse: Persistent emotional maltreatment affecting a child’s emotional development.
  • Sexual Abuse: Forcing or enticing a child to take part in sexual activities.
  • Neglect: Persistent failure to meet a child’s basic physical and/or psychological needs.

Signs of Child Abuse:

  • General Signs:
    • Unexplained changes in behaviour or personality.
    • Becoming withdrawn or anxious.
    • Uncharacteristically aggressive behaviour.
    • Lack of social skills and friends.
    • Poor bond or relationship with a parent.
    • Knowledge of adult issues inappropriate for their age.
    • Running away or going missing.
    • Always choosing to wear clothes that cover their body.
  • Signs of Physical Abuse:
    • Unexplained bruises, fractures, or burns.
    • Wearing long sleeves in hot weather.
    • Fear of physical contact.
  • Signs of Emotional Abuse:
    • Excessive withdrawal, fearfulness, or anxiety about doing something wrong.
    • Extremes in behaviour (e.g., overly compliant or demanding).
    • Delayed physical or emotional development.
  • Signs of Sexual Abuse:
    • Knowledge of sexual matters inappropriate for the child’s age.
    • Physical signs such as bruising or bleeding in the genital area.
    • Sudden changes in behaviour or performance.
  • Signs of Neglect:
    • Poor hygiene.
    • Inappropriate clothing for weather conditions.
    • Constant hunger or stealing food.
    • Frequent absenteeism.

Due to the nature of our business on the farm, it will not be unusual to see any of these behaviours, from any age group. We specialise in mental health disorders and many other disabilities which could cause frustrative and unusual behaviour. All our clients attend the farm with a Support Worker, who will have had the training and relative information regarding each client individually. Any concerns will be discussed before the client attends the farm, with Sue Smith, designated safety officer for the farm. Any concerns will be discussed with staff/ volunteers if necessary and permitted to avoid risk of violating confidentiality.

5. Scope

This policy applies to:

  • All volunteers
  • All service users, farm helpers and members
  • All visitors and contractors

6. Responsibilities

Management:

  • Ensure a clear line of accountability for safeguarding.
  • Appoint a senior board-level lead for safeguarding.
  • Develop a culture of listening to children.
  • Implement and maintain clear whistleblowing procedures.
  • Establish clear processes for sharing information with relevant authorities.
  • Designate a professional lead for safeguarding.

Staff and Volunteers:

  • Adhere to safe recruitment practices, including DBS checks.
  • Participate in mandatory safeguarding training.
  • Understand and follow procedures for reporting concerns.
  • Maintain appropriate supervision and support.

Service Users and Farm Helpers:

  • Engage in safeguarding practices.
  • Report any concerns to the designated safety officer.

Visitors and Contractors:

  • Follow the safeguarding guidelines provided by Dream Care Farm CIC.

7. How to Raise Concerns

Any concerns about a child’s welfare should be reported to the designated safety officer, Sue Smith. If Sue is unavailable, concerns can be reported via phone at 07590211124 or email at sue@fieldofdreamsfarm.co.uk. All communications will be handled confidentially.

8. How Concerns Will Be Handled

Upon receiving a concern:

  • The designated safety officer will assess the situation.
  • Appropriate action will be taken in line with safeguarding procedures.
  • If necessary, concerns will be reported to local authorities.
  • All steps will be documented and followed up to ensure the child’s safety.

9. Confidentiality

All concerns and communications regarding safeguarding will be handled confidentially. Information will only be shared with individuals who need to know to ensure the safety and welfare of the child.

10. Training and Awareness

  • Regular reviews and updates of safeguarding practices will be conducted to ensure continuous improvement.
  • Information about safeguarding will be regularly communicated to all stakeholders.

11. Review and Monitoring

This policy will be reviewed annually to ensure it remains up to date with current laws and best practices. Any changes will be ratified by the Head of Dream Care Farm CIC and the Chair of the Board.

12. Policy Approval

This policy has been approved by: ______________ (Head of Dream Care Farm CIC)
______________ (Chair of the Board)