1. Our Commitment

Giggle Wiggle & Grow is committed to providing a safe, welcoming and supportive environment for children, families, visitors, staff and volunteers.

We recognise that safeguarding children is everyone’s responsibility. We aim to create a culture where children feel safe, listened to, respected and protected from harm.

This policy explains how we safeguard children across all areas of Giggle Wiggle & Grow, including our soft play café, parties, group bookings, school holiday activities and HAF-funded holiday provision.

2. Scope of This Policy

This policy applies to:

• public soft play sessions;

• café visits;

• parties and group bookings;

• HAF-funded holiday provision;

• school holiday activities;

• events and private hire;

• staff, volunteers, contractors and visitors;

• online communication, photography and social media;

• any activity delivered by or on behalf of Giggle Wiggle & Grow.

During public soft play sessions, children must be supervised by their parent or carer. During HAF-funded or holiday provision where children attend without their parent or carer staying on site, Giggle Wiggle & Grow will follow additional safeguarding, supervision, registration and collection procedures.

3. Designated Safeguarding Lead

Our Designated Safeguarding Lead is:

Name: Millie Dobson
Role: Business Owner
Contact: gigglewigglegrowltd@gmail.com

Our Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead is:

Name: [Insert Name]
Role: [Insert Role]
Contact: [Insert Contact Details]

The Designated Safeguarding Lead is responsible for managing safeguarding concerns, supporting staff, keeping safeguarding records, liaising with external agencies where required and ensuring safeguarding procedures are followed.

Where the Designated Safeguarding Lead is unavailable, safeguarding concerns should be reported to the Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead.

4. Our Safeguarding Principles

At Giggle Wiggle & Grow, we will:

• put the welfare of children first;

• treat all children with dignity and respect;

• listen to children and take concerns seriously;

• respond promptly to safeguarding concerns;

• work in partnership with parents, carers and relevant agencies;

• follow safer recruitment practices;

• maintain appropriate adult-child boundaries;

• ensure staff understand their safeguarding responsibilities;

• keep safeguarding information confidential and share it only where necessary to protect a child or meet legal/regulatory requirements;

• take reasonable steps to make our provision safe, inclusive and suitable for the children attending.

‍5. Recognising Safeguarding Concerns

Safeguarding concerns may include, but are not limited to:

• physical abuse;

• emotional abuse;

• sexual abuse;

• neglect;

• bullying or child-on-child abuse;

• domestic abuse affecting a child;

• online safety concerns;

• exploitation;

• grooming;

• radicalisation;

• inappropriate adult behaviour;

• concerns about a child’s welfare, appearance, behaviour or presentation;

• concerns raised by a child, parent, carer, staff member, volunteer or visitor.

Staff are not expected to investigate safeguarding concerns themselves. Their responsibility is to recognise concerns, respond appropriately, record information accurately and report concerns to the Designated Safeguarding Lead.

6. Responding to a Concern or Disclosure

If a child makes a disclosure or a safeguarding concern is identified, staff must:

• stay calm and listen carefully;

• reassure the child that they have done the right thing by speaking up;

• avoid asking leading questions;

• not promise to keep the information secret;

• explain that the information may need to be shared with people who can help keep them safe;

• record the concern as soon as possible using clear, factual language;

• report the concern to the Designated Safeguarding Lead immediately.

If a child is at immediate risk of harm, emergency services should be contacted by calling 999.

7. Reporting Safeguarding Concerns

All safeguarding concerns must be reported to the Designated Safeguarding Lead as soon as possible.

The Designated Safeguarding Lead will decide what action is required, which may include:

• speaking with parents or carers, where safe and appropriate;

• seeking advice from the local safeguarding partnership or local authority;

• making a referral to children’s social care;

• contacting the police or emergency services;

• contacting the Local Authority Designated Officer where an allegation involves an adult working with children;

• informing Ofsted or the local authority/HAF team where required;

• recording the concern and any actions taken.

If a concern relates to the Designated Safeguarding Lead, it should be reported to the Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead or directly to the appropriate local safeguarding service.

‍8. Allegations Against Staff, Volunteers or Adults

Any allegation or concern about the behaviour of a staff member, volunteer, contractor, visitor or adult on the premises will be taken seriously.

This may include concerns that an adult has:

• behaved in a way that has harmed or may harm a child;

• possibly committed a criminal offence against or related to a child;

• behaved towards a child in a way that indicates they may pose a risk of harm;

• behaved in a way that is inappropriate or raises safeguarding concerns.

Allegations will be managed sensitively, promptly and in line with local safeguarding procedures. Where appropriate, advice may be sought from the Local Authority Designated Officer, children’s social care, the police, Ofsted, the local authority/HAF team or other relevant agencies.

9. Safer Recruitment

Giggle Wiggle & Grow aims to follow safer recruitment practices when recruiting staff and volunteers who may work with children.

This may include:

• application and interview processes;

• checking identity and right to work;

• obtaining references;

• checking qualifications where required;

• carrying out DBS checks where appropriate;

• considering the suitability of staff and volunteers for their role;

• providing induction and safeguarding training;

• monitoring ongoing suitability.

