Safeguarding Policy

​The Wonder Lab Project C.I.C. Safeguarding Policy (Children, Young People and Adults at Risk) Version: 1.1 Effective Date: 1 July 2026 Review Frequency: Annually (or sooner if legislation or guidance changes) .

Purpose The Wonder Lab Project C.I.C. is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children, young people and adults at risk who engage with our activities. We believe that everyone has the right to participate in a safe, supportive and inclusive environment where they are protected from abuse, neglect, exploitation and harm. This policy applies to all directors, employees, volunteers, contractors and anyone working on behalf of The Wonder Lab Project. Purpose The purpose of this policy is to:

● Protect children who attend The Wonder Lab Project CIC from harm.

● Provide staff and volunteers with the overarching principles that guide our approach to safeguarding and child protection. Scope This policy applies to all staff, volunteers, and anyone working on behalf of The Wonder Lab Project CIC. Legal Framework This policy has been drawn up on the basis of legislation, policy, and guidance that seeks to protect children, including:

● The Children Act 1989 and 2004

● Every Child Matters

● The Education Act 2002

● The Protection of Children Act 1999

● Working Together to Safeguard Children 2018

● Keeping Children Safe in Education 2023 Definitions ● Child: Anyone under the age of 18.

● Safeguarding: Protecting children from maltreatment, preventing impairment of health or development, ensuring that children grow up in circumstances consistent with the provision of safe and effective care, and taking action to enable all children to have the best outcomes.

 

Responsibilities Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)

 

2. Safeguarding Responsibilities Safeguarding is everyone's responsibility. All staff and volunteers are expected to:

• Be alert to signs of abuse or neglect.

• Report concerns immediately.

• Maintain professional boundaries.

• Follow this safeguarding policy and related procedures.

• Complete safeguarding training appropriate to their role.

• Cooperate with safeguarding investigations.

 

3. Designated Safeguarding Leads The Wonder Lab Project has appointed named safeguarding leads responsible for overseeing safeguarding arrangements. Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) Jayne Harding Director & Designated Safeguarding Lead Responsibilities include:

• Leading safeguarding practice across the organisation.

• Receiving and managing safeguarding concerns.

• Making referrals to Children's Social Care, Adult Social Care, the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) or the Police where appropriate. • Providing safeguarding advice to staff and volunteers.

• Maintaining safeguarding records. • Ensuring safeguarding training remains up to date. Designated Safeguarding Officer (DSO) Toyin Sanyaolu Founder & Chief Executive Officer Responsibilities include:

• Ensuring safeguarding policies are implemented across the organisation.

• Promoting a strong safeguarding culture. • Supporting the DSL with safeguarding investigations.

• Ensuring safer recruitment procedures are followed. • Reporting safeguarding matters to the Board where appropriate.

• Ensuring safeguarding remains a strategic priority.

 

The DSL & DSO receive updated training every two years and ensure all staff are trained in safeguarding procedures. Staff and Volunteers

● Awareness: All staff and volunteers are required to read and understand this policy.

● Training: Regular training sessions on safeguarding and child protection are mandatory.

● Reporting: All concerns must be reported to the DSL or Deputy DSL. Recognising Abuse and Neglect

 

4. Definitions of Abuse The Wonder Lab Project recognises that abuse can take many forms. Physical Abuse Physical abuse involves deliberately causing injury or harm. Examples include:

• Hitting • Shaking • Burning • Poisoning • Suffocating • Misusing medication • Physical assault Emotional Abuse Emotional abuse is the persistent emotional maltreatment of a person that negatively affects their emotional development or wellbeing.

