1. Purpose of this Policy

This policy explains how our youth club operates an open access model. In line with safeguarding best practice and NSPCC guidance, children and young people aged 8 years and above are permitted to arrive and leave the club independently, at times of their choosing, unless a parent or carer has agreed alternative arrangements with us.

2. Open Access Explained

• The youth club is not a registered childcare setting.
• We provide a safe, welcoming space where young people can access activities, support, and opportunities.
• Staff and volunteers are responsible for children while they are on the premises, but do not have responsibility for escorting them to or from the club.
• Once a child chooses to leave, they are no longer under the supervision of youth club staff.

3. Age & Independence

• The club is open to children and young people aged 8–19 years (up to 25 with additional needs).
• Children aged 8 and above may arrive and leave independently at any point during a session.
• Parents and carers are encouraged to discuss with their child whether they are ready for this level of independence.
• If a parent or carer wishes to restrict independent leaving (for example, requiring collection), they must inform staff in writing. Staff will do their best to support this request but cannot guarantee enforcement if a young person chooses to leave.

4. Safeguarding & Safety Measures

We are committed to safeguarding all children and young people in our care. In line with NSPCC principles, we:

• Maintain a register of all children present at each session.
• Ensure staff are safeguarding-trained and follow safer working practices.
• Support children to make safe choices about leaving the club (e.g., encouraging walking in pairs, avoiding unsafe routes).
• Promote awareness of local risks (roads, transport, community safety).
• If a child under 8 attempts to leave independently, staff will intervene and contact their parent/carer immediately.

5. Parental/Carer Responsibility

• Parents/carers remain ultimately responsible for their child’s safety outside of the club premises.
• We strongly encourage parents/carers to discuss clear arrangements with their child about:
  • how and when they may leave the club,
  • who they may leave with, and
  • what to do in an emergency.

6. Exceptions & Emergencies

• If staff have safeguarding concerns about a child leaving (e.g., appearing upset, unsafe to travel, collected by an unrecognised adult), they will follow the club’s Safeguarding Policy and may delay departure while contacting parents/carers.
• In an emergency (e.g., illness, injury, unsafe circumstances), staff will contact parents/carers immediately.

7. Communication

This policy is made available to all parents, carers, young people, and staff. It is reviewed annually or sooner if national guidance or safeguarding best practice changes.