Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy

Designated child protection officer:  Name: Mr Anton McKenzie-Waldron Contact details: 07930161023 Designated Deputy for child protection: Name: N/A Contact details:  Child Protection Referral Contact Details Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) - Brent Name: Email: brent.lado@brent.gov.uk / customer.services@brent.gov.uk Telephone: 020 8937 4300 Out of hours: 020 8863 5250   Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) - Chiswick Name: Email: Telephone:  For Further Information: London Safeguarding Children Board Website: www.londonscb.gov.uk

Club Sporters welcomes all children of all abilities, irrespective of race or gender. We see ‘Safeguarding’ as a priority, and concern for everyone for the protection of our children/ young people.

Safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children is everyone's responsibility. Everyone who comes into contact with our 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.

Policy Aims

 The purpose of this policy is to: 

1. Identify the names of responsible persons in Club Sporters and explain the purpose of their role.
2. Describe what should be done if anyone on camp has a concern about the safety and welfare of a child who attends the camp.
3. Identify the particular attention that should be paid to those children who fall into a category that might be deemed "vulnerable".
4. Set out expectations in respect of training.

Ensure that those responsible for recruitment are aware of how to apply safeguarding principles in employing staff.

5. Set out expectations of how to ensure children are safeguarded when there is potential to come into contact with non staff, e.g. volunteers, parents etc.
6. Outline how complaints against staff will be handled.
7. Set out expectations regarding record keeping.

Outline how the implementation of this policy will be monitored. Clarify how children will be kept safe through the everyday life on camp.

Definitions

Child abuse is taken to refer to any child of under 18 years who, through the actions of adults (with a caring role for that child) or their failure to act, has suffered or is at risk of suffering significant harm.

For Club Sporters, abuse is broadly divided into three categories: Neglect, Physical Injury and Emotional Abuse. Brief definitions are given below.

Categories of Abuse

Neglect is the persistent failure to meet a child's basic physical and/or psychological needs, likely to result in the serious impairment of the child's health or development. It may involve a parent or carer failing to provide adequate food, shelter or clothing, failing to protect a child from physical harm or danger or the failure to ensure access to appropriate medical care and treatment. It may also include neglect of, or unresponsiveness to a child's basic emotional needs.

Physical abuse may involve hitting, shaking, throwing, poisoning, burning or scalding, drowning, suffocating or otherwise causing physical harm to a child. Physical harm may also be caused when a parent or carer feigns the symptoms of, or deliberately causes ill health to a child who they are looking after. This situation is now known as illness fabricated or induced by carer (previously Munchausen Syndrome by Proxy).

Emotional abuse is the persistent ill treatment of a child, such as to cause severe and persistent adverse effects on the child's emotional development. It may involve conveying to children that they are worthless or unloved, inadequate or valued only insofar as they meet the needs of the other person. It may feature age or developmentally inappropriate expectations being imposed on children. It may involve causing children frequently to feel frightened or in danger, or the exploitation or corruption of children. Some level of emotional abuse is involved in all types of ill treatment of a child although it may occur alone. It is important to recognise that many children will be living (or may have lived) in families where Domestic Abuse is a factor, and that these situations have a harmful impact on children emotionally, as well as placing them at risk of physical harm. The definition of Domestic abuse is below:

Any incident or pattern of incidents of controlling, coercive or threatening behaviour, violence or abuse between those aged 16 or over who are or have been intimate partners or family members regardless of gender or sexuality.

Female Genital Mutilation

It is accepted that some female pupils in our holiday clubs may be at risk of being subject to Female Genital Mutilation (FGM). FGM is defined by the World Health Organisation as: all procedures which involve partial or total removal of the external female genitalia or injury to female genital organs for non-therapeutic reasons. FGM is considered as a cultural norm by some communities and some also consider FGM necessary for religious reasons.

We will always challenge such abusive cultural norms as the welfare and safety of the child is always paramount, equally we also recognise that FGM is not endorsed as a religious practice. In any event it is illegal in the UK to subject any child to FGM or to take a child abroad to undergo FGM. Young Sporters & Leisure will follow the procedures for dealing with cases of FGM as set out in the London Child Protection Procedures.

