NSPCC calls on parents to help kids' clubs put safety first
| Published: 29th July 2007 11:29 |
As millions of youngsters prepare to enjoy the summer holidays the NSPCC is calling on parents in Staffordshire to help make sure local kids' clubs are doing all they can to keep children safe.
The charity has come up with a few simple questions that parents can ask when they take children along to a local community activity such as a drama group, music class, faith-based group, or sports activity.
Questions parents may want to ask community groups include:
- Who is in charge of keeping children safe?
- What would you do if one child hurt or bullied another youngster?
- Do you have any rules about how adults interact with children?
NSPCC parenting advisor, Eileen Hayes, said: "Taking part in leisure activities is great for children's development. It encourages them to be sociable, helps them make friends and is part of growing up.
"We want as many children as possible to get involved in these groups and generally just to go out and play. Many adults generously give their time to run community activities and the majority of children enjoy these in safety, but it is also important that parents know that their children are safe and that groups and organisations have vetting and child protection policies in place.
"However, some clubs and groups may not know what to do if, for example, a child says someone is hurting them, or if another child is bullying them. We want to ensure parents feel confident their child is being left in safe hands and by asking a few simple questions they should be able to get that reassurance."
Other questions that parents can put to community groups are:
- Do staff and volunteers get any basic child protection training?
- What happens if children have special needs?
- Are parents consulted if children are taken on an outing?
- If children are using computers does someone supervise them?
- Are your staff police-checked?
Elieen Hayes added: "Most community groups should be happy to reassure parents that they are doing everything to keep children safe. But if you cannot get the answers you want contact your local authority or call the NSPCC's Child Protection Helpline for advice on 0808 800 5000."
The NSPCC has produced a range of materials that will help anyone running a community group for children improve safety. Resources on offer include Stopcheck, a guide that helps groups introduce policies to protect children, and the Staying Safe Commitment Scheme, which gives groups the opportunity to work with the NSPCC to develop a policy and gain a certificate of recognition.
If anyone running a group would like to order these resources they should contact the NSPCC at htpp://www.saferchildren@nspcc.org.uk or 0871 990 3200.
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