Good Practice
Essentials
Safeguarding
Shirley Hosgood is the Bishop's Adviser for Safeguarding children and adults. Any reports of child protection incidents or concerns needing discussion should go direct to Shirley on 07810 724222. Any correspondance should in the first place be marked STRICTLY CONFIDENTIAL , and sent to Church House, 211 New Church Road, Hove, BN3 4ED for Shirley's attention. For downloadable terms and guidance for completing CRB forms visit the safeguarding pages on the main Diocesan website.
Key Documents, related to the introduction of the ISA:
Church of England Vetting and Barring Leaflet. This document is essential reading and sumarises what the new V&B arrangements mean for the local church. Download now.
Legal Duty to Refer Information. This document is essential reading and sumarises the legal duty parishes have to refer relevant information in respect of those who wish to work with children and young people. Download now.
It is vital that everyone who works with children and young people is properly checked and, our advice, regardless of their role in a group, is that all workers should be checked by the Criminal Records Bureau. In addition, references should be taken up for every person involved in children's or youth work. Every parish in the Diocese should have a CRB checker, if you don't know who yours is or how the process works then phone Maureen Hunt at Church House on 01273 421021 or email admin@diochi.org.uk
Insurance
Parishes within the Diocese of Chichester are part of a system called "Parish Guard" which is our insurance from Ecclesiastical. Make sure that your PCC is aware of all activities you are running for your young people.
Using mini-buses and other transport
Don't be caught out - get a permit. If you take a group out (Children or Adults) using a mini-bus or large bus - hired or otherwise, you may be breaking the law if you do not have a permit under Section 19 or 22 of the Department of Transport Permit System. If you make any charge at all, even a hidden charge through subscriptions, or added to the cost of an outing or event, then you will definitely need a permit.
There are two parts to the application form plus there is the DofT guide available to ascertain if you need to have one. (MOST DO!)
It is our recommendation that as a church you apply for a permit anway, as it can be used for any mini-bus you hire (although we believe it is one per bus).
Download Page 1 of permit here. Download Page 2 of permit here.
For Department of Transport Guildelines download Page 1 here. For Page 2 download Page 2 here.
Good Practice Training
First Aid in the Workplace
For a good summary of what is required for First Aid at Work (which is sufficient in most instances for children's and youth work practioners) in terms of basic requirements, go to http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/indg214.pdf
Policy Guides / Advice and Forms
Drugs Guidelines
If you are working with young people, then occasionally there might be the need to talk about alcohol, drugs and smoking. YES has compiled a short guide to help you formulate a drugs policy for your parish - it includes some really helpful websites. Download available soon.
Just published (October 2009) is the Drugs and Alcohol Misuse Directory of Services, East Sussex - this document is a mine of information about who is available (and where they are based) to support those working with young people or adults who are misusing alcohol or drugs, also with information about who to refer young people to. Download available soon.
Ofsted requirements for Holiday Clubs and activities with under 8's
THE CHURCHES' LEGISLATION Advisory Service (www.clas.org.uk) has drawn attention to changes in an exemption clause regarding Ofsted registration that has particular relevance for Holiday Clubs. Exemption may now be claimed by: Those who care for children aged under eight from particular premises for 14 days or less in any year and who notify Ofsted in writing at least 14 days before starting the provision.
So the number of days on which childcare can be provided for under 8's in a Holiday Club setting (two hours or under) has risen from 6 to 14 days. BUT in order to be exempt from registration, the childcare provider (church etc.) MUST notify Ofsted in writing at least 14 days BEFORE the activity starts.
The Ofsted form to register your exemption available to download here.
Parental Consent Form for Off Site Activity
A year's worth of activities needs to be agreed with the PCC and then minuted, in order to make sure Parish Guard Insurance covers it. In terms of parental consent, it is primarily needed if the activity is going to take place away from the main church/centre where the group regularly meets and or travel is involved. A parental consent form would need to be completed for each individual activity taking place that requires travel and is "off site" (e.g. bowling, cinema, skating, etc.)
Parental Consent form available to download here.
