Skills Development Training Safeguarding Children & Young People Policy

(2026-2027)

 

This Safeguarding policy is based on guidelines and legislation outlined in the following documents:

• Children Act 1989 and Children Act 2004 (England)

• Working Together to Safeguard Children 2026 (statutory guidance)

• Keeping Children Safe in Education 2026 (statutory guidance)

• Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975

• Protection of Freedoms Act 2012

• Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006 Safeguarding or Child ProtectionThe term child protection has been changed to safeguarding as it reflects the wider responsibility for health and safety and prevention as well as just protection from abuse.

 

The word safeguarding has been used with increasing frequency over the lastfew years in a wide range of settings and situations, going well beyond the world of children and child protection. It may be defined as 

Doing everything possible to minimise the risk of harm to children and young people.

 

Safeguarding is about being proactive and putting measures in place in advance of any contact with children to ensure that children are going to be kept safe. This could include:

• Ensuring staff are properly checked when they are recruited

• Guidelines for people who come into contact with children as part of their role to ensure they know what they need to do to keep children safeDate Agreed by

 

 

Skills Development TrainingLast Review Date: 31/03/2026Next Review Date: 31/03/2027POLICY STATEMENT We at Skills Development Training are committed to good practice which protects children from harm.

 

Staff and volunteers accept and recognise their responsibility to provide an environment which promotes the safetyof the child at all times.

To achieve this we will:

• Develop an awareness of the issues which may lead to children being harmed

• Create an open environment by identifying a 'Designated Safeguarding Lead(DSL)' to whom the children can turn to if they need to talk

• Adopt child centred and democratic coaching styles

• Adopt safeguarding guidelines through codes of conduct for members and all adults working at the club. Adult workers include coaches, parents and volunteers

• Ensure careful recruitment, selection and management procedures. These procedures will include regular support and supervision provided to staff/volunteers

• Ensure complaints, grievance and disciplinary procedures are included in our constitution

• Share information about concerns with children and parents and others who need to know, including referral to Southwark LADO or MASH

• Provide information as required to the management committee

• Ensure good and safe working/playing practices

• Be involved in training made available through the various agencies and strengthen links with these agencies

• Keep Safeguarding policies under regular review (annually)• Have procedures relating specifically to bullying, away trips, transport, use of photography and communication through texting or social media forums

• Have an induction document available for parents, coaches and children clearly outlining their rights and responsibilitiesChildren have the right to be safe. All Staff/Volunteers should ensure that the fundamental principle takes precedence over all other considerations. This policy applies to all those involved in Skills Development Training, coaches ,administrators, officials, volunteers and young people.

 

EQUALITY STATEMENT To address the vulnerability of children with a disability coaches will seek guidance on working with children with a disability from external agencies, parents/guardians and the children themselves. CONFIDENTIALITY STATEMENT We at Skills Development Training will never promise to keep secrets. However, information of a confidential nature will only be communicated on a "need to know" basis, with the welfare of the child paramount.

 

Considerations of confidentiality will not be allowed to override the rights of children or young members to be protected from harm. A full Safeguarding policy statement is displayed and available within club premises for all interested parties to read. AWARENESS OF THE ISSUES Background knowledge in relation to child abuse, the general principles of safeguarding and the ability to recognise and respond to abuse are important issues. Of primary concern for Skills Development Training is the issue of safeguarding of our young members within the operation of the club. However, being cognisant of the indicators of abuse in respect of young members caused by others outside the club are of equal importance for the safety and wellbeing of that child.

 

Working Together to Safeguard Children 2026 recognises four types of abuse:

1. Physical Abuse - Deliberate physical injury or failure to prevent injury (hitting ,shaking, burning, etc.)

 

2. Emotional Abuse - Persistent emotional ill-treatment causing severe adverse effects

3. Sexual Abuse - Forcing/enticing child into sexual activities (contact/non contact)

4. Neglect - Persistent failure to meet child's basic physical/emotional needsBullying Policy: Skills Development Training has zero tolerance for physical, emotional, or online bullying. Anti-bullying policy in place.INDICATORS OF ABUSE Physical: Unexplained bruising, repeated injuries, black eyes, burns, fractures Behavioural: Withdrawal/aggression, poor attendance, inappropriate sexual behaviour, reluctance to undress RESPONDING TO DISCLOSURE Always: Record facts, stay calm, reassure child, inform DSL immediately Never:

 

Promise secrecy, interrogate, blame child

 

DESIGNATED SAFEGUARDING LEAD (DSL)DSL: Adedayo Adebowale | 07852 490 572 | info@skillsdevelopmenttraining.orgDeputy

 

DSL: Sikiru Oshungbure | 07990 553 926|

info@skillsdevelopmenttraining.orgSAFEGUARDING TRAINING All staff/volunteers receive initial training + refreshersevery 3 years covering

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recognition, reporting, online safety. Records maintained.CODES OF CONDUCT Codes for staff/volunteers, young people, andparents/guardians displayed and enforced.Safer RecruitmentWe are committed to recruiting staff, volunteers and sessional workers safely, fairlyand transparently so that children and young people are protected at every stage.

 

Safer recruitment is an essential part of our safeguarding practice and is designed todeter, identify and reject anyone who may be unsuitable to work with children andyoung people.All recruitment for roles involving contact with children and young people willinclude a clear role description, application form, interview, identity checks and a DBS check.

 

We will always explore any gaps, inconsistencies or concerns raisedduring the process and will not appoint anyone unless we are satisfied they aresuitable for the role.At least one member of the recruitment panel will have safeguarding awareness andtrained in safer recruitment. All appointments will be made by people whounderstand our safeguarding responsibilities.

 

Successful candidates will receive a fullinduction before starting, including our safeguarding policy, code of conduct,reporting procedures and any role-specific expectations. New staff and volunteerswill also be monitored during their probation or settling-in period so that anyconcerns can be identified and addressed early.We will ensure all personal data gathered during recruitment is handledconfidentially and in line with our data protection responsibilities. We will also keepclear records of recruitment decisions so that the process remains consistent,accountable and fair.

 

Any concerns identified or disclosures from the recruitment process will bedocumented and progressed to the Designated Safeguarding Lead for a riskassessment.REPORTING ACCIDENTS Complete accident form (2 copies), inform parents, copy toDSL, emergency services if needed.REPORTING ABUSE/INCIDENTS Record incident → inform DSL within 24hrs → DSLrefers to Southwark LADO/MASH if required. Maintain confidentiality.

 

 

HEALTH & SAFETY Risk assessments completed for all activities. First aid provisionavailable.USEFUL NUMBERS (Southwark)

• Southwark LADO: 020 7525 5400 | lado@southwark.gov.uk

• Southwark MASH: mash@southwark.gov.uk | 020 7525 3555

• NSPCC Helpline: 0808 800 5000

• Childline: 0800 1111• Police: 101DBS CHECKS All staff/volunteers working with children undergo Enhanced DBS +Barred List check before starting:1. Complete DBS application2. Verify ID documents3. Submit to DBS4. Review disclosure5. Record certificate details securely per GDPRINTERNAL CONCERNS Concerns about staff/volunteers → inform DSL → refer toSouthwark LADO if allegation against worker. NSPCC available for advice.DEALING WITH COLLEAGUE CONCERNS Follow safeguarding procedures. Refer toLADO. Support reporter and alleged person during investigation.IMPLEMENTATION Policy displayed at SE16 2XB premises. Parents/young peopleinformed. Annual board review.