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Safeguarding Policy

LITTLE LUMENS LTD

SAFEGUARDING & CHILD PROTECTION POLICY

Effective Date: 20 February 2026

Review Date: 20 February 2027

Version: 1.3

This policy should be reviewed at least annually, and updated whenever there is a change in staffing, legislation or guidance. It should be read alongside current statutory guidance, including “Working Together to Safeguard Children” and “Keeping Children Safe in Education” where relevant.

 

1. Purpose & Commitment

1.1  Little Lumens Ltd (“Little Lumens”, “we”, “our” or “us”) is committed to providing a safe, welcoming and nurturing environment for every child who attends our classes and events.

1.2  We believe that all children, regardless of age, disability, gender, racial or ethnic origin, religion or belief, have the right to protection from all forms of harm and abuse.

1.3  This policy sets out how Little Lumens works to safeguard and promote the welfare of children, and the steps we take if we have a concern about a child’s safety or wellbeing.

1.4  This policy applies to the Director, all employees, helpers, volunteers and anyone acting on behalf of Little Lumens.

 

2. Key Roles & Contacts

Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)

The Designated Safeguarding Lead for Little Lumens is the Director.

Email: hello@littlelumens.co.uk

Telephone: +44 7362 918286

 

The DSL is responsible for managing safeguarding concerns, maintaining records, and liaising with external agencies.

 

Local Safeguarding Contacts

In the first instance, concerns should be raised with the DSL. Where a child is believed to be at immediate risk, contact the emergency services on 999.

 

Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) — Hampshire

The Hampshire LADO service operates via online submission only and no longer provides a telephone service. Concerns about an adult who works or volunteers with children should be submitted using the forms on the Hampshire County Council “Allegations against adults in the children’s workforce” page:

www.hants.gov.uk/socialcareandhealth/childrenandfamilies/safeguardingchildren/allegations

  • If you are unsure whether your concern meets the LADO threshold, complete and submit the Hampshire LADO Enquiry Form. The duty LADO will review it and provide advice.

  • If you wish to make a referral, complete the Hampshire LADO Notification Form and submit it as directed on that page. It will be reviewed, assessed and allocated by the duty LADO as appropriate.

 

Children’s Social Care — Hampshire

Concerns that a child is being harmed or is at risk of harm should be reported to Hampshire Children’s Services. Where a child is in immediate danger, always call 999 first.

  • Children’s Services (daytime): 0300 555 1384 — Monday to Thursday 8:30am–5:00pm, Friday 8:30am–4:30pm

  • Out of Hours Service (evenings, weekends, bank holidays): 0300 555 1373

  • Emergency: 999

Concerns may also be reported online via the “Report a concern about a child” page at www.hants.gov.uk.

 

Police

Emergency: 999    Non-emergency: 101

 

Other useful contacts:

  • NSPCC Helpline: 0808 800 5000 (help@nspcc.org.uk)

  • Childline: 0800 1111

 

3. What is Safeguarding?

3.1  Safeguarding means protecting children from harm and promoting their welfare. It includes:

  • protecting children from abuse and maltreatment;

  • preventing harm to a child’s health or development;

  • ensuring children grow up with safe and effective care;

  • taking action to enable all children to have the best outcomes.

3.2  Abuse can take many forms, including physical abuse, emotional abuse, sexual abuse, neglect, and exposure to domestic abuse. A child may experience more than one type of abuse.

 

4. Recognising a Concern

4.1  Everyone acting on behalf of Little Lumens has a responsibility to be alert to signs that a child may be at risk.

4.2  Possible indicators may include, but are not limited to:

  • unexplained injuries or injuries inconsistent with the explanation given;

  • changes in behaviour, withdrawal or distress;

  • a child disclosing something that causes concern;

  • signs of neglect, such as a child being persistently unkempt or hungry;

  • inappropriate interactions or comments observed during a session.

