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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)