Stories and Starlight Safeguarding Policy
Last reviewed: 13.07.2026
Signed by Safeguarding Lead: Helen Brasted
Date: 13.07.2026
Purpose and Scope of This Policy
Stories and Starlight exists to provide enriching, imaginative and safe activities for children. Through creative play, storytelling, outdoor exploration and group activities, we aim to support children’s wellbeing, confidence and social development.
The purpose of this safeguarding policy is:
to protect children and young people who attend Stories and Starlight clubs from harm, including the children of adults who use our services.
to provide staff, volunteers, children, young people and families with the overarching principles that guide our approach to child protection.
This policy applies to anyone working on behalf of Stories and Starlight, including directors, managers, paid staff, volunteers, sessional workers, agency staff and students.
Legal Framework
This policy is based on legislation, policy and guidance that seeks to protect children in England. A summary of the key legislation and guidance is available from www.nspcc.org.uk/childprotection
Our Commitment
Stories and Starlight believes that:
children and young people should never experience abuse of any kind.
we have a responsibility to promote the welfare of all children and young people, keep them safe, and practise in a way that protects them.
We recognise that:
the welfare of children is paramount in all our work and decisions we make.
working in partnership with children, parents, carers and other agencies is essential to promote children’s welfare.
all children have an equal right to protection, regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation.
some children are additionally vulnerable due to previous experiences, communication needs, SEND, or other factors.
extra safeguards may be needed to keep children who are additionally vulnerable safe from abuse.
How Stories and Starlight Keeps Children Safe
We will seek to keep children and young people safe by:
valuing, listening to and respecting them
appointing a Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)
adopting child protection and safeguarding best practice through our policies, procedures and staff code of conduct
implementing an effective online safety policy, especially relevant for digital storytelling activities
providing effective management for staff and volunteers, including supervision, support, training and quality assurance
recruiting staff and volunteers safely, ensuring all necessary checks (including enhanced DBS) are completed
recording, storing and using information professionally and securely, in line with UK GDPR and ICO guidance
sharing safeguarding information with children and families through email and conversations
ensuring children and families know where to go for help if they have a concern
using our safeguarding procedures to share concerns with relevant agencies and involving families appropriately
managing allegations against staff and volunteers in line with statutory guidance
maintaining an anti-bullying environment and responding effectively to any bullying incidents
ensuring effective complaints and whistleblowing measures are in place
providing a safe physical environment by following health and safety law and regulatory guidance
building a safeguarding culture where everyone treats each other with respect and feels comfortable raising concerns
What to do if you have concerns over the safety and wellbeing of a child
If you are concerned about the safety or wellbeing of a child, discuss your concerns with the Designated Safeguarding Lead. Concerns should normally be reported on the same day or as soon as possible.
If you are concerned that there is immediate risk to the child, act without delay. You can:
- Discuss with the designated safeguarding lead if you are able to contact them
- Call 999 if the child is in immediate danger
If you have continued concerns, you or the DSL can contact the local authority to report the concern.
Brighton and Hove: Front Door for Families - Front Door for Families and Children's Services
West Sussex: Integrated Front Door - Request support or raise a concern about a child - West Sussex County Council
If you are concerned about the actions of the designated safeguarding lead, you can contact the Brighton and Hove LADO LADO contact & THRESHOLD guidance
Contact Details
Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)
Name: Helen Brasted
Contact: hello@storiesandstarlight.co.uk, 07568396944
External Support
NSPCC Helpline: 0808 800 5000
Policy Review
Stories and Starlight is committed to reviewing this policy and our safeguarding practice annually.
This policy was last reviewed on: 14.7.2026
Signed: H. Brasted
Date: 14.7.2026