Equality Opportunities Policy

T&K Bilingual Supplementary School

1. Introduction

The responsibility for ensuring equality and diversity among potential and actual service users, volunteers, members and workers rests ultimately with the Management Committee. Volunteers, workers and management committee members – are responsible for the implementation of the policy, its observance, monitoring it on a day-to-day basis and reporting on its operation to the Management Committee 

The policy consists of the following:

Statement of intent

The Policy

2. Statement of Intent

The Organisation recognises that certain individuals and groups are discriminated against on grounds of age, disability, gender, reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual, orientation, marriage, and civil partnership, and pregnancy and maternity.

The Organisation is committed to working towards eliminating all forms of discrimination both through its own work and through its employment policies and practices.

Recognising that passive policies will not achieve change, the Organisation will, through regular monitoring of policies and practice, take active steps to combat discrimination.

Legal framework: Equalities Act 2010.

3. The Policy

Service Provision:  Users must have easy access to information about the Organisation’s services which may involve making materials available where appropriate in a variety of media, e.g. in large print or electronically. It is also recognised that the organisation will not be able to meet all the demands made upon its services.  There will be a drawn up and publicly available list of priorities for the service which will be reviewed at least annually.

Additionally, it is recognised that there may from time to time be complaints against members of staff or the service.  A notice will be displayed in the general office, giving details of how a complaint may be made.  The procedure will also be regularly publicised in the newsletter.

Recruitment and Selection:  The Organisation aims to receive the widest response to recruitment of volunteers, workers or management committee members.  All vacancies will be publicised widely.  The range of publications and agencies chosen will attempt to reflect the aim of reaching all sections of society.  Information sent to potential applicants will include the volunteer or management role description or a job description and a person specification in the case of paid employment and details of the Equality and Diversity Policy.  It will be standard practice to supply information in large print when requested – this will be noted in advertisements.

Terms and Conditions:  The Organisation will endeavour to ensure that volunteers, workers and management committee members are not discriminated against through the terms and conditions under which they are have been engaged.  Furthermore, The Organisation recognises that from time to time family and social circumstances may change and consequently that volunteers or workers may need to change their conditions of work.  The Organisation will attempt, where circumstances and resources permit, to accommodate the needs of those volunteers and workers.

Workers Support:  Volunteers and workers are entitled to support from management committee members.  Volunteers and workers will receive regular supervision from a named management committee member.

Training:  The Organisation recognises that training is an important factor in leading to job achievement and opportunity.  Induction training is particularly important and will be made available to all volunteers, workers and management committee members.  When other needs are identified, every effort will be made to ensure that training is provided.

Purchasing:  The Organisation will try to ensure that the goods and services it offers are accessible to all groups. It will not knowingly receive or purchase goods and services from agencies which practise discrimination.

Monitoring:  Regular monitoring and reviews of all procedures will take place from time to time, to check the effectiveness of The Organisation’s Equal Opportunity Policy.  Staff will be required to report the results of such monitoring to the management committee annually and to recommend such amendments as are needed to ensure that the Equal Opportunity Policy are effective at all levels of the Organisation.

Turkish & Kurdish Children ‘s Group Supplementary School & After School Club 

Charity Number: 1169321

Turkish & Kurdish Bilingual Supplementary School

Fire Safety Procedures

A. BACKGROUND

1. These procedures were agreed jointly by the Management Committee and Teachers 

Meeting on Date : 

These procedures are to be adhered to and reviewed regularly in the light of new experiences.

2. It is of paramount importance to install at all levels of the school INDIVIDUAL RESPONSIBILITY: Children, teachers, parents and committee members are all individually and collectively responsible for the Prevention of fire, Preparedness in the event of fire and Strict Adherence to the FIRE Drill rules outlined below. 

3. These procedures should be read out to all pupils by teachers at the beginning of  each term and questions should be encouraged from pupils and teachers to ensure complete understanding of what is required of them in the event of a fire or a fire drill. 

B. RESPONSIBLE FIRE OFFICERS

4. It is the duty of the teachers to make themselves familiar with the layout of the school, fire fighting equipment and escape routes. They should communicate to the Management Committee any problems or fire hazards that come to their notice and seek urgent attention and rectification.

5. Every member of teaching staff shall have complete understanding of the fire drill and full responsibility for ensuring that all pupils in their respective classes are safely evacuated, in the event of a fire drill or a real fire, to the designated area using the fire escape route identified for their class. 

6. The Management Committee (with assistance from landlord) will have the responsibility to set off the fire alarm and monitor the efficiency of the evacuation procedure. They shall record in the Fire Drill Book the following: a) Date and time of the fire drill; b) The name of each teacher and class reporting full and safe evacuation; c) The time taken for complete evacuation; d) Observations/ Learning points reported by teachers and or pupils.  

7. The School Committee together with the teachers shall discuss the observations learning points recorded at the next Saturday school meeting and shall set out actions against responsible members to ensure compliance with recommendations. These shall be recorded in the Fire Drill Book and if necessary Fire Procedures should be reviewed.

C. FIRE RISKS: POSSIBLE SOURCES of FIRE 

8. The following fire risk areas were identified: 

1. Downstairs Kitchen Area: i) Gas Cooker. ii) Gas Boiler, iii) Electric sockets

Risk Management: i) Ensure that gas is turned off from cooker central valve,

ii) Ensure regular servicing of Gas Boiler and no inflammable item is left sitting or touching gas boiler. 

iii) Ensure that electric sockets are regularly inspected and no heating element is left switched on. 

