Policies of the South Dartmoor
Riding for the Disabled Association
SOUTH DARTMOOR RIDING
FOR THE DISABLED
SAFEGUARDING CHILDREN, VUNERABLE & YOUNG PEOPLE
- Policy and Guidelines
Our Policy:
The people of South Dartmoor Group of the Riding for
the Disabled (The Group) have a deep concern for the wholeness and well-being
of each individual and aim to provide a safe environment for all who
come into contact with The Group. It is the responsibility of each individual
participating in the life of the Group, not only those directly concerned
with the work of children and young people, to prevent abuse, and to
act appropriately if it is discovered or suspected or when good practice
is not being followed.
All those attending a riding session are required to note the guidelines
and to adhere to this policy statement.
For the purposes of this document, a "young person" is normally
someone under 16 years of age.
In the following guidelines, "child" refers to a child or
young person or vulnerable person: "parent" to a parent or
guardian.
Our Guidelines:
1. Plan work to minimize situations
where abuse may occur.
• A minimum of two adults should be present at all times.
• Consider adequate control, supervision, and the ability to cope
with any emergency.
• Invited visitors should be accompanied by a worker, and access
by uninvited visitors monitored.
• Do not meet a child on a one-to-one basis off the premises without
the presence of another adult.
• Transport as part of organized activity. Minibus: a minimum
of 2 adults in the vehicle; check insurance cover and liability. Car:
always at least 2 passengers.
• Workers should not take responsibility for transporting children
unless negotiated with parents.
• Keep a register of names and addresses of all children and adults
who attend each session.
2. There is a system whereby children
may talk with an independent person.
• The telephone numbers of "Childline" (0800 1111) and
"Children First" (0800 800 500) are displayed.
3. Supervision and proper appointment of workers are means of
protecting children.
• Provide regular opportunities for workers to share planning
and concerns and discuss relationships with children.
• Group leaders should observe workers as they work with children,
and share any concerns confidentially immediately with the Group Child
Protection Officer Pam Missen or Chairman Margaret Lawrence.
• The Group Trustees shall explore a prospective worker’s
overall suitability. The initial appointment shall be for a probationary
period of 1 year.
• All workers must start the "disclosure" procedure,
supply details of a referee and be accepted by The Group before working
with children.
• They should undergo initial and further training.
• They should sign a training record card as each area of training
is completed.
4. The disclosure or discovery
of abuse.
• Abuse may be physical, emotional, sexual or neglect. It may
come to the worker’s notice through disclosure by the child, information
from a third party or observation of injury or behaviour.
• Remain calm, listen carefully to the information given, try
not to interrupt or interrogate.
• Reassure a child who gives information. Ensure that a familiar
adult stays with him/her. Helpful things to say: I understand. I’m
glad you told me. It’s okay to tell me. You are brave to tell.
I’m sorry it happened. It’s not your fault. I will, try
to help.
Try to avoid: What? Why? When? Where? How? Who? Are you sure? Why didn’t
you say before? I can’t believe that. This is really serious.
Don’t tell anyone. I am shocked. Making promises.
• Treat the matter seriously and do not minimize or dispute the
account.
• Do not offer confidentiality. The information will need to be
passed to social services or police.
• Do not share the allegation with the adult about whom it has
been made. Do not spread rumours.
• Contact social services or police at once if there is an immediate
risk, otherwise at end of session.
• Inform the Child Protection Officer immediately. If the allegation
is made about the Child Protection Officer, or if she/he is unavailable,
contact the Group Chairman.
• Make notes as soon as possible, writing down exactly what was
said by all present. Record dates and times of events, and when they
were reported and recorded. Sign your notes. Keep a copy.
• When a third party gives information, ask them to make notes.
Keep them informed about action taken.
• If abuse is suspected, refer the matter to the Child Protection
Officer. Pass concerns to social services if appropriate. Always do
something; the child's safety is paramount.
• Do not do anything to prejudice any judicial proceedings.
• Information on where to turn for legal advice may be needed.
5. When the alleged abuser is a
Group worker.
• The whole Group will need support, but don't overlook the needs
of the accused.
• She/he must immediately stand down from involvement with children's
groups.
6. Activities which take place off the premises.
The parent will always arrange attendance at any such activities.
7. First Aid.
• The First Aid kit is kept at riding sessions. Group leaders
should check contents and report any concerns to the Secretary, who
is responsible for replenishment (name and phone number are inside box).
• It is necessary for each session to be attended by at least
one trained first-aider.
• Accidents should be recorded in the accident book. Record child's
name, date, time and details of injury, treatment provided (if any),
and when parent was notified. Sign the entry. Retain log for 18 years.
8. Fire safety.
• The nearest public phone is outside Bickleigh Barrack stables
gate. Ring 999.
• Keep a register of names and addresses of all persons present
(children and workers).
• Evacuate the entire premises immediately and gather under the
guidance of the Instructor.
• Stable Manager should check that every room is evacuated. Report
any concerns to the emergency services.
• On no account should anyone go back into any building.
9. Administering medication.
• Medication should not be administered to children unless instructions
have been received in writing from a parent, with prior agreement in
writing to "no liability."
• Enter the child's name and date, time and details of medication
in the accident book. Sign the entry.
TELEPHONE NUMBERS
Social Services Emergency Duty Team: 01752 346984
Police Child Protection Unit: 01752 256001
Police Control Room (24 hours): 08705 777444
Group Child Protection Officer: Pam Missen 0845 4506816
Group Chairman: Margaret Lawrence
