SAFEGUARDING POLICY
Policy Statement
Lotus Clouds is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. We recognise our responsibility to ensure that all children are safe, secure, and protected from harm. Our safeguarding policy applies to all staff, volunteers, and partners working with children and young people in educational settings, including schools and nurseries, across the UK.
Key Principles
● The safety and well-being of children is our top priority.
● All children, regardless of age, disability, gender, race, religion, or belief, have the right to protection from harm.
● Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility, and all staff and volunteers must play an active role in ensuring the safety of children.
● We will work closely with schools, nurseries, and other educational settings to maintain clear communication and adhere to safeguarding procedures.
● We will ensure that all concerns about children’s safety are taken seriously and responded to appropriately.
Aims
● To provide a safe and nurturing environment where children can explore yoga and well-being practices.
● To protect children from all forms of abuse, including physical, emotional, sexual abuse, and neglect.
● To ensure that all staff and volunteers understand their safeguarding responsibilities and have appropriate training.
● To establish effective procedures for reporting and dealing with any safeguarding concerns.
Safeguarding Roles and Responsibilities
Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)
○ The DSL will be the main point of contact for all safeguarding issues.
○ They will liaise with educational settings and relevant authorities where necessary.
○ The DSL will ensure all staff are aware of their safeguarding duties and receive regular training.
Staff and Volunteers
While Lotus Clouds does not employ any staff currently, should we do so the following shall apply:
○ All staff and volunteers will undergo an enhanced DBS check before starting work with children.
○ They will receive safeguarding training upon joining and annual refresher courses.
○ They must follow Lotus Clouds’s safeguarding procedures and report any concerns to the DSL without delay.
Safer Recruitment
● Lotus Clouds is committed to ensuring that all staff and volunteers working with children are suitable to do so.
● All prospective staff will undergo a rigorous recruitment process, including interviews, reference checks, and enhanced DBS checks.
● We will ensure that all new staff and volunteers understand and adhere to this safeguarding policy.
Reporting Concerns
If any member of staff or volunteer has a safeguarding concern about a child, they must:
1. Report the concern immediately to the DSL.
2. Record all relevant information accurately and confidentially.
3. If the child is in immediate danger, call emergency services without delay.
The DSL will assess the situation and, if necessary, refer the matter to the local authority children’s services or other relevant safeguarding authorities.
Child Protection Procedures
● Lotus Clouds will follow the local safeguarding children board (LSCB) procedures and statutory guidance in the event of any safeguarding concern.
● We will ensure that all incidents are documented, investigated, and resolved appropriately, ensuring confidentiality throughout.
Whistleblowing
● We encourage all staff and volunteers to raise concerns about the behaviour of colleagues or any other adult working with children.
● Any concerns will be taken seriously, and individuals will be protected from retaliation or victimisation. Please contact: Whistleblowing Advice Line | NSPCC
Call us on 0808 800 5000, email help@nspcc.org.uk or fill in our online form on the website.
Training
● All staff and volunteers must complete safeguarding training as part of their induction.
● Refresher training will be provided annually to ensure all staff remain up-to-date with current safeguarding practices and procedures.
Partnerships with Schools and Nurseries
● We will work in collaboration with schools and nurseries to ensure a consistent approach to safeguarding across all settings.
● We will regularly review and update our safeguarding practices to align with the latest guidance and statutory requirements.
Monitoring and Review
● The safeguarding policy will be reviewed annually to ensure it remains current and effective.
● Feedback from staff, volunteers, schools, nurseries, and other stakeholders will be considered when reviewing the policy.
Contact Details of child protection lead
Bansi Martins - 07950 288075
bansi@lotusclouds.co.uk
Sources of information and support
NSPCC Child Protection Helpline Tel: 08088005000 help@nspcc.org.uk
Multi Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH) Team (Children's) | Barnet Council.
Telephone: 020 8359 4066
Email: mash@barnet.gov.uk
Kidscape 020 7730 3300
Childline Tel: 08001111
Young Minds Tel 08008025544
Anti-terrorist / Radicalisation (Prevent) Tel: 101 (ask to speak to someone about radicalisation)
Confidential Anti-terrorist helpline Tel: 0800789321
Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) Hotline Tel: 08000283550 or 101
Please note that currently Lotus Clouds is run by Bansi Martins and no additional staff are employed by Lotus Clouds. Should Lotus Clouds employ any staff the sections above we come into effect.
Policy Review Date: September 2025
Next Review Date: September 2026
Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL): Bansi Martins