2. Office: The photocopying machine and other electrical equipment.

Risk Management:  Ensure office is clean and tidy and electrical sockets are regularly checked. 

3. Storage Space  in the hall: Ensure it is kept clean and free of combustible materials. Install a lock to prevent access by children. 

D.  ROUTES of ESCAPE and APPLIANCES: PREPAREDNESS

9. All teaching staff and children should be made aware of fire escape routes. There are 2 main Fire exit routes from First floor school building: Front Main Exit via indoor staircase and Back Yard Exit via metal staircase. 

1. Fire Exits: Ensure that they are all clearly marked and free of obstruction and can open easily. 
2. Fire Fighting Appliances: These should be pointed out to all members of teaching staff and demonstration made to them on their use. Emphasis given to them being serviced annually and the certificate kept by our Landlord (Peabody Trust). 
3.  Fire Alarm. This is tested weekly by our landlord  and a record is kept.
4. Emergency Lights: These are tested every month and maintained twice a year by qualified engineers with certificate kept for inspection by fire officers. Additional Emergency lights installed 

FIRE DRILL RULES and PROCEDURES:

10.  A Fire drill should be carried out at least 2 times in the school year. At least once in the new term (September/October) and at least once in the last term (May/June).

11. The caretaker of the building  with the knowledge of the Management Commuttee hall initiate the fire alarm. On the ringing of the fire alarm all teachers must safely and orderly evacuate their classes. 

ASSEMBLEY AREA  

12. All children, teaching staff and other persons must assemble by the garden behaind Hugh Cubitt  all teachers must instruct children of the place of assembly for each class at the designated area, to ensure prompt and full account of Children. 

HEADCOUNT/RECORDING Of FINDINGS 

13. Each teacher must ensure that all his or her children are present and safe at the Assembly area. Each teacher must present himself or herself to the School Committee member and provide confirmation of safe evacuation. This will be recorded in the Fire Drill Book. The School Committee member will record the time of final confirmation of safe evacuation to assess the efficiency of evacuation. Details of time and date of fire drill must also be recorded in Fire Drill Book.

END of DRILL 

14. At the end of the drill and on ensuring the building is safe all teachers will escort their children back into their respective classrooms.  At the end of the school day all teachers will meet together with the school committee member to discuss any issues with the fire drill and any learning points. These shall be entered into the Fire Drill Book for future actions and improvement to procedures.  Any actions taken must be entered into Fire drill Book and crosschecked against actions recommended.    

Signed:

Turkish & Kurdish Children ‘s Group Supplementary School & After School Club 

Charity Number: 1169321

T&KBSS HEALTH & SAFETY POLICY

Statement of intent

We believe that the health and safety of children is of paramount importance. We make our setting a safe and healthy place for children, parents, staff and volunteers.

Aim

We aim to make children, parents and staff aware of health and safety issues and to minimise the hazards and risks to enable the children to thrive in a healthy and safe environment.

Methods

The member of staff responsible for health and safety is Gulderen Koyel. The other teaching staff are also responsible.  They are all competent to carry out these responsibilities and have undertaken health and safety training. They regularly update their knowledge and understanding. We display the necessary health and safety poster on the wall.

Risk assessment

Our risk assessment process includes:

• Checking for hazards and risks indoors and outside, and in our activities and procedures. Our assessment covers adults and children;
• Deciding which areas need attention; and
• Developing an action plan that specifies the action required, the timescales for action, the person responsible for the action and any funding required.

We maintain lists of health and safety issues, which are checked: Every session begins (it is a Saturday school). So therefore before the session starts we check the classrooms for hazards and risks. If there is any issue we sort it out before the lessons start. At the same time annually we have a full risk assessment to carry out.

Insurance cover

We have public liability insurance and employers’ liability insurance. The certificate for public liability insurance is displayed on the wall.

Awareness raising

• Our induction training for staff and volunteers includes a clear explanation of health and safety issues so that all adults are able to adhere to our policy and understand their shared responsibility for health and safety. The induction training covers matters of employee well-being, including safe lifting and the storage of potentially hazardous substances.
• As necessary, health and safety training is included in the annual training plans of staff, and health and safety is discussed regularly at staff meetings.
• We have a no smoking policy.
• Children are made aware of health and safety issues through discussions, planned activities and routines.

Children’s safety

• We ensure all staff employed have been checked for criminal records by an enhanced disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service.
• Adults never supervise children on their own, except in an emergency.
• Adults supervise all children at all times.
• Whenever children are on the premises at least two adults must be present.

Security

• Systems are in place for the safe arrival and departure of children. The times of children’s arrivals and departures are always very carefully recorded.
• The arrival and departure times of adults – staff, volunteers and visitors – are recorded. 
• All doors are locked when everyone is inside the building.
• Our systems prevent unauthorised access inside our premises and a member of staff will always leave the building to see and speak with any visitor before allowing them into the building.
• Our systems prevent children from leaving our premises unnoticed. Staff are informed if any listed person will be collecting a child, in which case the collector will be provided with a password via the parent, which they must give the staff upon collection of the child. This password will change every time for extra security
• Staff must be informed if there are any family issues where the child should be prevented from being collected by a listed person.
• The personal possessions of staff and volunteers can be securely stored in a locked cupboards during sessions.

Windows

• Low-level windows are made from materials that prevent accidental breakage or are made safe.

Floors

• All surfaces are checked daily to ensure they are clean and not uneven or damaged.

