Child Protection

CHILD PROTECTION POLICY

Jane and Zlatan Swim School (now referred to as JaZ) have developed this child protection policy using the guidelines set out by STA Safeguarding Policy.

Jaz have an ongoing commitment to the safety and protection of all participants in their lessons.

Introduction It is the responsibility of every adult to safeguard the wellbeing of children and vulnerable adults. Abuse can occur anywhere there are children, and it is important that everyone has a part to play in looking out for the wellbeing of the children they teach.

What is child abuse In December 2017, the NSPCC updated its definitions and signs of abuse, and the full information can be found at www.nspcc.org.uk. Below is a summary of the most recent publication.

Physical Abuse where adults, or young people, physically hurt or injure children by hitting, shaking, squeezing, burning, and biting or by giving children alcohol, inappropriate drugs or poison. Attempted suffocation or drowning also comes within this category.

In sports situations, physical abuse may occur when the nature and intensity of training disregard the capacity of the child’s immature and growing body. Physical abuse is also when an adult makes up or causes the symptoms of illness.

Sexual Abuse Girls and boys are abused by adults, both male and female, and by other young people who use children to meet their own sexual needs. This could include full sexual intercourse, masturbation, oral sex, anal intercourse, or fondling. Showing pornographic material is also a form of sexual abuse as may be the taking of inappropriate photographs of children.

The proliferation of the internet means that online sexual abuse may also occur.

As well as the above forms of sexual abuse, there is a need to be aware of child sexual exploitation (CSE), when a child may be given gifts or affection in return for sexual activities. There is also a need to be aware of female genital mutilation (FGM), where a young girl has partial or total removal of genitalia for non-medical reasons Signs of FGM may include a long holiday abroad, a special ceremony, difficult in walking, sitting or standing as well as other signs of abuse.

Swimming or related activities, which might involve physical contact with children could potentially create situations where sexual abuse may go unnoticed. Also, the power of the coach/teacher over your swimmers, if misused, may lead to abusive situations developing.

Emotional Abuse Persistent lack of love and affection, where a child may be constantly shouted at, threatened or taunted which may make the child very nervous and withdrawn. Emotional abuse also occurs when there is constant overprotection, which prevents children from socialising.

Emotional abuse in sport might include situations where children are subjected to unrealistic pressure by the parent or coach or bullied in order to consistently perform to high expectations.

Neglect Where adults fail to meet a child’s basic needs like food or warm clothing. Children might also be constantly left alone or unsupervised. Adults may also fail to, or refuse to, give children love and affection; this could be seen to be emotional neglect.

Neglect in a sport situation could include a teacher or coach not ensuring children are safe or exposing them too undue cold.

Bullying and Cyberbullying Although not a specific form of abuse, this can take the form of any of the acknowledged abuse forms. Bullying can occur face-to-face or in a more subtle manner such as through electronic methods like text messaging and social media. Bullying can not only be physical, sexual, or neglectful in nature bus also emotionally damaging.

Indications that a Child or Vulnerable Adult is Being Abused

• Unexplained or suspicious injuries such as bruising, cuts or burns, particularly situated in a part of the body not normally prone to such injuries.
• Any injury for which the explanation seems inconsistent.
• The child describes what appears to be an abusive act involving him/her.
• Someone else – a child or adult, expresses concern about the welfare of another child.
• Unexplained changes in behaviour e.g becoming very quiet, withdrawn, or displaying sudden outburst of temper.
• Inappropriate sexual awareness.
• Engages in sexually explicit behaviour in games.
• Is distrustful of adults, particularly those with who a close relationship will normally be expected.
• Has difficulty in making friends.
• Is prevented from socialising with other children.
• Displays variations in eating patterns including overeating or loss of appetite.
• Loses weight for no apparent reason.
• Becomes increasingly dirty or unkempt.

It must be recognised that the above list is not exhaustive and the presence of one or more of the indicators is not proof that abuse is taking place. It is not the responsibility of those working in swimming to decide that child abuse is occurring, but it is their responsibility to act on any concerns.

What to do if a child indicates they are being abused If a child says or indicated that they are being abuse, or information is obtained which gives concern that a child is being abused, the person receiving the information should:

• React calmly so as not to frighten the child
• Tell the child they are not to blame and that it was right to tell someone.
• Take what the child says seriously, recognising the difficulties inherent in interpreting what is said by a child who is very young, has a speech or language difficulty.
• Keep questions to the absolute minimum necessary to ensure a clear and accurate understanding of what has been said.
• Reassure the child, but do not make promises of confidentiality.
• Make a full record of what has been said, heard and/or seen as soon as possible.

Who to report concerns to:

• In the first instance report any concerns to JaZ Designated Safeguard Lead Leila on leila@jazswimschool.com
• Report your concerns to STA’s Designated Safeguarding Officer on (0)1922 748642 or childprotection@sta.co.uk and/or the NSPCC’s child protection helpline on 0808 800 5000 or help@nspcc.org.uk.
• If you suspect the child is in imminent danger report your concerns to Local Authority Designated Office (LADO) Lorissa Webber on 07774 332675/02085475008 or LADO@achievingforchildren.org.uk and/or the Police on 999 or 101 for non-urgent enquiries

Guidelines for safeguarding both children and staff

• All staff should have an up-to-date DBS check.
• All staff should read and sign the child protection policy.
• Always be publicly open when working with children. Avoid situations where you are alone or unobserved whilst with children.
• Any form of manual support should be open and with the consent of the child and parent/carer.
• It is inevitable that you will have to touch a child at some point but only with appropriate touch and in full view of other adults.
• Never be alone with a child in a changing room environment.
• Never take children alone in a car on journeys, however short

Swimming coaches/teachers should never:

• Engage in rough, physical, or sexually provocative games.
• Share a room with a child.
• Allow or engage in inappropriate touching of any form.
• Allow children or other adults to use inappropriate language unchallenged.
• Make sexually suggestive comments to a child even in fun.
• Let any allegations a child makes go unrecorded.
• Do things of a personal nature that children can do for themselves.
• Take photos or videos of children without obtaining the guardians consent in writing.