From a Child Protection perspective a child for whom FGM is planned is at risk of significant harm through physical and emotional abuse, it may also be considered as sexual abuse.

If any member of staff receives a disclosure or is aware that a FGM is about to happen this must be disclosed to the Designated Senior Person for Child Protection without delay so that the appropriate referrals may be made and/or protective measures may be put in place, especially as the child/ren may be taken out of the country.

Mobile Phones and other devices

Club Sporters recognises that children, who walk to and from holiday clubs and football coaching without an accompanying adult, may carry a mobile phone for safety. In these cases, children may, with authorisation bring a mobile phone onto the school premises but must deposit it with their playworker and collect it from them at the end of the day.

Parents should be aware that whilst there are obvious benefits to the children having a mobile phone in terms of personal safety there are also some associated risks such as potential for theft, bullying and inappropriate contact, including grooming by unsuitable persons.

Whilst we will take every reasonable care, we accept no responsibility whatsoever for theft, loss, damage or health effects (potential or actual) relating to mobile phones.

If a member of the staff has any suspicion that a mobile phone brought onto camp or football club by a pupil has unsuitable material stored on it, the pupil will be required to hand over the phone immediately to a member of staff and parents will be asked to collect it from a member of the Club Sporters team. In circumstances where there is a suspicion that the material on the mobile phone may provide evidence relating to a criminal offence the phone will be handed over to the Head coach for further investigation. The Head coach will also contact social services or the police if it felt that there is a safeguarding issue or a criminal offence.

Visitors and Parents/Carers

Club Sporters will display a notice advising visitors and parents/carers that mobile phones are not to be used in all necessary areas. This includes all uses including phone calls, texting and photographing. If a visitor or parent/carer is seen using their mobile phone, they will be asked not to use it.

It is recognised that many parents/carers use their mobile phone as a camera/video device to record their child at special performances on camp e.g. training, matches, etc. A member of staff will regularly remind parents/carers that they should not use these devices.

Staff

Club Sporters prohibits the use of personal mobile phones by staff when working with children on site and prohibits the use of personal mobile phones and other mobile devices such as tablets by parent helpers or visitors when on the camp premises.

Club Sporters that employees/volunteers will bring their mobile phones/devices to work and onto the camp premises.

1. Mobile phones should not be used in a space where children are, or could be, present (e.g. dining room, pitch).
2. Mobile phones and cameras should only be used away from the children and where possible, off site.
3. Staff/volunteers are not permitted to make or receive call or texts whilst on the pitch or in the dining room.

Staff/volunteers should ensure that mobile phones are locked and turned off or silent at all times while on camp premises.

4. Staff/volunteers are not at any time permitted to use personal recording equipment on their mobile phones/devices, for example: to take photographs or videos of children.

Mental Health and Behaviour

In order to help our pupils succeed, we recognise that Young Sporters plays an important role in supporting them to be resilient and mentally healthy

We will ensure that pupils and their families are enabled to participate as fully as possible in decisions and are provided with information and support

1. Risk factors are cumulative, and children exposed to multiple risks are more likely to develop behavioural or mental health problems.We recognise that some children are more at risk of developing mental health problems than others. These risks can relate to the child, their family or to community and life events

Allegations against other pupils which are safeguarding issues

Occasionally, allegations may be made against students by others on camp, which are of a safeguarding nature. Safeguarding issues raised in this way may include physical abuse or emotional abuse. It is likely that, to be considered a safeguarding allegation against a pupil, some of the following features will be found.

If the allegation:-

Is made against an older pupil and refers to their behaviour towards a younger pupil or a more vulnerable pupil

1. Is of a serious nature, possibly including a criminal offence
2. Raises risk factors for other pupils on camp
3. Indicates that other pupils may have been affected by this student
4. Indicates that young people on camp may be affected by this student

Examples of safeguarding issues against a student could include:

Physical Abuse

1. Violence, particularly pre-planned
2. Emotional Abuse
3. Threats and intimidation

Blackmail or bribery

1. Indecent exposure, indecent touching.
2. Procedure:Forcing others to do things they don’t want to do (I.e share food, sit elsewhere).

When an allegation is made by a pupil against another student, members of staff should consider whether the complaint raises a safeguarding concern. If there is a safeguarding concern the designated safeguarding lead (DSL) should be informed.