Kitchen

• Children do not have unsupervised access to the kitchen.
• All surfaces are clean and non-porous.
• There are separate facilities for hand-washing and for washing up.
• Cleaning materials and other dangerous materials are stored out of children’s reach.
• When children take part in cooking activities, they:
  • Are supervised at all times;
  • Are kept away from hot surfaces and hot water; and
  • Do not have unsupervised access to electrical equipment.

Electrical/gas equipment

• All electrical/gas equipment conforms to safety requirements and is checked regularly.
• Our boiler/electrical switchgear/meter cupboard is not accessible to the children.
• Electric sockets, wires and leads are properly guarded and the children are taught not to touch them.
• There are sufficient sockets to prevent overloading.
• The temperature of hot water is controlled to prevent scalds.
• Lighting and ventilation is adequate in all areas including storage areas.

Storage

• All resources and materials from which children select are stored safely.
• All equipment and resources are stored or stacked safely to prevent them accidentally falling or collapsing.

Outdoor area

.     Our outdoor area is securely fenced. 

• Our outdoor area is checked for safety and cleared of rubbish before it is used.
• Adults and children are alerted to the dangers of poisonous plants, herbicides and pesticides.
• Where water can form a pool on equipment, it is emptied before children start playing outside.
• All outdoor activities are supervised at all times.

Hygiene

• We regularly seek information from the Environmental Health Department and the Health Authority to ensure that we keep up to date with the latest recommendations.
• Our daily routines encourage the children to learn about personal hygiene.
• The premises that we use within schools have daily cleaning routines that are adequate for the activities that take place.
• We have a schedule for cleaning resources and equipment, dressing-up clothes and furnishings.
• The toilet area has a high standard of hygiene including hand washing and drying facilities 
• We implement good hygiene practices by:

• Cleaning tables between activities when this is required;
• Wearing protective clothing – such as aprons and disposable gloves – as appropriate;
• Providing tissues and wipes; 

Activities

• Before purchase or loan, equipment and resources are checked to ensure that they are safe for the ages and stages of the children currently attending the setting.
• The layout of tables and resources allows adults and children to move safely and freely between activities.
• All equipment is regularly checked for cleanliness and safety and any dangerous items are repaired or discarded.
• All materials – including paint and glue – are non-toxic.
• Children are taught to handle and store scissors and other equipment safely.
• Children learn about health, safety and personal hygiene through the activities we provide and the routines we follow.

Food and drink – SNACKS during the classes and activities

• Staff who prepare and handle food receive appropriate training and understand – and comply with – food safety and hygiene regulations.
• All food and drink is stored appropriately.
• Adults do not carry hot drinks through the play area and do not place hot drinks within reach of children.
• Snack times are appropriately supervised and children do not walk about with food and drinks.
• Fresh drinking water is available to the children at all times.
• We operate systems to ensure that children do not have access to food/drinks to which they are allergic.

Outings and visits

• We have agreed procedures for the safe conduct of outings.
• Parents sign a general consent on registration for their children to be taken out as a part of the daily activities of the school.
• Parents always sign consent forms before major outings.
• A risk assessment is carried out before an outing takes place..
• Staff take a mobile phone on outings, and supplies of tissues, wipes, etc. as well as a mini first aid pack, a snack and water. The amount of equipment will vary and be consistent with the venue and the number of children as well as how long they will be out for.
• Records are kept of the vehicles used to transport children, with named drivers and appropriate insurance cover.
• A minimum of two staff should accompany children on outings and a minimum of two should remain behind with any children who remain at the school.

Missing child

If a child goes missing from the setting

• The person in charge will carry out a thorough search of the building and any outdoor areas.
• The register is checked to make sure no other child has also gone astray.
• Doors and gates are checked to see if there has been a breach of security whereby a child could wander out.
• Person in charge talks to staff to establish what happened
• If the child is not found the parent is contacted and the missing child is reported to the police.

If a child goes missing from an outing where parents are not attending and responsible for their own child, the setting ensures that there is a procedure that is followed.

• As soon as it is noticed that a child is missing, staff on the outing ask children to stand with their designated person and carry out a headcount to ensure that no other child has gone astray. One staff searches the immediate vicinity but does not search beyond that.
• The person in charge is informed, if she is not on the outing she makes her way to the venue to aid the search and be the point of contact for the police as well as support staff.
• Staff take the remaining children back to the setting.
• The person in charge of the setting contacts the child’s parent who makes their way to the setting or outing venue as agreed with the person in charge.
• The staff contact the police using the mobile phone and report the child as missing.
• In an indoor venue, the staff contact the venue’s security that will handle the search and contact the police if the child is not found.

The investigation

• The management committee chairperson carries out a full investigation taking written statements from all the staff present at the time, or who were on the outing.
• The key person/ staff writes an incident report detailing:
• The date and time of the report;
• What staff/ children were in the group/outing;
• When the child was last seen in the group/outing;
• What has taken place in the group/outing since then; and
• The time it is estimated that the child went missing.
• A conclusion is drawn as to how the breach of security happened.
• If the incident warrants a police investigation all staff co-operate fully. In this case, the police will handle all aspects of the investigation, including interviewing staff. Social Services may be involved if it seems likely that there is a child protection issue to address.

Fire safety

• Fire doors are clearly marked, never obstructed and easily opened from inside.
• Smoke detectors and fire fighting appliances conform to BSEN standards, are fitted in appropriate high-risk areas of the building and are checked as specified by the manufacturer.
• Our emergency evacuation procedures are approved by the Fire Safety Officer and are:
  • Clearly displayed in the premises;
  • Explained to new members of staff, volunteers and parents; and
  • Practised regularly at least once every six weeks.
  • Records are kept of fire drills and the servicing of fire safety equipment.
  • The designated Fire Meeting Point is at the back garden of the building.

