POLICIES & STATEMENTS OVERVIEW
Safeguarding
At Kirkby Stephen Youth Centre, safeguarding is at the heart of everything we do. We are committed to creating a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment where all children and young people feel valued, respected, and protected from harm.
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All staff and volunteers are fully DBS checked and receive safeguarding training appropriate to their role.
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We follow robust policies and procedures in line with national guidance and statutory responsibilities to ensure the welfare of every child and young person in our care.
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Our safeguarding approach extends beyond protection — it’s about building trust, promoting positive relationships, and ensuring that children always have a safe adult to turn to.
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We work closely with families, schools, professionals, and other agencies to respond effectively to any concerns and to ensure the best outcomes for children.
Safeguarding is everybody’s responsibility, and we take it seriously.
For more information or to request a copy of our full Safeguarding Policy, please contact us. Or alternativity if you have a dsafeguarding concern, please fill in our secure online safeguarding report form.
Health & Safety
The health, safety, and wellbeing of everyone who visits, works, or volunteers at KSYC is a top priority.
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We carry out regular risk assessments of all activities, equipment, and the building to ensure a safe environment at all times.
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Our staff and volunteers are trained in basic first aid and emergency procedures.
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We have clear policies in place around fire safety, hygiene, building security, and incident reporting.
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Children and young people are always supervised by responsible adults during sessions, and we encourage them to take an active role in keeping themselves and others safe.
We are constantly reviewing and improving our safety practices to reflect the needs of our centre and our community.
If you have any questions about our health & safety approach, please get in touch.
Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Statement
At KSYC, we welcome every child and young person, no matter their background, identity, or ability. We believe in creating an inclusive, respectful environment where everyone feels seen, heard, and valued. Our team is committed to promoting equality and celebrating diversity in all areas of our work.
Data Protection & Privacy Statement
We only collect and store the data we need to keep young people safe and provide the best service possible. Personal information is kept secure, never shared without permission, and handled in line with GDPR and our full Data Protection Policy (available on request).
Photography & Social Media Consent
We love to share the amazing things happening at KSYC. We will only use photos or videos of young people with written consent from a parent or carer. Consent can be updated or withdrawn at any time. We prioritise privacy, dignity, and safety in all our communications.
Behaviour Expectations for Young People
We want KSYC to be a safe and positive space for everyone. We ask young people to:
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Be kind and respectful
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Listen to staff and volunteers
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Take care of the space and each other
If issues arise, we work with young people to resolve them together – with patience, understanding, and support. If there is a concern where a child may have to take a break from the centre, we will discuss this with the parents/carers directly.
