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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 Protection

 

The 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 last few 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 safe


Date Agreed by Skills Development Training


Last Review Date: 31/03/2026


Next Review Date: 31/03/2027

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POLICY 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 safety of the child at all times. To achieve this we will:

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  • 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, 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 responsibilities

 

Children have the right to be safe. All Staff and Volunteers should ensure that this 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.

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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 needs

 

BULLYING POLICY

Skills Development Training has zero tolerance for physical, emotional, or online bullying. Anti-bullying policy is 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

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RESPONDING TO DISCLOSURE


Always record facts, stay calm, reassure the child, and inform the DSL immediately.

Never promise secrecy, interrogate, or blame the child.

 

DESIGNATED SAFEGUARDING LEAD (DSL)


Adedayo Adebowale

07852 490 572

info@skillsdevelopmenttraining.org


 

Deputy DSL 

Sikiru Oshungbure

07990 553 926

info@skillsdevelopmenttraining.org

 

SAFEGUARDING TRAINING


All staff/volunteers receive initial training + refreshers every 3 years covering recognition, reporting, and online safety. Records maintained.

 

CODES OF CONDUCT

Codes for staff/volunteers, young people, and parents/guardians are displayed and enforced.

 

REPORTING ACCIDENTS


  • Complete accident form (2 copies)

  • Inform parents

  • Send a copy to the DSL and emergency services if needed

 

REPORTING ABUSE/INCIDENTS


  • Record incident → inform DSL within 24hrs → DSL 

  • Refer to Southwark LADO/MASH if required

  • Maintain confidentiality

 

HEALTH & SAFETY

Risk assessments completed for all activities. First aid provision available.

 

USEFUL NUMBERS (Southwark)

 

DISCLOSURE AND BARRING SERVICE (DBS) CHECKS


All staff/volunteers working with children undergo Enhanced DBS and Barred List checks.

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Before starting:

  1. Complete DBS application

  2. Verify ID documents

  3. Submit to DBS

  4. Review disclosure

  5. Record certificate details securely per GDPR

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INTERNAL CONCERNS

Concerns about staff/volunteers → inform DSL → refer to Southwark LADO if allegation against worker. The NSPCC is available for advice.

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DEALING WITH COLLEAGUE CONCERNS


Follow safeguarding procedures. Refer to LADO. Support the reporter and alleged person during the investigation.

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IMPLEMENTATION


Policy displayed at SE16 2XB premises. Parents/young people are informed. 

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Annual board review.

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Approved by: Ade Adebowale (Trustee) 

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Signature: 

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Date: 31/03/26

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