Policies & Procedures

Club Kidz is committed to building a ‘culture of safety’ in which the children in our care are protected from abuse, harm and radicalisation.

The Club will respond promptly and appropriately to all incidents or concerns regarding the safety of a child that may occur. The Club’s child protection procedures comply with all relevant legislation and with guidance issued by the Hertfordshire Safeguarding Children Partnership (HSCP).

There is a designated safeguarding lead (DSL) available at all times while the Club is in session. The DSL coordinates safeguarding and child protection issues, supports practitioners with safeguarding concerns and liaises with external agencies (eg Social Care and Ofsted).

The Club’s designated DSLs are Annette Stapley, Delia Clark, Phillipa Barker, Andrea Buckingham and Nikky Hart.

The Club has detailed procedures for suitability checking for new recruits. These procedures are detailed in our safe recruitment policy and all staff responsible for recruitment ensure safe and robust recruitment practice is followed at all times.

Safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children is defined as:

• Providing help and support to meet the needs of children as soon as problems emerge
• Protecting children from maltreatment, whether that is within or the outside the home, including online
• Preventing the impairment of children's mental and physical health and development
• Ensuring that children grow up in circumstances consistent with the provision of safe and effective care
• Taking action to enable children to have the best outcomes

Child abuse, neglect and exploitation

Child abuse, neglect and exploitation is any form of physical, emotional or sexual mistreatment or lack of care that leads to injury or harm. An individual may abuse or neglect or exploit a child directly, or by failing to protect them from harm. Some forms of child abuse and neglect and exploitation are listed below.

• Emotional abuse is the persistent emotional maltreatment of a child so as to cause severe and persistent adverse effects on the child’s emotional development. It may involve making the child feel that they are worthless, unloved, or inadequate. Some level of emotional abuse is involved in all types of maltreatment of a child, though it may occur alone.
• Physical abuse can involve hitting, shaking, throwing, poisoning, burning, drowning, suffocating or otherwise causing physical harm to a child. Physical harm may be also caused when a parent or carer feigns the symptoms of, or deliberately causes, ill health to a child.
• Sexual abuse involves forcing or enticing a child to take part in sexual activities, whether or not the child is aware of what is happening. This can involve physical contact, or non-contact activities such as showing children sexual activities or encouraging them to behave in sexually inappropriate ways.
• Neglect is the persistent failure to meet a child’s basic physical and emotional needs. It can involve a failure to provide adequate food, clothing and shelter, to protect a child from physical and emotional harm, to ensure adequate supervision or to allow access to medical treatment.
• Domestic Abuse : Domestic abuse is any incident or pattern of abusive behaviour between people aged 16 and over who are personally connected this could include the following types of abuse:psychological, physical, sexual, financial and emotional.

Signs of child abuse and neglect and exploitation

Signs of possible abuse and neglect may include:

• significant changes in a child's behaviour
• deterioration in a child’s general well-being
• unexplained bruising or marks
• comments made by a child which give cause for concern
• reasons to suspect neglect or abuse outside the setting, eg in the child’s home, or that a girl may have been subjected to (or is at risk of) female genital mutilation (FGM), or that the child may have witnessed or be living with domestic abuse
• inappropriate behaviour displayed by a member of staff, or any other person. For example, inappropriate sexual comments, excessive one-to-one attention beyond the requirements of their role, or inappropriate sharing of images.

If abuse is suspected or disclosed

When a child makes a disclosure to a member of staff, that member of staff will:

• reassure the child that they were not to blame and were right to speak out
• listen to the child but not question them
• give reassurance that the staff member will take action
• record the incident as soon as possible (see Logging an incident below).

If a member of staff witnesses or suspects abuse, they will record the incident straightaway using the Logging a concern form. If a third party expresses concern that a child is being abused, we will encourage them to contact Social Care directly. If they will not do so, we will explain that the Club is obliged to and the incident will be logged accordingly.

All staff recognise that children may not feel ready or know how to tell someone that they are being abused, exploited or neglected and/or they may not not recognise their experiences as harmful.This could be due to their vulnerability , disability or language barriers. They may also feel embarrassed, humiliated or are being threatened. Our staff recognise this and where they have concerns about a child they will raise these with the designated safeguarding lead (DSL) without reasonable delay.

