Safeguarding Children and Young People Policy and Procedures
Signed: Dorothy Burnett
Date: 10 January 2024
We are committed to reviewing our policy and good practice annually.
Policy Information
Policy Start Date: January 2024 Policy Review Date: January 2025
Safeguarding Children and Young People Policy
Statement
Love Dunston recognises that:
The welfare of the child is paramount.
All children and young people regardless of age, disability, gender, racial heritage, religious belief, sexual orientation or identity, or immigration status have the right to equal protection from all types of harm or abuse.
It is not the responsibility of staff and volunteers to decide whether or not child abuse is occurring, but it is their responsibility to act on child protection concerns and do something about it.
Working in partnership with children, young people, and their parents, carers and other agencies is essential in promoting children and young people’s welfare. This extends to recognising and reporting harm experienced anywhere, including within our activities, within other organised community or voluntary activities, in the community, in the person’s own home and in any care setting. Actions taken by Love Dunston will be consistent with the principles of child safeguarding ensuring that any action taken is prompt and proportionate.
Purpose
The purpose of this policy statement is:
to protect children and young people who receive Love Dunston’s services or participate in our activities, from harm. This includes the children of adults who use our services or participate in our activities.
to provide staff and volunteers, as well as children and young people and their families, with the overarching principles that guide our approach to child protection. Scope This safeguarding children and young people policy and procedures applies to all individuals involved in Love Dunston, including trustees, staff, volunteers, and visitors. It is important to have policy and procedures in place so that all trustees, staff, volunteers, centre users and visitors can work to prevent abuse and know what to do should a concern arise. Legal Framework This policy has been drawn up following national and local guidance on legislation, policy and guidance.
Key legislation:
A summary of key national legislation - learning.nspcc.org.uk/child-protection-system/England/ Working together to safeguard children (2023), visit https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/working-together-to-safeguard-children--2
What to do if you’re worried a child is being abused, visit https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/what-to-do-if-youre-worried-a-child-is-being-abused--2
Multi agency safeguarding children procedures Staff and volunteers who work with children and young people should use the latest version of the relevant Local Safeguarding Children Board (LSCB) multi-agency procedures / practice guidance. Multi agency procedures / practice guidance for many LSCBs are hosted online and are updated regularly. Other LSCBs hold their guidance directly on their LSCB website. If online procedures have been printed off, the date should be checked before use so that you know if it is a recent version. Please be aware that local authorities advise that printed policies are only valid for 72 hours due to them being regularly updated. Paper copies should be discarded following use.
Local multi agency procedures:
North and South of Tyne Safeguarding Children Partnership Procedures Manual - https://www.proceduresonline.com/nesubregion/ Definition of a child For the purposes of child protection legislation the term ‘child’ refers to anyone up to the age of 18 years. Child protection guidance points out that even if a child has reached 16 years of age and is
living independently in further education a member of the armed forces in hospital; or in custody in the secure estate they are still legally children and should be given the same protection and entitlements as any other child (Department for Education, 2018a). Commitments Love Dunston believe that: children and young people should never experience abuse of any kind. we have a responsibility to promote the welfare of all children and young people, to keep them safe and to practise in a way that protects them.
We recognise that:
the welfare of children is paramount in all the work we do and in all the decisions we take.
some children are additionally vulnerable because of the impact of previous experiences, their level of dependency, communication needs or other issues We will seek to keep children and young people safe by: valuing, listening to and respecting them;
adopting child protection and safeguarding best practice through our policies, procedures; ensuring that all board members, staff, volunteers, centre users and visitors are familiar with this policy and associated procedures;
having a copy of this document available to all trustees, staff, volunteers, centre users, visitors, helpers and parents of children who attend our activities;
providing effective management for staff and volunteers through supervision, support so that all staff and volunteers know about and follow our policies and procedures confidently and competently;
recruiting and selecting staff and volunteers safely, ensuring all necessary checks are made;
using our safeguarding and child protection procedures to share concerns and relevant information with agencies who need to know, and involving children, young people, parents, families and carers appropriately;
using our procedures to manage any allegations against staff and volunteers appropriately.
building a safeguarding culture where staff and volunteers, children, young people and their families, treat each other with respect and are comfortable about sharing concerns. This policy should be used in conjunction with Love Dunston’s Safeguarding Adults policy Types of Child Abuse The generic term child abuse is used to describe various ways in which children can be harmed or mistreated. There are many different ways in which children can be harmed all with a common factor that the child feels under-valued and worthless.
