Gem’s Jams Safeguarding Policy

Policy Statement
We are fully committed to providing a safe, inclusive, and welcoming environment for babies, young children and their parents or carers. At Gem’s Jams, the safety and wellbeing of all children attending our music and sensory sessions is our top priority. We recognise the importance of safeguarding children and protecting them from harm. This policy outlines our approach to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children who attend our group.

This policy applies to:
• All children attending Gem’s Jams sessions.
• Their parents, guardians, and carers.
• Any staff, volunteers, or anyone working on behalf of Gem’s Jams.

Legal Framework
This policy is based on the following legislation and guidance:
– Children Act 1989 and 2004
– Working Together to Safeguard Children 2023
– London Safeguarding Children Board (LSCB) procedures

Definitions
– Safeguarding: Protecting children from abuse, neglect, harm, and exploitation.
– Child: Anyone under the age of 18.

Key Principles
• Children’s welfare is paramount. We endeavour to protect babies, infants and children who receive Gem’s Jams services from harm.
• All children, regardless of age, ability, race, religion, gender, or background, have the right to protection from harm.
• We listen to children, respect them, and take their views seriously.
• It is our duty to be aware or the signs of abuse and neglect and report any safeguarding concerns to the appropriate local safeguarding authorities.
• Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility.

Parental Supervision
• All children must be accompanied by a parent or responsible adult at all times before, during and after the session whilst inside the hired venue.
• The accompanying adult is responsible for the child’s care, safety, and supervision throughout the session.
• Gem’s Jams staff are not responsible for individual child supervision.

Staff and Volunteer Conduct
• Gem’s Jams staff and volunteers have received training on child safeguarding, appropriate conduct, and recognising signs of abuse or neglect.
• We will always act professionally, respectfully, and never be left alone with a child.

Health and Safety
• All venues used by Gem’s Jams will be checked for hazards before each session, although we ask you to remain vigilant to any equipment or hazards that may need to remain present.
• Props and equipment used in sessions are checked for safety, cleanliness, and age-appropriateness. Please keep an eye on babies and young children putting props in their mouths.
• A first aid kit is available and regularly checked. Accidents that occur during a session will be recorded in an Accident Book.

Recognising and Responding to Concerns
If a child or adult raises a safeguarding concern:
• We will listen carefully and take all disclosures seriously.
• Any concern will be recorded.
• Where appropriate, we will refer concerns to local safeguarding authorities.
DSL Contact: Gemma Apollo – owner and founder of Gem’s Jams 07957929059 gemma@gemsjams.com

Recording and Reporting
• All safeguarding concerns and personal information will be recorded in writing, dated, and securely stored.
• Confidentiality will be maintained, and information shared only on a need-to-know basis in line with data protection laws and safeguarding legislation.

Photography and Social Media
• Photographs or videos of children will only be taken with prior consent from a parent or guardian.
• Any content shared online by Gem’s Jams will not identify children by name unless specific consent is given.

Policy Review
This safeguarding policy will be reviewed a year after development and then every 3 years, or sooner if there are changes in legislation or government guidance.
Date of Policy: 4/6/2025
Next Review Date: 4/6/2026