Female genital mutilation (FGM)

FGM is an illegal, extremely harmful practice and a form of child abuse and violence against women and girls. FGM is therefore dealt with as part of our existing safeguarding procedures. All of our staff receive training in how to recognise when girls are at risk of FGM or may have been subjected to it.

If FGM is suspected or disclosed

We will follow the same procedures as set out above for responding to to child abuse and will make a report to Children’s Social Care directly and inline with existing safeguarding procedures and inline with our mandatory reporting duty. We will make a report to the police by calling 101, the single non-emergency number, if it is disclosed that either:

• a girl is under 18 that an act of FGM has been carried out on her; or
• observe physical signs which appear to show that an act of FGM has been carried out on a girl under 18 and they have no reason to believe that the act was necessary for the girls physical or mental health or for purposes connected with labour or birth. We use this guidance Mandatory reporting of female genial mutilation:procedural information (accessible version) - GOV.UK. https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/5a8086f2ed915d74e33faefc/FGM_Mandatory_Reporting_-_procedural_information_nov16_FINAL.pdf

Child-on-Child abuse

Children are vulnerable to abuse by their peers. Child-on-Child abuse is taken seriously by staff and will be subject to the same child protection procedures as other forms of abuse. Staff are aware of the potential uses of information technology for bullying and abusive behaviour between young people.

Staff will not dismiss abusive behaviour as normal between young people. The presence of one or more of the following in relationships between children should always trigger concern about the possibility of peer-on-peer abuse:

• Sexual activity (in primary school-aged children) of any kind, including sexting
• One of the children is significantly more dominant than the other (eg much older)
• One of the children is significantly more vulnerable than the other (eg in terms of disability, confidence, physical strength)
• There has been some use of threats, bribes or coercion to ensure compliance or secrecy.

If child-on-child abuse is suspected or disclosed

We will follow the same procedures as set out above for responding to child abuse.

Extremism and radicalisation

All childcare settings have a legal duty to protect children from the risk of radicalisation and being drawn into extremism. There are many reasons why a child might be vulnerable to radicalisation, eg:

• feeling alienated or alone
• seeking a sense of identity or individuality
• suffering from mental health issues such as depression
• desire for adventure or wanting to be part of a larger cause
• associating with others who hold extremist beliefs

Signs of radicalisation

Signs that a child might be at risk of radicalisation include:

• changes in behaviour, for example becoming withdrawn or aggressive
• claiming that terrorist attacks and violence are justified
• viewing violent extremist material online
• possessing or sharing violent extremist material

If a member of staff suspects that a child is at risk of becoming radicalised, they will record any relevant information or observations on a Logging a concern form, and refer the matter to the DSL.

At Club kidz all staff are aware that abuse, neglect, exploitation and safeguarding issues are rarely standalone issues and events. In most cases multiple issues will overlap. Staff recognise that children might be at risk of harm inside and outside of their time in our Club/setting, inside and outside of their home and whilst online. Our team exercises professional curiosity to help identify early signs of abuse or neglect and exploitation and act early in cases where children might need our help or protection.

All staff at Club Kidz are aware of the indicators of abuse, neglect and understand that children can be at risk of harm inside and outside of school/college, inside and outside of home, and online.

Staff exercising professional curiosity and knowing what to look for is vital for the early identification of abuse and neglect so that staff are able to identify cases of children who may be in need of help or protection.

All staff, but especially the designated safeguarding lead (and deputies) should consider whether children are at risk of abuse or exploitation in situations outside of their families. Extra familial harms take a variety of different forms and children can be vulnerable to multiple harms including (but not limited to) sexual abuse (including harrassment and exploitation) domestic abuse in their own intimate relationship (teenage relationship abuse), criminal exploitation, serious youth violence, county lines and radicalisation.

All staff at Club Kidz are aware that technology is a significant component in many safeguarding and wellbeing issues. Children are at risk of abuse and other risks online as well as face to face. In many cases abuse and other risks will take place concurrently both online and offline. Children can also abuse other children online, this can take the form of abusive, harassing, and misogynistic/misandrist messages, the non-consensual sharing of indecent images, especially around chat groups, and the sharing of abusive images, and pornography to those who do not want to receive such content. In all cases, if staff are unsure, they always speak to the designated safeguarding lead or a deputy.

