Introduction 

This policy sets out the principles for safeguarding within St Dominic Savio PTA. It is relevant to all within the  association and is endorsed by the committee of St Dominic Savio PTA. It will be reviewed annually to ensure  that it remains appropriate to the Organisation and its volunteers needs. 

Responsibility 

Parent Teacher Associations (PTAs) have a duty of care to consider the safety of children and vulnerable adults.  This should be taken into consideration when risk assessing a PTA event and the duration of such events. 

It is best practice for PTAs to have a set of procedures in place and guidelines for volunteers to follow at events,  this may be developed with guidance from the school. 

All PTA members should be aware of the Designated Safeguarding Lead at St Dominic Savio Primary School is  Mrs Laura Hulland. The school may provide training for PTA members on safeguarding and the procedures to  follow or the PTA may arrange their own training for its volunteers 

What to do if you have concerns about a child 

You may have concerns about a child because of something you have seen or heard or a child may choose to  disclose something to you. 

If a child discloses information to you, you should: 

  • Listen to the child without displaying shock or disbelief 
  • Accept what is said and reassure the child, do not make promises that you may not be able to keep ,  e.g. ‘Everything will be alright now’ 
  • Do not ask leading questions and do not interrogate the child – this is not your responsibility to  investigate 
  • Explain to the child what you have to do next and who you have to talk to 
  • Take notes, if possible, or write up the conversation as soon as possible afterwards  • Contact the school safeguarding lead or deputy designated safeguarding lead (Miss Gauld, Mrs Sharp,  Mr Mullens or Mrs Baker) as soon as possible. 

Guidance for Events: 

  • All Events must be risk assessed 
  • Events where children are dropped off and collected – a register must be available, and children should  be checked in and out of the event. The PTA should have a list of any child being collected by another  parent/carer. 
  • Children, who are in attendance, must also be added to the fire register which is a separate document.  • Contact details for the child’s parent/carer may be collated by the PTA for the event • Exits should be monitored to ensure children cannot leave an event unattended • If this is a regulated activity the volunteer will need an Enhanced DBS check. 

This policy will be reviewed by the St Dominic Savio PTA committee annually. 

Useful Links 

https://www.parentkind.org.uk/Info-sheets/Volunteer-checks