Some things to consider when visiting Santa Claus in his grotto.

• If there is to be any contact with children, even if it is not physical contact, Santa must be accompanied by at least one other person at all times: this is in addition to any adult that accompanies the child. If that level of support cannot be maintained at any point during the day Santa should ‘go off duty’. The arrangements must be such that there cannot be any possibility of Santa being placed in unaccompanied ‘one-to-one’ contact with a child in a ‘private’ place such as a ‘grotto’.
• Santa should be located in a place open to the view of the public rather than be placed in an enclosed ‘grotto’.
• It is recommended that children stand when talking to Santa or sit on a seat placed along side Santa. Santa, and his assistants, should not invite children to sit on Santa’s knee. Some children may wish to sit on Santa’s knee and even clamber on: if it is the child’s wish it may be allowed with the parent’s consent. Sometimes parents place a ‘kicking and screaming child’ on Santa’s knee: that should be strongly discouraged. Parents should remain with their child at all times.
• Santa or assistants should not actively invite children to ‘kiss’ Santa. If a child wishes to kiss Santa this should be on the cheek. Parents should be discouraged from making their children kiss Santa or assistants.
• The enhanced CRB check is recommended for people acting as Santa on a regular basis (‘regular’ isdefined as more than once a month)
• Occasionally it may not be possible to complete CRB checks by the desired dates: or a club may not have a Club Protection Officer in place for example, the following action should be taken.
• Whenever possible, clubs should invite those volunteers or members of staff who have already undergone CRB  checks through their employment or profession to act as Santa and his assistants.