Examples include: • Humiliation • Bullying • Intimidation • Threats • Constant criticism • Rejection • Coercive or controlling behaviour • Exposure to domestic abuse Sexual Abuse Sexual abuse involves forcing or encouraging someone to take part in sexual activities, whether or not they understand what is happening. This includes: • Sexual touching • Sexual assault • Grooming • Online exploitation • Exposure to sexual content • Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE) Neglect Neglect is the persistent failure to meet a person's basic physical or psychological needs. Examples include failure to provide: • Food • Shelter • Appropriate clothing • Medical care • Supervision • Education • Emotional support Financial or Economic Abuse More common for adults at risk but may also affect young people. Examples include: • Theft • Fraud • Misuse of benefits • Controlling someone's money • Financial exploitation Domestic Abuse Domestic abuse includes physical, emotional, sexual, psychological or financial abuse between people who are personally connected. Children may also experience harm through witnessing domestic abuse. Modern Slavery and Exploitation Includes: • Human trafficking • Forced labour • Criminal exploitation • County Lines exploitation • Sexual exploitation Online Abuse Abuse can occur online through: • Grooming • Cyberbullying • Sextortion • Sharing indecent images • Online coercion • Radicalisation Discriminatory Abuse Abuse motivated by prejudice relating to: • Disability • Race • Religion • Gender • Sexual orientation • Age • Other protected characteristics Radicalisation The process through which a person is encouraged or influenced to support extremist ideologies or terrorism. The Wonder Lab Project has a duty under the Prevent Duty to identify and report concerns where appropriate.

 

5. Recognising Concerns Possible indicators include: • Unexplained injuries • Sudden behavioural changes • Withdrawal • Fear of certain individuals • Poor attendance • Poor hygiene • Inappropriate sexual behaviour • Signs of neglect • Self-harm • Disclosure of abuse The presence of one indicator does not necessarily mean abuse has occurred but should always be considered seriously. 6. Reporting Safeguarding Concerns If anyone believes that a child, young person or adult at risk is in immediate danger: Call 999 immediately. All safeguarding concerns must be reported without delay to: Jayne Harding Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) or, if unavailable, Toyin Sanyaolu Designated Safeguarding Officer (DSO) Safeguarding concerns should never be investigated by staff or volunteers themselves. Accurate written records should be made as soon as possible after any concern or disclosure.

 

Steps for Reporting Concerns

1. Immediate Action: If a child is in immediate danger, contact emergency services.

2. Report to DSL: Any concerns should be reported to the DSL immediately.

3. Record Keeping: Record all details of the concern, including dates, times, and the nature of the concern.

4. External Referral: The DSL will decide whether to refer the case to local safeguarding authorities. Safer Recruitment ● Background Checks: All staff and volunteers undergo enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks. ● Interviews: Robust interview processes include safeguarding questions. ● References: Thorough reference checks are conducted for all new hires.

 

6. Code of Conduct

● Professional Boundaries: Staff and volunteers must maintain appropriate boundaries with children. ● Behaviour: All interactions with children should be respectful and professional. ● Confidentiality: Information about children and their families is confidential and only shared on a need-to-know basis. Managing Allegations Against Staff ● Immediate Action: Any allegation against staff must be reported to the DSL or the centre manager. ● Investigation: The DSL will initiate an investigation, following procedures outlined by local safeguarding authorities. ● Suspension: Staff may be suspended during the investigation if necessary. Online Safety ● Supervision: Children’s use of the internet is supervised and monitored. ● Education: Children are educated about online safety and responsible internet use. ● Filtering: Appropriate filters are in place to restrict access to harmful content. Working with Parents and Carers ● Communication: We maintain open communication with parents and carers about their child’s welfare. ● Involvement: Parents and carers are involved in safeguarding policies and practices. Reviewing the Policy This policy is reviewed annually, or more frequently if required, to ensure it remains up to date with current legislation and best practices.

 

7. Confidentiality Safeguarding information will only be shared on a need-to-know basis. Confidentiality cannot be guaranteed where someone is at risk of significant harm or where disclosure is required by law.

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8. Safer Recruitment The Wonder Lab Project is committed to safer recruitment by:

• Obtaining appropriate Enhanced DBS checks. • Verifying identity. • Checking references. • Conducting interviews. • Providing safeguarding induction. • Ensuring ongoing safeguarding training. Contact Information ● Designated Safeguarding Lead: Jayne Harding (Director) ● Designated Safeguarding Officer: Toyin Sanyaolu (Director). ● Local Safeguarding Authorities Contact Information: Medway local authority. ● Email: thewonderlabproject@gmail.com | Mobile : 07379879718 | Medway Council: 01634 334 466 The Wonder Lab Project CIC is dedicated to safeguarding the welfare of all children and ensuring that their experience with us is positive, safe, and enriching. This policy is a commitment to our responsibilities and a guide for our practices to protect every child in our care. 9. Policy Review This policy will be reviewed annually or sooner where legislation, sta