Volunteers, contractors and visitors must not be left unsupervised with children unless they have been appropriately checked, approved and authorised to do so.

‍10. Staff Conduct and Professional Boundaries

Staff, volunteers and anyone working on behalf of Giggle Wiggle & Grow must behave professionally and appropriately around children.

Staff must not:

• use inappropriate language around children;

• photograph or film children on personal devices for personal use;

• contact children through personal social media or personal messaging;

• be alone with a child in an isolated area unless necessary for safety, care or safeguarding reasons;

• use physical contact except where appropriate, necessary and proportionate;

• ignore safeguarding concerns;

• behave in a way that could be misunderstood or place a child at risk.

Staff must report any concerns about another adult’s behaviour to the Designated Safeguarding Lead.

11. HAF and Holiday Provision Safeguarding Arrangements

Where Giggle Wiggle & Grow provides HAF-funded places or school holiday provision, additional safeguarding arrangements will apply because children may attend without their parent or carer remaining on site.

These arrangements are designed to help keep children safe, ensure accurate records are kept and make sure children are only released to authorised adults.

12. HAF Registration Information

Before a child attends HAF-funded or holiday provision, parents or carers may be asked to provide:

• the child’s full name and date of birth;

• parent/carer contact details;

• emergency contact details;

• authorised collection details;

• any collection password or security information, where used;

• allergy and dietary information;

• medical information;

• medication details;

• SEND or additional support needs;

• photo and media consent;

• relevant safeguarding or welfare information;

• any other information reasonably needed to keep the child safe and supported.

Parents and carers are responsible for ensuring the information provided is accurate and kept up to date.

13. Sign-In and Sign-Out

Children attending HAF-funded or holiday provision must be signed in and signed out by an authorised adult, unless a different arrangement has been agreed in writing.

Giggle Wiggle & Grow will maintain attendance records for children attending HAF or holiday provision.

Sign-in and sign-out records may include:

• child’s name;

• date of attendance;

• arrival time;

• departure time;

• name/signature of the adult dropping off or collecting;

• staff member responsible for registration;

• any relevant notes or concerns.

Children will only be released to authorised adults listed on the child’s registration information, unless the parent or carer has provided clear permission for another adult to collect.

Where staff are unsure about a collection arrangement, the child will not be released until confirmation has been obtained from the parent/carer or emergency contact.

14. Authorised Collectors and Collection Passwords

Parents and carers must tell Giggle Wiggle & Grow who is authorised to collect their child.

Where a collection password is used, the collecting adult may be asked to provide the correct password before the child is released.

Staff may ask for identification where they do not recognise the collecting adult or where there is any concern about the collection arrangement.

If an unauthorised adult attempts to collect a child, staff will not release the child and will contact the parent/carer immediately.

15. Late Collection and Uncollected Child

Parents and carers must collect children promptly at the end of their booked HAF or holiday provision session.

If a child is not collected on time, staff will attempt to contact the parent/carer and emergency contacts.

If staff cannot make contact and the child remains uncollected, Giggle Wiggle & Grow will follow its uncollected child procedure. This may include seeking advice from children’s social care or the police if there are concerns for the child’s welfare.

Children will be supervised safely while waiting to be collected.

Repeated late collection may affect a child’s ability to attend future sessions.

16. Missing Child Procedure

If a child is believed to be missing during HAF or holiday provision, staff will act immediately.

This may include:

• checking attendance and sign-in records;

• searching the premises and immediate surrounding areas where safe to do so;

• alerting the Designated Safeguarding Lead or senior staff member;

• ensuring other children remain safely supervised;

• contacting the parent/carer;

• contacting the police where required;

• recording the incident and actions taken.

Any missing child incident will be treated seriously and reviewed afterwards to identify whether any changes are needed to procedures or supervision arrangements.

17. Staff Ratios and Supervision

Giggle Wiggle & Grow will aim to ensure that staffing levels are suitable for the number and needs of children attending HAF or holiday provision.

Staffing arrangements may take account of:

• children’s ages;

• SEND or additional support needs;

• the layout of the venue;

• activities taking place;

• mealtimes;

• movement between floors or play areas;

• first aid needs;

• behaviour or safeguarding considerations.

Children attending HAF or holiday provision will be supervised by staff during session times.

Parents and carers must provide accurate information about their child’s needs so that Giggle Wiggle & Grow can consider whether suitable support can be provided.

18. Movement Between Floors and Play Areas

Giggle Wiggle & Grow may include more than one play area, including the ground floor soft play frame and the upstairs imagination village.

During HAF or holiday provision, staff will supervise children when moving between floors or play areas.

Children must follow staff instructions when using stairs, moving between areas and accessing play spaces.

Where a child has mobility needs, SEND or requires additional support when moving around the venue, parents and carers should discuss this with Giggle Wiggle & Grow before the child attends.

19. Medication, Allergies and Medical Needs

Parents and carers must provide accurate information about any medical needs, allergies, dietary requirements or medication before a child attends HAF or holiday provision.

Where medication may need to be administered during a session, this must be discussed and agreed in advance.

Medication should be clearly labelled and provided in its original packaging where possible.