Logging a concern

All information about the suspected abuse or disclosure, or concern, will be recorded on the Logging a concern form as soon as possible after the event. The record should include:

• date of the disclosure, or the incident, or the observation causing concern
• date and time at which the record was made
• name and date of birth of the child involved
• a factual report of what happened. If recording a disclosure, you must use the child’s own words
• name, signature and job title of the person making the record.

The record will be given to the Club’s DSL who will decide on the appropriate course of action.

For concerns about child abuse, the DSL will contact Social Care immediately inline with the local reporting procedures. The DSL will follow up all referrals to Social Care in writing within 48 hours.

If a member of staff thinks that the incident has not been dealt with properly, they may contact Social Care directly.

For minor concerns regarding radicalisation, the DSL will contact Hertfordshire Safeguarding Children Partnership (HSCP): For more serious concerns the DSL will contact the Police on the non-emergency number (101), or the anti-terrorist hotline on 0800 789 321. For urgent concerns the DSL will contact the Police using 999.

Allegations against staff

If anyone makes an allegation of child abuse against a member of staff:

• The allegation will be recorded on an Incident record form. Any witnesses to the incident should sign and date the entry to confirm it.
• The allegation must be reported to the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) immediately and to Ofsted. The LADO will advise if other agencies (eg police) should be informed, and the Club will act upon their advice. Any telephone reports to the LADO will be followed up in writing within 48 hours.
• Following advice from the LADO, it may be necessary to suspend the member of staff pending full investigation of the allegation.
• If appropriate the Club will make a referral to the Disclosure and Barring Service.

Promoting awareness among staff

The Club promotes awareness of child abuse and the risk of radicalisation through its staff training. The Club ensures that:

• the designated DSL has relevant experience and receives appropriate training in safeguarding and the Prevent Duty, and is aware of the Channel Programme and how to access it
• DSLs receive level 3 training every 2 years, with regular updates throughout this period
• all staff receive safeguarding training meeting the requirements of EYFS annex C, which is to be refreshed at a maximum of 2 year intervals.
• annual refresher training will be offered to all staff in the form of online training via ‘Flick Training’ to help maintain basic skills.staff are supported to implement learning through team meetings.
• procedures to ensure only suitable individuals are recruited, including obtaining references before employment commences, conducting identity and qualification checks, and recording all vetting information as part of safer recruitment processes are understood and followed by all responsible for recruitment, inline with our safe recruitment policy.
• all staff have a copy of this Safeguarding Policy, confirm their understanding of its contents and are vigilant to signs of abuse, neglect or radicalisation
• all staff are aware of how to respond in a timely way at the earliest opportunity
• all staff are aware of their statutory duties with regard to the disclosure or discovery of child abuse, and concerns about radicalisation
• safeguarding is a permanent agenda item at all staff meetings ensuring the whole team communicates well and are kept up to date
• all staff receive basic training in the Prevent Duty
• staff are supported to understand how to keep themselves safe and how to blow the whistle should they be concerned about another adults behaviour or practice
• staff are familiar with the Safeguarding File which is kept in the locked cabinet on the premises.
• The Club’s procedures are in line with the guidance in ‘Working Together to Safeguard Children (2026)’ and staff are familiar with ‘What To Do If You’re Worried A Child Is Being Abused (2015)’.
• The DSL and DDSL’s will provide support advice and guidance to all practitioners on an ongoing basis, and any specific safeguarding issue is required.

Use of mobile phones and cameras

Photographs will only be taken of children with their parents’ permission. Only the Club camera will be used to take photographs of children at the Club, except with the express permission of the manager. Neither staff nor children nor visitors may use their mobile phones or wearable technology such as smart watches to take photographs at the Club. For more details see our Mobile Phone, Tablet computers and wearable technology Policy.

Contact numbers

Social Care: Hertfordshire Safeguarding Children Partnership (HSCP) 0300 123 4043 (24 hours a day)

LADO (Local Authority Designated Officer): Andrea Garcia-Sangil: 01992 556372

Email: andrea.garcia-sangil@hertfordshire.gov.uk.

