Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy

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 Science Dome is dedicated to providing a safe, inclusive, and inspiring learning environment for all children and young people. We recognise our duty of care and responsibility to safeguard and promote the welfare of every child and young person we engage with through our mobile planetarium experiences and educational workshops.

This policy outlines our commitment to safeguarding and the procedures we follow to ensure the safety and well-being of all participants.

• Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL): Linnie Wharmby
   
• Head of Organisation: Neil Carrington
   

Linnie serves as the first point of contact for all safeguarding concerns. Neil holds overall responsibility for safeguarding within Science Dome.

 To ensure the highest standards of safety and professionalism:

• Enhanced DBS Checks: All staff undergo enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks prior to engagement and are re-checked annually.
   
• Safeguarding Training: Staff receive comprehensive safeguarding training upon induction and participate in regular refresher courses to stay updated with current best practices.
   
• Code of Conduct: Staff adhere to a strict code of conduct, promoting respectful and appropriate interactions with all participants.
   

 Science Dome has established clear procedures to address safeguarding concerns:

• Reporting Concerns: Any concerns about a child’s welfare are to be reported immediately to the DSL.
   
• Record Keeping: Detailed records of all safeguarding concerns and actions taken are maintained securely and confidentially.
   
• Inter-agency Collaboration: We collaborate with schools, local authorities, and safeguarding boards to ensure a coordinated approach to child protection. 

 During our sessions: 

• Supervision: Children are supervised at all times by both Science Dome staff and school personnel.
   
• Environment: We ensure that the learning environment is safe, accessible, and conducive to positive experiences.
   
• Participant Welfare: Staff are trained to recognise signs of distress or abuse and to respond appropriately. 

 This safeguarding policy is reviewed annually or in response to significant changes in legislation or organisational practices. Feedback from staff, participants, and partner organisations informs our ongoing commitment to safeguarding excellence.