Creating a Safe and Welcoming Environment for Children and Young People
Universities are primarily adult learning environments. However, children and young people may be present on campus for a variety of reasons.
Examples include:
- Open days and outreach activities.
- School and college visits.
- Summer schools.
- Community events.
- Graduation ceremonies.
- Family-friendly events.
- Visitors accompanying students or staff.
- University-led activities involving children and young people.
The University is committed to creating a safe, welcoming and inclusive environment for everyone, including children and young people.
Safeguarding is everyone's responsibility.
Who Is Responsible for Children on Campus?
Parents, guardians and carers remain responsible for the supervision, safety and welfare of children attending campus unless alternative arrangements have been formally agreed as part of an organised university activity.
Children should not be left unsupervised in:
- Teaching rooms.
- Laboratories.
- Workshops.
- Student accommodation.
- Libraries.
- Social learning spaces.
- Catering outlets.
- University buildings and grounds.
Certain areas may present additional health, safety or safeguarding risks and may not be suitable for children.
Children Attending Organised University Events
Many university activities are specifically designed for children and young people.
Examples include:
- Outreach programmes.
- School visits.
- Open days.
- Taster sessions.
- Summer schools.
- Community engagement projects.
- Family events.
These activities will normally be subject to safeguarding planning and risk assessment processes.
Where children are participating in organised activities, additional safeguarding measures may be in place to help ensure their safety and wellbeing.
Professional Conduct Around Children
All members of the University community should behave appropriately when children are present.
This includes:
✓ Maintaining appropriate professional boundaries.
✓ Using respectful language.
✓ Acting in ways that promote children's safety and wellbeing.
✓ Following instructions provided by event organisers.
✓ Reporting safeguarding concerns promptly.
Photography, Filming and Recording
Photography and filming are common at university events, particularly celebrations, open days and graduation ceremonies.
However, additional care is required whenever children are present.
Why Is This Important?
Photographs and videos may:
- Identify children.
- Reveal locations.
- Be shared widely online.
- Be copied, downloaded or redistributed.
Once an image is shared online, it can be difficult to control where it goes or who may access it.
University Photography
Where official photography or filming is taking place:
- Appropriate permissions and consent arrangements should be considered.
- Event organisers may identify areas where photography is restricted.
- Participants should follow guidance provided for the event.
Personal Photography
If you are taking photographs during a university event:
✓ Focus on members of your own family or group where possible.
✓ Be aware of who appears in the background.
✓ Respect requests not to be photographed.
✓ Consider whether individuals can be identified.
Avoid:
✗ Deliberately photographing children you do not know.
✗ Recording children participating in activities without permission.
✗ Sharing images of children online where appropriate consent has not been obtained.
✗ Uploading photographs that may compromise privacy or safeguarding arrangements.
Sharing Images on Social Media
Before posting photographs or videos online, ask yourself:
Do I have permission to share this image?
Does it contain children who are not part of my family?
Could a child be identified?
Could the image reveal personal information or location details?
Would parents or carers reasonably expect this image to be shared publicly?
Taking a photograph and publishing a photograph are not the same thing.
An image that seems harmless may create privacy or safeguarding concerns once shared online.
What If I Am Concerned About a Child?
You may become worried about a child who is:
- Visiting campus.
- Participating in a university activity.
- Connected to a student or member of staff.
Concerns may relate to:
- Safety.
- Abuse.
- Neglect.
- Exploitation.
- Significant welfare concerns.
If you are worried about a child's wellbeing or safety:
✓ Take the concern seriously.
✓ Seek advice promptly.
✓ Contact the University's safeguarding team.
✓ Raise a safeguarding concern where appropriate.
You do not need proof that harm has occurred before seeking advice.
Key Message
Children and young people may engage with the University in many different ways.
By acting responsibly, respecting safeguarding arrangements and taking care when photographing or sharing images, we can help create a safe, welcoming and inclusive environment for all children and families connected to our University community.