Police: 101 (non-emergency) or 999 (emergency)

Anti-terrorist hotline: 0800 789 321

NSPCC: 0808 800 500

Ofsted: 0300 123 1231

This policy was adopted by: Club Kidz Limited

Date: September 2026

To be reviewed: January 2027

Signed:

Annette Stapley

Managing Director

Written in accordance with the Statutory Framework for the Early Years Foundation Stage (2026): Safeguarding and Welfare requirements: safeguarding policies and procedures [3.4-3.6] and Suitable People [3.13-3.19] Safeguarding training [3.31-3.34].

Club Kidz considers health and safety to be of utmost importance. We comply with The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and the Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992 at all times.

The Club has appropriate insurance cover, including employer’s liability insurance and public liability insurance.

Each member of staff follows the Club’s Health and Safety policy and is responsible for:

• Maintaining a safe environment
• Taking reasonable care for the health and safety of themselves and others attending the Club
• Reporting all accidents and incidents which have caused injury or damage or may do so in the future
• Undertaking relevant health and safety training when required to do so by the manager.

Any member of staff who disregards safety instructions or recognised safe practices will be subject to disciplinary procedures.

Responsibilities of the registered person

The registered person for the setting holds ultimate responsibility and liability for the safe operation of the Club. The registered person will ensure that:

• The Club’s designated health and safety officer is Annette Stapley
• A copy of the current Health and Safety at work poster is displayed.
• All staff receive information on health and safety matters, and receive training where necessary
• The Health and Safety policy and procedures are reviewed regularly
• Staff understand and follow health and safety procedures
• Resources are provided to meet the Club’s health and safety responsibilities
• All accidents, incidents and dangerous occurrences are properly reported and recorded. This includes informing Ofsted, child protection agencies and the Health and Safety Executive under RIDDOR (Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 1995) where appropriate.
• All reported accidents, incidents and dangerous occurrences are reviewed, so that preventative measures can be taken.

Responsibilities of the manager

The Club’s manager is responsible for ensuring that at each session:

• Premises are clean, well lit, adequately ventilated and maintained at an appropriate temperature
• The premises are used by and solely available to the Club during opening hours
• All the Club’s equipment is safely and securely stored
• Children are only allowed in the kitchen if properly supervised (eg for a cooking activity)
• A working telephone is available on the premises at all times
• Chemicals and cleaning materials are stored appropriately, and in accordance with COSSH data sheets.
• External pathways are cleared in severe weather

Security

Children are not allowed to leave the Club premises during the session unless prior permission has been given by the parents (for example, to attend other extra-curricular activities).

During Club sessions all external doors are kept locked, with the exception of fire doors. Staff monitor the entrances and exits to the premises throughout the session.

All visitors to the Club must sign the Visitor Log and give the reason for their visit. Visitors will never be left alone with the children.

Security procedures will be regularly reviewed by the manager, in consultation with staff and parents.

Banned Dogs Breeds

At Club kidz we do not keep or allow any dog that is prohibited under section 1 of the Dangerous Dog Act 1991 to be kept or present while registered childcare is being provided.

Toys and equipment

All furniture, toys and equipment are kept clean, well maintained and in good repair. We select toys, equipment and resources with care, and we carry out risk assessments before the children are allowed to use them. Broken toys and equipment are disposed of promptly.

We ensure that any flammable equipment is stored safely.

Food and personal hygiene

Staff at Club Kidz maintain high standards of personal hygiene, and take all practicable steps to prevent and control the spread of infection.

• A generally clean environment is maintained at all times.
• Toilets are cleaned daily and soap and hand drying facilities are always available.
• Staff are trained in food hygiene and follow appropriate guidelines.
• Waste is disposed of safely and all bins are kept covered.
• Staff ensure that children wash their hands before handling food or drink and after using the toilet.
• Cuts and abrasions (whether on children or staff) are kept covered.

Dealing with body fluids

Spillages of blood, vomit, urine and faeces will be cleaned up immediately in accordance with our Intimate Care policy.

Staffing levels

Staff ratios and levels of supervision are always appropriate to the number, ages and abilities of the children present, and to the risks associated with the activities being undertaken.

Related policies

See also our related policies: Illness and Accidents, Emergency Evacuation, Healthy Eating, Safeguarding, Administering Medication, Risk Assessment, Manual Handling, Fire Safety, and Intimate Care, Visitor.

