The statement should be no longer than two sides of A4 paper and it should set out:

• what your organisation wants to say about keeping children safe
• why your organisation is taking these steps
• how (in broad terms) your organisation is going to meet this responsibility
• who it applies and relates to (eg all staff and volunteers, children up to 18 years old)
• how your organisation will put the policy into action and how it links to other relevant policies and procedures, eg, taking photographs and videos, internet use, recruitment.

Your policy statement also needs to:

• identify the organisation, its purpose and function
• recognise the needs of children from minority ethnic groups and disabled children and the barriers they may face, especially around communication.
• briefly state the main law and guidance that supports the policy.

Your organisation will also need an action plan that states how you will ensure that everyone, including children, is aware of and understands your safeguards. This needs to explain how you will tell everyone about the safeguards, including disabled people and people who use different languages.

You can use this sample policy to guide you, but you’ll need to change it to suit your organisation’s needs.