What's Inside This Template
A safeguarding policy isn't optional — it's a legal requirement for every organisation working with children. But writing one from scratch is daunting, and getting it wrong can have serious consequences. This template provides a professionally drafted policy framework that meets the requirements of the Children Act 2004, "Working Together to Safeguard Children" (2023), and the expectations of major UK governing bodies and insurers.
Template Sections
- Policy Statement and Scope — Your organisation's commitment to safeguarding, who the policy applies to (staff, volunteers, contractors), and the activities and settings it covers.
- Legal Framework — References to the Children Act 1989/2004, Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006, Working Together to Safeguard Children 2023, and relevant governing body requirements. Pre-drafted with correct legislation references.
- Roles and Responsibilities — Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) role description, deputy DSL provisions, staff responsibilities, and management oversight. Includes fill-in fields for named individuals and contact details.
- Recognising Abuse — Guidance on identifying the four categories of abuse (physical, emotional, sexual, neglect) with age-appropriate indicators. Written for non-specialist staff in plain language.
- Reporting Procedures — Step-by-step flowchart for reporting concerns, including internal escalation, when to contact the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO), and when to call the police directly. Includes your local authority contact details (fill-in fields).
- Safer Recruitment — DBS check requirements, interview protocols, reference checking, probation periods, and ongoing monitoring. Aligned with the DBS eligibility guidance.
- Staff Training Requirements — Minimum training levels, refresh intervals, induction content, and CPD expectations for safeguarding awareness.
- Additional Policies — Photography and social media, online safety, whistleblowing, managing allegations against staff, and information sharing protocols.
Who This Template Is For
This template is for any UK children's activity provider: swimming schools, sports clubs, dance academies, tutoring companies, holiday camp operators, and multi-activity providers. It's designed to be customised with your specific details while maintaining the legal and professional standards required.
How to Use It
Download the template and fill in the highlighted fields with your organisation's specific details. Review each section with your designated safeguarding lead. Share the completed policy with all staff and ensure they sign to confirm they've read and understood it. Publish a summary version on your website for parents. Review the full policy annually and update it whenever legislation or guidance changes.
