Hopscotch Holiday Club is registered with Ofsted Early years register (for children aged 4) and the childcare register for the children aged 5-11 years old. We follow the statutory framework for the appropriate ages. Regular Ofsted inspections ensure that we meet all legal safeguarding standards. Reports are viewable at www.ofsted.gov.uk . Safeguarding Defined Safeguarding means: - Protecting children from maltreatment, including harm that can happen inside or outside the home including online.
- Preventing impairment of their health of development, supporting their physical and emotional wellbeing so they can thrive
- Ensuring they grow up in safe and effective care, providing care and environments that promote safety and support
- Promoting their overall welfare, help and support as soon as problems emerge, early intervention to meet needs before they escalate
This is based on government guidance ‘Working Together to Safeguard Children 2023’ Our Values and Principles
- Children’s safety, welfare and wellbeing are our highest priority. In line with Working Together to Safeguard Children (2023), children are at the centre of our practice and their needs always take precedence over those of adults.
- All children have the right to be protected from harm. We are committed to protecting children from abuse, neglect and harm, including online risks, both within and beyond the holiday club setting.
- Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility. All staff, volunteers, trustees, contractors and visitors have a duty to safeguard children and to recognise, respond to and report concerns promptly.
- Early action is essential. We act quickly on any concerns to provide early support and protection, in line with statutory guidance.
- All children are equally valued and respected. We provide an inclusive, safe environment where every child feels supported and listened to.
- Trauma-Informed Practice
We recognise that children’s behaviour may be influenced by trauma, stress or adverse experiences, and that behaviour can be a form of communication. We respond in a calm, supportive and consistent way, prioritising children’s emotional wellbeing, safety and dignity.
- Concerns and allegations are taken seriously. All safeguarding concerns are recorded, reported and managed appropriately in accordance with our procedures.
- We work in partnership. We work with parents/carers and other professionals where needed to safeguard and promote children’s welfare.
- Clear policies guide our practice. Our safeguarding policies are available to parents/carers and must be followed by everyone working with or on behalf of Hopscotch.
- Our practice follows current statutory guidance. This policy is underpinned by Working Together to Safeguard Children (2023) and relevant legislation for holiday clubs and out-of-school provision.
Legal Framework for Safeguarding
- Children Act 1989 & 2004 ( 1989 & 2004 )
- Childcare Act 2006 (Amended 2028) ( Link )
- Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006 ( Link )
- Protection of Freedoms Act 2012 ( Link )
- Education Act 2002 (Section 175) (where applicable) ( Link )
- Working Together to Safeguard Children 2023 ( Link )
- Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) Statutory Framework ( Link )
- Childcare Register Requirements ( Link )
- Data Protection Act 2018 ( Link )
- Keeping Children Safe in Education (where applicable) ( Link )
- Counter-Terrorism and Security Act 2015 (Prevent Duty) ( Link )
- Keeping Children Safe in Education 2025 ( Link )
Information About Child Abuse Types of Abuse
Child abuse can take many different forms. The main types of abuse, as identified by the NSPCC, include:
- Bullying and cyberbullying
- Child sexual exploitation (CSE)
- Child trafficking
- Criminal exploitation and involvement in gangs
- Domestic abuse
- Emotional abuse
- Female genital mutilation (FGM)
- Grooming
- Neglect
- Non-recent (historical) abuse
- Online abuse
- Physical abuse
- Sexual abuse
- Child on child abuse
Further information and guidance on the different types of abuse is available from the NSPCC . Indicators of Child Abuse The NSPCC provides detailed definitions and indicators of different types of abuse on their website. Some of the most common indicators that staff should be aware of when working in a holiday club setting include: - Unexplained changes in behaviour or personality
- Becoming uncharacteristically clingy or fearful
- Sudden mood swings
- Lack of social skills or difficulty making friends
- Knowledge of adult issues or inappropriate language
- Consistently choosing clothing that cover the body
- Frequent unexplained injuries
- Persistent anxiety or ongoing distress
- Withdrawing from usual activities or friendships
- Sleeping or eating changes
- Unexplained fear of certain places or people
- Regressive behaviours
These are broad behaviours and changes to look out for, not a checklist indicating abuse on their own. Information Sharing with Other Agencies The setting respects confidentiality at all times and complies with the Data Protection Act 1998. However the setting will share information as part of its day to day work in order to safeguard and protect children from harm but also to work together to support families to improve outcomes for all. This may involve liaison with Police, Children’s Social Care, participation in multi-agency meetings, e.g. case conferences and participation in serious care reviews, if requested to do so. This will generally take precedence over any data privacy rights.