Child Protection Policy

1st October 2022 – 30th September 2023

Renewal Date – 1st October 2023

Child Protection Officer – Andrew Robin

A MESSAGE FROM THE DIRECTORS

Our mission is to provide a high standard of sports coaching to those of all ages and abilities across Scotland and England. We hope that the work we are able to do with children and young adults will have a lasting impact on that individual’s life and hope to provide a service that compliments the work that is being done by parents, guardians, teachers and other coaches. We know that in order to succeed on this mission, it is essential to provide a safe and secure environment for all children at all times that they are under our care.

No child, young person or young adult should ever experience abuse of any kind. With that in mind, we also believe that as a leader in our industry we have a responsibility to promote the welfare of all children and young people to others and allow everyone the opportunity to train and learn in an environment that protects them.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

121 Sports Coaching acknowledges the duty of care to safeguard and promote the welfare of children against the statutory requirements of Disclosure Scotland, the Scottish Government and The Disclosure and Barring Service and the UK Government. This policy has been drawn up on the basis of legislation, policy and guidance that seeks to protect children in England and Scotland. A summary of the key legislation is available from www.nspcc.org.uk/learning.

The happiness, well-being and safety of children within our sessions is at the forefront of everything we do. It is important to us that children are safe and happy during our sessions and the following policy details the measures we have in place to facilitate these beliefs and statutory requirements.

This policy also outlines how we ensure all children are protected and provided with a fair and fun playing environment regardless of age, gender, disability, race, religion and background.

(A child is defined as a person under the age of 18 – The Children Act 2004)

POLICY AIMS
  • To provide a consistently safe, fun and equal environment for all children and young people who receive coaching from 121 Sports Coaching.
  • Promote good practice from coaches and employees by educating and guiding them on their responsibility to children and young people.
  • To outline Child Protection procedures.
PROVIDING A CONSISTENTLY SAFE, FUN AND EQUAL ENVIROMENT

To ensure 121 Sports Coaching provide a safe, fun and equal environment we adhere to:

  • Have an active child protection policy in place (this policy).
  • Keep confidential, detailed and accurate records of all safeguarding, maintaining these regularly and storing securely.
  • Take appropriate action when incidents or concerns occur, with support provided to the individuals who raise the concerns.
  • Promote and prioritise the safety of children.
  • Ensuring all coaches and staff are fully PVG registered with Disclosure Scotland or relevant other (DBS in England) and refreshed as and when legislation changes.
  • Prevent the employment of unsuitable individuals.
PROMOTE GOOD PRACTICE

All 121 Sports Coaching staff, coaches, children and parents will be encouraged to behave in an appropriate manor towards the safeguarding and children’s general welfare within our sessions/workplace. The following guidelines and operational structures are in place to ensure we offer people within our organisation the relevant information and measures towards good practice.

  • Treat all children equally, with respect and dignity.
  • Ensure sessions are carried out in an open and welcoming environment and, when possible, witnessed by others.
  • Prioritising child’s welfare over everything else within our sessions.
  • Maintaining an appropriate distance with children.
  • Make our sessions fun and inclusive without judgment or criticism.
  • Involving parents wherever possible i.e. taking children to changing rooms or toilets and ensuring they are aware they are responsible for their children before, during and after sessions.
  • Offering enthusiastic/positive feedback and support at all times.
  • Having active accident, insurance and first aid cover in place including any hired/rented venue and facility providers.
MONITORING

Our policy will be reviewed and updated annually after development or in the following circumstances:

  • Changes to legislation/and or government guidance.
  • As a result of any other significant change or event.

This policy will be a working document within our organisation and the above operational guidelines will adhered to on a daily basis and communicated throughout our coaches, staff and organisation through various channels.

CONTACT DETAILS

Designated Safeguarding Officer (DSO)

Name: Andrew Robin (Company Director)

Phone/Email: 0141 638 0773 / admin@121Sportscoaching.co.uk

Signed: 01/10/2022