Safeguarding Statement
Applies To: Wonder Village Play Sessions, Parties, Private Hire, Schools and Educational Visits
Age Range: Children up to 8 years
1. Commitment to Safeguarding
- Wonder Village is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children who visit our venue or participate in our activities.
- We believe every child has the right to feel safe, respected and supported whilst engaging in imaginative play. The wellbeing of children is central to everything we do.
2. Supervision & Responsibility
- Children remain the responsibility of their parent, guardian, teacher or group leader at all times.
- Wonder Village staff supervise the play environment and facilities but do not provide childcare.
- At public play sessions, each child must be accompanied by a responsible adult.
- For school visits, educational groups and organised activities, the visiting organisation retains overall responsibility for supervision and safeguarding.
- Staff will never take a child to a private or secluded area and all interactions take place in open, visible spaces.
- Staff do not assist with toileting, nappy changing or personal care except in emergency situations where a parent, guardian or responsible adult is present.
3. Staff Suitability
- Wonder Village staff receive safeguarding awareness training appropriate to their role.
- Enhanced DBS checks are held where required by the nature of the activity being delivered.
- Professional boundaries are maintained at all times.
- Staff do not engage in unnecessary physical contact with children. Any physical intervention will only occur where necessary to prevent injury or serious harm.
4. Safe Environment
- All equipment, props and play areas are regularly inspected and maintained.
- The venue is arranged to provide clear visibility throughout the play space.
- Any hazards, damaged equipment or safety concerns are addressed immediately.
- Visitors are expected to follow staff instructions and use equipment safely and appropriately.
5. Lost or Missing Children
- If a child becomes separated from their parent, guardian or group leader, staff will immediately implement the venue's lost child procedure.
- The child will remain supervised by staff in a visible location whilst efforts are made to locate their responsible adult.
- If necessary, emergency services may be contacted.
6. Photography & Mobile Phones
- Parents and carers may take photographs of their own children but should avoid capturing images of other children without permission.
- Wonder Village staff do not take photographs of children for marketing or promotional purposes without prior consent.
- Personal mobile phone use by staff is restricted during sessions except where necessary for business operations or emergencies.
7. Reporting Concerns
- Any safeguarding concern involving a child will be taken seriously and acted upon appropriately.
- For school and educational visits, concerns will be reported to the organisation's Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL).
- For public sessions and private events, concerns will be raised with the parent, guardian or responsible adult as appropriate.
- Where a child is believed to be at risk of significant harm, relevant safeguarding agencies or emergency services may be contacted.
8. Designated Safeguarding Lead
Wonder Village has a designated safeguarding lead responsible for overseeing safeguarding practices, responding to concerns and reviewing safeguarding procedures.
9. Review
This safeguarding statement is reviewed annually or sooner if there are significant changes to operations, guidance or legislation.