Safeguarding & Intimate Care Policy

1. Our Commitment to Safeguarding

After School Dreams is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children in our care. We believe that every child has the right to feel safe, respected, and supported.

Safeguarding is the responsibility of everyone involved in After School Dreams, including directors, staff, volunteers, and any adults working with children.

We follow the principles of:

• Keeping Children Safe in Education

• Working Together to Safeguard Children

• Relevant local safeguarding guidance

2. Safer Working Practice

All staff working with children are expected to:

• Act in the best interests of the child at all times

• Maintain professional boundaries

• Treat all children with respect and dignity

• Avoid situations where they are alone with a child where possible

• Follow all safeguarding procedures and report concerns promptly

Appropriate checks, including DBS checks where required, are completed in line with legal and school requirements.

3. Recognising Safeguarding Concerns

Safeguarding concerns may include:

• Physical abuse

• Emotional abuse

• Sexual abuse

• Neglect

• Bullying or discriminatory behaviour

Staff are trained to recognise signs of concern and understand their duty to act.

Any safeguarding concern will be taken seriously and handled confidentially and appropriately.

4. Reporting Concerns

If a member of staff has a concern about a child’s welfare, they must:

• Record the concern factually and promptly

• Report it to the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) or a senior member of staff

If a child is at immediate risk of harm, appropriate external agencies will be contacted without delay.

5. Working with Parents & Carers

After School Dreams aims to work in partnership with parents and carers.
Safeguarding concerns will be shared with parents where appropriate, unless doing so may place the child at further risk.

6. Intimate Care Policy

6.1 Our Approach

After School Dreams recognises that some children may require assistance with intimate care due to age, medical needs, or additional needs.

Intimate care is provided:

• With the child’s dignity, privacy, and wellbeing as the priority

• In a respectful and sensitive manner

• Only when necessary and appropriate

6.2 Consent & Information

Intimate care will only be provided:

• With prior parental consent, and

• Where relevant, following a care plan agreed with parents/carers

Parents must inform After School Dreams of:

• Medical conditions

• Toileting needs

• Any support required

6.3 How Intimate Care Is Provided

When intimate care is required:

• The child will be encouraged to be as independent as possible

• Staff will explain what they are doing and seek the child’s cooperation

• Care will be provided by trained staff only

• Wherever possible, another adult will be aware that intimate care is being given

Staff will never:

• Act in a way that could be misinterpreted

• Use inappropriate language or behaviour

• Take photographs or recordings

6.4 Safeguarding During Intimate Care

Intimate care is always treated as a safeguarding matter.

Staff will:

• Report any concerns immediately

• Record incidents factually

• Follow safeguarding procedures at all times

Any allegation or concern relating to intimate care will be managed in line with safeguarding guidance and, where necessary, referred to appropriate authorities.

7. Behaviour & Respect

After School Dreams promotes positive behaviour and mutual respect.

Discrimination, bullying, or harmful behaviour of any kind will not be tolerated.
In rare cases where behaviour presents a safeguarding risk, we reserve the right to withdraw a child from an activity in consultation with parents and relevant professionals.

8. Confidentiality & Records

Safeguarding information is handled sensitively and shared only with those who need to know.

Records are stored securely and in line with data protection requirements.

9. Review of Policy

This Safeguarding & Intimate Care Policy is reviewed regularly to ensure it remains up to date with legislation, guidance, and best practice.

10. Safeguarding Contact Information

If you have any concerns regarding a child’s safety or wellbeing, or wish to raise a safeguarding matter, please contact us directly at:

safeguarding@afterschooldreams.com

All safeguarding concerns will be treated seriously, sensitively, and in line with our safeguarding procedures.