Happy Little Signers is a baby and toddler class that teaches children and their parents to use signs (hand gestures) as a way of communication before the development of speech. Classes consist of 30 minutes of structured learning through song and sensory activities followed by 30 minutes of playtime for the children and refreshments for the adults.

 

All children who attend Happy Little Signers classes will be accompanied for the duration of the class by their parent/guardian/carer who is responsible for their care and wellbeing during the class. Parents/guardians/carers are reminded of this responsibility when they enrol for the classes. All activities are conducted together. No children will be permitted to attend the classes unaccompanied.

 

The purpose and scope of this document

Happy Little Signers abides by the duty of care to safeguard and promote the welfare of children and is committed to safeguarding practice that reflects statutory responsibilities, government guidance and complies with best practice requirements. We recognise the welfare of children is paramount in all the work we do and in all the decisions we take. All children, regardless of age, disability, gender, race, religion or belief, or sexual orientation have an equal right to protection from all types of harm or abuse. We recognise that some children are additionally vulnerable because of the impact of previous experiences, their level of dependency, communication needs or other issues. Extra safeguards may be needed to keep children who are additionally vulnerable safe from abuse.

 

The purpose of this policy statement is:

• to protect children who attend our classes from harm.

• to provide staff and volunteers, as well as children and their families, with the overarching principles that guide our approach to child protection.

 

This policy applies to anyone working on behalf of Happy Little Signers including the business owner, paid staff and volunteers. Failure to comply with the policy and related procedures will be addressed without delay and may ultimately result in dismissal/exclusion from the organisation.

 

This policy has been drawn up on the basis of legislation, policy and guidance that seeks to protect children in England, including The Children Act 1989. A summary of the key legislation is available from nspcc.org.uk/learning.

 

How will we ensure children are safeguarded?

• All children who attend Happy Little Signers classes will be accompanied for the duration of the class by their parent/guardian/carer who is responsible for their care and well-being during the class.

• Parents/guardians/carers will be asked to read and agree to the Happy Little Signers Terms and Conditions document which outlines the expectations of their behaviour in order to keep all children in attendance safe from harm.

• All employees of the company must have undergone an Enhanced Check with the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) prior to working with any children. Any volunteers who have not had a DBS check must only have contact with the children in the presence of their parent/guardian/carer or a Happy Little Signers employee.

• All employees and volunteers should be aware of the Video and Photography Policy and understand that it is unlawful to photograph children without the explicit consent of the person with parental responsibilities. Upon registration, parents/guardians/carers will be asked to specify their preferences with regards to photographs being taken of their child for the purposes of sharing on the Happy Little Signers website and social media pages. This consent can be withdrawn at any time.

• Happy Little Signers will ensure that we provide a safe physical environment for our children, employees and volunteers, by applying health and safety measures in accordance with the law and regulatory guidance

 

Reporting of Safeguarding Concerns

Concerns may be reported confidentially to the Nominated Child Safeguarding Lead:

Name: Jen Acton

Email: happylittlesigners@gmail.com

 

Concerns will be reported to the Local Authority or Police.

 

Anyone with any child safeguarding concerns can contact the NSPCC Helpline on 0808 800 5000

 

Relevant Supporting Documentation

• Video and Photography Policy

• Record of consent for photographs/videos to be taken and shared on Happy Little Signers social media pages, website and printed marketing materials.

• Risk Assessment – separate documents for each venue used.

• Terms and Conditions document given to parents/guardians/carers upon registration.

• Privacy Policy

 

We are committed to reviewing our policy and good practice annually. This policy was last reviewed on: 29/08/2023