First aid and medication

Two members of the organisation have first aid training certificate. One of the staff is a member of staff and the other is management.

Our first aid kit:

• Complies with the Health and Safety (First Aid) Regulations 1981 
• Is checked monthly by a designated member of staff and re-stocked as necessary;
• Is easily accessible to adults; and
• Is kept out of the reach of children.

Parents sign a consent form at registration allowing staff to take their child to the nearest Accident and Emergency unit to be examined, treated or admitted as necessary on the understanding that parents have been informed and are on their way to the hospital.

Our Accident forms and file:

• Are kept safely and accessibly in the Filing Cabinet;
• All staff and volunteers know where it is kept and how to complete it; and
• Is reviewed at least half termly to identify any potential or actual hazards.

When there is any injury requiring general practitioner or hospital treatment to a child, parent, volunteer or visitor or where there is a death of a child or adult on the premises, we make a report to the Health and Safety Executive using the format for the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences.

Dealing with incidents

We meet our legal requirements for the safety of our employees by complying with RIDDOR (the Reporting of Injury, Disease and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations) 1995. We report to the Health and Safety Executive:

• Any accident to a member of staff requiring treatment by a general practitioner or hospital; and causing them to be off work more than 7 days.
• Any dangerous occurrences. This may be an event that causes injury or fatalities or an event that does not cause an accident but could have done, such as a gas leak.
• Any dangerous occurrence is recorded in our Incident Book.

Our Incident Forms and File

• We keep an incident file in the filing cabinet for recording incidents including those that that are reportable to the Health and Safety Executive as above.
• These incidents include:
  • Break in, burglary, theft of personal or the setting’s property;
  • Fire, flood, gas leak or electrical failure;
  • Attack on member of staff or parent on the premises or near by;
  • Any racist incident involving a staff or family on the centre’s premises;
  • Death of a child, and
  • A terrorist attack, or threat of one.

In the incident file we record the date and time of the incident, nature of the event, who was affected, what was done about it – or if it was reported to the police, and if so a crime number. Any follow up, or insurance claim made, should also be recorded.

In the unlikely even of a terrorist attack we follow the advice of the emergency services with regard to evacuation, medical aid and contacting children’s families. Our standard Fire Safety Policy will be followed and staff will take charge of their key children. The incident is recorded when the threat is averted.

In the unlikely even of a child dying on the premises the emergency services are called, and the advice of these services are followed.

The incident file is not for recording issues of concern involving a child. This is recorded in the child’s own file.

Administration of medication

• Staff and volunteers are not able to administer any medication to children.

Sickness

Our policy for the exclusion of ill or infectious children is discussed with parents. This includes procedures for contacting parents – or other authorised adults – if a child becomes ill while in the setting.

• Children who are unwell, have a temperature, or sickness and diarrhoea, or who have an infectious disease cannot attend our school.
• Children and staff who have had sickness or diarrhoea must not return back to the school until 48 hours after the LAST episode of sickness or diarrhoea.
• Children with head lice are not excluded, but must be treated to remedy the condition.
• Parents are notified if there is a case of head lice in the setting.
• Parents are notified if there is an infectious disease, such as chicken pox.
• HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) may affect children or families attending the setting. Staff may or may not be informed about it.
• Good hygiene practice concerning the clearing of any spilled bodily fluids is carried out at all times.

Safety of adults

• Adults are provided with guidance about the safe storage, movement, lifting and erection of large pieces of equipment.
• When adults need to reach up to store equipment, they are provided with safe equipment to do so.
• All warning signs are clear and in appropriate languages.
• The sickness of staff and their involvement in accidents is recorded. The records are reviewed termly to identify any issues that need to be addressed.

Records

We keep records of:

Adults

• Names and addresses of all staff on the premises, including temporary staff who work with the children or who have regular access to them;
• All records relating to the staff’s employment with the setting, including application forms, references, results of checks undertaken etc.

Children

• Names, addresses and telephone numbers of parents and adults authorised to collect children from setting;
• The names, addresses and telephone numbers of emergency contacts in case of children’s illness or accident;
• The allergies, dietary requirements and illnesses of individual children;
• The times of attendance of children, staff, volunteers and visitors;
• Accidents records;
• Consents for outings, emergency treatment; and incidents.

In addition, the following procedures and documentation in relation to health and safety are in place:
Risk assessment.

• Record of visitors.
• Fire safety procedures.
• Operational procedures for outings.
• Vehicle records including insurance.
• Prior parental consent for emergency treatment.
• Accident record.
• No smoking.

Policy approved on: 16/10/2021

Signed: Gulderen Koyel (Chair of the Management Committee)

Turkish & Kurdish Children ‘s Group Supplementary School & After School Club 

Charity Number: 1169321

Turkish and Kurdish Bilingual Supplementary School

Policy on staff and volunteers

Introduction

In line with its aims, the Turkish and Kurdish Bilingual Supplementary School seeks to employ suitable, well-qualified and experienced staff and volunteers to lead classes.

It seeks to involve volunteers, to give children/young people additional individual and small group support and to ensure that there are always enough adults to supervise the children/young people and keep them safe.

Parents/carers are encouraged to volunteer as members of the management committee and as assistant tutors.

In recruiting and appointing staff and volunteers, we shall follow our equal opportunities policy, our health and safety policy and our child protection policy. 

We will aim to ensure, as far as is possible, that anyone, paid or voluntary, who seeks to work with children/young people at the school, and who gains substantial access to them, is as safe to do so in child protection terms as can be guaranteed.