A factual record should be made of the allegation, but no attempt at this stage should be made to investigate the circumstances.

The DSL will follow through the outcomes of the discussion and make a referral where appropriate.

If the allegation indicates that a potential criminal offence has taken place, The Senior Leadership on camp will refer the case where the police may become involved.

Parents, of both the student being complained about and the alleged victim, should be informed and kept updated on the progress of the referral.

The DSL will make a record of the concern, the discussion and any outcome and keep a copy in the files of both pupils' files.

It may be appropriate to exclude the pupil being complained about for a period of time Where neither social services nor the police accept the complaint, a thorough school investigation should take place into the matter.

Responsibilities and immediate action

All adults working on camp (volunteers and students on work experience) are required to report instances of actual or suspected child abuse or neglect to the Designated Person with responsibility for child protection. All staff are required to identify children who may benefit from early help as soon as the problem emerges. Any requirements should be discussed with the Designated Lead or the Headteacher and staff may be required to support other agencies and professionals in an early help assessment.

The Designated Person is: Mr Anton McKenzie
The Deputy Designated Person(s): N/A

The Designated Person is also the first point of contact for external agencies that are pursuing Child Protection investigations. When an individual concern/incident is brought to the notice of the Designated Person, they will be responsible for deciding upon whether or not this should be reported as a safeguarding issue. Where there is any doubt as to the seriousness of this concern, or disagreement between the Designated Person and the member of staff reporting the concern, advice will be sought from local Authority Family Front Door Service

In most cases the parent/carer will normally be contacted before a referral is made to Children's Social Care (Children's Services).

When a child makes a disclosure, all staff will ensure that an appropriate level of confidentiality is be maintained whilst at the same time liaise with relevant professionals such as the designated safeguarding lead and children's social care. Staff will never promise a child that they will not tell anyone about an allegation, as this may ultimately not be in the best interests of the child.

All incidents of prejudicial behaviour will be reported directly to the Head/Deputy. If deemed necessary, serious incidents will be discussed and referred Brent multi- agency safeguarding hub team (MASH team).

Procedures

Club Sporters will carry out daily registrations.

This policy covers those instances where:

1. The reason for absence is unclear or unexplained.

The Company’s DSL will then follow the procedure detailed on the camp's Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy including keeping a log where responses and outcome will be recorded.In these instances the camp's Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL), Anton McKenzie or in his absence, Mr Ade Ogundimu, the Head coach should be consulted and, if appropriate, a Child Protection Incident/Welfare Concern Form should be completed.

Training

External training on safeguarding issues will be organised on at least yearly basis. In addition, all staff members will receive safeguarding and child protection updates via email and staff meetings, to provide them with relevant skills and up to date knowledge to safeguard children effectively. All newly recruited staff will be informed of this policy and will be required to attend relevant Safeguarding training. In addition, all new staff and temporary staff will be required to attend an induction session with the Designated Person on their first day in the schools or on camps.

Club Sporters is committed to the process of becoming a safe organisation. Safe recruitment processes are followed and all staff recruited to Young Sporters will be subject to appropriate identity, qualification and health checks. References will be verified and DBS checks undertaken. DBS checks on all staff will be updated on a yearly cycle.

Volunteers

Any parent or other person/organisation engaged by Club Sporters to work in a voluntary capacity with pupils will be subjected to all reasonable vetting procedures. Where it is not appropriate to instigate an enhanced DBS check for volunteers, they may be required to provide references and will be asked to sign a declaration that they have not been convicted of any criminal or disciplinary offence which could preclude their employment as a worker with children. Volunteers will work under the direct supervision of an established staff member and will be subject to the same code of conduct as paid employees of Young Sporters. Volunteers will at no time be given responsibility for the personal care of pupils.