Abuse may be carried out deliberately or unknowingly.
Abuse may be a single act or repeated acts.
Abuse can happen anywhere, but research indicates that the perpetrators of such abuse are likely to be known and trusted by the child or young person. Physical abuse – may involve hitting, shaking, throwing, poisoning, burning, scalding, drowning, suffocating or otherwise causing physical harm to a child. Physical harm may also be caused when a parent fabricates the symptoms or deliberately induces illness in a child. Sexual abuse – involves forcing or enticing a child or young person to take part in sexual activities, including prostitution, whether or not the child is aware of what is happening. The activities may involve physical contact, including penetrative or non-penetrative acts. They may include non-contact activities such as involving children in looking at, or in the production of pornographic materials or watching sexual activities, or encouraging children to behave in sexually inappropriate ways. Emotional abuse – the persistent emotional ill-treatment of a child such as to cause severe and persistent adverse effects on the child’s emotional development. It may involve: Telling a child they are worthless, unloved or inadequate, valued only in so far as they meet the needs of another person.
Age or developmentally inappropriate expectations being imposed on a child.
Overprotection and limitation of exploration and learning.
A child seeing or hearing the ill treatment of another person. Serious bullying. Causing a child to frequently feel frightened or in danger. Exploitation or corruption of a child or young person. This includes fraudulent practices such as cuckooing or similar benefit exploitation Neglect – persistent failure to meet a child’s basic physical or psychological needs, likely to result in the serious impairment of the child’s health and development. Neglect may occur: During pregnancy as a result of substance abuse. Failure to provide adequate food and clothing. Failing to provide shelter including exclusion from home or abandonment. Failing to protect the child from physical harm or danger. Failing to ensure adequate supervision (including the use of inadequate care givers). Failure to ensure access to appropriate medical; care or treatment. Discriminatory abuse – this includes racist, religious and sexist abuse, plus abuse based on a person’s disability. Concerns about a child or young person being radicalised or a girl is at risk of FGM or other procedure (ie breast ironing). Where there is a concern that a child or young person has been or is being radicalised, or there is a risk of FGM or physical mutilation, normal multi-agency safeguarding children procedures apply. Further information can be found in the North and South of Tyne Safeguarding Children Partnership Procedures Manual - https://www.proceduresonline.com/nesubregion/ County Lines - County lines refers to a model used by criminal gangs, whereby urban gangs supply drugs to suburban areas and market and coastal towns. These gangs frequently exploit children, young people and vulnerable adults to courier drugs and money. A young person’s involvement in county lines activity often leaves signs. A person might exhibit some of these signs, either as a member or as an associate of a gang dealing drugs. Any sudden changes in a person’s lifestyle or unexplained acquisition of gifts should be discussed with them. How to recognise the signs of abuse It is not always easy to recognise signs of abuse, but it is important for you to have some idea about some of the signs to look out for when you’re concerned about a child. Some common signs that there may be something concerning happening in a child’s life include: Unexplained changes in behaviour or personality Becoming withdrawn Seeming anxious Becoming uncharacteristically aggressive Lacking social skills and having few friends, if any Poor bond or relationship with a parent Knowledge of adult issues inappropriate for their age Always choosing to wear clothes which cover their body For more information visit: https://www.nspcc.org.uk/what-is-child-abuse/spotting-signs-child-abuse/ Designated Safeguarding Lead Love Dunston has a named person who is responsible for dealing with any concerns about the safeguarding of children and young people. In their absence deputies will be available to consult with. Designated safeguarding lead Name: Brenda Clelland Phone: 07802785292 Email: rovista@sky.com Deputy safeguarding lead Name: Gary Haley Phone: 07525802673 Email: cllr.ghaley@gateshead.gov.uk Local Authority Designated Officer Name: Michelle Farry Phone: 0191 433 3554/433 8031/07714957868 Out of hours, public holiday: 0191 477 8844 Gateshead Childrens Services 0191 433 2653 0191 477 0844 (out of hours) In an emergency, call 999 The roles and responsibilities of the Designated Safeguarding leads: Play a lead role in developing and establishing the organisation’s approach to safeguarding adults and in maintaining and reviewing the organisation’s implementation plan for safeguarding adults in line with current legislation and best practice. Ensure Love Dunston’s Safeguarding Children and Young Adult Policy and Procedures are followed and act as a source of advice on safeguarding matters. Ensure that all board members, staff, volunteers, centre users and visitors are aware of what they should do and who they should go to if they have concerns that an adult at risk may