4.3  We do not expect anyone to be an expert. The responsibility is to notice, record and report — not to investigate or reach conclusions.

 

5. Responding to a Disclosure

5.1  If a child or adult discloses information that raises a safeguarding concern, the person receiving it should:

  • stay calm and listen carefully without interrupting;

  • not promise confidentiality — explain that the information may need to be shared to keep the child safe;

  • not ask leading questions or press for detail;

  • reassure the person that they have done the right thing in speaking up;

  • record what was said as soon as possible, using the child’s own words where possible;

  • report to the DSL without delay.

5.2  The welfare of the child is always the paramount consideration.

 

6. Reporting Procedure

6.1  Any concern about a child’s safety or wellbeing must be reported to the DSL as soon as possible, and the same day wherever practicable.

6.2  The DSL will consider the concern and decide on the appropriate action, which may include making a referral to local children’s social care or, in an emergency, contacting the police.

6.3  Where a child is in immediate danger, emergency services (999) must be contacted straight away, and the DSL informed as soon as possible afterwards.

6.4  If the concern relates to the DSL or the Director, the concern should be reported directly to the Hampshire LADO using the online enquiry or notification form (see section 2), or to the NSPCC Helpline.

6.5  Concerns and referrals will be recorded in writing, kept securely and confidentially, and retained in line with our Privacy Policy and data protection obligations.

 

7. Safer Recruitment & Staff Suitability

7.1  Little Lumens is committed to safer recruitment practices to help ensure that everyone working with children is suitable to do so.

7.2  The Director holds an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check and has completed recognised safeguarding training.

7.3  All employees, helpers and volunteers who work with children hold a valid Enhanced DBS check before working unsupervised with children.

7.4  References and identity are verified as part of recruitment where applicable.

7.5  Helpers and staff are made aware of this policy and their safeguarding responsibilities before working with children.

 

8. Code of Conduct

8.1  Everyone acting on behalf of Little Lumens is expected to:

  • treat all children with respect and dignity;

  • maintain appropriate professional boundaries at all times;

  • avoid being alone with a child where possible, and never in an unobserved setting;

  • not administer personal or intimate care — this remains the responsibility of the accompanying adult;

  • follow this policy and report any concerns promptly.

8.2  As accompanying adults remain present and responsible for their children throughout Little Lumens sessions, our staff do not provide childcare or unsupervised care of children.

 

9. Photography & Social Media

9.1  Photography and filming at Little Lumens sessions are governed by our Booking Terms & Conditions.

9.2  We will not photograph or film a child for promotional purposes without the consent of the accompanying adult.

9.3  Staff and helpers must not use personal devices to take images of children, and must not share any images of children on personal social media accounts.

 

10. Concerns About an Adult’s Behaviour

10.1  This policy includes concerns about the behaviour of any adult — whether a member of staff, a helper, a parent, a carer or any other person — towards a child.

10.2  Any such concern must be reported to the DSL, who will follow the reporting procedure in section 6, including referral to the LADO where the concern relates to a person who works with children.

 

11. Confidentiality & Information Sharing

11.1  Safeguarding information is shared only with those who need to know in order to protect a child.

11.2  We will always share information with the relevant authorities where there is a concern that a child is at risk of harm, even without consent, in line with statutory guidance.

11.3  All safeguarding records are kept secure and processed in accordance with our Privacy Policy and data protection law.

 

12. Policy Review

12.1  This policy will be reviewed at least once a year, and sooner if there is a change in legislation, guidance, or the way Little Lumens operates.

12.2  The Director is responsible for keeping this policy up to date.

 

Policy Sign-Off

Name: Jayde Vaughan

Role: Director & Designated Safeguarding Lead

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This Safeguarding & Child Protection Policy is effective from 20 February 2026 and is reviewed annually. It should be read alongside the current Hampshire (HIPS) Safeguarding Children Procedures, and reviewed whenever local guidance or contact details change.

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