Swim Central believes that a child’s welfare is everyone’s responsibility and looking after children is an obligation we take very seriously. We also recognise this obligation regarding vulnerable adults in the community.
Swim Central’s procedures stem from the principle that the individual’s welfare is the first consideration and that all people regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, religion, sexual identity, or any disability they might have, have the right to be protected.
Swim Central will support anyone who in good faith reports any concerns that a child or vulnerable adult is either at risk or being abused. Abuse can be physical, sexual, emotional or by neglect, and can be from an action or an inaction.
Swim Central acknowledges the duty of care to safeguard and promote the welfare of children and is committed to ensuring safeguarding practice reflects statutory responsibilities, government guidance and complies with best practice and Swim England.
Swim Central have adopted the Swim England Safeguarding Policy – Wave power, a copy of which is held behind front of house at the Swim Central venue or alternatively it can be viewed and downloaded here.
The policy recognises that the welfare and interests of children are paramount in all circumstances. It aims to ensure that regardless of age, gender, religion or beliefs, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation or socio-economic background, all children;
- have a positive and enjoyable experience of swimming at Swim Central, in a safe and child centred environment
- are protected from abuse whilst participating in swimming lessons provided by Swim Central or outside of the activity.
- Swim Central acknowledges that children can be particularly vulnerable to abuse, and we accept the responsibility to take reasonable and appropriate steps to ensure their welfare.
As part of our safeguarding policy Swim Central will;
- promote and prioritise the safety and wellbeing of children and young people.
- ensure all persons working for Swim Central are registered with the DBS Scheme in England and have undergone relevant child protection training. Relevant DBS details such as reference number and date completion stored centrally and are checked regularly to ensure the details are updated when documents are due for renewal.
- ensure everyone understands their roles and responsibilities in respect of safeguarding and is provided with appropriate learning opportunities to recognise, identify and respond to signs of abuse, neglect and other safeguarding concerns relating to children and young people through either an online Safeguarding Course or by attending a UK Coaching Safeguarding and Protecting children course.
- ensure appropriate action is taken in the event of incidents/concerns of abuse and support provided to the individual/s who raise or disclose the concern.
- ensure that confidential, detailed and accurate records of all safeguarding concerns are maintained and securely stored.
- prevent the employment/deployment of unsuitable individuals by completing all suitable checks prior to the start of employment/deployment of all individuals.
As part of our safeguarding policy Swim Central expects its employees to;
- Follow appropriate procedures in the event of lateness or absence of a swimmer.
- Work in an open environment where easily visible to others.
- Ensure that if a child needs to leave poolside during their lesson or after, they MUST be accompanied by an appropriate adult i.e. their parent. This person MUST be over the age of 16.
- When speaking with parents ensure that it is the correct parent and that no information regarding other children is discussed. No other children should be named when speaking to parents.
- Ensure that all information received whilst teaching for Swim Central must be treated as confidential and not shared with other teachers, third parties or anyone else other than their designated manager.
- Where possible deliver hands-off teaching, especially whilst teaching in the pool. It is best practice and will keep individuals safe from accusations unless to prevent danger to themselves or others.
- Ensure that should a child become ill during lessons they are returned to the correct carer for attention, and it is reported to the lifeguards on duty. Avoiding first aid treatment unless delay could prove life threatening; this must always be carried out by the responsible First Aider with another adult present.
- Avoid unaccompanied time with children or vulnerable adults.
- Adhere to the Swim England Wavepower safeguarding children document.
Dealing with allegations against the Swim Central team
The procedure for dealing with allegations made against staff will be used where the individual has:
- Behaved in a way that has harmed a child, or may have harmed a child
- Possibly committed a criminal offence against or related to a child; or
- Behaved towards a child or children in a way that indicates he or she would pose a risk of harm if he or she works regularly or closely with children.
If there is an accusation against a member of the delivery team they would be removed from delivery while a full investigation is completed.
The policy and procedures will be widely promoted and are mandatory for everyone involved in Swim Central. Failure to comply with the policy and procedures will be addressed without delay and may ultimately result in dismissal/exclusion from the organisation.
If you have a question or concern regarding child welfare at Swim Central the Welfare Officer should be informed on 01772 793 311.
Alternatively there is a dedicated helpline for anyone wishing to raise a safeguarding or welfare concern directly to Swim England called Swimline on 0808 100 4001.
You can also contact the NSPCC on 0808 800 5000 and Childline on 0800 1111.
The policy will be reviewed every year after development or in the following circumstances changes in legislation and/or government guidance-as required by the Local Safeguarding Children Board, UK Sport and/or Home Country Sports Councils by the Safeguarding Officers regularly monitoring for updates, with automatic alerts established to ensure this is monitored because of any other significant change or event.