Safeguarding - holiday / 'after hours' provision
Contracting holiday activity provision, or looking to extend your after school club provision? Here are 6 key things to consider before entering into contractual arrangements.
- Does the club / organisation have a Safeguarding policy in place? It is essential to compare their policy with your governance arrangements to ensure all your expectations will be met. If the club / organisation doesn’t have a policy in place you may wish to build the relevant key areas of the school / academy’s policy into your service level agreement. This is important to not only protect the children attending, but your organisation, from potential litigation.
- Do you have the details for the club / organisation who you can contact if you have any concerns? Its important to have contact with the main organisation, not just the person providing the activity.
- Are safer recruitment procedures being adhered to? Its highly likely service provider staff will be working in “regulated activity” so check appropriate DBS vetting checks have been completed. (This should be recorded on your contractor section of the Single Central Record). Note: we would only recommend statements of assurance re DBS vetting are accepted from key agencies e.g. the Police, Local Authority or Health staff. All other providers should submit full DBS details for your records.
- Have the service providers completed safeguarding training? This should be accredited and meet all statutory requirements.
- Have service provider staff completed first aid training? If not and delivering services on your site, you will have to ensure this support is available.
- Are there written procedures on how any accidents or injuries will be managed? This includes both procedures for immediate response to accidents / incidents and reporting to you / parents.
SSS Learning Safeguarding Director