Staff Code of Conduct

Except in cases of emergency, first aid will only be administered by qualified first aiders. If it is necessary for the child to remove clothing for first aid treatment (I.e socks or jumper), there will, wherever possible, be another adult present. All first aid treatment will be recorded and shared with parents/carers at the earliest opportunity.All staff (paid and voluntary) are expected to adhere to a code of conduct in respect of their contact with pupils and their families. Children will be treated with respect and dignity. Whilst it would be unrealistic and undesirable to preclude all physical contact between adults and children, staff are expected to exercise caution and avoid placing themselves in a position where their actions might be open to criticism or misinterpretation. Where incidents occur which might otherwise be misconstrued, or in the exceptional circumstances where it becomes necessary to physically restrain a pupil for their own protection or others' safety, this will be appropriately recorded and reported to the Head coach and parents. Any physical restraint used will comply with DfE guidance.

Children requiring regular medication or therapies for long-term medical conditions will be made the subject of a Care Plan that has been agreed with the parents and health authority. For their own safety and protection, staff should exercise caution in situations where they are alone with pupils. All rooms that are used for registration or meetings with pupils will have clear and unobstructed glass panels in the doors.

Young Sporters & Leisure staff should also be alert to the possible risks that might arise from social contact with pupils outside of holiday camps. Staff will not disclose their personal telephone numbers and email addresses to pupils or parents.

Allegations made against staff

Club Sporters takes seriously all complaints made against members of their team. Procedures are in place for pupils, parents and staff to share any concern that they may have about the actions of any member staff or volunteer. All such complaints will be brought immediately to the attention of the Head coach (or Deputy), in order that they may activate the appropriate procedures. If the allegation concerns alleged minor physical restraint, mishandling or verbal abuse, this will normally be dealt with under the company's Complaints Procedure.

The following situations are always to be referred to the Local Authority Designated person (LADO):

1. An allegation that a member of staff has seriously harmed a child
2. An allegation that has been reported to the Police or Children's Services by the child or parent.
3. An allegation involving a child who is Looked After in Public Care.

    An allegation involving a child who has a disability or Statement of Special Educational Needs.

If the complaint concerns alleged abuse by the Lead Playworker who is not the Designated Person for Safeguarding, this should be brought to the attention of the Designated Person, who will inform the LADO. Any complaint concerning alleged abuse by the Designated Person whether it is the Head Playworker or another member of staff should be reported to the Deputy Designated Person. In considering whether or not a referral to Children's Services is appropriate, the Head playworker may seek advice from the local council and human resources advisers.

Force may be used either to control or restrain. This can range from guiding a pupil to safety by the arm through to more extreme circumstances such as breaking up a fight or where a student needs to be restrained to prevent violence or injury.

Restraint means to hold back physically or to bring a pupil under control. It is typically used in more extreme circumstances, for example when two pupils are fighting and refuse to separate without physical intervention.

In an emergency, (e.g. if a pupil is at immediate risk of injury or on the point of inflicting injury), any member of staff is entitled to intervene. Regardless of the seriousness of the pupil's misbehaviour or the degree of provocation, it remains unlawful for staff to use any degree of physical contact which is deliberately intended to punish a pupil, or which is primarily intended to cause pain or injury or humiliation. Staff may find it necessary to exercise the right to restrain a child in the following circumstances:

1. Using an object as a weapon to threaten others
2. Acting in a manner that may cause injury to themselves or others
3. Attempting to leave the holiday camp premises (only if at risk when not kept within the confines of the land.)
4. This applies, at any time, where staff are on the school premises.

If a member of staff is unable to control a child by these means the Head coach or a senior staff member should be sent for immediately.

An incident involving physical restraint should be reported orally straight after the event to the Head coach or a senior member of staff and a written report should be provided as soon as possible afterwards.

Records

Brief and accurate written notes will be kept of all incidents and child protection or child in need concerns relating to individual pupils. This information may be shared with other agencies as appropriate.

Child protection records are not open to pupils or parents. CP records are kept securely by the Designated Person and separately from other records. They may only be accessed by the Designated Person, their Deputy and the senior managers of Young Sporters. Referrals will be made to Children's Services on a Common Assessment Framework form online, with copies sent securely to Children's Social Care.

Working in partnership with parents

It is our policy to work in partnership with parents or carers to secure the best outcomes for our children. We will therefore communicate as clearly as possible about the aims of Club Sporters holiday camps.

1. We will use clear statements in our brochures and correspondence.
2. We will be alert to the needs of parents/carers who do not have English as their first language.
3. We will keep parents informed as and when appropriate.