This policy was adopted by: Club Kidz

Date: September 2026

To be reviewed: January 2027

Signed:

Annette Stapley

Managing Director Written in accordance with the Statutory Framework for the Early Years Foundation Stage (2026): Safeguarding and Welfare Requirements: Safety and Suitability of Premises, Environment and Equipment [3.78 - 3.85] Dangerous Dog Breed [3.82]

Club Kidz will provide healthy, nutritious and balanced food and drinks. Food and drink are safely prepared with regard to the dietary and religious requirements of the children in our care, food preferences and allergies. Parents must notify us regarding any special dietary requirements or allergies when they register their child.

Information regarding food allergies will be recorded on the Allergy Information Board which is visible to staff whilst food is being prepared.

Club Kidz will promote healthy eating and lead by example. Staff responsible for food preparation, handling and storage have received appropriate training.

• We will provide suitable healthy snacks for all the children.
• Children will be encouraged to develop good eating skills and table manners.
• All children are given plenty of time to eat.
• Where appropriate, children will be involved in planning and preparing food and snacks.
• Fresh drinking water will be available at all times.
• Fresh fruit will be available at all sessions.
• Withholding food will not be used as a form of punishment.
• Staff will discuss with children the importance of a balanced diet where appropriate.
• The Club will not regularly provide sweets for children.
• We limit access to fatty or sugary foods.
• Children are never forced to eat or drink anything against their will.
• Children are always supervised (within sight or hearing) of an adult whilst eating.

This policy was adopted by: Club Kidz

Date: September 2026

To be reviewed: January 2027

Signed: Annette Stapley

Managing Director

Written in accordance with the Statutory Framework for the Early Years Foundation Stage (2026): Safeguarding and Welfare Requirements: Food and Drink [3.63] and safer eating [3.64-3.71] and food and drink facilities [3.72] and food poisoning[3.73]

Club Kidz recognises our responsibility to support, understand and manage children's behaviour in an appropriate way. Club Kidz use effective behaviour management strategies to promote the welfare, enjoyment and safety of children attending the Club. Working in partnership with parents, we aim to manage behaviour using clear, consistent and positive strategies, and with adults modelling positive behaviour. We recognise that supporting behaviour isnt a universal approach and that we must develop strategies of support appropriate to each child, whilst balancing and maintaining the safety and enjoyment of all children who attend.

Whilst at Club Kidz we support children to:

• Use socially acceptable behaviour
• understand and Comply with the Club rules, which are created and agreed by the children themselves
• Respect one another, accepting differences of race, gender, ability, age and religion
• Develop their independence through self-discipline
• Choose and participate in a variety of activities
• Ask for help if needed
• Enjoy their time at the Club

Encouraging positive behaviour

At Club Kidz positive behaviour is encouraged by:

• Staff acting as positive role models
• Praising appropriate behaviour
• Sticker rewards
• Informing parents about individual achievements
• Offering a variety of play opportunities to meet the needs of the children attending the Club

It is inevitable that as children develop and learn, there are times when they need support and guidance to understand that their behaviour is not acceptable. Staff at the Club will try to determine the cause or triggers of the inappropriate behaviour and work to support the child and make necessary changes where possible to prevent the situation from recurring.

Dealing with inappropriate behaviour

• Unacceptable behaviour will be addressed in a calm, clear and positive manner.
• In the first instance, staff will remind the child that their behaviour is not acceptable.
• Staff will engage in a private discussion with the child about why the behaviour displayed is deemed inappropriate.
• Staff will give the child an opportunity to explain their behaviour, to help prevent a recurrence.
• Staff will encourage and facilitate mediation between children to try to resolve conflicts through discussion and negotiation.
• If the inappropriate behaviour appears to be as a result of boredom, staff will consult with the child to find activities that more fully engage them and reflect on the environment, set up and suitability of play opportunities.
• Staff will seek support wherever necessary from the child's class teacher or other professional known to the family
• No staff member will ever threaten any punishment that could adversely affect a child’s well-being (eg withdrawal of food or drink).
• staff will always promote the dignity of, and respect for, the child in handling behaviour incidences

If after consultation with parents and the implementation of behaviour management strategies, a child continues to display inappropriate behaviour, the Club may decide to exclude the child in accordance with our Suspensions and Exclusions policy. The reasons and processes involved will be clearly explained to the child wherever appropriate and inline with the parents wishes

Physical intervention

Physical intervention will only be used as a last resort, when staff believe that action is necessary to prevent injury to the child or others, or to prevent significant damage to equipment or property. If a member of staff has to physically restrain a child, the manager will be notified and an Incident record will be completed. The incident will be discussed with the parent or carer as soon as possible.

