Safeguarding children policy For East Herts Gymnastics Club
Introduction
EAST HERTS GYMNASTICS CLUB is a limited company run for the following purpose:
Gymnastics club
Address: 18B Mimram Road Hertford SG14 1NN
East Herts Gymnastics Club has adopted IGA safeguarding children policy, we are committed to safeguarding and protecting all children and young people at EHGC. As a club we will promote the highest standards of care.
This policy is intended to provide guidance and overarching principles to those who represent us as volunteers or staff, to guide our approach to child protection and safeguarding.
Safeguarding principles
Safeguarding children from harm and abuse is an essential responsibility for our club. We are committed to ensuring that any child who attends EHGC is properly safeguarded. Every person under this policy must ensure that they play an active role in ensuring that the children are properly safeguarded.
EHGC will endeavour to promote the highest standards of care for all members, staff and officials by;
- Adopting the IGA guidelines for the protection children and safeguarding
- Remaining alert and aware of possible safeguarding risks
- Ensuring a safe environment
- Ensuring staff are suitably trained in child protection and health and safety welfare concerns
- Ensuing the best coaching practice is followed at all times
- Ensuring that a minimum of 2 responsible adults are present during sessions at all times
- Taking positive steps to maintain the safety and wellbeing of the children
- Reporting concerns appropriately in line with child protection procedures
- Understand the duty to report specific concerns confidentially
- Having zero tolerance for poor practice, bullying or any other potential form of abuse
Risks to the children
Children can be vulnerable to different forms of abuse and harm. It is important to recognise the abuse. Children can be at risk of;
- Bullying and cyberbullying
- Child sexual exploitation
- Child trafficking
- Criminal exploitation and gangs
- Domestic abuse
- Emotional abuse
- Female genital mutilation
- Grooming – Neglect
- Non recent abuse
- Online abuse
- Physical abuse
- Sexual abuse
Safeguarding officer
Any question, report or concern in relation to safeguarding should be shared with our safeguarding officer.
Louise Whilmshurst – safeguardingofficerehgc@gmail.com
Confidentiality and data protection
All personal information we have relating to the children will be processed and stored in accordance to our privacy policy.
Responding to a safeguarding concern
If a child is at immediate risk of serious harm, an adult present should call 999. The safeguarding officer should be informed. If there is a safeguarding concern but no immediate risk of serious harm, the adult should consult the safeguarding officer as soon as possible.
If a child makes a disclosure relating to harm or abuse, the following actions should be taken;
- Listen calmly and carefully
- Provide reassurance
- Avoid making secrets or false promises (any concern needs to be shared with the safeguarding officer)
- Make a confidential written record of the discussion. This needs to include details of the disclosure stating time, place, people involved
- With any safeguarding concern, the safeguarding officer shall consult any other relevant persons and make appropriate referrals to relevant authorities, including IGA.
Disclosure and barring service (DBS) checks
DBS checks under the appropriate legislation should be undertaken wherever required. All employees who undertake activities with children will require a DBS check.
Consent forms
We shall always obtain written consent from the parent or guardian; these will include emergency contact details and will set out any specific safety needs/requirements for the child. All information is recorded via class 4 kids and will be stored in accordance with our data protection privacy policy.
First aid
We follow a first aid procedure within our company, any accident or injury concerning a child should be brought to the attention of the first aider and should thereafter be formally reported to the safeguarding officer.
Useful contacts;
NSPCC 08088005000 www.nspcc.org.uk
ChildLine 0800111 www.childline.org.uk
NSPCC child protection in sport unit 01163665590
mind – for better mental health 02085192122
East Herts Gymnastics Club are committed to reviewing our policy and good practice annually.