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Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy

The Shades of the Life Oxford Digital Design and Visual Art Studio
Bright Future Innovators Camp & Mystery Missions Camp
Last Reviewed: 10. 05. 2025.
Designated Safeguarding Lead: Gyongyi Domokos (CEO)

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1. Policy Statement

The Shades of the Life Oxford Digital Design and Visual Art Studio (SOL Studio) is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children and young people attending our camps. We believe that all children, regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation, have the right to equal protection from all types of harm or abuse. This policy outlines how we safeguard and promote the welfare of children in line with UK legislation and guidance, including the Children Act 1989 and 2004, Working Together to Safeguard Children (2018), and Keeping Children Safe in Education (2023).

 

2. Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)

Our Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) is: Gyongyi Domokos, CEO
Deputy DSL(s) will be appointed where necessary during multi-site operations.

Responsibilities include:

  • Acting as a point of contact for safeguarding concerns.

  • Ensuring all staff are trained and understand their safeguarding responsibilities.

  • Liaising with local safeguarding partners, including the Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH).

  • Keeping accurate and secure records of safeguarding concerns and actions.

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3. Aims of This Policy

  • To provide all staff and volunteers with clear guidance on how to recognise and respond to signs of abuse and neglect.

  • To create a safe and supportive environment for children.

  • To ensure all concerns are acted upon appropriately and swiftly.

 

4. Safer Recruitment

SOL Studio is committed to safer recruitment practices. All staff and volunteers:

  • Must complete an enhanced DBS check.

  • Must provide two references.

  • Will undergo safeguarding training before commencing work.

  • Will be asked to declare any criminal convictions or reasons why they should not be working with children.

 

5. Staff Training and Responsibilities

  • All staff receive safeguarding and child protection training appropriate to their role.

  • Annual refreshers and regular updates are provided.

  • All staff are expected to uphold our Code of Conduct and act in a professional, respectful, and child-centred manner at all times.

 

6. Types of Abuse

Staff are trained to recognise the four categories of abuse:

  • Physical abuse

  • Emotional abuse

  • Sexual abuse

  • Neglect Staff are also aware of specific safeguarding issues such as child sexual exploitation (CSE), child criminal exploitation (CCE), county lines, female genital mutilation (FGM), radicalisation, and online abuse.

 

7. Reporting and Responding to Concerns

  • All concerns must be reported immediately to the DSL.

  • In the absence of the DSL, concerns must be reported to the Deputy DSL.

  • Concerns will be recorded in writing, signed and dated, and stored securely.

  • The DSL will contact the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) or MASH as appropriate.

  • Confidentiality will be respected at all times but cannot override the need to share information to protect a child.

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8. Whistleblowing

Staff are encouraged to raise concerns about poor or unsafe practice or potential failures in the safeguarding regime. Whistleblowing concerns can be reported to the DSL or, if necessary, directly to the Local Authority or NSPCC.

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9. Allegations Against Staff

  • Any allegation against a member of staff will be taken seriously.

  • The DSL will report to the LADO within 24 hours.

  • Staff may be suspended during investigation if deemed necessary.

  • Investigations will follow procedures set out by the local safeguarding partnership.

 

10. Working in Partnership with Parents and Agencies

  • Parents/carers will be informed of any safeguarding concerns involving their child unless doing so puts the child at greater risk.

  • SOL Studio will work with social care, police, schools, and other agencies as required.

 

11. Online Safety

  • Children’s use of digital devices is monitored.

  • Online safety is addressed in activities and workshops.

  • All media or digital activity involving children must comply with our Photography and Media Consent Policy.

 

12. Site Safety

  • Visitors must sign in and be escorted.

  • Children will never be left alone with unvetted individuals.

  • Regular risk assessments will be carried out.

 

13. Review of Policy

  • This policy will be reviewed annually or following any significant incident or change in legislation.

 

14. Contact Details

Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL): Gyongyi Domokos
Email: gyongyidomokos@theshadesofthelife.com
Phone: +44/(0)7380410465

Local Authority Safeguarding Contact: Oxfordshire MASH 0345 050 7666

Emergency Duty Team EDT (for emergencies only) can be contacted on 0800 833408

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Policy Review Date: 10. 05. 2025.
Next Review Due: 10. 05. 2026.
Policy Approved By: Gyongyi Domokos CEO & Designated Safeguarding Lead

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