Safeguarding Policy

Regulatory Compliance

Hopscotch Holiday Club is registered with Ofsted's Early Years Register and follows the Statutory Framework for the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) 2021. Regular Ofsted inspections ensure we meet all legal safeguarding standards. Reports are viewable at  www.ofsted.gov.uk .

Safeguarding Defined

Safeguarding means:
  • Protecting children from abuse or harm
  • Promoting health, development, and wellbeing
  • Ensuring safe and effective care
  • Taking action to help all children thrive
This is based on government guidance: Working Together to Safeguard Children (2018).

Key Principles

  • All children have the right to feel safe and be protected.
  • Children's needs always come first.
  • All staff, volunteers, and contractors must follow our safeguarding procedures.
  • Concerns or allegations are taken seriously and acted on appropriately.

Legal Basis

This policy draws on:
  • Children Act 1989 & 2004
  • Childcare Act 2006 (amended 2018)
  • Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006
  • Children and Social Work Act 2017
  • EYFS 2021, Keeping Children Safe in Education 2020
  • Prevent Duty (Counter-Terrorism and Security Act 2015)
  • Data Protection Act 2018

Types & Signs of Abuse

Staff are trained to recognise and respond to:
  • Physical: Unexplained injuries, repeated accidents
  • Emotional: Fearfulness, low confidence, withdrawal
  • Neglect: Poor hygiene, untreated medical issues
  • Sexual/Online Abuse: Age-inappropriate behaviour or content
  • Other Risks: Bullying, FGM, grooming, radicalisation
See the NSPCC and Local Authority procedures for detailed guidance.

Sharing Concerns

We work with agencies such as Children’s Social Care and Police when needed. Safeguarding concerns take precedence over confidentiality or data privacy.

Statement of Intent

Inclusion & Equality at Hopscotch Holiday Club

Our Commitment

Hopscotch Holiday Club welcomes every child and family. We aim to provide a safe, fun, and inclusive space where all children feel they belong, regardless of background, ability, culture, or identity. Discrimination of any kind is not tolerated.

What Inclusion Means at Holiday Club

Inclusion at Hopscotch means:
  • Understanding and celebrating what makes each child unique
  • Offering activities and environments that are accessible to all
  • Ensuring every child feels valued, respected, and supported
We believe every child has the right to participate fully, make friends, and enjoy their holiday experience.

Legal Framework

Our approach is based on the:
  • Equality Act 2010
  • Children and Families Act 2014
  • SEND Code of Practice 2015
  • EYFS 2021 (applied where relevant)
These guide us in supporting children with additional needs and promoting fairness for all.

What We Do

We are committed to:
  • Welcoming all children, including those with special educational needs, disabilities, or from disadvantaged backgrounds
  • Making reasonable adjustments to remove barriers and improve access
  • Using diverse resources that represent different cultures, abilities, and family types
  • Promoting respect and empathy through play, group activities, and conversations
  • Celebrating different festivals, languages, and traditions in age-appropriate ways
  • Listening to children and adapting to their needs, interests, and preferences
  • Ensuring all children can communicate and participate, including those learning English
  • Encouraging positive role models and challenging stereotypes in games, media, and behaviour
  • Offering meals and snacks that respect cultural and dietary needs

Staff Responsibilities

  • All staff are trained in equality, diversity, and inclusion
  • Discriminatory language or behaviour is challenged and reported
  • Inclusion is part of every staff member’s role—from planning activities to managing group dynamics
  • We regularly review and improve our practices to reflect children’s needs

What It Means for Your Child

Your child will be:
  • Included in all activities, with adaptations as needed
  • Encouraged to express themselves and feel confident
  • Respected for who they are and supported to make friends
  • Given opportunities to learn about others in fun, engaging ways

How Hopscotch Safeguards Children and Staff

Key Safeguarding Measures

Hopscotch Holiday Club is committed to creating a safe, supportive, and fun environment for every child. We achieve this through:
  • Safe staffing: All staff, volunteers, and students complete enhanced DBS checks before working with children. References are obtained and updated where possible.
  • Ongoing suitability: Staff regularly declare any personal changes (e.g. health or child protection matters) that may affect their role.
  • Supervision & ratios: Children are supervised at all times with appropriate staff-to-child ratios.
  • Clear boundaries: Volunteers and students never carry out intimate care or supervise children alone.
  • Visitor safety: All visitors are recorded, supervised, and cannot access children unsupervised.
  • Safe spaces: Club premises are kept secure. Staff are alert to any external risks (e.g. suspicious activity near entrances).

 Staff Training & Culture

  • All staff receive regular safeguarding and child protection training.
  • We maintain a Staff Behaviour Policy and encourage a culture of openness, including whistleblowing protections.
  • Staff are trained to spot warning signs of abuse, including inappropriate behaviour, comments, or image sharing.

