Recognition for Bradford’s Out of School Settings

Sunday, 6 March 2022 14:20

Eleven Out of School Settings across the district received an award for their quality provision of safeguarding, in an awards ceremony held at City Hall, Bradford on 3 March 2022.

The Manchester and Bradford Foundation Local Authority Award for Safeguarding Quality Provision in Out of School settings was funded by the Department for Education (DfE) and launched as a pilot project within the Manchester area and Bradford district.

Out of school settings are places where children and young people take part in activities such as arts, language, music, sports or religion. The activities mainly take place without parents and carers supervision and outside of school time. Bradford Council has worked closely with Manchester City Council, creating and developing the award to help support and enhance safeguarding policies and practice in settings across the District.

The Council has been at the forefront of developing and launching the Safeguarding Quality Provision award. It makes sure settings within the District have access to detailed guidance, support and procedures that show their support and commitment to maintaining safeguarding practices.

Each of the Bradford settings gaining the award has demonstrated their commitment to uphold their duty of care in providing services to children in their safeguarding measures. This means they meet a number of clear criteria, including having a safeguarding policy, a designated safeguarding lead, and undertake regular risk assessments.

Important criteria for recruiting staff needed to be met, including staff and volunteers having enhanced DBS checks, up to date policies around safer recruitment and ensuring everyone volunteering or working in the setting has undertaken the latest safeguarding training.

Following the success of the pilot project, other out of school groups within the District will now have the opportunity to get better advice, guidance and training for keeping children safe. For advice, guidance and training for keeping children safe in Out of School Settings, contact: Edsafeteam@bradford.gov.uk.

Salim Akhtar, Lead Officer for Out of School Activities & Safeguarding at Bradford Council, said: “Safeguarding is our priority on a daily basis, but having the chance to take part in a national pilot scheme to support Out of School Settings to enhance safeguarding practices in a proactive way was something we really wanted to get behind.

“We have worked alongside Manchester City Council to develop this scheme, and it has been an incredibly positive journey to see so many of our local Out of School Settings receiving the award.”

Aneelah Kosar, whose children attend Iqra Education Centre out of school setting, said: “Knowing the group has achieved the Safeguarding Quality Provision makes me feel reassured that the group leaders are committed to safeguarding and upholding safe practices at the setting.

“I know if myself or my child has any questions or if we need to raise any concerns that the staff will take our concerns seriously, and will have the correct procedures in place. My child is always happy at the group, and that makes me feel reassured that my child’s wellbeing and safety are at the forefront of the groups ethos.”

Cllr Sue Duffy, Executive Member for Children’s and Families, said: “Safeguarding children is our number one priority, so making sure they are safe in out of school settings is really important.

“Having a strong scheme in place to monitor and elevate safeguarding provision across our district is a really positive addition to our safeguarding practices. It gives parents and carers confidence that their child is safe, and gives the providers confidence that they are following good practice.

“It has been an honour to award these settings their Safeguarding Quality Provision award, and to know they are able to now share their good practices within our wider communities.”

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