Little Swimming company
Safeguarding Policy
Date of Policy: Reviewed 10/10/2024

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Statement of Purpose

Little Swimming Company works with children and families as part of its activities. These include the provision of aquatic instruction. The purpose of this policy is to provide customers with the company’s safeguarding policy.

Please note, throughout the guidance the term child/children is used; this also refers to and includes young people and vulnerable adults.

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Safeguarding Principles

Little Swimming Company ensures that teachers;

• Receive safeguarding training appropriate to their role.

• Is subject, depending on their role, to the appropriate DBS check.

• Agrees to adhere to the company safeguarding policy.

All Instructors agree to:

• Act appropriately and professionally in the presence of children.

• Maintain a child-centred approach ensuring the child’s welfare is paramount.

• Remain alert and aware of possible safeguarding risks to children.

• Ensure all participants, regardless of age, ability, culture, disability, gender, language, racial origin, religious belief, and/or sexual identity, are protected from abuse.

• Take all suspicions and allegations of abuse seriously and respond swiftly and appropriately.

• Challenge any inappropriate or harmful behavior.

• Not take inappropriate risks.

• Understand the duty to report concerns in line with child protection procedures.

• Recognise the statutory responsibility and commit to working together with the police, local authority safeguarding teams, and the NSPCC to ensure the welfare of children.

• Agree to adhere to legislation regarding Position of Trust.

Recognition of Abuse

Instructors will adhere to the latest guidance provided by the NSPCC:

• Spotting Signs of Child Abuse

• Types of Abuse

Disclosure from a Child

Employees will follow NSPCC guidelines when handling disclosures:

• What to Do if a Child Reveals Abuse

Concerns Regarding a Child

• If the child is in immediate harm, contact emergency services immediately.

• If the child is not in immediate danger, contact the Designated Safeguarding Officer in writing within 24 hours.

The Designated Safeguarding Officer will determine whether:

• The incident needs reporting to local authorities.

• The incident can be addressed by speaking to parents/guardians.

• The concern is a poor practice issue rather than a safeguarding concern

Allegations of Abuse Against Instructors

• Any suspicion that a child has been abused by an employee must be reported to the Designated Safeguarding Officer, who will take necessary steps to ensure the child’s safety.

• The Designated Safeguarding Officer will refer the allegation to the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) immediately.

• If the allegation is about poor practice rather than abuse, the company should handle it as a misconduct issue.

Safe Use of Changing Rooms

Little Swimming Company adheres to the Child Protection in Sport Unit’s ‘Safe Use of Changing Facilities’ guidelines.

 

Non-Recent Historic Abuse

Little Swimming Company follows NSPCC guidance regarding non-recent historic abuse.

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Reporting Incidents/Disclosures

Please report incidents/concerns to:

Company Designated Safeguarding Officer

• Danielle Dickinson

• Email: dani@littleswimmingco.co.uk

• Telephone: 07702211891