be experiencing, or has experienced abuse or neglect. Receive reports of and manage cases of abuse reported to the organisation – including an appropriate recording system. Ensure that concerns are acted on, clearly recorded in writing and referred to the appropriate body. Manage and have oversight over individual complex cases involving allegations against an employee or volunteer. Reinforce the utmost need for confidentiality and to ensure that board members, staff, volunteers centre users and visitors are adhering to good practice with regard to confidentiality and security. This is because it is around the time that a person starts to challenge abuse that the risks of increasing intensity of abuse are greatest. Urgent referrals should be reported immediately by those aware of them, even if the named person and the named deputies are not available. It is the role of the named person for safeguarding adults to ensure that all staff and volunteers know how to do this. Follow up any referrals or allegations, ensure verbal and telephone referrals are made in writing, and ensure the issues have been addressed. Ensure that any records are kept safely, securely and in line with data protection requirements. How to respond to a child or young person telling you about abuse Respond in a way appropriate to the child’s age and understanding. Reassure the child or young person concerned; abuse is not their fault. Listen to what they are saying. Record what you have been told or have witnessed as soon as possible. Remain calm and do not show shock or disbelief. Tell the child or young person that the information will be treated seriously. Do not start to investigate or ask detailed or probing questions. Do not promise to keep it a secret. Reporting abuse or allegations of abuse, including when the allegations of abuse are against someone working or volunteering with Love Dunston Love Dunston recognises that it has a duty to act on reports, or suspicions of abuse or neglect. It also acknowledges that taking action in cases of adult abuse is never easy. If you witness abuse, or abuse has just taken place, the priorities will be (the sequence of priorities will depend on the circumstances): To call an ambulance if required. To call the Police if a crime has been committed. To preserve evidence. To keep yourself and others safe. To inform the Designated Adult Safeguarding Lead. To record what happened in name of place/file/log where safeguarding adults concerns will be recorded. Reporting abuse Reporting abuse has different levels of action, from what to do if you are worried to taking urgent action. 1 Advice If you are worried about a child or young person, or are not sure if you are right to be worried, you can ask for advice from: Local authority children’s social care services Northumbria Police Safeguarding Department 101 NSPCC helpline 0808 800 5000. In Durham you can call First Contact and speak to a trained officer. They will work with you to decide the level of response needed. First Contact call 03000 267 979. In Newcastle call the Initial Response Service in Newcastle Children’s Social Care or if it is outside normal office hours call the Emergency Duty Team. Initial Response Service Call 0191 277 2500 Out of hours number Emergency Duty Team (EDT) Call 0191 278 7878 In Gateshead you can contact Gateshead Children’s Services and Assessment Team for advice about the appropriateness of a referral. Gateshead Children’s Social Care, call 0191 433 2653 Monday to Friday 8.30 am to 5.00 pm Call 0191 477 0844 Out of hours at night, at weekends and bank holidays In North Tyneside discuss a concern to Multi Agency Screening and Coordination Team North Tyneside Front Door Call 0345 200 0109 weekdays 7.30 am to 8.00 pm Call 0191 200 6800 out of hours In Redcar/Cleveland to discuss a concern, call Redcar & Cleveland Multi Agency Children's Hub (MACH). 01642 130 700 (Monday to Thursday 8:30am to 5:00pm, Friday from 8:30am to 4:30pm) Out of hours please contact the Emergency Duty Team on 01642 524552 In South Tyneside call Children and Families Social Care 0191 424 5010 (Monday to Thursday - 8.30am to 5pm, Friday - 8.30am to 4.30pm) 0191 456 2093 (Outside of the above time) 2 Raising concern If you are concerned about a situation you should refer the matter immediately to Love Dunston’s named person. The concern should be written down using the form for ‘Logging concerns about a child or young person’ (see below in Appendix 1). If further investigation is necessary the named person will refer the matter to children’s social care. 3 Make a referral If you think a child or young person is being abused you should make a referral to children’s social care. In Durham if you are worried about risk of significant harm to a child contact First Contact on 03000 267 979. To make a safeguarding referral please use the Children’s Services Safeguarding referral form - https://durham-scp.org.uk/concerned-about-a-child/ In Newcastle call the Initial Response Service in Newcastle Children’s Social Care or if it is outside normal office hours call the Emergency Duty Team or the Police. Newcastle Initial Response Service, call 0191 277 2500 Newcastle Emergency Duty Team (EDT), call 0191 278 7878 You can also complete an online referral form - https://www.newcastle.gov.uk/services/care-and-support/children/keeping-children-safe/report-concernabout-child-or-young-person In Gateshead referrals must be made in writing using