Safeguarding and Health & Safety Policy
Date: 01.10.2025
Responsible Person: Julianne Cash
1. Our Commitment
Little Art Lab is committed to providing a safe, creative and inclusive environment for children and families attending our art clubs. We recognise our responsibility to safeguard all children, ensure their wellbeing and manage risks appropriately in line with statutory guidance. We are also committed to maintaining high standards of health and safety across all activities.
2. Safeguarding Children
2.1 Principles
- The welfare of children is paramount.
- All children have the right to be protected from harm, abuse, neglect or exploitation.
- Staff and volunteers will act promptly and appropriately to any safeguarding concern.
2.2 Responsibilities
- The Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) for Little Art Lab is: Julianne Cash
- The DSL is responsible for responding to concerns, keeping records and contacting relevant agencies if required.
- The DSL is also responsible for ensuring all staff/volunteers are aware of safeguarding procedures.
- All staff/volunteers must report safeguarding concerns immediately to the DSL.
2.3 Code of Conduct
- Treat children and families with respect and kindness.
- Maintain professional boundaries at all times.
- No adult will be left alone in private with a child.
- Report safeguarding concerns immediately to the DSL.
- Children remain the responsibility of their parent/guardian unless they are attending a drop-off session with signed consent.
- Registers will be kept of all participants and their emergency contacts.
- Photographs/videos will not be taken or shared without parental consent.
2.4 Reporting Concerns
- Concerns of abuse or neglect must be documented and reported immediately to the DSL.
- If a child is in immediate danger, staff should call 999.
- The DSL will contact the Local Safeguarding Children Board or social services if required.
3. Health & Safety Policy
3.1 General Principles
- The safety of children, parents and staff is our highest priority.
- All venues will be risk-assessed before use.
- Activities and materials will be age-appropriate and safe.
3.2 Risk Assessments
- Risk assessments will be carried out for every venue and activity.
- Hazards (e.g. paint spillages, sharp tools, small objects) will be identified and appropriate control measures put in place.
- Venues must meet basic health & safety requirements (fire exits, ventilation, accessible toilets, first aid provision).
3.3 Supervision & Ratios
- Tiny Creatives (9m–2y) & Mini Makers (3-5y): Parents/guardians are responsible for their own children.
- Creative Explorers (5–8y) & Young Artists (8–11y): Children attend independently with signed consent.
- Holiday Clubs (5-11y): Children attend independently with signed consent.
- Ratios will be at least 1 adult to 8 children.
3.4 First Aid
- A first aid kit will be available at every session and checked regularly.
- At least one adult present will hold a valid First Aid certificate.
- Accidents and incidents will be recorded in an Accident Log and shared with parents/schools as appropriate.
3.5 Fire & Emergency
- Emergency exits will be identified before each session.
- In case of evacuation, children will be guided calmly to the assembly point.
- Registers will be used to account for all participants.
3.6 Materials & Equipment Safety
- Only non-toxic, child-safe art materials will be used.
- Tools (e.g., scissors, glue guns) will be age-appropriate and supervised.
- All equipment will be checked regularly for damage or hazards.
3.7 Hygiene
- Surfaces will be cleaned before and after sessions.
- Handwashing or sanitiser will be available.
- Non-toxic, washable art materials will be used wherever possible.
- Allergies/medical conditions will be collected on registration forms, and alternative materials provided if needed.
4. Social Media & Online Safety
4.1 Use of Social Media by Little Art Lab
- Little Art Lab uses social media platforms (e.g., Instagram, Facebook) to promote activities, share children’s artwork and celebrate creativity.
- All content shared will be appropriate, positive and in line with safeguarding commitments.
- Children’s full names, addresses or other personal information will never be shared.
4.2 Photography & Sharing Artwork
- Photographs/videos of children will only be taken if prior parental/guardian consent has been obtained.
- Where permission is granted, images may be used on Little Art Lab’s website, social media or promotional materials.
- If consent is not given, children’s faces will not be photographed/posted. Artwork alone may be shared without identifying information.
- Parents/guardians are welcome to photograph their own child’s work but must not take photos of other children without permission.
4.3 Staff & Volunteers’ Use of Social Media
- Staff and volunteers must not post images or personal details of children on their own accounts.
- Staff/volunteers must not accept or request to “friend/follow” children or young people on personal accounts.
4.4 Reporting Concerns Online
- Any safeguarding concern that arises from online behaviour will be treated with the same seriousness as offline concerns.
- Concerns must be reported immediately to the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL).
5. Policy Review
- This policy will be reviewed annually or sooner if legislation or the scope of activities changes.
- Staff and volunteers will be trained and updated on safeguarding and health & safety regularly.
6. Key Contacts
- DSL: Julianne Cash (07496690004)
- Local Authority Safeguarding Children Board: https://www.wolverhamptonsafeguarding.org.uk
01902 555392 or 01902 552999 for emergency out of hours