If staff are not confident about their ability to contain a situation, they should call the manager or, in extreme cases, the police.

All serious incidents will be recorded on an Incident record and kept in the child’s file. This may be used to build a pattern of behaviour, which may indicate an underlying cause. If a pattern of incidents indicates possible abuse, we will implement child protection procedures in accordance with our Safeguarding policy.

Corporal punishment

Corporal punishment or the threat of corporal punishment will never be used at the Club.

We will take all reasonable steps to ensure that no child who attends our Club receives corporal punishment from any person who cares for or is in regular contact with the child, or from any other person on our premises.

This policy was adopted by Club Kidz

Date: September 2026

To be reviewed: Jan 2027

Signed:

Written in accordance with the Statutory Framework for the Early Years Foundation Stage (2026): Safeguarding and Welfare Requirements: supporting and understanding children's behaviour [3.74] and safeguarding training [3.31].

Club Kidz recognises the importance of having robust systems in place to ensure the safe arrival and departure of the children in our care.

The manager will ensure that an accurate record is kept of all children in the Club, and that any arrivals or departures are recorded in the register. The register is kept in an accessible location on the premises at all times. In addition we conduct regular headcounts during the session.

In the event a child does not attend as expected we will contact parents/carers in a timely manner, normally within an hour of their expected arrival. If we are unable to contact you, we will contact the emergency contacts detailed in the registration form.

If we are still unable to contact anyone, we will implement our safeguarding procedures. These may include sending a member of staff to the registered address for the child, contacting the local police and asking them to undertake a welfare check at the registered address and contacting children's services to report our concerns.

We will regularly monitor children's attendance patterns and trends. When we have repeated absences without notification, staff will use their professional judgement when deciding if their absence should be considered as prolonged. Consideration must be given to the child’s vulnerability, parents and/or carers vulnerability and their home life. If we have concerns we will make a referral to local children's social care and amy also ask the police to undertake a welfare check.

Club Kidz makes clear to all staff, parents and partner organisations our expectations for reporting child absences and the actions we will take if a child is absent without notification or for a prolonged period of time.

We expect parents/carers to contact us promptly and let us know if the child is not attending. A reason for the child's absence will be requested.

This policy is to be read in conjunction with our Safeguarding Policy.

Escorting Children to the Club

• The Club and school have a clear agreement concerning the transfer of responsibility for children’s safety.
• We have risk assessed the route used to escort children to the Club and review it regularly.
• The school and the Club keep an identical register of children who require escorting between locations which is updated daily.
• Children in reception and infant classes will be collected from their classroom. Junior children will be met in the playground.
• One or two members of staff will escort the children from school to the Club.
• Children are not permitted to ride (or bring) scooters or bicycles on the journey from school to the Club.
• If a child is booked into the Club but is not at the collection point, we will check whether the child was present at school that day. If the whereabouts of the child is not known, staff will immediately inform the designated contact at the school and the child’s parents or carers, and follow the procedures laid out in the Missing Child policy.

Arrivals

Our staff will greet each child warmly on their arrival at the Club and will record the child’s attendance in the daily register straightaway, including the time of arrival.

Departures

• Staff will ensure that the children are signed out before they leave, including the time of collection.
• Children can only be collected by an adult who has been authorised to collect them on their registration form.
• In exceptional circumstances, if the parent requires another person who is not listed on the registration form is to collect their child. The child's parents or carers must inform the Club in advance and provide a password that they will use. If the manager has any concerns regarding the person collecting they will contact the main parent or carer for confirmation.
• The parent or carer must notify the Club if they will be late collecting their child. If the Club is not informed, the Uncollected Children policy will be followed.
• Children over the age of eight will only be allowed to leave the Club alone at the end of the session if the Club has discussed this with the child’s parents and has received their written consent.
• Children below the age of 8 will not be allowed to leave the Club unaccompanied.

Absences

• If a child is going to be absent from a session, parents must notify the Club in advance.
• If a child is absent without explanation, staff will contact the parents or carers and the school to check where the child should be. If staff still have concerns about the child's whereabouts after attempts to contact parents and the school manager will contact the police.
• The Club will try to discover the causes of prolonged and unexplained absences. Regular absences could indicate that a child or their family might need additional support.

