Safeguarding policy statement

Note: The terms ‘child’, ‘children’ and ‘young person’ describe any person under the age of 18.

Our statement

Our organisation acknowledges its duty of care to safeguard and promote the welfare of children and young people. It is committed to ensuring safeguarding practice reflects statutory responsibilities, government guidance and complies with best practice and NAKMAS NGB requirements.

The policy recognises that the welfare and interests of children are paramount in all circumstances. It aims to ensure that regardless of age, ability or disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation, socio-economic background, all children:

·       have a positive and enjoyable experience at Yorkshire School of Martial Science in a safe and child-centred environment

·      are protected from abuse whilst participating in Martial Arts or outside of the activity.

We acknowledge that some children, including deaf and disabled children or those from Black, Asian and minoritised ethnic communities, can be particularly vulnerable to abuse and we accept the responsibility to take reasonable and appropriate steps to ensure their welfare.

Our policy

What we’ll do

As part of our safeguarding policy we will:

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

·      value, listen to and respect children

·      ensure robust safeguarding arrangements and procedures are in operation

·      adopt safeguarding best practice through our policies, procedures and code of conduct for staff and volunteers

·      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

·      provide effective management for staff and volunteers through supervision, support, training and quality assurance measures so that all staff and volunteers know about our policies, procedures and                 behaviour codes and follow them confidently and competently

·      ensure appropriate action is taken in the event of all incidents or concerns, from lower-level concerns and poor practice to more serious abuse

·      provide support to the individual(s) who raise or report the concern

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

·      record and store information securely, in line with data protection legislation and guidance 

·      prevent the employment or deployment of unsuitable individuals by recruiting and selecting staff and volunteers safely, ensuring all necessary checks are made

·      appoint a nominated safeguarding lead for children and young people and a welfare officer

·      develop and implement an effective online safety policy and related procedures

·      share information about safeguarding and good practice with children and their parents via links from our  website to the NGB’s website and via leaflets

·      make sure that children, young people and their parents know where to go for help if they have a concern

The policy and procedures will be widely promoted and are mandatory for everyone involved in Yorkshire School of Martial Science. Failure to comply with the policy and procedures will be addressed without delay and may ultimately result in dismissal or exclusion from the organisation.