Uplyme Church
Information for Parents and Carers
In 2015 the PCC reviewed the church’s child protection policy which follows the Exeter Diocese Safeguarding Guidelines which can be found on the Exeter Diocesan website.
The guidelines aim to check the background, experience and suitability of all volunteers and workers to ensure that children and young people are safe from physical, emotional and sexual harm. It is also important that volunteers and workers are protected from situations that could be seen as compromising.
- The PCC has appointed a Safeguarding (Child Protection) Representative to ensure the wellbeing and safety of children and young people within the church and church activities.
- Great care is taken to ensure the suitability of all church employees and volunteers who work with children. They are required to provide references as well as undertake an enhanced disclosure through the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).
- At least two adults are present in all activities and the adult to child ratio is suitable for the safety and good organisation of the groups.
- Careful consideration is given to Health and Safety by responsible adults in the following areas –
- Risk assessment of premises and activities
- Fire safety
- First aid
- Transport
- Hygiene
- Insurance
- Any accidents will be reported to parents/carers and are recorded.
- All parents, carers, workers and volunteers must report any incidents about which they feel concerned for the safety of children to the Safeguarding Representative. If appropriate this information will be shared with the relevant statutory authorities and others as necessary.
- All children will be treated with dignity and respect and there will be no favouritism.
- Parents/carers of teenagers should be aware that notification of meetings and activities is often carried out by text message, e-mail or face book. Youth workers will ensure that other means of communication are available if requested. Children of 12 and under will not be communicated with electronically. The PCC is satisfied that the youth workers have reasonable guidelines that should safeguard young people in relation to church activities. However, parents and carers are reminded that they should educate children and teenagers in safety precautions when using electronic methods of communication.
- We hope that all children will enjoy church activities in a safe and caring Christian environment. If you have any concerns please speak to a Youth Worker or Child Protection Representative as appropriate.
The Uplyme Church Safeguarding Policy for Children can be found here.
Contacts and useful phone numbers
Vicar (Uplyme and Axmouth) 01297 441986
Youth Worker Simon Smith 01297 441986
Safeguarding Representatives Jo Clarke and Noreen Watson 01297 441986
Social Services
Exeter 01392 384528
Dorchester 01305 251414
Out of hours 0845 6000388
Diocesan Safeguarding Advisors
Diocesan Safeguarding Advisor: Charlie Pitman – 01392 345909
Diocesan Safeguarding Officer: Stephen Edgeley – 01392 345910
Assistant Diocesan Safeguarding Advisor: Phill Parker – 01392 294969
Tel: 01392 345909 Tel: 01392 345910
NSPCC Help Line 0800 800500
Child line 0800 1111
CCPAS Churches Child Protection Advisory Service (www.ccpas.co.uk) 0845 1204551
MASH (Multi-agency safeguarding hub) – 03451 551071
