Parent Information Summary
(This page is for families. The full policy follows.)
Keeping Tamariki Safe at RASCALS
At RASCALS, the safety and wellbeing of tamariki is our highest priority. We provide a caring, respectful environment where children feel safe, supported, and able to enjoy their time after school.
How we protect children
Children are supervised at all times
Staff are police vetted and trained in safeguarding
Positive guidance and clear routines are used
Physical punishment, shaming, or harmful practices are never used
We work closely with Raglan Area School to ensure consistent care
If we are worried about a child
Any concern about a child’s safety is taken seriously
Staff follow clear child protection procedures
We work with whānau wherever it is safe to do so
We involve appropriate agencies when needed to keep a child safe
Working with families
We value open, respectful communication with whānau and believe the best outcomes for children happen when we work together. Information is shared carefully and only when necessary to protect a child.
The full Child Protection Policy begins below.
Full Child Protection Policy
1. Purpose
RASCALS is committed to providing a safe, nurturing environment where tamariki are protected from harm. This policy outlines how RASCALS identifies, responds to, and manages concerns regarding child safety and wellbeing.
This policy aligns with:
Raglan Area School safeguarding expectations
The Children’s Act 2014
Oranga Tamariki practice guidelines
2. Partnership with Raglan Area School
RASCALS operates independently while working in close alignment with Raglan Area School. This partnership includes:
A shared commitment to safeguarding tamariki
Communication with school leadership when concerns intersect with the school day
Consistent expectations of staff behaviour and safe practice
Use of school spaces that support visibility, supervision, and wellbeing
RASCALS maintains its own reporting pathway and governance while respecting school procedures and community values.
3. Scope
This policy applies to all RASCALS staff, volunteers, contractors, and any adults engaged with the programme, including those working on-site at Raglan Area School.
4. Guiding Principles
Tamariki safety and wellbeing are paramount
Safeguarding is a shared responsibility
Concerns are acted on promptly and confidentially
Whānau involvement is valued unless it places a child at risk
Staff uphold both RASCALS and school safeguarding expectations
5. Definitions
Child abuse: Physical, emotional, or sexual abuse, or neglect, as defined under relevant legislation Neglect: Failure to meet a child’s basic physical or emotional needs Concern: Any situation or behaviour that raises doubt about a child’s safety or wellbeing DPCP (Designated Person for Child Protection): The nominated lead responsible for child safety responses
RASCALS DPCP: Programme Director – Kieran Hallgate Alternate DPCP: Senior RASCALS Supervisor (as delegated)
6. Roles and Responsibilities
6.1 All RASCALS Staff
Maintain safe, professional behaviour
Remain alert to signs of harm or risk
Report concerns immediately through the correct process
Work respectfully with school staff when concerns involve the school day
6.2 Designated Person for Child Protection (DPCP)
Lead all child protection responses
Assess and document concerns
Contact Oranga Tamariki or Police when required
Inform school leadership when appropriate
Maintain confidential records
Provide safeguarding guidance and training
6.3 Programme Owner / Manager
Ensure this policy is implemented and reviewed
Ensure staff are vetted, inducted, and supported
Maintain a positive safeguarding partnership with the school
7. Safe Practice Expectations
7.1 Professional Boundaries
No social media contact with tamariki
No secrecy, favouritism, or special gifts
Behaviour must align with RASCALS and school expectations
7.2 Physical Contact
Physical contact must be:
Necessary and appropriate
Child-led where possible
Visible to others
Never involving private areas of the body
7.3 Supervision
Tamariki are supervised at all times
Indoor and outdoor spaces are used to support visibility
One-on-one isolation with children is avoided
7.4 Behaviour Guidance
Positive reinforcement and restorative approaches are used
Physical punishment, humiliation, or shaming is prohibited
Behaviour support plans may be shared with the school where relevant
7.5 Toileting
Staff supervise bathroom areas without entering cubicles unless essential
School bathroom safety expectations are followed
7.6 Media and Photos
Photos are taken only for approved programme purposes
Stored on RASCALS devices only
Permission is collected through enrolment
8. Identifying Concerns
Concerns may arise from:
Changes in behaviour or mood
Physical injuries
Emotional distress
Disclosures
Unsafe interactions or environments
Signs of neglect
Concerning adult behaviour
Uncertainty does not mean inaction. All concerns must be reported.
9. Responding to Disclosures
Staff must:
Listen calmly and respectfully
Reassure the child they did the right thing
Not promise secrecy
Avoid questioning or investigating
Report immediately to the DPCP
Record factual information only
10. Reporting Process (RASCALS Pathway)
Staff becomes aware of a concern
Staff immediately informs the DPCP
DPCP records and assesses information
Whānau are contacted where safe and appropriate
If risk is serious or immediate, the DPCP contacts:
Oranga Tamariki: 0508 326 459
NZ Police: 111
Raglan Area School leadership is informed when:
The concern relates to school hours or settings
A pattern may extend across environments
Collaboration supports child wellbeing
Staff must not investigate or notify parents independently unless directed. This ensures concerns are handled safely, consistently, and in the child’s best interests.
11. Allegations Against RASCALS Staff
The staff member is removed from direct child contact
Oranga Tamariki and/or Police are contacted
Employment processes are managed by the Programme Manager
The school is notified where relevant
Confidentiality is maintained
12. Information Sharing
Information may be shared with:
Raglan Area School leadership
Oranga Tamariki
New Zealand Police
Other authorised agencies
Information is shared only when necessary to protect a child.
13. Record Keeping
Records must:
Be factual, dated, and signed
Include direct quotes where possible
Be stored securely by the DPCP
Be retained for a minimum of 7 years
14. Staff Training and Vetting
All staff must have current NZ Police Vetting
Safeguarding induction occurs before first shift
Annual refresher training is required
