Guidelines on Safeguarding for Tower Captains

Reviewed May 2024

Introduction

These Guidelines have been prepared to provide assistance for Tower Captains and those teaching and supervising children and/or vulnerable adults in the art of bell ringing. Tower Captains and trainers must be aware of, and adhere to, their local PCC safeguarding policies and procedures.

Guidelines:

• • Always have two adults present when children are involved with ringing.

  • Invite parents of trainees under the age of 18 to come and watch a training session before allowing their child to start to learn, and ensure the parents fully understand what is involved in learning to ring.

  • Ensure a parent completes a "permission to ring" form (refer to your local PCC).

  • Ensure you are aware of any medical conditions affecting the child being taught.

  • Keep contact details of parents to hand in case of emergency.

  • Obtain permission from parents to include their children in any ringing photographs or videos and for them to be published in printed form or on church/ringing websites or social media such as Facebook.

  • Make sure a parent is responsible for delivering the child to and collecting the child from the tower, but if a private arrangement is made for you to transport children always ensure that they travel in the back of the car and that you, plus one other adult is always present with the child/children.

  • Keep an attendance register.

  • Be aware of health and safety issues. Ask to see the PCC health and safety policy.

  • Never allow children up amongst the bells or other hazardous areas of the tower without parental permission and adult supervision, and never put them in any potentially dangerous situations.

  • Keep a first aid kit for minor accidents, and an accident log book.

Points to Check:

• • Ask your PCC for a copy of their Safeguarding Policy. Know the name for the person appointed by your church and the procedure to be followed in the event of a child making a disclosure about possible abuse.

  • Be aware of the church insurance position for children.

safeguarding@elyda.org.uk