SAFEGUARDING POLICY STATEMENT

Purpose and Scope of this Policy Statement

Life Styling & Life Space Project works with children and families as part of its activities. These include: parties, workshops, and lessons both in shops and on school premises.

The purpose of this policy statement is to:

  • Protect children and young people who receive Life Styling services. This includes the children of adults who use our services.

  • Provide parents, staff, and volunteers with the overarching principles that guide our approach to child protection.

This policy applies to anyone working on behalf of Life Styling, including senior managers, volunteers, sessional workers, agency staff, and students.

Legal Framework

This policy has been drawn up based on legislation, policy, and guidance that seeks to protect children in England.

Key guidance includes:

  • Working Together to Safeguard Children (2023)

  • Keeping Children Safe in Education (2024)

  • Children Act 1989 and 2004

  • The Equality Act 2010

  • The Human Rights Act 1998

  • The Data Protection Act 2018

  • The Children and Social Work Act 2017

Further information is available from:

👉 NSPCC Child Protection Information

Our Commitment

We believe that:

  • Children and young people should never experience abuse of any kind.

  • We have a responsibility to promote the welfare of all children and young people, to keep them safe, and to practise in a way that protects them.

We recognise that:

The welfare of the child is paramount.

  • All children, regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation, have a right to equal protection from all types of harm or abuse.

  • Some children are additionally vulnerable because of the impact of previous experiences, their level of dependency, communication needs, or other issues.

  • Working in partnership with children, young people, their parents, carers, and other agencies is essential in promoting young people’s welfare.

We Will Seek to Keep Children and Young People Safe By:

  • Valuing, listening to, and respecting them.

  • Having a Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) and Deputy DSL responsible for safeguarding and child protection.

  • Developing child protection and safeguarding policies and procedures that reflect best practice.

  • Responding to concerns and disclosures swiftly and appropriately, referring to external agencies when necessary.

  • Following safer recruitment procedures, including enhanced DBS checks, references, and safeguarding training.

  • Providing supervision, training, and support for all staff and volunteers.

  • Implementing a clear code of conduct for staff and volunteers.

  • Creating and maintaining an anti-bullying environment, and ensuring we have a procedure to address bullying effectively.

  • Maintaining a safe physical environment by following legal health and safety guidelines.

  • Recording and storing safeguarding concerns securely and professionally.

  • Ensuring we have effective whistleblowing procedures in place.

  • Promoting effective online safety practices, with specific guidance for digital platforms and communication.

  • Sharing safeguarding information with children, young people, and families, and involving them in relevant decisions.

Handling Disclosures and Referrals

If a child makes a disclosure, staff and volunteers will:

  • Listen calmly and non-judgmentally

  • Record the concern factually and accurately

  • Report it immediately to the DSL or Deputy DSL

  • Refer to statutory services or the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) where required

  • Inform the child and parent (unless doing so places the child at risk) of any actions to be taken

Review of Policy

This policy will be reviewed annually, or following any significant changes in legislation or safeguarding practice.

Contact Details

Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) & Senior Lead for Safeguarding:
Name: Jessica Farrell
📧 info@life-styling.co.uk

Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (Deputy DSL):
Name: Dani Martin Mental Health Natters
📧 dani@mentalhealthnatters.org

NSPCC Helpline:
📞 0808 800 5000
🌐 www.nspcc.org.uk

Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO):
Please refer to your local authority’s LADO contact (e.g. Oxfordshire County Council: www.oxfordshire.gov.uk)