the Gateshead online referral form which is available from the Gateshead LSCB website https://www.gateshead.gov.uk/article/3948/Worried-about-a-child-inGatesheadFor advice about the referral contact the Gateshead Children’s Social Care Referral and Assessment Team or if it is outside office hours as below call the Gateshead Children’s Social Care Emergency Duty Team (EDT) or the Police. Gateshead Children’s Services call 0191 433 2653 8.30 am to 5.00 pm (Mon to Thurs), 8.30 am to 4.30 pm (Fri) Gateshead Children’s Emergency Duty Team call 0191 477 0844 In North Tyneside report a concern to Multi Agency Screening and Coordination Team North Tyneside Front Door Call 0345 200 0109 weekdays 7.30 am to 8.00 pm Call 0191 200 6800 out of hours You can also complete an online referral form - https://my.northtyneside.gov.uk/category/488/are-you-worried-about-child In Redcar/Cleveland please download the Safer Referral Form and complete all relevant sections prior to contacting Redcar & Cleveland Multi Agency Children's Hub (MACH). The Safer Referral Form is available from the Tees Safeguarding Children Partnerships’ website https://www.teescpp.org.uk/contact/redcar-cleveland Contact Redcar & Cleveland Multi Agency Children's Hub (MACH) 01642 130 700 (Monday to Thursday 8:30am to 5:00pm, Friday from 8:30am to 4:30pm) Out of hours please contact the Emergency Duty Team on 01642 524552 Email - RedcarMACH@redcar-cleveland.gov.uk In South Tyneside call Children and Families Social Care 0191 424 5010 (Monday to Thursday - 8.30am to 5pm, Friday - 8.30am to 4.30pm) 0191 456 2093 (Outside of the above times) For referrals in all areas: You or Love Dunston’s named person for safeguarding must confirm verbal/telephone referrals in writing within 24 hours of being made. If you think a crime against a child or young person has been committed you should contact the police on telephone 101 asking for your local police station. If you have intelligence to share with the police, email forceintelligence@northumbria.pnn.police.uk 4 Urgent If you think a child is at risk now, you should contact the police on telephone 999. Urgent referrals should be reported immediately by those aware of them, even if the named person and the named deputies are not available. Further information As part of the North and South of Tyne Safeguarding Children Partnership a manual has been produce which outlines practice and procedures for missing, sexually exploited & trafficked children as well as for girls at risk of FGM. For multi-agency and referral procedures visit: Child sexual exploitation https://www.proceduresonline.com/nesubregion/p_ch_sexual_exploit.html Trafficking and exploitation https://www.proceduresonline.com/nesubregion/p_ch_from_abroad.html FGM https://www.proceduresonline.com/nesubregion/p_fem_gen_mutil.html Government Multi-agency statutory guidance on female genital mutilation: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/multi-agency-statutory-guidance-on-female-genitalmutilation Non-recent (historical) abuse Non-recent abuse (also known as historical abuse) is an allegation of neglect, physical, sexual or emotional abuse made by or on behalf of someone who is now 18 years or over, relating to an incident which took place when the alleged victim was under 18 years old. Non-recent abuse is a crime and can be reported at any time. If someone has made an allegation of non-recent abuse and you believe that the alleged offender is still alive, children may still be at risk (remembering that some sexual abusers actively abuse for decades). Love Dunston will ask for the name of the alleged offender and a referral to the LADO (contact details below) will be made whether or not the alleged victim gives consent. You can also ask for advice from Northumbria Police Safeguarding Department or from the NSPCC. Call Northumbria Police Safeguarding Department on 101 Call the NSPCC helpline 0808 800 5000 For more information and to support someone who has made an allegation of non-recent abuse visit https://www.nspcc.org.uk/preventing-abuse/signs-symptoms-effects/non-recent-abuse/ Responding to allegations of abuse against a Love Dunston member of staff or volunteer If you hear any allegation against a Love Dunston member of staff or volunteer (including Trustees) you should refer the matter immediately to Love Dunston’s named person. If it is outside office hours and the matter cannot wait until the next working day then you should contact the relevant authority: Newcastle Out of Hours Emergency Duty Team (EDT) 0191 278 7878 Gateshead Emergency Duty Team (EDT) 0191 477 0844 North Tyneside 0191 200 6800 (out of hours) South Tyneside 0191 456 2093 (out of hours) The NSPCC Helpline 0808 800 5000 for advice if about a child You should not question the person making the allegation further but if it is a child you should respond appropriately to their age and understanding. The allegation should be written down using the form for ‘Logging concerns about a child or young person’ (see Appendix 1). If there are allegations that a member of staff or volunteer (including a Trustee) has significantly harmed a child or is likely to harm a child, Love Dunston’s named person will contact the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) for managing child abuse allegations against staff and volunteers within one working day. The Durham LADO Phone: 03000 268835 Email: CYPSLADOSecure@durham.gov.uk The Newcastle LADO: Name: Melanie