1. Our Commitment to Children

Aspire & Reach is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people.

The safety, wellbeing, and best interests of the child are paramount in every decision we make.

We recognise that children have the right to protection from all forms of abuse, neglect, exploitation, and harm. We are committed to creating safe, structured, and supportive environments where children can develop with confidence and security.

Safeguarding children is not optional — it is a fundamental responsibility shared by all staff, volunteers, trustees, and partners.

2. Scope of This Policy

This policy applies to:

• All children and young people under the age of 18

• All staff (paid and voluntary)

• Trustees and leadership

• Contractors and external facilitators

• Partner organisations working with Aspire & Reach

It covers all activities, including:

• Mentoring programmes

• Martial arts and structured youth sessions

• Educational and wellbeing activities

• Community outreach

• Online or digital engagement

3. Legal & Regulatory Framework

Aspire & Reach operates in accordance with:

• The Children Act 1989 and 2004

• Working Together to Safeguard Children (latest guidance)

• The Equality Act 2010

• Charity Commission safeguarding guidance

• Local Authority safeguarding procedures

We cooperate fully with statutory agencies in safeguarding matters.

4. Definition of Abuse

Abuse is any action that causes harm or risk of harm to a child.

This includes, but is not limited to:

• Physical abuse – deliberate physical harm

• Emotional abuse – persistent emotional maltreatment

• Sexual abuse – sexual exploitation or inappropriate sexual behaviour

• Neglect – failure to meet basic physical or emotional needs

• Online abuse – exploitation or harm via digital platforms

• Child criminal exploitation

• Child sexual exploitation

All suspicions or allegations must be taken seriously.

5. Responsibilities

Trustees & Senior Leadership

• Ensure safeguarding policies are robust and reviewed annually

• Appoint a Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)

• Promote a culture of vigilance and accountability

Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)

• Receive and manage safeguarding concerns

• Make referrals to Children’s Services or Police

• Maintain secure safeguarding records

• Provide advice to staff and volunteers

Staff & Volunteers

• Complete mandatory safeguarding training

• Undergo Enhanced DBS checks (where required)

• Follow the Code of Conduct

• Report concerns immediately

• Maintain professional boundaries at all times

No individual may work with children without appropriate vetting and safeguarding checks.

6. Recognising Signs of Harm

Indicators may include:

• Sudden behavioural changes

• Withdrawal or fearfulness

• Unexplained injuries

• Inappropriate knowledge or behaviour

• Neglect of hygiene or appearance

• Disclosure of harm

Staff must never ignore concerns or assume someone else will act.

7. Reporting Procedures

If a safeguarding concern arises:

Immediate Risk

If a child is in immediate danger, contact emergency services (999) immediately.

Report to DSL

All concerns must be reported to the Designated Safeguarding Lead on the same day.

Record

A written factual record must be completed including:

• Date and time

• Observations or disclosure

• Exact words used where possible

• Action taken

Referral

The DSL will determine whether referral to:

• Children’s Services

• Local Authority Safeguarding Team

• Police

is required.

Confidentiality will be respected; however, the child’s safety overrides confidentiality where necessary.

8. Safer Recruitment

Aspire & Reach implements strict safer recruitment practices, including:

• Enhanced DBS checks

• Identity verification

• Reference checks

• Safeguarding interview questions

• Mandatory safeguarding training

9. Code of Conduct (Children)

All adults must:

• Treat children with respect and dignity

• Avoid inappropriate physical contact

• Avoid being alone with a child in isolated settings

• Not share personal contact details

• Not communicate outside approved organisational channels

• Never engage in behaviour that could be interpreted as grooming

Professional boundaries must be maintained at all times.

10. Online Safety

Aspire & Reach is committed to safeguarding children in digital spaces by:

• Using secure communication platforms

• Supervising online sessions

• Monitoring digital engagement

• Preventing unauthorised contact

11. Whistleblowing

Concerns about the behaviour of staff, volunteers, or leadership must be reported immediately to senior leadership or trustees.

Concerns will be handled confidentially and without retaliation against the individual raising the concern.

12. Safeguarding Contacts

Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL):
[Insert Name]
Email: [Insert Email]
Phone: [Insert Number]

Deputy DSL:
[Insert Name]

Wolverhampton Children’s Services:
[Insert Contact Details]

Emergency:
Police – 999

Final Statement

Aspire & Reach will take all reasonable steps to protect children from harm.

We are committed to maintaining environments where children feel safe, respected, and empowered to grow.

The protection of children is our highest priority.