Safeguarding
Our Commitment
Sadhana is committed to creating a safe, welcoming and respectful environment for children and young people.
The welfare of children is our primary consideration when making decisions about children’s activities.
This policy applies to all Sadhana employees, teachers, contractors, volunteers and anyone working with children through Sadhana.
Designated Safeguarding Lead
Designated Safeguarding Lead: Victoria Hopkins
Deputy / alternative contact: Karen Stockley
The Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) is responsible for coordinating safeguarding concerns and ensuring appropriate action is taken.
Our Safeguarding Principles
Sadhana will:
- treat every child with dignity and respect;
- listen to children’s concerns;
- take disclosures or signs of harm seriously;
- create inclusive activities that recognise different needs and abilities;
- maintain appropriate professional boundaries;
- ensure staff understand how to report concerns;
- take reasonable steps to ensure people working with children are suitable for their role;
- maintain appropriate safeguarding records;
- cooperate with relevant safeguarding agencies where required.
Safer Recruitment & Suitability
Roles involving children will be assessed to determine appropriate suitability checks.
This will always included enhanced DBS checks and where appropriate will include:
- references;
- relevant qualifications;
- safeguarding training;
- first aid training;
- confirmation of appropriate insurance.
A DBS check alone is not treated as a substitute for appropriate recruitment, supervision and safeguarding practice.
Recognising Concerns
A safeguarding concern may arise because:
- a child makes a disclosure;
- a child appears frightened, distressed or significantly withdrawn;
- there are unexplained injuries;
- behaviour changes significantly;
- staff observe inappropriate behaviour towards a child;
- information is shared by a parent, teacher or other person;
- there are concerns about neglect, abuse, exploitation or online harm.
Staff are not expected to investigate.
Their responsibility is to recognise, respond, record and report.
Responding to a Disclosure
If a child tells a member of staff something concerning:
- remain calm;
- listen carefully;
- take the child seriously;
- do not promise secrecy;
- do not ask leading or investigative questions;
- reassure the child that they have done the right thing by speaking;
- make a factual record as soon as possible;
- report the concern promptly to the DSL.
Reporting Concerns
Safeguarding concerns should normally be reported immediately to the DSL.
The DSL will consider what action is appropriate, which may include seeking advice or making a referral to children’s social care, the police or another appropriate safeguarding service.
If a child is in immediate danger or urgent medical attention is required, emergency services should be contacted immediately.
Allegations About Staff
Any allegation or concern about the conduct of a Sadhana staff member, teacher, volunteer or contractor must be taken seriously and reported promptly to the DSL or another appropriate senior person where the allegation concerns the DSL.
Sadhana will seek appropriate safeguarding advice and follow applicable procedures.
One-to-One Situations
Where one-to-one work with a child is appropriate, reasonable safeguards should be used.
This may include:
- using visible/open spaces where appropriate;
- ensuring others know where the session is taking place;
- avoiding unnecessary isolation;
- maintaining professional boundaries;
- recording significant concerns or incidents.
Physical Contact
Some yoga and movement activities may involve physical assistance, partner work or touch.
Physical contact with a child must always be:
- appropriate to the activity;
- proportionate;
- respectful;
- explained where appropriate;
- responsive to the child’s wishes.
A child may decline physical touch.
Staff must never use physical contact as punishment, restraint or coercion except where immediate action is reasonably necessary to prevent injury.
Communication With Children
Where practical, communication regarding bookings and activities should take place through parents/guardians or approved Sadhana communication channels.
Staff should not develop inappropriate private digital relationships with children.
Photography & Filming
Children will only be photographed or filmed in accordance with Sadhana’s Photography & Filming Policy and recorded parental consent.
Records & Confidentiality
Safeguarding records will be:
- factual;
- dated;
- stored securely;
- shared only with people who have a legitimate safeguarding need to know.
Safeguarding information may be shared without consent where necessary to protect a child.
Review
This policy will be reviewed regularly and after any significant safeguarding incident or change in Sadhana’s children’s provision.