Emergency medication, such as inhalers or adrenaline auto-injectors, should be brought to the venue and staff should be informed where it is kept and how it should be used.

Medication records may be kept where medication is administered or where medical support is provided.

If a child becomes unwell during a session, staff will contact the parent/carer. In an emergency, staff may call 999.

20. Accident and Incident Recording

Accidents, incidents, injuries, near misses and safeguarding concerns will be recorded appropriately.

Parents and carers will be informed of accidents or incidents involving their child where appropriate.

Records may include:

• date and time;

• child’s name;

• details of what happened;

• action taken;

• staff involved;

• parent/carer notification;

• any follow-up action required.

Where required, serious incidents may be reported to Ofsted, the local authority, the HAF team, children’s social care, the police or another relevant agency.

21. SEND and Additional Needs

Giggle Wiggle & Grow aims to be inclusive and welcoming.

Parents and carers should tell us about any SEND, disability, medical, sensory, communication, behavioural or emotional needs before a child attends HAF or holiday provision.

This helps us consider:

• whether reasonable adjustments can be made;

• whether additional information is needed;

• whether the venue and activities are suitable;

• whether additional support may be required;

• whether a risk assessment or support plan is needed.

We will always aim to work positively with families, but we must also consider the safety and wellbeing of the child, other children, staff and visitors.

22. Behaviour and Child-on-Child Concerns

Children attending HAF or holiday provision are expected to behave safely and respectfully towards other children, staff and visitors.

Giggle Wiggle & Grow will respond to behaviour concerns in a calm, fair and appropriate way.

Where behaviour raises safeguarding concerns, including bullying, aggression, intimidation, harmful behaviour or child-on-child abuse, staff will report the concern to the Designated Safeguarding Lead.

Parents and carers may be contacted where behaviour affects the safety or wellbeing of the child, other children, staff or visitors.

In serious or repeated cases, Giggle Wiggle & Grow may decide that a child cannot continue attending sessions if the provision cannot safely meet their needs or manage the risk.

23. Information Sharing

Giggle Wiggle & Grow will handle child and family information carefully and confidentially.

Information may be shared with relevant agencies where necessary to:

• protect a child;

• respond to a safeguarding concern;

• meet legal, regulatory or funding requirements;

• support HAF monitoring or reporting;

• liaise with the local authority or HAF team;

• respond to an emergency;

• comply with Ofsted or safeguarding requirements.

Information will only be shared where there is a lawful reason to do so.

24. Photography, Media and HAF Reporting

Giggle Wiggle & Grow will only use identifiable photographs or videos of children for promotional, website, social media or HAF reporting purposes where appropriate consent has been obtained.

Parents and carers can refuse photography and media consent. Refusing consent will not affect a child’s ability to attend HAF-funded or holiday provision.

Further information is set out in our Photography & Social Media Policy.

‍25. Online Safety

Where children have access to online content, digital devices, music, videos or media as part of an activity, staff will take reasonable steps to ensure content is appropriate for the age and needs of the children attending.

Children should not use personal devices in a way that affects the privacy, safety or wellbeing of others.

Any online safety concerns will be reported to the Designated Safeguarding Lead.

26. Confidentiality and Record Keeping

Safeguarding information will be recorded clearly, accurately and securely.

Safeguarding records will be kept separately from general records and will only be accessed by those who need the information to protect children or meet legal, regulatory or safeguarding requirements.

Records will be kept in line with Giggle Wiggle & Grow’s data protection and retention arrangements.

27. Staff Training

Staff will receive safeguarding information and training appropriate to their role.

This may include:

• recognising signs of abuse or neglect;

• responding to disclosures;

• reporting concerns;

• safer working practices;

• managing allegations;

• child-on-child concerns;

• online safety;

• HAF-specific safeguarding expectations;

• sign-in and sign-out procedures;

• missing child and uncollected child procedures;

• accident and incident recording.

Staff involved in HAF or holiday provision will be made aware of the additional safeguarding arrangements that apply when children attend without parents or carers remaining on site.

28. Working with External Agencies

Giggle Wiggle & Grow may work with external agencies where needed to support children’s safety and wellbeing.

This may include:

• children’s social care;

• the police;

• emergency services;

• Ofsted;

• the local authority;

• the HAF team;

• the local safeguarding partnership;

• health professionals;

• schools or other professionals involved with a child, where appropriate.

29. Review of This Policy

This policy will be reviewed regularly and updated where necessary.

It may also be reviewed following:

• a safeguarding concern;

• a serious accident or incident;

• changes to legislation or guidance;

• changes to Ofsted or HAF requirements;

• changes to the way Giggle Wiggle & Grow operates;

• feedback from staff, parents, carers or external agencies.

30. Contact

Giggle Wiggle & Grow
10 Birmingham Road
Coleshill
B46 1AA

Telephone: 07545 401882
Email: gigglewigglegrowltd@gmail.com
Website: www.gigglewiggleandgrow.co.uk

If you have a safeguarding concern, please speak to the Designated Safeguarding Lead or a member of staff as soon as possible.

If a child is in immediate danger, call 999.