SP@CE Safer Recruitment Policy

SP@CE after school clubs is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all colleagues and volunteers to share this commitment.

Adults looking after children must have appropriate qualifications, training, skills and knowledge. Colleagues arrangements must be organised to ensure safety and to meet the needs of the children.

Recruitment and training of colleagues and volunteers

SP@CE after school clubs recognises that anyone may have the potential to abuse children in some way and that all reasonable steps are taken to ensure unsuitable people are prevented from working with children. Pre-selection checks must include the following:

All volunteers/colleagues must complete an application form. The application form will elicit information about an applicant’s past and a self-disclosure about any criminal record.
All volunteers/colleagues must complete a DBS. Once in progress they can start work under full supervision of a cleared colleague.
An explanation of any gaps in employment
Consent should be obtained from an applicant to seek information from the DBS.
Proof of essential qualifications
Two confidential references, ideally including one regarding previous work with children. These references should be taken up and confirmed through telephone contact or in writing.
Evidence of identity (passport or driving licence with photo).
Proof of the right to work in the UK (via the production of documents on an approved list)

Interview and induction

All employees (and volunteers) must undergo an interview carried out to acceptable protocol and recommendations.
All employees and volunteers should receive an induction, during which:

A check should be made that the application form has been completed in full (including sections on criminal records and self-disclosures).
Their qualifications should be substantiated.
The job requirements and responsibilities should be clarified.
Child protection procedures are explained and training needs are identified.

Disqualification

The Club will not employ colleagues or volunteers who have been convicted of an offence or have been subject to an order that disqualifies them from registration under regulations made under section 75 of the Childcare Act 206. Note that a member of colleague can become disqualified if they live in the same household as another disqualified person, or if a disqualified person is employed in that household. If a member of colleague becomes disqualified we will terminate their employment and notify Ofsted.

Training

In addition to pre-selection checks, the safeguarding process includes training after recruitment to help colleagues and volunteers to:

Analyse their own practice against established good practice, and to ensure their practice is not likely to result in allegations being made.
Recognise their responsibilities and report any concerns about suspected poor practice or possible abuse.
Respond to concerns expressed by a child or young person.
Work safely effectively with children.

Ready to work

When colleagues have completed their initial training, DBS application and Colleague Suitability form they are able to work under supervision, as agreed with Ofsted. Once we receive a satisfactory DBS they will be provided with a photographic name badge with details of their DBS number on it. This must be worn at all times.
If a DBS contains information each case will be risk assessed on an individual basis and advice sort if necessary.

SP@CE after school clubs may require:

Colleagues to attend a recognised Safeguarding and child protection awareness training workshop, to ensure their practice is exemplary and to facilitate the development of a positive culture towards good practice and child protection.
Relevant personnel to receive advisory information outlining good practice and informing them about what to do if they have concerns about the behaviour of an adult towards a young person.
Relevant personnel to have gained national first aid training (where necessary).
Attend update training when necessary and any team meetings.