All staff and volunteers will be appointed by at least two staff, volunteers or management committee members.

Neither staff nor volunteers will work alone with children/young people until they have completed a satisfactory probationary period.

Volunteers will work in teams, or in open environments where they are not alone with children.

All staff/volunteers will:

• be supervised by a named person
• be given a clear job description or role description, setting out expectations for their work and conduct
• show that they meet a person specification for the post or role
• fill in a form on first appointment and annually at the start of each school year, to update their personal details, previous and current work/volunteering experience and qualifications
• supply the names of two referees who will be contacted personally
• complete an enhanced Criminal Records (DBS) check on appointment 
• be given an induction into the school and into their own area of work, covering:

• health and safety and child protection policies and procedures
• the role of volunteers
• a list of all staff and volunteers
• a list of management committee members 
• copies of all relevant policies 
• essential procedures, such as those relating to timekeeping and the rota 
• schemes of work, lesson materials and positive management of behaviour
• the training and development of staff/volunteers 
• information about the Quality Framework
• other information, as appropriate.

There will be a trial period of four weeks, to give the organisation and new member of staff or volunteer time to discover whether they are suited to each other. A review will be undertaken midway through the trial period and also at the end.

Supervision, support and training

We at T&K Bilingual Supplementary School are committed to the provision of training for all members of staff and volunteers.

Guidance, schemes of work and lesson materials will be provided by the Chair. Staff/volunteers will be observed at work and will meet their line manager for feedback on their performance, where they can raise any issues or problems and discuss their training needs.

We shall hold a meeting of staff/volunteers every month to discuss general support and supervision needs and to give information about training opportunities. We shall hold updates on training in behaviour management, health and safety procedures and child protection each year.

Insurance

All staff/volunteers are covered by the school’s insurance policy while they are on the premises or engaged in work on the school’s behalf.

Health and safety

All staff/volunteers are covered by, and must implement, the school’s health and safety policy. All adults have a duty of care towards the children/young people at the school and must have concern for their safety at all times. Further guidance can be found in the health and safety and child protection policies.

Confidentiality

Staff/volunteers and volunteers, including members of the management committee, are required to observe confidentiality at all times.

Problem solving

If we feel that there is a concern about the work of a member of staff or a volunteer, we shall attempt to resolve it by:

• If a member of staff or a volunteer has concerns about another member of staff/volunteer and feels able to approach them about the issue, we would encourage this, as it may have been a simple oversight which can be addressed.
• If this does not resolve the concern, the member of staff/volunteer concerned should speak with their line manager to discuss their concerns.  The line manager will then make necessary decisions.
• If the issue cannot be resolved by the line manager then a formal meeting will be arranged with the chair of the management committee, the member of staff concerned will be asked to attend with bring representation/support if needed

In the case of staff members, we shall follow current employment law.

In the case of volunteers, if the issue cannot be resolved, we shall sever the school’s formal links with the person. 

At all times, staff and volunteers will be able to state their case freely, and can have a friend to accompany them to meetings.

Agreed on behalf of the Management Committee

Signed: Gulderen Koyel   Date: 27/06/2020

Turkish & Kurdish Children ‘s Group Supplementary School & After School Club 

Charity Number: 1169321

Turkish & Kurdish Bilingual Supplementary School

Safety advice for staff/volunteers

At the start of the first lesson with a new class

• Fill in the register and make sure you know about any special arrangements (for example, about children or young people who need special help or whose parents/carers want them to leave early or to collect a younger child).
• Show the learners the toilets and any other facilities.
• Tell the learners what to do if the fire alarm rings, and walk the class through evacuation routes to their assembly point. Explain that, when they assemble, you will take the register again to check that everyone is out of the building.
• Explain what to do if one of the learners falls ill or is injured during the lesson.
• Explain what you expect the learners to bring to each lesson and what they should do if they are absent.
• Establish a set of agreed rules for safe and considerate behaviour (your school co-ordinator will give you the school’s behaviour policy and safety policy as guidance, but you need to establish your own routines, so that all you need to do is to remind children/young people of what you expect).

Checklist for the start of a lesson 

• Always arrive in advance of the learners, so that you can check that your classroom is safe. You should:

• check that all emergency routes are clear of obstruction
• check the heating, lighting and ventilation
• check the toilets and kitchen, if applicable
• check for any hazards to your learners – for example, uncleared rubbish or damaged furniture
• check for safety any equipment that you will need to use during the lesson
• arrange the furniture and check that it is safe.
• not move heavy objects on your own
• not allow children/young people to move furniture
• tell any adult learners or older children who are helping you to set up how to do so safely.

• In the light of your checks, decide whether it is safe to continue the lesson and make any adjustments that are necessary. Adults may just need to have hazards pointed out: children and young people will need to have them blocked off. You may need to arrange alternative accommodation or cancel the lesson.
• Welcome learners and take the register. Enter late arrivals in the register as soon as they arrive.
• If children/young people who normally come to lessons on their own are unexpectedly absent, arrange for their parents/carers to be telephoned to make sure that they are safe.

Supervising break-times

• There should always be two adults supervising children/young people at break-times. Watch out for slips, trips, arguments, fights, bullying and rough play.
• Check again for dangers: things that are safe when children/young people are sitting down might not be safe when they are moving about.
• Make sure that children/young people are sitting down whenever they are eating.
• Clear away bags so that children/young people do not trip over them.
• Do not let children/young people run about indoors: take them to an outside area and supervise them, or clear a space and organise some games.

