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Ace swim school - Safeguarding Policy Statement

 

Ace swim school is committed to providing an environment in which all children participating in its activities have a safe and positive experience.

 

To achieve this Ace swim school agrees to:

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  • Recognise that all children participating in activities regardless of their age, gender, race, faith, sexual orientation, and ability have the right to enjoy their involvement in our sports in a safe environment and be protected from harm.


 

  • Ensure that all individuals who work or volunteer with children in our organisation provide a positive, safe and enjoyable experience for children.


 

  • Appoint a Welfare Officer with the necessary skills. 


 

  • Ensure that the Welfare Officers’ name and contact details are known to all staff.


 

  • Ensure that all individuals who work with children in the organisation have undertaken the appropriate training and have had the relevant DBS checks


 

  • Provide all members of the organisation and parents/guardians of members under 18 with the opportunity to raise concerns in relation to a child’s welfare in a safe and confidential manner.


 

  • Ensure that all child safeguarding matters, whether they be concerns about child welfare or protection, are dealt with appropriately.


 

  • Ensure that confidentiality is always maintained and in line with the best interests of the child.


 

  • Ensure all information relating to child safeguarding matters are held safely and securely.

 

 

  • Photography/videos are forbidden in and around the pool area and changing rooms unless previous consent has been given.

 

                        

Different types of abuse:

 

  • Physical abuse: Anything that can cause physical harm.

  • Emotional abuse: Persistent emotional maltreatment.

  • Sexual abuse: Forcing or enticing any one to take part in sexual activity.

  • Neglect: Persistent failure to meet a person’s basic needs.

 

Signs and indicators:

 

  • Unexplained bruises or other injuries.

  • Poor appearance or hygiene.

  • Recurring untreated health problems.

  • Not meeting developmental milestones.

  • Being left alone.

  • Unsuitable home environment.

  • A child’s behaviour can also help indicate they are being abused. Look out for signs that a child is unsettled or unhappy.

  • Withdrawn.

  • Sudden behaviour changes.

  • Anxiety.

  • Clingy.

  • Depressed.

  • Aggressive.

  • Self-harm.

 

Ways abuse may be brought to your attention:

 

  • Direct disclosure by the child.

  • Disclosure about another child.

  • A child may offer worrying information.

  • Member of staff may be concerned about appearance or behaviour of a child or parent.

  • Parent or carer may make a disclosure.

 

  • What to say:

 

  • Reassure the child that telling someone about it was the right thing to do.

  • Tell them that you now must do what you can to keep them safe.

  • Let the child know that you will need to tell other people.

  • Let them tell their whole story, but do not lead or quiz them at all.

  • Make sure you are clear about what they are telling you.

  • Give the child the ChildLine number 0800 1111.

 

  • What to do:

 

  • Never be alone with a child.

  • Make a clear record of what has happened or the concerns you have.

  • Share these with someone. This may be by discussion or your written records.

  • Decide on what action to take. It may help to ask advice concerning this especially from the lead teacher.

  • Written records should be signed and dated by all individuals concerned.

  • If any member of staff or parent has concerns for a child’s wellbeing, they must make confidential weekly notes of events. If these concerns continue, they must then be raised with the Child welfare officer.

  • This will possibly be dealt with in house depending on its nature or reported to the correct authorities.

  • Incidents/concerns will be directed to our Lead Child Welfare officer, Cassie Bolton 07930453185 or Claire Chapman 07973 796025

 

  • Alternatively, you could contact or speak to one of the following about your concerns:

  • Children's social care on 0345 603 762

  • NSPCC: 0808 800 5000

  • Local Police: 01245 491491

  • Social services: 0345 603 7627

  • ChildLine: 0800 1111

  • STA: 01922 645097

  • Swim England: 01509 618700

  • CEOP Child Exploitation and Online Protection www.ceop.police.uk 

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