Safeguarding & Child Protection Policy

Happy Mondays is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children who attend the Playlab.

We recognise that safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility and that children have the right to be safe, protected, listened to, and treated with respect.

This policy sets out how we:

• Protect children from harm

• Identify and respond to safeguarding concerns

• Create a safe and nurturing environment

• Work in partnership with parents and carers

2. Scope of This Policy
This policy applies to:

• All Playlab sessions

• All staff, contractors, and volunteers

• All children attending Happy Mondays

The Playlab operates a parent‑present, short‑session, play‑based care model, which informs how safeguarding is implemented.
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3. Safeguarding Principles
Our safeguarding approach is underpinned by the following principles:

• The welfare of the child is paramount

• Children are listened to and taken seriously

• Safeguarding is proactive, not reactive

• Clear boundaries protect children, parents, and staff

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4. Roles & Responsibilities
Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)
Happy Mondays appoints a Designated Safeguarding Lead who:

• Has responsibility for safeguarding oversight

• Receives safeguarding concerns and records them

• Decides on appropriate next steps

• Acts as the main point of contact for safeguarding matters

A Deputy DSL will be appointed where appropriate.
All Staff & Facilitators
All staff and facilitators:

• Are responsible for safeguarding children

• Must be familiar with this policy

• Must report concerns immediately to the DSL

• Must complete safeguarding training

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5. Safer Recruitment & Staff Suitability
Happy Mondays is committed to safer recruitment practices.
This includes:

• Appropriate role descriptions

• Identity and reference checks

• Enhanced DBS checks for relevant roles

• Ongoing suitability monitoring

Staff are never left alone with children unless appropriate checks are in place.
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6. Training & Awareness
All child‑facing staff receive:

• Safeguarding training appropriate to their role

• Regular updates and refreshers

• Clear guidance on recognising signs of abuse or neglect

Safeguarding training includes awareness of:

• Physical abuse

• Emotional abuse

• Sexual abuse

• Neglect

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7. Recognising Safeguarding Concerns
Staff are trained to recognise indicators including:

• Unexplained injuries

• Changes in behaviour or mood

• Signs of distress or fear

• Concerning disclosures

Concerns may arise from a single incident or a pattern over time.
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8. Responding to a Disclosure
If a child discloses information:

• Listen calmly and without judgement

• Do not promise confidentiality

• Reassure the child that they have done the right thing

• Record the information accurately

• Report immediately to the DSL

Staff must not investigate concerns themselves
 
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9. Recording & Reporting Concerns
All safeguarding concerns are:

• Recorded promptly and accurately

• Stored securely

• Shared only with appropriate parties

The DSL determines whether:

• Further internal monitoring is required

• Parents should be informed

• External agencies should be contacted

10. Working with Parents & Carers

Happy Mondays works in partnership with parents.

Because parents remain on site:

• Concerns may be addressed quickly and calmly

• Parents may be involved where appropriate

However, parental presence does not override the duty to safeguard.

 

11. Allegations Against Staff

Any allegation against a member of staff will:

• Be taken seriously

• Be reported immediately to the DSL

• Be managed in line with safeguarding procedures

Staff may be suspended from duties while concerns are investigated.

 

12. Use of Space & Supervision

Safeguarding is supported through:

• Clear supervision ratios

• Open, visible spaces

• Regular headcounts

• Controlled access to Playlab areas

Children are always supervised during sessions.

 

13. Online Safety & Data Protection

Where relevant:

• Photographs are only taken with parental consent

• Data is stored securely

• Confidentiality is maintained

 

14. Reviewing & Updating This Policy

This policy is reviewed:

• Annually

• Following any safeguarding incident

• Ahead of regulatory changes or registration

 

15. Key Contacts

Designated Safeguarding Lead: To be confirmed
Deputy DSL: To be confirmed

In an emergency, staff should contact emergency services immediately.

 

This policy forms part of Happy Mondays’ commitment to keeping children safe.

10. Working with Parents & Carers

Happy Mondays works in partnership with parents.

Because parents remain on site:

• Concerns may be addressed quickly and calmly

• Parents may be involved where appropriate

However, parental presence does not override the duty to safeguard.

 

11. Allegations Against Staff

Any allegation against a member of staff will:

• Be taken seriously

• Be reported immediately to the DSL

• Be managed in line with safeguarding procedures

Staff may be suspended from duties while concerns are investigated.

 

12. Use of Space & Supervision

Safeguarding is supported through:

• Clear supervision ratios

• Open, visible spaces

• Regular headcounts

• Controlled access to Playlab areas

Children are always supervised during sessions.

 

13. Online Safety & Data Protection

Where relevant:

• Photographs are only taken with parental consent

• Data is stored securely

• Confidentiality is maintained

 

14. Reviewing & Updating This Policy

This policy is reviewed:

• Annually

• Following any safeguarding incident

• Ahead of regulatory changes or registration

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15. Key Contacts

Designated Safeguarding Lead: To be confirmed
Deputy DSL: To be confirmed

In an emergency, staff should contact emergency services immediately.

 

This policy forms part of Happy Mondays’ commitment to keeping children safe.