Checklist for the end of a lesson

• Supervise children/young people while they pack away their lesson materials and store them.
• Clear any litter and clean the floor and tables if necessary. Empty bins and put food refuse in closed plastic sacks in the correct place.
• Check that toilets are clean – the kitchen area also, if applicable.
• Put back any furniture that you have moved.
• Clean whiteboards and clear flip charts.
• Report any damage, hazards or maintenance required (such as dead light bulbs).
• Check that all your learners have left the premises safely.
• Lock up and use any security measures.
• Return equipment and keys, if necessary.
• If children/young people are not collected on time, a responsible person must wait with them until a parent/carer comes. Phone the emergency contact number. Tell parents/carers who are often late that their children/young people cannot attend classes unless they are collected on time.

What to do if someone is injured or ill

• Move all the other learners out of the way.
•  You need one adult for the injured child/young person and one to look after the rest of the children/young people. You may need to send a responsible child/young person to get a second adult.
• Talk to the injured person to find out what is wrong. It is usually safer not to touch them if they seem badly hurt.
• Check medical records to see whether there is a pre-existing medical condition and check any instructions about medication. Do not administer medication unless the learner or their parents/carers have given permission and clear instructions in writing, in advance.
• Talk to qualified first aiders, when needed.
• When the injured learner is being cared for, tell the co-ordinator what has happened.
• Contact emergency services if necessary.
• Contact the learner’s family to tell them what has happened and what will happen next.
• Fill in an accident/incident report as soon as practicable.
• An adult should always be with a child/young person who is hurt. If a child/young person is taken to hospital by ambulance and the family is going to meet them there, someone from the school should go in the ambulance with the child/young person and stay until another responsible adult arrives to look after them. What to do if there is a fire
• Check fire instructions in your classroom.
• Check the signs on display or ask the co-ordinator.
• Point out the fire exits each time there is a new learner in the class.
• Practise a fire drill at least once a year. Each group should walk through a fire practice on their own with their teacher before the whole school tries it together.
• Landlords may run a practice fire alarm at any time.

What to do when the fire alarm sounds

• Call the learners to silence and tell them to stand up.
• Tell them they must leave their coats, bags and work on the desks and leave the building by the safest route.
• Tell them to walk quite quickly, but not to run. When it is practised, the co-ordinator and teachers will lead the group.
• Pick up the register and a pen and follow the learners out of the building.
• Take the children/young people to line up, and tell adult learners to assemble in the designated place. 
• Take the register again.
• If any children/young people are missing, tell the co-ordinator or lead tutor, who will tell the fire brigade.
• Keep children/young people quiet, safe and lined up until you are told it is safe to return to the building. Do not let any child/young person go home alone.

Policy Statement: 

We Turkish and Kurdish Children’s Group believe that children /young people have the right to be treated equally and to learn in a safe and friendly environment. 

This policy is based on the following principles: 

• the welfare of the child/young person is paramount.
• all children/ young people, whatever their age, culture, disability, gender, language, racial origin, religious beliefs and or sexual identity, have the right to be protected from abuse.
• all suspicions and allegations of abuse will be taken seriously and responded to swiftly and appropriately.
• staff/ volunteers working in this complementary/supplementary school have a responsibility to report concerns to the designated person with responsibility for child protection at the school, and/or to the school’s coordinator.
• we aim to safeguard children/young people by

• adopting child protection guidelines through procedures and a code of conduct for staff/ volunteers.
• sharing information about child protection and good practice with children/ young people, parents and careers and staff/volunteers.
• sharing information about concerns with agencies who need to know, and involving parents and children/young people appropriately.
• following carefully the procedures for recruitment and selection of staff/ volunteers.
• providing effective management for staff/ volunteers through support, supervision and training.
• review our policy and good practice regularly.

The role of the designated person: 

every complementary/ supplementary school should have a designated child protection person, who must undergo child protection training. It is the responsibility of this person to make themselves available for consultation by staff, volunteers, visitors and children/ young people and their families. 

the name of the designated person and information about their duties are displayed in the supplementary school, so that everyone (including parents/ careers) is aware of who to talk to if they have concerns. 

In the absence of the designated child protection person, a deputy must be identified. 

The named person’s role includes: 

• ensuring that the policy is implemented throughout the school.
• ensuring that all necessary enquiries, procedures and investigations relating to child protection are carried out.
• reporting results of screening enquiries, and preserving ‘need to know’ levels of confidentiality are carried out.
• ensuring that all confidential records relating to child protection matters are kept secure.
• liaising wit social services at a formal and informal level on child protection matters, also with the police.
• reporting allegations and suspicion of abuse to the appropriate authorities.
• ensuring that there is adequate induction and training relating to child protection matters.
• ensuring that each activity carried out by the school is sound in terms of child protection as regards personnel, practices and premises.
• checking all incident reports made by staff/ volunteers, countersigning them and making such reference to the appropriate authority as is appropriate.

Good Practice:
before any activity starts, the designated person shall ensure that adequate child protection procedures are in place, as follows. 


• each parent must fill out a consent form for each child/ young person attending the school.
• a register must be kept of all children/ young people attending the school’s activities.

Turkish and Kurdish Children’s Group 

• team members will record any unusual events on the day of the accident/ incident form or in the daily diary, unless this includes anything confidential.
• where possible, staff/ volunteers should not be alone with a child/ young person, although it is recognised that there may be times when this may be necessary or helpful.
• the school recognises that physical touch between adults and children/ young people can be healthy and acceptable in public places. However, staff/ volunteers will be discouraged fro this in circumstances where an adult and child/ young person are alone together.
• All team members should treat all children/ young people with dignity and respect in their attitude, language and actions.

