Our Parish Child Protection Policy is detailed below, you may download a copy here, to save it right click and choose "Save Target As".

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Parish Child Protection Policy

The Parish of St John's with St Luke's, Colchester recognises the importance of its ministry to children and young people and its responsibility to protect and safeguard the welfare of children and young people entrusted to the church's care.

This Policy covers all the work of St John's Church and St Luke's Church with those under the age of 18.

The Churches are committed to:

• Valuing, listening to and respecting children and young people as well as promoting their welfare and protection
• Safe recruitment, supervision and training for all the children's/youth workers within the church
• Adopting a procedure for dealing with concerns about possible abuse
• Encouraging and supporting parents/carers
• Supporting those affected by abuse
• Giving pastoral support to those who have abused
• Making links with statutory childcare authorities and other organisations if and when required.

Church Policy

The Parish of St John's with St Luke's, Colchester recognises the need to provide a safe and caring environment for children and young people. This PCC has therefore adopted the procedures set out in this Child Protection Policy.

This means we will:

• Provide on-going child protection training for all children's/youth workers
• Ensure that all children's/youth workers, church employees and any other parishioners who have contact with children/young people in a caring role on a regular basis complete a CRB application form, complete the confidential disclosure form and supply names for references to be taken up
• Follow the Diocesan Child Protection Policy for any staff recruitment process
• Ensure each person working with children/young people attend a child protection training course at least once every two years
• Nominate a designated child protection person for each church who will deal with any referrals in consultation with the Diocesan Child Protection Advisor
• Nominate a CRB Administrator for each church who will keep a single register
• Issue the Child Protection Guidelines (attached) to all leaders and helpers of children and young people in both churches
• Adhere to the ratios of adults to children and the transport requirements outlined in the Child Protection Guidelines
• Ensure confidential information regarding child protection concerns or allegations are filed in the office of the Incumbent/Associate Vicar
• Include a reference to our child protection policy in registration documents

Children's Activities

Any planned activities must follow the good practice and health and safety guidelines contained in the Diocesan Child Protection Policy for activities on and off church premises. A checklist is attached.

Working with Offenders

Where a known offender is in the Parish, a written agreement must be in place outlining what this person is able to take part in and what is not suitable for them to take part in. The incumbent, both churchwardens, Child protection Adviser and the nominated person will be required to monitor this situation. There will be regular meetings with the individual to establish that the agreement is being adhered to.

Support for those who have been abused

Pastoral care and working with statutory agencies as appropriate should be offered to these individuals. If it is not possible to offer this support the Diocesan Child Protection Adviser must be informed to establish pastoral support from another source.

Where to go for Advice

If you have any concerns for a child/young person in relation to any child protection matter then speak to the nominated person for Child Protection for advice about what to do.

A copy of the Diocesan Child Protection Policy can be seen in St John's Church Office. A copy is also available at www.chelmsford.anglican.org/childprotection.html

This Parish Child Protection Policy was endorsed by the PCC on 1st December 2008 and will be reviewed annually.

Nominated Persons for Child Protection - Julia Longman (St John's) 01206 752456, Lynne Gettings (St Luke's) 01206 841694

CRB Administrators - Dawn Saxon (St John's) 01206 843232, Joy Gross (St Luke's) 01206 844977

Church Wardens (St John's) - John Saxon 01206 512595, Steve Bennett 01206 230335
Assistant Church Wardens (St Luke's) - Mark Rassell 01206 854984, Lynne Gettings 01206 841694

Incumbent - Bob Fuller 01206 843232

Associate Vicar - Jeremy Noles 01206 532252

Diocesan Child Protection Advisor - Jean Halliday 01245 294457

Checklist for Planned Visits and Activities

• Approval from PCC
• Consent Forms received from parents
• Registration information received (including emergency contact, dietary issues, medical information)
• All leaders have CRB
• Child protection ratios and guidelines followed
• Relevant training is in place e.g. food hygiene, first aid
• Transport guidelines followed
• Insurance in place
• Risk assessment carried out (including fire procedures, safety rules and guidelines, weather, equipment)

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