Safeguarding

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Principles

It is widely accepted that it is the responsibility of every adult to safeguard the wellbeing of children and vulnerable adults. Abuse can arouse strong emotions in those facing such a situation and it is important to understand these feelings and not allow them to interfere with your judgement about any action to take.

Abuse and poor practice can occur within many situations including the home, school and the sporting environment. Some individuals will actively seek employment or voluntary work with children or vulnerable adults in order to harm them. Everyone working in swimming either in a paid or voluntary capacity, together with those working in affiliated organisations has a role to play in safeguarding the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and promoting good practice.

A swimming teacher, lifeguard, lifesaver, or volunteer may have regular contact with children and be a very important link in identifying cases where an individual may be at risk or in need. When establishing guidelines it is important to recognise that the organisation has both a moral and legal duty of care to ensure that when it is given responsibility for children it provides them with the highest possible standard of care.

Hayley’s Swimming School recognises that they have a responsibility to:

  • Safeguard and promote the interests and well-being of children and vulnerable adults with whom it is working
  • Take all reasonable practical steps to protect them from harm, discrimination, or degrading treatment
  • Respect their rights, wishes and feelings.

Child and vulnerable adults protection procedures can:

  • Offer safeguards to the individuals with whom we work, and to our members of staff, volunteers and those in affiliated organisations
  • Help to maintain the professionalism and the standards of practice that are associated with the members of our governing body (the STA).

We recognise that any procedure is only as effective as the ability and skill of those who operate it. We are committed to:

  • Proper recruitment policies
  • The provision of support and appropriate training
  • Clear processes for recognition and responding to concerns
  • Working together with parents/carers and other organisations to ensure that the needs and the welfare of all remains paramount.

Designated Safeguarding Officer/ Child Protection Officer

Hayley Pennington

07837307404

hayley@hayleysswimmingschool.co.uk