Safeguarding

Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy for

Rocio’s Spanish Club

At Rocio’s Spanish Club, the safety, wellbeing, and happiness of every child is our highest priority.

We are committed to providing a safe, inclusive, and positive environment where children can learn Spanish, build confidence, make friends, and enjoy themselves.

This safeguarding policy explains the measures we have in place to protect children and promote their welfare.

Our Commitment to Safeguarding

Every child has the right to feel safe, respected, valued, and protected from harm.

Rocio’s Spanish Club is committed to:

Creating a welcoming and safe learning environment.
Promoting children’s wellbeing and confidence.
Listening to children and taking their concerns seriously.
Maintaining appropriate professional boundaries.
Following clear safeguarding procedures.
Working together with parents/carers to support children.

Safeguarding is at the heart of everything we do.

Safeguarding Lead

The safeguarding responsibility for Rocio’s Spanish Club is held by:

Rocio Mas Cruz
Founder and Club Leader

Rocio holds an Enhanced DBS check and is committed to maintaining safe working practices when working with children.

Appropriate safeguarding procedures are followed to ensure children are protected and supported.

Child Protection

Rocio’s Spanish Club recognises that safeguarding concerns can take many forms, including:

Physical harm.
Emotional harm.
Neglect.
Bullying.
Online safety concerns.
Discrimination.
Any situation where a child’s wellbeing may be at risk.

If a child shares a concern, they will be listened to carefully, treated with respect, and their concern will be taken seriously.

Where necessary, appropriate action will be taken following safeguarding procedures and information may be shared with relevant professionals to protect the child.

Supervision and Parent Responsibility

Rocio’s Spanish Club provides supervised Spanish sessions for children aged 8–12 years old.

During sessions, children are supervised by the club leader from the moment they are safely handed over until collection.

Parents/carers are not required to remain in the building during sessions.

By enrolling their child, parents/carers confirm that:

They give permission for their child to attend without a parent/carer remaining on site.
They provide accurate emergency contact details.
They remain contactable during the session.
They understand and agree to the collection arrangements.

An attendance register is completed for every session.

Drop-Off and Collection Procedures

At the beginning of each session, children must be safely handed over to the club leader and registered before parents/carers leave.

At the end of each session, children will only be released to:

Their parent/carer.
A person authorised by the parent/carer.
An agreed alternative arrangement.

Parents/carers must inform the club of any changes to collection arrangements.

Children will not be released to an unauthorised person.

Safe Learning Environment

Before sessions begin, appropriate safety checks are carried out.

Risk assessments are completed to identify potential hazards and ensure that activities and the learning environment are suitable for children.

Safety considerations include:

The teaching space.
Room layout.
Activities and equipment.
Access arrangements.
Emergency procedures.
Toilet arrangements.
Children’s individual needs.

Risk assessments are reviewed regularly and updated whenever necessary.

Toilet Arrangements

Children attending Rocio’s Spanish Club are expected to use toilet facilities independently.

Children must inform the club leader before leaving the learning area to use the toilet.

The club leader will ensure that children know where the toilets are located and that arrangements are appropriate for the venue.

The club leader will not accompany children into toilet areas or provide personal care.

If a child requires additional support due to medical, developmental, or additional needs, this will be discussed with parents/carers before attendance.

Venue-specific details will be added once the teaching location has been confirmed.

Professional Boundaries

The club leader maintains professional and appropriate relationships with all children.

Children will always be treated with:

Respect.
Kindness.
Fairness.
Encouragement.

The club leader will:

Communicate appropriately with children.
Maintain professional boundaries.
Avoid inappropriate situations.
Promote confidence and independence.

Physical contact will always be appropriate, necessary, and respectful.

Behaviour, Bullying and Inclusion

Rocio’s Spanish Club promotes positive behaviour based on kindness, respect, and cooperation.

Children are encouraged to:

Respect others.
Listen and participate.
Celebrate differences.
Support their classmates.

Bullying, discrimination, or behaviour intended to harm another child will not be accepted.

We welcome children from all backgrounds and aim to create an inclusive environment where every child feels valued.

Parents/carers are encouraged to share any information about additional needs so appropriate support can be considered.

Health, Medical Needs and Allergies

During enrolment, parents/carers are asked to provide relevant information regarding:

Medical conditions.
Allergies.
Dietary requirements.
Additional support needs.

This information helps us plan safe and appropriate sessions.

Parents/carers must inform Rocio’s Spanish Club of any changes to their child’s circumstances.

Photography, Images and Live Camera Monitoring

Rocio’s Spanish Club respects children’s privacy.

Photographs or videos will only be taken where appropriate consent has been provided by parents/carers.

Where a live camera system is used, it is intended as an additional safeguarding measure and reassurance for families.

The system:

Provides a live view only.
Does not record images.
Does not record audio.
Does not replace direct supervision.

Parents/carers will be informed about the use of any live monitoring system and consent will be obtained where required.

Data Protection and Privacy

Rocio’s Spanish Club collects personal information necessary to safely operate the club.

Information collected during enrolment may include:

Parent/carer contact details.
Child’s name and age.
Emergency contacts.
Medical information.
Consent records.

Information is stored securely and only used for appropriate purposes.

Rocio’s Spanish Club follows UK data protection requirements, including the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018.

Where required, the club will consider registration with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO).

Accidents and Emergencies

The safety of children is always the priority.

In the event of an accident or emergency:

Appropriate support will be provided.
Parents/carers will be contacted where necessary.
Incidents will be recorded appropriately.
Emergency procedures will be followed.

Venue-specific emergency information will be added once the venue has been confirmed.

Complaints and Safeguarding Concerns

We encourage parents/carers to raise any questions, concerns, or feedback.

Any safeguarding concern will be taken seriously and addressed appropriately.

Parents/carers can contact Rocio’s Spanish Club directly regarding safeguarding matters.

Policy Review

This safeguarding policy is reviewed regularly to ensure it remains effective and reflects current good practice.

The policy will be updated when necessary, including after:

Changes to the club.
Changes of venue.
Updates to safeguarding guidance.
Any incidents or learning points.

Our Commitment

Rocio’s Spanish Club is committed to creating a safe, caring, and inspiring environment where children can learn Spanish with confidence.

The trust of families is extremely important to us, and we are dedicated to maintaining high standards of safeguarding and child protection.