This policy was adopted by Club Kidz Limited

Date: September 2026

To be reviewed: January 2027

Signed:

Written in accordance with the Statutory Framework for the Early Years Foundation Stage (2026): Safeguarding and Welfare Requirements: child absences [3.11-3.12] organising premises for confidentiality and safeguarding [3.89] information and record keeping [3.95]

Club Kidz will provide a supportive, caring and safe environment in which all children are free from the fear of being bullied. Bullying of any form is not tolerated in our Club, whether carried out by a child or an adult.

Staff, children and parents or carers will be made aware of the Club’s position on bullying. Bullying behaviour is unacceptable in any form.

Any child who is a victim of bullying will be dealt with in a sympathetic manner. If bullying is suspected or reported, the incident will be dealt with immediately by the member of staff informed, and then discussed with the Manager. An account of the incident will be recorded in an Incident log. All staff will be informed so that close monitoring of the victim and bully can begin. Parents of both parties will be informed.

Staff at Club kidz are trained and supported to understand and support children's behaviour in an appropriate way and recognise when children's behaviour may be a sign that something isn't quite right.

What is bullying ?

Club Kidz defines bullying as the repeated harassment of others through emotional, physical, psychological or verbal abuse.

• Physical: Pushing, scratching, spitting, kicking, hitting, biting, taking or damaging belongings, tripping up, punching or using any sort of violence against another person.
• Psychological: Behaviour likely to create a sense of fear or anxiety in another person.
• Emotional: Being deliberately unkind, shunning or excluding another person from a group or tormenting them. For example, making another person feel ‘left out’ of a game or activity, passing notes about others or making fun of another person.
• Verbal: Name-calling, put-downs, ridiculing or using words to attack, threaten or insult. For example, spreading rumours or making fun of another person’s appearance.

Racial harassment can take any of the forms of bullying listed above but is motivated by the victim’s colour, race, nationality, or ethnic or national origins. Incidents of racial harassment will be recorded as such on the Incident log. (See our Equalities Policy for more information on how we deal with and challenge discriminatory behaviour.)

Preventing bullying behaviour

Staff at Club Kidz will foster an anti-bullying culture in the following ways:

• Encouraging caring and nurturing behaviour
• Discussing friendships and encouraging paired, group and team play
• Encouraging children to report bullying without fear
• Discussing the issues surrounding bullying with the children, including why bullying behaviour will not be tolerated
• Exploring the consequences of bullying behaviour with the children.

Responding to bullying behaviour

Club Kidz acknowledges that despite all efforts to prevent it, bullying behaviour is likely to occur on occasion. Should such incidents occur, the Club will follow the procedure outlined below:

• We will address all incidents of bullying thoroughly and sensitively.
• Victims of bullying will be offered the immediate opportunity to discuss the matter with a member of staff who will reassure the child and offer support.
• They will be reassured that what they say will be taken seriously and handled sympathetically.
• Staff will support the individual who has been bullied, keeping them under close supervision, and checking their welfare regularly.
• If another child witnesses bullying and reports this, staff will reassure them that they have done the right thing. Staff will then investigate the matter.
• If a member of staff witnesses an act of bullying, involving children or adults at the Club, they will inform the supervisor.
• Children who have bullied will be helped by discussing what has happened, establishing why the child became involved. Staff will help the child to understand why this form of behaviour is unacceptable and will encourage him/her to change their behaviour
• If bullying behaviour persists, the parents will be informed, and we will work with them to try to resolve the issues.
• If this fails to stop the bullying, more serious actions may have to be taken, as laid out in the Suspensions and Exclusions policy.
• All incidents of bullying will be reported to the manager and will be recorded on an Incident Log. The manager and other relevant staff will review the Club’s procedures in respect of bullying, to ensure that practices are relevant and effective.

Related policies

Equalities policy, suspensions and exclusions policy

This policy was adopted by: Club Kidz

Date: September 2026

To be reviewed: Jan 2027

Signed:

Annette Stapley

Managing Director

Written in accordance with the Statutory Framework for the Early Years Foundation Stage (2026): Safeguarding and Welfare Requirements: supporting and understanding children's Behaviour [3.74-3.76] and Safeguarding Training [3.31].