Designated Safeguarding Leads (DSLs)

  • Every Hopscotch Holiday Club has a Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL), usually the Club Manager or Deputy.
  • DSLs are responsible for handling concerns, making referrals, and ensuring staff are confident in safeguarding procedures.
  • The Head of Operations and Managing Director act as Company DSLs and are always contactable for support.

Responding to Concerns

If a child is at risk or a concern arises:
    Tell the DSL immediately—verbally and then in writing (Record of Concern form).
    DSLs assess the concern and may consult with local safeguarding teams.
    If needed, a referral is made to the Local Authority (e.g. Front Door for Families or SPoA).
    Parents are usually informed unless doing so would put the child at risk.
Staff must record any disclosures or signs of abuse, using the child’s words and noting the time, date, and witnesses.

Absence Procedures

If a child is booked into the Holiday Club and does not arrive:
  • Staff will call parents by midday.
  • If unreachable, a voicemail and email are sent.
  • If no response and concern grows, the DSL may contact local safeguarding services.

Parent, Carer & Visitor Conduct

To help keep everyone safe, we expect respectful and appropriate behaviour from all parents and visitors, including:
  • No shouting, swearing, or aggressive behaviour
  • No use of phones or photography on premises
  • No collecting children under the influence of alcohol or substances
Breaches may result in the termination of bookings or further action.

Whistleblowing & Complaints

  • All staff and visitors are encouraged to report safeguarding concerns without fear of reprisal.
  • For concerns about staff or practices, refer to the Whistleblowing and Complaints Policies available in the club and on our website.
  • Concerns about DSLs should be directed to the Managing Director or relevant external authorities.

Online Safety

Purpose of this Policy

Hopscotch Holiday Club is committed to ensuring the safety and wellbeing of children aged 4–11 in all aspects of their experience, including online environments. This policy aims to:
  • Protect children from online harm, including exposure to inappropriate content, cyberbullying, and exploitation.
  • Provide clear guidance to staff on their responsibilities for online safety.
  • Ensure Hopscotch operates safely and responsibly with digital tools and platforms.

 How We Manage Online Safety

Although children do not use internet-connected devices independently during Holiday Club sessions, we still take proactive steps to promote online safety awareness:
  • No unsupervised internet access: Children are not permitted to use online devices without direct staff supervision.
  • Whitelisting software: All connected devices are restricted to approved, child-safe websites
  • No personal device use: Children are not allowed to use mobile phones or personal tablets during club hours.

Our Online Safety Principles

We believe:
  • Children should enjoy the benefits of technology safely and responsibly.
  • All children have the right to be protected from online risks, regardless of their background or ability.
  • Partnership with parents and carers is vital in reinforcing safe online habits.

Legal & Guidance Framework

Our policy aligns with guidance from:
  • NSPCC on  online abuse 
  • NSPCC on  bullying and cyberbullying 
  • National child protection systems

Our Responsibilities

To keep children safe online, Hopscotch Holiday Club will:
  • Appoint an Online Safety Coordinator
  • Give clear instructions to staff on professional online conduct
  • Support children to be respectful and safe users of digital tools in their lives
  • Encourage parents to supervise and guide their children’s internet use at home
  • Risk assess any digital platforms before use in the setting
  • Secure all child and staff personal data
  • Only share or publish images of children with written parental consent

Responding to Online Abuse

If online abuse is suspected or reported, we will:
  • Follow our safeguarding procedures immediately
  • Offer support for children, families, and staff involved
  • Address incidents such as cyberbullying, sexting, or exploitation with urgency
  • Work with external agencies as needed (e.g. Local Authority, Police)
  • Review and adjust our safety measures to prevent reoccurrence

Partnering With Families

We encourage all parents and carers to:
  • Talk regularly with children about their online activities
  • Use parental controls at home
  • Report any concerns related to children’s online safety to us or external agencies

Mobile Phones

Safeguarding Comes First

At Hopscotch Holiday Club, we prioritise the safety, privacy, and wellbeing of all children. The increasing use of mobile phones, smartwatches, tablets, and digital devices presents potential child protection and data protection risks. Therefore, strict measures are in place to manage their use.

Use of Mobile Phones and Personal Devices

  • Staff, parents, carers, and visitors are not permitted to use mobile phones for any reason (e.g. calls, texts, internet) while on club premises.
  • Staff phones must be stored securely in designated staff areas and kept away from children.
  • Failure to follow this policy is treated as a serious safeguarding breach and may result in disciplinary action.

Cameras, Videos & Smartwatches

  • Only authorised Hopscotch devices may be used to take photos or videos, and only for educational or safeguarding purposes.
  • Staff may not use personal devices to store, access, or share any images taken at the club.
  • Smartwatches with messaging, photo, or camera functions may be restricted. Managers will assess the risk and may request they be removed during work hours.
  • Photos must never be taken by parents, visitors, or children.

Photo Use & Consent

  • Photos and videos are used for purposes like:
  • Activity displays and project boards
  • Newsletters and educational tools
  • Digital Learning Journeys (if applicable)
  • Hopscotch website or marketing (with consent)
  • Parental consent is required for all photo and video usage. No images will be used without it.
  • Children’s names are never displayed alongside images.

