The purpose and scope of this policy statement

This policy:

•   Outlines how children attending the group will be kept safe. The welfare of the child is paramount and safeguarding concerns will always be taken seriously

•   Applies to anyone working on behalf of BloomQuest Educational Psychology Services to deliver the Little Feelings Club group, including freelance staff and franchisees, as well as any adults attending the group

•   Will be shared with anyone delivering the Little Feelings Club group.

The terms ‘we/us/our’ are used in reference to anyone working on behalf of BloomQuest Educational Psychology Services to deliver the Little Feelings Club group.

Please note that children remain the responsibility of their parent/carer during sessions as the Little Feeling Club is a group attended by children alongside their parents/carers.

Legal framework

This policy has been drawn up on the basis of legislation, policy and guidance that seeks to protect children in England. It follows guidance from City of York Safeguarding Children’s Partnership (Report a concern about a child or young person – CYSCP ), the NSPCC and statutory safeguarding guidance such as Working Together to Safeguard Children. A summary of the key legislation and guidance is available from nspcc.org.uk/childprotection.

We believe that:

•   Children and young people should never experience abuse of any kind

•   We have a responsibility to promote the welfare of all children and young people, to keep them safe and to practise/deliver services in a way that protects them.

We recognise that:

•   The welfare of children is paramount in all the work we do and in all the decisions we take 

•   Abuse can be emotional, physical (which includes female genital mutilation), or sexual in nature, or involve neglect. Signs of abuse may include:

o      Visible signs of abuse (such as marks on the body) or neglect (such as poor appearance and hygiene)

o      Behavioural indicators, such as unexplained changes in behaviour or personality, becoming withdrawn, seeming anxious, becoming uncharacteristically aggressive, lacking social skills, having a poor bond or relationship with a parent, having knowledge of adult issues inappropriate for their age, or running away/going missing

o      Direct disclosures of abuse from a child, parent/carer or other adult

•   Working in partnership with children, young people, their parents, carers and other agencies is essential in promoting young people’s welfare

•   All children, regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation have an equal right to protection from all types of harm or abuse

•   Some children are additionally vulnerable because of the impact of previous experiences, their level of dependency, communication needs or other issues

•   Extra safeguards may be needed to keep children who are additionally vulnerable safe from abuse.

Find out more about:

•   Safeguarding children who come from Black, Asian and minoritised ethnic communities  

•   Safeguarding d/Deaf and disabled children and young people  

•   Safeguarding LGBTQ+ children and young people

•   Safeguarding children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).

Responding to concerns

If a safeguarding concern arises:

•   A reported concern will be listened to carefully and taken seriously. Notes will be made as soon as possible after the concern is raised

•   The concern will be reported to the Child Protection Lead (if different to the facilitator) as soon as possible, and always within 24 hours

•   The concern will be cross-referenced against local threshold guidance (e.g. Guidance on Continuum of Need) to determine next steps, and advice may be sought from the local safeguarding team

•   If necessary, a referral may be made to children’s services

•   Confidentiality will not be applicable and information may need to be shared if a child is at risk of harm

•   If a safeguarding referral is made, parents/carers will be informed unless this would cause further risk to the child or vulnerable person.

To report a safeguarding concern in York:

Children: 01904 551900, mash@york.gov.uk

Vulnerable Adults: 01904 555111, adult.socialsupport@york.gov.uk

Safer practice

To support safeguarding:

•   Parents/carers must remain with their child at all times during sessions

•   Physical contact may occur between children and the facilitator only if appropriate to the scenario (e.g. supporting play activities or reciprocating a child’s instigation of a hug) and with parent/carer awareness.

Any concerns about safety within the group environment should be reported to the facilitator, who will share these concerns with the Child Protection Lead (if different to the facilitator).

Use of images

Any images used online will follow our Privacy Policy and consent procedures.

Contact details

Nominated Child Protection Lead 

Name: Dr Catherine Ardern

Email: Littlefeelingsclubuk@gmail.com

We are committed to reviewing our policy and good practice annually. 

This policy was last reviewed on: 01.10.2026

Signed: Dr Catherine Ardern

Date: 01.10.2026