Scott Phone: 0191 277 4636 Email: melanie.scott@newcastle.gov.uk The Gateshead LADO: Name: Michelle Farry Phone: 0191 433 3554 Email: LADO@gateshead.gov.uk The North Tyneside LADO Name: Joanne Dean Phone: 0345 2000 109 Email: joanne.dean@northtyneside.gov.uk The Redcar/Cleveland LADO Phone: 01642 130700 Email: RedcarLADO@redcar-cleveland.gov.uk The South Tyneside LADO Name: Hilary Bagley Phone: 0191 424 6302 Email: hilary.bagley@southtyneside.gov.uk Disclosure and barring service The safeguarding regulations of the Vulnerable Groups Act 2006 came into effect from October 2009 and are in the Protection of Freedoms Act 2012. In accordance with its duties under the Act, if Love Dunston dismisses or moves a member of staff or a volunteer because they have harmed a child or adult (or would have dismissed or moved them if the person had not left), Love Dunston will notify the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). The DBS process and referral form will be used. DBS referral form and guidance: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/dbs-referrals-form-andguidance Recording and managing confidential information Information about concerns of abuse includes personal data. It is therefore important to be clear as to the grounds for processing and sharing information about concerns of abuse. Love Dunston is committed to maintaining confidentiality wherever possible and information about safeguarding children and young people or child protection should be shared securely only with those who need to have it. The decision on whether to share information or not, and the reasons for the decision will be recorded in writing. All allegations and concerns should be recorded on the form ‘Logging concerns about a child’s safety or welfare’. The information should be factual and not based on opinions. It should record what the person tells you and what you have seen, and should record witnesses if appropriate. The information should be factual and not based on opinions, record what the person tells you, what you have seen, and record witnesses if appropriate. The information that is recorded will be kept secure and will comply with data protection. Paper information will be secured in a locked filing cabinet. Access to this information both paper and electronic will be by the Designated Named Person. The Chief Executive of Dunston Community Centre will keep information regarding any allegations about staff members Any decision to share or not to share information with an external person or organisation must be recorded together with the reasons to share or not share information. Appointment of staff, trustees and volunteers The appointment of staff, trustees, volunteers and helpers is at the discretion of the Board of Trustees. At recruitment, all personnel will be carefully selected and vetted to take all reasonable steps in ensuring they do not pose a risk to children and young people. The Board of Trustees will seek a disclosure and barring service (DBS) check on workers, volunteers and helpers where appropriate. References and DBS will be sought before the appointment of a worker, volunteer or helper who will work directly with children or young people. If the applicant has had employment or acted in a voluntary capacity working with children, references will be sought from the employer or a person with first-hand knowledge of this work. Where an applicant has no experience of paid or voluntary work with children, a reference will be sought from a reputable person who can comment on the applicant’s character and relationships with others. Any reference sought will be in the strictest confidence and deal solely with the applicant’s suitability to work with children. All personnel will receive information on safe conduct and what to do if they have concerns about a child or young person, where to get advice and what to do if no-one seems to have taken their concerns seriously. Love Dunston will endeavour to make this organisation a safe and caring place for children and young people by having a code of conduct for personnel (see Appendix 2). This will be explained to all personnel and they will be expected to comply with it. Training, induction and supervision of staff and volunteers Love Dunston will provide effective management for staff and volunteers through induction, supervision, support and training. This policy will be included in the induction documents for all trustees and volunteers. All personnel, through this document, will receive information and basic training in safe conduct and what to do if they have concerns about a child or young person, where to get advice and what to do if no-one seems to have taken their concerns seriously. Safeguarding issues will be discussed and recorded in supervision when appropriate. The designated safeguarding leads will be required to complete safeguarding training every 3 years Useful information North and South of Tyne Safeguarding Children Partnership Procedures Manual This is regularly updated. https://www.proceduresonline.com/nesubregion/ Newcastle Safeguarding Children Board website This is regularly updated. You can register with the update service, tri.x. Visit https://www.nscb.org.uk/ Gateshead Local Safeguarding Children Board https://gateshead.gov.uk/lscb/home.aspx North Tyneside Safeguarding Children Board https://www.northtynesidescp.org.uk/ South Tyneside Safeguarding Children Board