Safeguarding and Wellbeing Policy
In addition to our church safeguarding policy, we wish to specifically cover matters related to overnight residential stays with younger children. A full Risk Assessment has been completed for the Children’s Holiday and all staff attending are DBS checked. The overall leader of the holiday is Mr Sola Ingram (experienced Headteacher).
Designated Safeguarding Lead: Sola Ingram
Wellbeing
On arrival, everyone will be made aware of the house rules, emergency procedures and fire exits etc.
There will be a Pastoral Care team, led by Mr John & Mrs Kerry Randall (Primary School teacher) to oversee the care of the children.
Children will be assigned to a member of staff they can speak to at any time throughout the week.
Devotions will be held in the morning and evening. Any concerns can be especially addressed at these times.
Parents will be notified if a child is unable to settle, is very distressed or falls unwell.
We will encourage all of the children to participate in the organised activities and not opt out.
Parents will be notified of arrivals, departures and any other vital information via the Parent Area on this microsite. A daily update of activities and events will also be posted there.
Parents should contact the Tabernacle on 020 7735 7076 for any urgent matters. Contact will then be made with a holiday leader.
Privacy and personal care
The children attending should be able to wash and dress themselves without direct adult supervision.
Children will be encouraged not to leave their rooms or shared bathroom until they are fully dressed.
Swim sessions at Hebron Hall will be mixed, but separate changing facilities will be available.
On the beach, the children can change out of wet swimwear behind the windbreakers provided.
Sleeping arrangements
There will be separate boys’ and girls’ corridors and dorm rooms (most having en suite facilities).
Each corridor will have at least 2 assigned members of staff. Male staff will not be assigned to girls’ corridors.
Staff will avoid entering dorm rooms alone. They will operate in pairs.
Parents must notify us of any child who needs additional night time support (e.g. bed wetting.)
Supervision (daytime)
The adult/child ratio will conform to the Department of Education’s guidelines.
Children will not be left unsupervised during outdoor excursions, indoor activities or at mealtimes.
Wristbands with Children Holiday contact details will be worn by the children and staff on excursions.
Health and Safety
All accidents/incidents will be recorded and parents notified, where necessary, via phone call or text message.
Trained First Aiders, Lifeguards and swim safety equipment (e.g. buoyancy aids) will be present/available.
First Aid kits and completed medical forms will be carried at all times.
Parents must complete the ‘Your Child’s Details’ online consent and medical form (incl. any prescribed medication) prior to departure.
Seatbelts will be worn in all vehicles and helpers will be present to supervise.
Behaviour management
We expect, will encourage and reward good behaviour. Any unkind or unruly behaviour (e.g. bullying or violence) will not be tolerated and may lead to the child returning home early.
Children will only be restrained if they are likely to hurt themselves, others or damage property.
Electronic devices
Electronic devices (including mobile phones) are not permitted. Any brought on the holiday will be kept in safe storage, but the Tabernacle will not be responsible for any loss, theft or damage.
Children will have access to a member of staff’s phone if an urgent or important call needs to be made.
Please do visit our Frequently Asked Questions page (FAQs) for further information.