Langport Runners child protection policy statement
Langport Runners 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 the Association
of Running Clubs (ARC) and England Athletics requirements.
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 sport at Langport Runners in a safe and
child centred environment
- are protected from abuse whilst participating at Langport Runners whilst running
or on the club premises. Children will not be left alone on the premises and more
than one adult will be present at all times.
Langport Runners acknowledges that some children, including disabled children and
young people or those from ethnic minority communities, 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 Langport Runners will:
- promote and prioritise the safety and wellbeing of children and young people. Every
session involving under 18s will be led by a qualified coach with a current cleared
DBS certificate and coaching licence and will include at least a further adult volunteer.
If no coach is available the child will be unable to participate. If no adult volunteer
is available the parent/guardian is responsible for accompanying their child/children
alongside the coach or the child will be unable to participate.ARC recognises that
in some circumstances two experienced adult runners can accompany the child if there
is no coach available. Ideally with a parent/guardian present- this decision is at
the discretion of the welfare officer at Langport Runners. Any adult wishing to volunteer
to run with the juniors on a regular basis must hold a current DBS certificate which
is free of charge.
- 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. The welfare officer will hold a copy of all coaches valid DBS certificate
and all coaches will have received safeguarding training as part of their coaching
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 following
Somerset Safeguarding Children's Board guidelines on the advice of the welfare officer.
- ensure that confidential, detailed and accurate records of all safeguarding concerns
are maintained and securely stored.
- prevent the recruitment/deployment of unsuitable individuals
- ensure robust safeguarding arrangements and procedures are in operation and shared
with club members.
The policy and procedures will be widely promoted and are mandatory for everyone
involved in Langport Runners. Failure to comply with the policy and procedures will
be addressed without delay and may ultimately result in dismissal/exclusion from
the organisation.
Monitoring
The policy will be reviewed a year after development and then every three years,
or in the following circumstances:
- changes in legislation and/or government guidance
- as required by the Somerset Safeguarding Children Board, UK Sport and/or Home Country
Sports Councils and Langport Runners.
- as a result of any other significant change or event.
(Last reviewed Feb 2016 Melanie Munday)