Child Safeguarding Policy
Date Effective: MAY 2022
Date for Review: MAY 2025.
1. Introduction
About Tanzania Early Childhood Education and Care (TECEC)
Tanzania Early Childhood Education and Care (TECEC) is committed to creating a safe and nurturing
environment for children attending our programs and activities. We prioritize the protection and
well-being of all children and believe that every child deserves to grow up in a safe and secure
environment. This Child Safeguarding Policy sets out our commitment, procedures, and guidelines
to ensure the safety and protection of children in our care.
2. Definitions
a) Child: Any person under the age of 18.
b) Staff: Employees, volunteers, trustees, consultants, or any individual associated with Tanzania
Early Childhood Education and Care (TECEC).
c) Safeguarding: Actions taken to ensure the safety, protection, and well-being of children.
3. Policy Objectives
a) To provide a safe and secure environment where children can learn and develop without any
risk.
b) To protect children from all forms of harm, abuse, neglect, or exploitation.
c) To create awareness among staff and stakeholders about child safeguarding principles and
practices.
d) To establish and follow appropriate procedures to effectively respond to concerns or allegations
of child abuse or misconduct.
4. Responsibilities
a) Board of Trustees: The Board will oversee the implementation and review of this policy, ensuring
compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.
b) Management: The organization’s management is responsible for creating a culture that
prioritizes child safeguarding and ensures its effective implementation.
Helping Every Child to Thrive in TANZANIA
c) Staff and Volunteers: All staff and volunteers are responsible for upholding this policy, reporting
concerns, and actively participating in safeguarding training and activities.
5. Recruitment and Screening
a) Thorough background checks will be conducted before hiring any staff or accepting volunteers.
This process includes verifying references, prior experience, and conducting criminal record
checks, in compliance with relevant laws and regulations.
b) All staff and volunteers will be required to provide updated contact information, complete and
sign a Child Safeguarding Declaration Form, and undergo regular training.
6. Staff Training and Awareness
a) All staff and volunteers will receive training on child safeguarding principles and procedures
during their induction.
b) Regular training will be provided to ensure staff have the necessary knowledge and skills to
identify signs of abuse, respond appropriately, and report concerns.
c) Awareness-raising activities will be conducted to ensure all stakeholders understand the
importance of child safeguarding and their role in creating a safe environment for children.
7. Reporting and Responding to Concerns
a) Everyone associated with Tanzania Early Childhood Education and Care (TECEC) has a
responsibility to report any concerns or suspicions of child abuse, neglect, or maltreatment
without delay.
b) The designated Child Safeguarding Officer will be responsible for receiving and handling all
concerns or allegations promptly and confidentially.
c) All allegations will be taken seriously and thoroughly investigated following established
procedures and in compliance with relevant laws and regulations.
d) Any necessary actions will be taken to ensure the safety of the child, including reporting
incidents to the appropriate authorities, providing support to the child, and taking disciplinary or
legal action against staff or volunteers involved if necessary.
e) Remote reporting can also be through toll free number 116
8. Confidentiality and Information Sharing
a) All information regarding concerns, allegations, or investigations will be treated confidentially
and shared only with individuals involved in the investigative process.
Helping Every Child to Thrive in TANZANIA
b) Only individuals with a need to know will have access to confidential information, keeping in
mind the best interests of the child and following legal and ethical obligations.
9. Monitoring and Review
a) This policy will be reviewed after three years basis or as necessary to ensure it remains relevant
and effective.
b) Records of staff training, reported concerns, and any actions taken will be maintained to assist
in monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness of this policy.
10. Policy Dissemination
a) This Child Safeguarding Policy will be made available to all staff, volunteers, parents, and
stakeholders connected with Tanzania Early Childhood Education and Care (TECEC).
b) The policy will be posted on the organization’s website, displayed in prominent areas, and
included in staff and volunteer handbooks.
By implementing this Child Safeguarding Policy, Tanzania Early Childhood Education and Care
(TECEC) we are committed to creating a safe environment where children can thrive and reach
their full potential. We aim to ensure that child safeguarding is embedded within our organization
and upheld by all individuals associated with us.
Reviewed and Approved by Board of Directors Tanzania Early Childhood Education and Care
(TECEC)
On This Date 14/ 05/2022 Signed and stamped
Chairman,
Board of Director