At First Step Robotics, we are committed to ensuring the safety and wellbeing of all children and young people who engage with our activities across Scotland. We believe that every child has the right to grow up in a safe, supportive, and respectful environment where their welfare is paramount.
This policy outlines how we protect children and young people through preventative measures, early intervention, and clear response procedures. It applies to all staff, volunteers, and representatives acting on behalf of First Step Robotics.
Our safeguarding policy is underpinned by the following Scottish legislation and guidance:
Children and Young People (Scotland) Act 2014
National Guidance for Child Protection in Scotland 2021
Getting it right for every child (GIRFEC)
United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC)
Disclosure (Scotland) Act 2020
Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) Scheme
We are committed to:
Promoting a child-centred approach in line with GIRFEC principles.
Recognising and responding to concerns about a child’s wellbeing or protection.
Creating an environment where children and young people feel respected, valued, and safe.
Ensuring all staff and volunteers are recruited safely and trained in child protection.
Working in partnership with families, schools, and local safeguarding partners.
We adopt the GIRFEC wellbeing indicators: Safe, Healthy, Achieving, Nurtured, Active, Respected, Responsible, and Included (SHANARRI) to understand a child’s needs.
We are alert to potential risks, including:
Physical, emotional, sexual abuse or neglect
Online harm or exploitation
Bullying, including cyberbullying
Domestic abuse or adverse childhood experiences
Mental health concerns or self-harm
All concerns, regardless of severity, will be taken seriously.
Our DSO oversees the implementation of this policy, manages concerns, and liaises with local authorities (e.g., social work services or Police Scotland) when necessary.
DSO Contact: [Edoh Agbenokoudji, Email admin@firststeprobotics.com
Must complete child protection training relevant to their role.
Are responsible for identifying and reporting concerns promptly.
Must understand their duty to act in the best interests of the child.
We follow safer recruitment procedures including:
PVG Scheme membership through Disclosure Scotland for all staff and volunteers working with children.
Reference checks.
Safeguarding induction and regular refresher training.
We expect our team to:
Treat all children and young people with dignity and respect.
Maintain appropriate professional boundaries.
Avoid unsupervised 1:1 contact wherever possible.
Never use inappropriate or discriminatory language or behaviour.
Respect confidentiality while following appropriate disclosure procedures.
Given our digital and tech-based activities, we place strong emphasis on digital safeguarding:
Use secure and moderated platforms for communication.
Follow guidelines for safe online interaction with children.
Educate children, parents, and staff on online risks and safety practices.
If a child is at risk of harm or discloses abuse:
Listen carefully and reassure them they are being taken seriously.
Record the concern factually and accurately (date, time, who was involved, what was said/done).
Report immediately to the DSO or appropriate child protection contact.
We will never promise confidentiality where a child is at risk. All concerns will be passed to the appropriate statutory services, as required.
Information will only be shared where necessary to protect a child and in line with GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018. We will follow the principles of proportionate, relevant, and necessary sharing, in line with GIRFEC and national guidance.
This policy will be reviewed annually or in response to legislative updates or safeguarding incidents.
Designated Safeguarding Officer (DSO): Edoh Agbenokoudji
Email: admin@firststeprobotics.com
Phone: 07898746166,