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Child protection policy

Date updated: 17/05/2022

Introduction

London Metropolitan Archives (LMA) is committed to providing access to education and enjoyment by all. Central to that provision is a commitment to providing a safe environment and to protect children from harm whilst visiting LMA and other related City of London sites. 

Staff at LMA will ensure that:

  • Staff, freelance facilitators and volunteers are carefully recruited and selected and made aware of issues relating to child protection, in accordance with City of London administrative procedures (which include Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks where appropriate)
  • All individuals coming into contact with children are familiar with the Child Protection Policy, procedures and related reports such as those concerning Health and Safety
  • Staff have a clear and professional understanding of their roles and responsibilities, supported by induction, ongoing training and monitoring
  • Interpretation staff and colleagues working with visiting groups will have appropriate DBS checks in place
  • Line Managers will make staff aware of and comply with the Child Protection Policy and procedures. Any suspected or actual breaches of the policy will be reported to Senior Management immediately who will take appropriate action
  • LMA respects the privacy of individuals. All personal information held in connection with providing access to education is managed and used in accordance with the Data Protection Act 2018. None of this information will be disclosed to third parties

A visit to LMA is a rewarding learning experience and schools are actively encouraged to make full use of these important resources. LMA will ensure that: 

  • Teachers, group leaders, service providers and other interested parties are given information on the site or sites they will be visiting, including Health and Safety documentation. This will be sent out with the bookings confirmation letter and session plan and also displayed in education rooms

The following rules for group visits are clearly stated in the support material:

  • Teachers, group leaders, service providers and accompanying adults are in ‘loco parentis’ and are responsible for the children in their care whilst on site
  • The ratio of adults to children will be a minimum of one to ten
  • No children are to be left unsupervised by school / group staff at any time or in any location. This includes toilet and refreshment areas. LMA is a busy public building with a large number of visitors sharing spaces
  • It is required that group members are respectful to other visitors and staff and are made aware of appropriate behaviour
  • LMA will not be responsible for lost items. Full use should be made of cloakroom facilities and secure areas provided
  • Teachers, group leaders, service providers and other interested parties are given an opportunity to come for a pre-visit to the site or sites and to meet with staff prior to the booked visit
  • LMA will undertake to ensure that any visitors shall be reasonably safe when using the premises for the purpose for which they are invited
  • The City of London has appropriate insurance (Public/Employer Liability)
  • LMA will provide a current Health & Safety Policy statement to the school
  • Fully detailed valid risk assessments for all site areas are available if the school wishes to see them
  • LMA will provide a Risk Assessment Sheet, but it is anticipated that schools will want to carry out their own assessment
  • First Aid will be available in case of accident
  • LMA will undertake to ensure that any visitors shall be reasonably safe when using the premises for the purpose for which they are invited
  • The City of London has appropriate insurance (Public/Employer Liability)
  • Family groups coming to events will sent a basic information sheet about the specific site and what to expect
  • Family learning activities will be supervised by staff
  • Children must be accompanied by a responsible adult at all times
  • No unaccompanied children will be permitted to attend family learning events
  • No unaccompanied adults will be permitted to attend family learning events

Where independent adult users have come to a site accompanied by a child the site will make clear that the adult is entirely responsible for their child whilst on the premises.

  • Children must be accompanied at all times and in all areas by a responsible adult

Young people are welcome to come to use LMA as independent visitors

  • Young people under the age of 14 should be accompanied by an adult
  • Group size is limited to four people

Feedback

Please complete a comment form at LMA or email us at ask.lma@cityoflondon.gov.uk if you wish to give feedback on this policy.

This policy will be reviewed at least every two years to make sure it remains timely and relevant.

The policy was last reviewed in January 2020.

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