Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy Statement

First Aid for Life acknowledges the duty of care to safeguard and promote the welfare of children and is committed to ensuring safeguarding practice reflects statutory responsibilities, government guidance and complies with best practice and Ofsted requirements. 

The policy recognises that the welfare and interests of children and vulnerable people are paramount in all circumstances. It aims to ensure that regardless of age, gender, religion or beliefs, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation or socioeconomic background, all attendees 

  • have a positive and enjoyable experience of First Aid training at First Aid for Life in a safe environment
  • are protected from abuse whilst participating in First Aid training.

First Aid for Life acknowledges that some children, including disabled children and young people or those from ethnic minority communities, can be particularly vulnerable to abuse and we accept the responsibility to take reasonable and appropriate steps to ensure their welfare.  We will also require schools, parents, carers and responsible adults to fully brief the Office Team and trainers in advance of any course, to advise us if there are any specific additional safeguarding concerns that we should be aware of.

The nature of the subjects covered can be distressing to some people. We ask those booking the course to ensure that the necessary permissions have been gained and to ensure that we are aware of any specific circumstances (such as a recent bereavement, history of self-injury, or previous first aid experience) that might make the subject matter even more emotive and necessitate us amending our training in any way.

As part of our safeguarding policy First Aid for Life will promote and prioritise the safety and wellbeing of children and young people. We will ensure the following:

  • everyone understands their roles and responsibilities in respect of safeguarding and can recognise, identify and respond to signs of abuse, neglect and other safeguarding concerns relating to children, young people and vulnerable adults. First Aid for Life will signpost people to additional training for this if needed.
  • confidential, detailed and accurate records of all safeguarding concerns are maintained and securely stored
  • all trainers responsible for training children or vulnerable adults will have an enhanced DBS check, however we expect a staff member to be present at all times during training in schools and youth clubs.
  • when a Trainer/Assessor is delivering QA qualifications at an organisation such

as a school, college or youth organisation, the safeguarding procedures for that organisation should be followed. It is the booking organisation’s responsibility to communicate their safeguarding requirements and ensure trainers are aware of any specific requirements or concerns.

  • trainers should be mindful of the potentially traumatic nature of the subject matter and do their best to avoid distressing individuals who may have experienced a traumatic event and be reminded of this during the training.
  • trainers should be mindful that some attendees may have mental health issues, such as self-injury. Care should be taken to try not to inadvertently prompt any self-harm impulses when talking about bleeding and showing props such as razors and tough cut scissors.
  • appropriate action is taken in the event of incidents/concerns of abuse and support provided to the individual/s who raise or disclose the concern
  • care is taken to ensure potentially dangerous or hazardous objects are not taken to a course (particularly in a school environment). If there is a requirement for hazardous items, such as a live medication, tough cut scissors etc… extreme care should be taken to minimise any risk.
  • prevent the employment/deployment of unsuitable individuals
  • ensure robust safeguarding arrangements and procedures are in operation.
  • check the minimum age requirement for any qualification prior to course delivery
  • obtain parental permission for children under the age of 16 before they are permitted to undertake any QA qualification
  • parents and schools are responsible for alerting us in advance of the course, about any specific safeguarding issues we should be aware of. They should also discuss this in person with the trainer prior to starting the course and ensure that the trainer is consequently aware of any necessary modifications to the training.
  • In the case of children attending open courses; parents and schools are responsible for ensuring safe passage of the children before and after the course. They also need to direct First Aid for Life and the trainer if there are any specific safeguarding instructions concerning this. Otherwise, the trainer and First Aid for Life will cease responsibility for the children on conclusion of the practical course.
  • will not allow one-to-one training or assessing to take place with a child or vulnerable adult.

 

The policy and procedures will be widely promoted and are mandatory for everyone involved in First Aid for Life. Failure to comply with the policy and procedures will be addressed without delay and may ultimately result in dismissal/exclusion from the organisation. 

Monitoring  

The policy will be reviewed a year after development and then every three years, or in the following circumstances:

  • changes in legislation and/or government guidance
  • as required by the Local Safeguarding Children Board, UK Sport and/or Home Country Sports Councils and [insert name of regulatory body if appropriate]
  • as a result of any other significant change or event.

(Last reviewed Jan 2021, updated June 2022)

 

Emma Hammett RGN and CEO of First Aid for Life

 

 

Please also read our Risk Assessment Document

Share This