Storage & Deletion of Media

  • Digital photos are stored only on secured Hopscotch tablets or hard drives.
  • All photos and videos must be deleted within a reasonable timeframe.
  • Any unused prints of children’s photos are either returned to families or securely destroyed once the child leaves the club.
  • Devices used for marketing (by authorised staff only) must store media on Hopscotch-supplied equipment, and files must be deleted as soon as possible.

Reporting Concerns

Staff and parents must immediately report any inappropriate use of devices or photos to the Club Manager or Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL). Alternatively, they can escalate concerns to Head Office at  office@hopscotch.uk.com .

Safeguarding and Staff

Pre-Employment Checks

To ensure the safety of children at Hopscotch Holiday Club, we apply robust pre-employment checks:
  • Online screening and ID/address verification for all candidates
  • Interviews led by Holiday Club Managers using pre-approved questions
  • Two recent references (within 5 years) sought prior to start
  • Enhanced DBS checks via Zinc for all staff, volunteers, and students

Induction & Training Requirements

Before starting, all new staff complete essential training:
  • Safeguarding Children
  • Prevent Duty Awareness
  • Recognising and Preventing FGM
  • Food Allergen Awareness

Induction also includes:

  • Roles and responsibilities
  • Safeguarding and child protection policies
  • Health and safety protocols
  • Emergency proceduresStaff receive a handbook and access to Hopscotch Staffshare for ongoing reference.

Ongoing Suitability

Managers are responsible for:
  • Conducting regular suitability checks, supervisions, and appraisals
  • Ensuring staff complete ongoing criminal history and health declarations
  • Monitoring training and performance reviews
Staff may not work alone with children until DBS clearance is confirmed. Until then, staff must:
  • Be supervised at all times
  • Avoid unsupervised toileting, nappy changes, first aid, or administering medication
  • Not access children’s personal records or use photography devices

Managing Allegations

If a staff member, student, or volunteer is suspected of harming a child:
    Report concerns to a DSL or senior manager immediately
    The individual may be put on non-contact duties or suspended during an initial review
    If appropriate, the LADO (Local Authority Designated Officer) and Ofsted will be notified
    A thorough investigation will follow, involving children’s social care and/or the police if required
    Founded allegations may result in dismissal and notification to DBS
    Unfounded allegations will result in a structured return-to-work support plan
All safeguarding records are securely retained for a minimum of 21 years and 3 months or until the person reaches retirement age.

Staff Development & Training

  • All staff, students, and volunteers receive an assigned mentor and structured induction
  • Mandatory online child protection training is completed before beginning duties
  • Ongoing training includes:
  • Prevent
  • FGM awareness
  • Local safeguarding authority guidance (Brighton & Hove LSCB)
  • Staff refresh their safeguarding knowledge at least every two years
Training and development are regularly reviewed in supervision meetings to ensure high standards of care and compliance.

Whistleblowing

Purpose

Hopscotch Holiday Club is committed to the highest standards of openness and accountability. All staff and volunteers have a duty to report concerns, especially if they relate to the safety and wellbeing of children.
This policy supports a culture where staff can raise concerns confidently, without fear of victimisation or reprisal.

What to Report

Staff should report any concerns related to:
  • Child protection or safeguarding failures
  • Unsafe practices or negligence
  • Serious misconduct or breaches of policy
  • Misuse of Hopscotch property or funds
  • Health and safety risks
  • Criminal behaviour or serious malpractice

Protection for Whistleblowers

Under the Public Interest Disclosure Act (1999):
  • You are legally protected when raising concerns in good faith
  • Hopscotch will handle reports confidentially and sensitively
  • Your identity will be kept private unless required for an investigation
  • No action will be taken against individuals raising concerns responsibly, even if unproven
Malicious or knowingly false allegations may lead to disciplinary action.

How to Raise a Concern

Step 1: Internally

  • Report directly to your Holiday Club Manager or Management Team
  • If the concern involves your manager, email Hopscotch Head Office:E-Mail  office@hopscotch.uk.com 

Step 2: External Options (if needed)

  • Protect – Independent whistleblowing charityTelephone Receiver 020 3117 2520 | Earth Globe Europe-Africa  protect-advice.org.uk 
  • LADO – For concerns about safeguarding staff or children (local contact details available in policy)
  • NSPCC – For child protection concernsTelephone Receiver 0800 0280285 | E-Mail  help@nspcc.org.uk  Earth Globe Europe-Africa  NSPCC Report Abuse 
  • Ofsted – Regulatory bodyTelephone Receiver 0300 123 3155 | E-Mail  whistleblowing@ofsted.gov.uk 

Anonymous Disclosures

Anonymous reports may be considered but are generally less likely to be acted upon unless they raise serious and verifiable concerns.

Open Door Policy

Hopscotch encourages an open environment where concerns can be discussed freely. Your voice matters in keeping children safe.