https://www.southtyneside.gov.uk/article/35808/Safeguarding-Children-Board Disclosure and Barring Service checks For enquiries about DBS checks (previously called CRB checks) Call 03000 200190 https://www.gov.uk/disclosure-barring-service-check Disclosure and Barring Service To make DBS referrals and for online guidance https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/disclosure-and-barring-service NSPCC Helpline: call 0808 800 5000 for advice. NVCO safeguarding information https://knowhow.ncvo.org.uk/safeguarding/ Appendix 1 Logging concerns about a child or young person Your name: Name of organisation: Your role:: Contact information (you): Address: Postcode: Telephone numbers: Email address: Child’s name: Child’s date of birth: Child’s ethnic origin: Please state Does child have a disability: Please state Child’s gender: □ Male □ Female Parent’s / carer’s name(s): Contact information (parents/carers): Address: Postcode: Telephone numbers: Email address: Have parent’s / carer’s been notify of this incident? □ Yes □ No If YES please provide details of what was said/action agreed: Are you reporting your own concerns or responding to concerns raised by someone else: □ Responding to my own concerns □ Responding to concerns raised by someone else If responding to concerns raised by someone else: Please provide further information below Name: Position within the sport or relationship to the child: Telephone numbers: Email address: Date and times of incident: Details of the incident or concerns: Include other relevant information, such as description of any injuries and whether you are recording this incident as fact, opinion or hearsay. Child’s account of the incident: Please provide any witness accounts of the incident: Please provide details of any witnesses to the incident: Name: Position within the organisation or relationship to the child: Address: Postcode: Telephone number: Email address: Please provide details of any person involved in this incident or alleged to have caused the incident / injury: Name: Position within the organisation or relationship to the child: Address: Postcode: Telephone number: Email address: Please provide details of action taken to date: Has the incident been reported to any external agencies? □ Yes □ No If YES please provide further details: Name of organisation / agency: Contact person: Telephone numbers: Email address: Agreed action or advice given: Your Signature: Print name: Date: Contact your organisation’s Designated Safeguarding Officer in line with Dunston Community Centre’s reporting procedures. Appendix 2 Code of conduct Children and young people are able to enjoy activities organised by Love Dunston because of the many adults who provide opportunities for them to do so. All of these adults have special responsibilities to these children and young people. This Code of Conduct provides clear guidance on the type of practise that will meet these responsibilities. Good conduct not only prevents incidence and allegations but also helps to highlight any conduct (by other people) that is unsafe or unprofessional. Therefore those working with children or young people should: Be professional and maintain a high standards of personal behaviour at all times. Recognise the trust placed in adults by children and young people and recognise the power held over children by adults. Treat this trust of power with the highest responsibility. Try to work in an open and accountable manner at all times. Working in view of others whenever possible. Be wary of working alone and unobserved. Be willing to accept questions or criticism regarding good practice. Expect others to work in an open and accountable way, question and criticise the practice of others if necessary. Maintain a professional relationship with children. Any form of sexual relationship or activity with a child is unacceptable and is likely to lead to disciplinary or legal action. Not be under the influence of drink, drugs or illegal substances when working with children or young people. Use appropriate and respectful forms of discipline and communication. Physical aggression, intimidation, verbal abuse and persistent shouting are not acceptable. Any form of assault (e.g. hitting, kicking, pinching, slapping) should be regarded as a serious incident. Use appropriate language at all times do not swear and never make sexual or suggestive comments to a child. If a child makes such comments be ready to enforce these boundaries in your response. Do not appear to favour one child or show interest in one child more than another. Do not discriminate against a child because of their age, gender, disability, culture, language, racial origin or sexual identity. Use physical contact with children or young people only where necessary. If contact is necessary (e.g. for the purpose of coaching or first aid). Explain to the child what the contact is for and change your approach if he/she appears uncomfortable. Be aware of situations that can be misunderstood or manipulated by other adults (e.g. if an adult is alone with a child in a room or a car, he or she may be vulnerable to allegations of misconduct). Always be vigilant and aware of how actions can be misinterpreted by children. Actions made with good intentions can seem intrusive and intimidating to some children. Sometimes children become attracted to the adults working with them. Adults should be aware of the impact of their action and should sensitively address any misunderstanding.