Child protection policy statement | Mindfulness for learning

Child Protection Policy Statement

Mindfulness for learning 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’s requirements.

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

have a positive and enjoyable experience at Mindfulness for learning in a safe and child centred environment
are protected from abuse whilst participating in Mindfulness for learning sessions or outside of the activity.

Mindfulness for learning 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.

As part of our safeguarding policy Mindfulness for learning will:

promote and prioritise the safety and wellbeing of children and young people
ensure everyone understands their roles and responsibilities in respect of safeguarding
ensure 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
ensure that confidential, detailed and accurate records of all safeguarding concerns are maintained and securely stored
prevent the employment/deployment of unsuitable individuals
ensure robust safeguarding arrangements and procedures are in operation.

The policy and procedures will be widely promoted and are mandatory for everyone involved in Mindfulness for learning

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 OFSTED
as a result of any other significant change or event.

Reporting Concerns

When working within schools please report concerns to the designated child protection officer/teacher and Sophie Smith-Tong
When teaching independent classes please report all concerns to Sophie Smith-Tong, the Local Authority and NSPCC if required.
If you have concerns about the Founder of Mindfulness for learning (Sophie Smith-Tong) or any other employees/consultants working with Mindfulness for learning please contact the NSPCC, the local authority and/or the police with your concerns.

Safeguarding and data privacy

Please note that information about children can be shared without consent if there is a clear safeguarding concern and it’s in the best interests of the child.

'Working Together to Safeguard Children' emphasises the importance of timely information sharing and allows for data sharing without parental consent if it’s necessary to safeguard a child.

If Mindfulness for learning deem it necessary to share information we will do so with the NSPCC and/or the child's school.

Information will be shared with the child’s wellbeing as the top priority.