Outings and trips:


• All vehicles hired for outings must be insured, roadworthy and fitted with seatbelts.
• All drivers should travel with at least one escort. Drivers and escorts should have up- to-date DBS checks and should have been subject to appropriate recruitment procedures. All drivers and escorts should agree to abide by these guidelines.
• A roll call will be taken at the start of a journey and again before beginning the return journey; if the group is travelling in more than one vehicle, children/ young people will be encouraged to travel in the same vehicle there and back.
• staff/ volunteers accompanying trips will carry the contact numbers for the home organisation and emergency services in the event of an alert being necessary.
• If a child/ young person goes missing while on a trip, staff/ volunteers should instigate an immediate search. If the child/ young person cannot be found within half an hour, the appropriate security staff/ volunteers and the police should be notified.
• If, having notified security staff/ volunteers and the police, the child/ young person cannot be found, the parents/ careers of the child/ young person must be notified immediately.
• The care of the remaining children/ young people is paramount. it is imperative that they return to the home site as quickly as possible, while a senior staff/ volunteers member remains at the visit site to coordinate contact between security staff/ volunteers and the child’s/ young person’s parents/ careers.

Safe recruitment:All staff/ volunteers will be appointed by at least two members of the management committee. Most staff and all volunteers will work in teams or in open environments where they are not alone with children/ young people. Where necessary, staff members (but not

• be given a clear job description or role description, setting out expectations for their work and conduct.
• show that they meet the person specification for the post or role.
• fill in a form on first appointment and annually at the start of each school year, to update their personal details, previous and current work/ volunteering experience and qualifications.
• supply the names of two referees, who will be contacted personally.
• be required to complete an enhanced DBS check an appointment, and every three years thereafter, giving photographic and other evidence of identity and including a formal declaration of any criminal convictions.
• be taken through child protection policy and procedure on induction, followed by annual training to remind them of procedures and important concepts.
• be supervised by a named manager.
• be observed at work by the school’s coordinator.


Responding to allegations of abuse; allegations against a member of staff/ volunteer: 
The school will fully support and protect anyone who, in good faith, reports their concerns that a colleague is, or may be, abusing a child/ young person. Where there is a complaint against a member of staff/ volunteer, there may be three types of investigation: criminal investigation, child protection investigation, or disciplinary/ misconduct investigation. The results of the policies and child protection investigation may well influence the disciplinary investigation, but this will not necessarily be the case. 
Concerns about poor practice: 
If, following consideration, the allegation is clearly about poor practice, this will be dealt with as a misconduct issue. 
If the allegation is about poor practice by the school’s designated person, or if the matter has been handled inadequately and concerns remain, it should be reported to the chair of the management committee, who will advise how to deal with the allegation and whether or not the school should initiate disciplinary proceedings. 


Internal enquires and suspension: 

The designated person will make an immediate decision about whether any individual accused of abuse should be temporarily suspended, pending further police and social services inquiries. 

Irrespective of the findings of the social services or police inquiries, the school will assess all individual cases to decide whether a member of staff or volunteer can be reinstated and how this can be handled sensitively. This may be a difficult decision, particularly where there is insufficient evidence to uphold any action by the police. In such cases, the school must reach a decision based upon the available information. This might suggest that, on a balance of probability, it is more likely than not the allegation is true. The welfare of the child/ young person must remain of paramount importance throughout. 

What to do if you suspect that abuse may have occurred: 

1) You must report your concerns immediately to the designated person at your school. 

Step-by-step guidance for staff/ volunteers on dealing with their earliest concerns if provided on the card ‘What to do if you are worried that a child is being abused’. This guidance is produced by the Department of Health and endorsed by the local authority. Copies of the card must be available to every member of staff and volunteer. 

The designated person will: 

• Obtain information from staff/ volunteers, children/ young people or parents/ carers who have child protection concerns and record this information.
• Assess the information quickly and carefully and ask for further information, as appropriate.
• consult with a statutory child protection agency such as the local social services department or the NSPCC to clarify a doubts or worries.
• Ensure that the parent/ carers of the child/ young person are contacted as soon as possible, following advice from the social services department.
• Make a referral to a statutory child protection agency or to the police without delay.
• If the school’s designated person is the subject of the suspicion/ allegation, the report must be made to the chair of the management committee, who will refer the allegation to social services.
• 2) Suspicion will not be discussed with anyone other than those named above.

3) It is the right of any individual to make direct referrals to the child protection agencies. 

If for any reason, you believe that the designated person has not responded appropriately to your concerns, then its up to you to contact the child protection agencies directly. 

4) If a child makes a disclosure of abuse: 

• Make notes as soon as possible (ideally within one hour of being told).
• Write down exactly what the child/ young person has said, what you said in reply and what was happening immediately before you were told (For example, what activity was taking place).
• Record dates, times and when you made the record.
• Keep all your handwritten notes secure.
• Report your discussion to the designated person as soon as possible.
• If the designated person is implicated, you need to report to the second designated person.
• If both are implicated, report to social services.
• Do not discuss your suspicions or allegations with anyone other than those nominated above.
• The designated person must consider carefully whether or not it is safe for a child/ young person to return home to a potentially abusive situation, and, if necessary, they should take immediate action to contact social services in order to discuss putting safety measures into effect. 


