Safe clubs for children

The Safe Clubs for Children campaign helps parents and carers choose safe out-of-school activities for children and young people.

Clubs, classes, tuition sessions and other activities can help children build skills, confidence and friendships. However, not all providers are regulated in the same way.

Some activities and organisations may not be required to register with a regulator. This means that parents and carers need to ask questions and make informed choices before enrolling their children.

We want to help families make sure children are safe, happy and supported when taking part in activities in the community.

Finding regulated childcare

For information about regulated childcare, you can:

• contact the Family Information Service
• search for childcare information in the Family Information Directory
• read our Choosing Childcare booklet

If you are looking for regular childcare rather than one-off activities, you can also:

• find out about checking childcare quality and Ofsted
• check whether a childcare provider is registered with Ofsted

Questions to ask activity providers

Before choosing a club, class or activity, consider asking:

• can I observe a session before my child attends?
• do you have a safeguarding (child protection) policy?
• are staff trained in safeguarding and first aid?
• do you have a written code of conduct for staff and volunteers?
• do staff have Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks?
• do you have a health and safety policy?
• what are your emergency procedures?
• who should I contact if I have concerns?
• can I view safety information online or in a leaflet?
• where can I get additional help and advice?

Information for parents and providers

Further information is available for parents, carers and providers in our parent booklet.

The Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) also has guidance and how to contact them if needed.

Guidance for activity providers

Activity providers should have appropriate safeguarding arrangements in place and be able to answer questions about children's safety.

Even where activities are not regulated, providers should have clear policies and procedures to help keep children safe and protect their organisation.

Good-quality clubs and organisations welcome questions about:

• their activities
• safeguarding arrangements
• the safety of their environment
• the care and support they provide

Raising a concern about a provider

If you are worried about the safety of a child, it is important to report your concerns.

You can report a concern or allegation about a professional working with children with the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO). You can also contact the LADO directly by:

• phone - 01202 817600
• email - LADO@bcpcouncil.gov.uk

Reporting concerns about a child or young person

If you are a member of the public and are worried about a child or young person, contact us. You can also:

• phone us on 01202 123334
• contact the Out of Hours team on 01202 738256
• email us at childrensfirstresponse@bcpcouncil.gov.uk

If you are a professional and want to refer a child or young person, complete the inter-agency referral form for professionals.

Safeguarding adults

If you are concerned about the safety of an adult, visit the BCP Safeguarding Adults Board website.

Guidance and resources

The government has published safeguarding guidance for providers of activities, after-school clubs, tuition and other out-of-school settings in their Keeping Children Safe in Out-of-School Settings: Code of Practice

The NSPCC publishes safeguarding guidance, and you can also look at the Safeguarding Code in Martial Arts for safety information in martial arts settings.

Active Dorset have created a Safeguarding in your pocket guide for parents.

Acknowledgements

Thanks to Rochdale Borough Council for sharing information and publicity materials from its Safe After School Campaign.