As coronavirus (COVID-19) restrictions begin to ease around the UK, voluntary and community groups can start working with children face-to-face again. Activities may be happening outdoors or indoors, depending on where you are in the UK. As everyone adapts to these new circumstances, it’s important that organisations think about how to keep children safe.
This is still a challenging time for some children and families, so it’s vital that children’s safety and wellbeing is prioritised.
Keeping children safe during the pandemic
The voluntary and community sector has always had an important role in supporting children and families, and has continued to do so over the last year or so.
If you are a part of a new voluntary group that was set up during the pandemic, you must make sure you’re keeping children safe.
And even if your organisation or group already has robust safeguarding and child protection measures in place, there are likely to be extra considerations during these challenging times.
Your organisation or group might feel like there’s a lot to do at the moment. You might be trying to get to grips with how you can run face-to-face activities safely. You might also be figuring out how to offer a blended approach of face-to-face and online activities.
You might be operating with reduced finances and fewer staff and volunteers. You might also be worried about some of the children you work with.
We’ve pulled together some resources that can help everyone in the voluntary and community sector safeguard and protect children and young people during the coronavirus pandemic. This includes information about:
- writing and updating safeguarding and child protection policies and procedures
- making sure your staff and volunteers are safe to work with children
- supporting children and families
- recognising and responding to abuse
- carrying out online activities and events.
- an overview of the relevant guidance on running safe activities.