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Safeguarding Policy 

Parallel Sports Coaching Child Protection Policy Statement

 

Everyone who comes into contact with children and their families and carers has a role to play in safeguarding children. In order to fulfil this responsibility effectively, all professionals should make sure their approach is child-centred. This means that they should consider, at all times, what is in the best interests of the child.  (Keeping Children Safe in Education – DfE, 2018)

 

This policy has been drawn up, on the basis of law and guidance that seeks to protect children, namely:

 

  • Children Act 1989

  • United Convention of the Rights of a Child 1991

  • Data Protection Act 1998 and 2018

  • Sexual Offences Act 2003

  • Children Act 2004

  • Protection of Freedoms Act 2012

  • Relevant Government Guidance on Safeguarding Children

 

We recognise that the welfare of children is paramount, as enshrined in the Children Act 1989.

 

Duty of Care

The Company acknowledges the duty of care to safeguard and promote the welfare of children and is committed to ensuring safeguarding practice reflects statutory responsibilities, government guidance and complies with best practice and the respective governing body’s requirements.

 

The Company believes that it is always unacceptable for a child or young person to experience abuse of any kind and recognises its responsibility to safeguard the welfare of all children and young people, by a commitment to practice which protects them.

 

Our policy recognises that the welfare and interests of children is paramount in all circumstances. It aims to ensure that regardless of age, disability, gender, racial heritage, religious belief, sexual orientation or identity, have the right to equal protection from all types of harm or abuse, and that all children:

  • have a positive and enjoyable experience during their sports session, in a safe and child centred environment

  • are protected from abuse whilst participating in their sports session or outside of the activity

 

The Company acknowledges that some children, including disabled children and young people or those from ethnic minority communities, can be particularly vulnerable to abuse and accept responsibility to take reasonable and appropriate steps to ensure their welfare.

 

As part of our safeguarding policy, The Company will:

  • promote and prioritise the safety and wellbeing of children and young people

  • ensure everyone understands their roles and responsibilities in respect of safeguarding and is provided with appropriate learning opportunities to recognise, identify and respond to signs of abuse, neglect and other safeguarding concerns relating to children and young people

  • ensure appropriate action is taken in the event of incidents/concerns of abuse and support provided to the individual/s who raise or disclose the concern

  • ensure that confidential, detailed and accurate records of all safeguarding concerns are maintained and securely stored

  • obtain a full DBS check, conduct a full check of the barring list and conduct any other background checks required for coaches used by the company

  • prevent the employment / deployment of unsuitable individuals

  • ensure robust safeguarding arrangements and procedures are in operation  

 

Keeping children safe

The Company have the following expectations of their Coaches when attending a setting:

 

All coaches must:

  • Wear your visitor badge and ID badge at all times

  • Be aware that when you speak with childs, your language is open to interpretation

  • Report ANY unacceptable behaviour as soon as possible.

 

All coaches must not:

  1. Engage in any verbal or physical contact with childs unless it is appropriate and part of an agreed reason for your visit i.e. the sports session and those children who are attendees.

  2. Give any personal information or details to any child. E.g. your telephone number, email or social media details.

  3. Accept or respond to childs attempting to share their personal details with you.

  4. Put yourself in a situation of vulnerability i.e. unsupervised one-to-one with a child.

  • If a child has disclosed any information to you, please find a designated safeguarding officer or ask a member of staff to refer you to one at the Setting.

  • In this situation, ensure that you listen to the child and record all information that they share with you.

  1. DO NOT promise confidentiality or ask leading questions.  It is not your responsibility to investigate a disclosure.

  • Speak directly with one of the Designated Safeguarding Officers or ask a member of staff to refer you to one.

 

Policy Application

This policy applies to all staff, including Directors, paid staff, volunteers, contractors, freelance workers, agency staff, childs or anyone working on behalf or representing the Company.

 

Failure to comply with the policy and procedures will be addressed without delay and may ultimately result in dismissal or termination of an agreement with the Company.

 

Monitoring

This policy will be reviewed annually, or when the following occurs: -

• Changes in legislation and/or government guidance

• As required by the Local Safeguarding Children Board

• As a result of any other significant change or event

 

(Last reviewed September 2022).

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