Allegations of physical injury or neglect:
If a child/ young person has a symptom of physical injury or neglect, the designated person will: 


• Contact social services for advice in cases of deliberate injury or concerns about the safety of the child/ young person, but they must not inform the parents/ carers.
• seek emergency medical attention if necessary.
• inform the child’s/ young person’s doctor of any suspicions of abuse.
• In other circumstances, speak with the parent/ carer and suggest that medical help/ attention is sought for the child/ young person.
• If appropriate, encourage the parent/ carer to seek help from social services.
• If the parent/ carer fails to act, seek advice from the local Safeguarding Children Board.
• In the case of real concern, contact social services for advice.

Turkish and Kurdish Children’s Group 

• Contact the social services duty social worker for children and families directly, but must not speak to the parent or to anyone else.
• Seek advice from the Local Safeguarding Children Board.
• Collect and clarify the precise details of the allegation or suspicion and provide this information to social services, but should not attempt to carry out any investigation into the allegation or suspicion of sexual abuse.
• While allegations or suspicions of sexual abuse should normally be reported to the designated person their absence should not delay referral to social services.

Responding to a child making an allegation of abuse:


• It is important NOT to make promises that you may not be able to keep. Do NOT say tat you will keep confidential what a child/ young person is about to tell you, as you may have a duty to share it with others.
• Find an appropriate early opportunity to explain that it is likely that the information will need to be shared with others.
• Stay calm and listen carefully to what the child/ young person is saying.
• Allow the child/ young person to continue at their own pace.
• Ask questions for clarification only and at all times avoid asking questions that suggest a particular answer.
• Reassure the child/ young person that they have done the right thing in telling you.
• Tell them what you will do next and with whom the information will be shared.
• As soon as possible, record in writing what was said, using the child’s/ young person’s own words.
• Make a note of the date, time, any names mentioned and to whom the information was given, and ensure that the record is signed and dated. 


Helpful statements to make: 


• ‘I believe you (showing acceptance of what the child/ young person says).’
• ‘Thank you for telling me.’
• ‘Its not your fault.’
• ‘I will help you.’

Turkish and Kurdish Children’s Group 

• ‘Why didn’t you tell anyone before?’
• ‘I can’t believe it!’
• ‘Are you sure that this is true?’
• ‘Why? Who? When? Where?’
• Never make promise you can’t keep.

Support for dealing with the aftermath of abuse: Consideration should be given to the kind of support that child/ young people, parents/carers and members of staff/ volunteers may need. Use of helplines, support groups and open meetings will maintain an open culture and help the healing process. The Directory of the British Association for Counselling is available from the British Association for Counselling, 1 Regent Place, Rugby, CV21 2PJ, Telephone: 01788 550899, Fax: 01788 562189.

Whistle Blowing Policy and Procedures:The Turkish and Kurdish Children’s Group has a Whistle Blowing Policy and Procedures which enables all staff, volunteers and management committee members to raise concerns internally and at a high level and to disclose information without fear of unfair treatment and reprisals. The Policy and Procedures should be followed in all cases of disclosures. Children are not responsible for reporting the inappropriate or dangerous practice of professionals and volunteers. It is the responsibility of all those working for the Turkish and Kurdish Children’s Group to be willing to raise a concern about the practice of an adult with the DMS or Deputy DMS. Any allegation made by a child, professional, volunteer or parent about the behavior of a member of the Group will be referred to the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) for the London Borough of Islington within one working day in line with ‘Working Together to Safeguard Children’ 2013. The DMS or Deputy DMS will take advice about how to proceed from the LADO.

Next Annual Review due 26^th November 2022

Turkish and Kurdish Supplementary School


The LADO is Laura Eden who can be contacted on 020 7527 8101

Email: [email protected] 

Review: 

The Turkish & Kurdish Children Group will ensure that issues of child protection receive continuous attention and will regularly review the way that we operate to support this principle. The child protection policy should be reviewed annually and when there are any changes in legislation. 

Child Safety Policy Statement 

Turkish and Kurdish Children’s Group believes that it is always unacceptable for a child or young person to experience abuse of any kind and recognised its responsibility to safeguard the welfare of all children and young people, by a commitment to practice which protects them. 

We recognised that: 

• The welfare of the child/ young person is paramount.
• All children/ young people regardless of age, disability, gender, racial heritage, religious belief, sexual orientation or identity, have the right to equal protection from all types of harm or abuse.
• Working in partnership with children, young people, their parent(s)/ carer(s) and other agencies is essential in promoting young people’s welfare.
• The purpose of the policy is:

• To provide protection for the children and young people who receive the Turkish and Kurdish Children’s Groups services, including the children’ of adult members or users.
• To provide staff and volunteers with guidance on procedures they should adopt in the event that they suspect a child or young person may be experiencing, or be at risk of harm.
• This policy applies to all staff, including members of the organising school committee, paid staff, volunteers and students or anyone working on behalf of Turkish and Kurdish Children’s Group.
• We will seek to safeguard children and young people by:

Next Annual Review due 26^th November 2022

Turkish and Kurdish Children’s Group 

• Valuing them, listening to and respecting them.
• Adopting child protection guidelines through procedures and a code of conduct for staff and volunteers.
• Recruiting staff and volunteer’s safety, ensuring all necessary checks are made.
• Sharing information about child protection and good practice with children, parents, staff and volunteers appropriately.
• Providing effective management for staff and volunteers through supervision, support and training.
• We are also committed to reviewing our policy and good practice annually. Date adopted: 1st May 2014

Turkish and Kurdish Children’s Group local police station address: Islington Police Station; 2 Tolpuddle Street, London, N1 0YYlocal police station telephone number: 0207 4210397.