The purpose of this policy is:

• To protect children and young people who receive Riverside Gymnastics Club’s services.
• The term ‘children’ refers to anyone under 18 years of age

Legal Framework:

• This policy has been drawn up on the basis of legislation, policy and guidance that seeks to protect children in England, Scotland, Wales & Northern Island. A summary of the key legislation and guidance is available from nspcc.org.uk/childprotection

We believe that:

• Children and young people should never experience abuse of any kind.
• We have a responsibility to promote the welfare of all children and young people, to keep them safe and to practise in a way that protects them. 

We recognise that:

• Children have the right to be protected from harm.
• The welfare of the child is paramount.
• Everyone has a responsibility to promote the welfare of all children and young people, to keep them safe and to practise in a way that protects them.
• All children regardless of their age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation have an equal right to protection from harm or abuse.
• Some children are additionally vulnerable because of the impact of discrimination, previous experiences, their level of dependency, communication needs or other issues.
• Working in partnership with children, young people, their parents, carers and other agencies is essential in promoting young people’s welfare. 

We will seek to keep children and young people safe by:

• Listening to children, valuing and respecting them.
• Appointing a nominated child safeguarding lead. 
• Developing child protection and safeguarding policies and procedures which reflect best practice.
• Using our safeguarding procedures to share concerns and relevant information with agencies who need to know, and involving children, young people, parents, families and carers appropriately. 
• Creating and maintaining an anti-bullying environment.
• Recruiting staff and volunteers safely, ensuring all necessary checks are made. 
• Implementing a code of conduct for staff and volunteers.
• Using our procedures to manage any allegations against staff and volunteers appropriately.
• Ensuring that we have effective complaints and whistleblowing measures in place. 
• Ensuring that we provide a safe physical environment for children, young people, staff and volunteers, by applying health and safety measures in accordance with the law and regulatory guidance. 
• Recording and storing information professionally and securely, in line with data protection legislation and guidance. 

Designated Safeguard Lead

Alison Kemish

Phone:  07790 025324

Email:  alisonkemish@aol.com

NSPCC Helpline 

0808 800 5000

Childline

0800 1111

This document was last updated 20 November 2023.