Elmbridge Sports College’s Safeguarding Children Policy

Every child or young person who plays or participates in sport should be able to take part in an enjoyable and safe environment and be protected from abuse. This is the responsibility of every adult involved in sport – therefore Elmbridge Sports College endorses and adheres to the Football Association’s, England Athletics and Swim England's Safeguarding Children Policy, Guidelines and Procedures.

Elmbridge Sports College acknowledges its responsibility to safeguard the welfare of Children and Young People who play or participate in sport by protecting them from abuse and harm. Elmbridge Sports College has a Management Committee including a Child/College Welfare Officer responsible for promoting best practice, eliminating poor practice and liaising with our Education Provider.

Elmbridge Sports College therefore aims to create a safe and inclusive atmosphere where everyone at the College works together to tackle both bullying and discrimination, ensure safer recruitment and tackle poor practice which leads to harm and reduces equal opportunities.

Best practice in Inclusion, anti-Bullying, Equality and the Respect Agenda are all part of making safer cultures and prevention of harm and abuse.

Elmbridge Sports College is committed to working in partnership with its Education Provider to provide a safe environment for all Children and Young People to participate and protect them from physical, sexual or emotional harm and from neglect or bullying.

Elmbridge Sports College’s Safeguarding Children Policy principles are that;

• The Child’s welfare is (and must always be) the paramount consideration
• All Children and Young People have a right to be protected from abuse regardless of their age, gender, reassignment, sexual orientation, marital status or civil partnership, racial origin, faith, ability or disability, pregnancy and maternity
• All suspicions and allegations of abuse will be taken seriously and responded to swiftly and appropriately
• Working in partnership with other organisations, Children and Young People and their parents and carers is essential

Elmbridge Sports College is committed to working in partnership with our Local Authority Safeguarding Partners and Police, Children’s Social Care and the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) in accordance with their procedures. This is essential to enable these organisations to carry out their statutory duties to investigate concerns and protect Children and Young People.

In accordance with the Guidance and Affiliation requirements - Elmbridge Sports College has appointed a Child/College Welfare Officer and abide by the Code of Conduct for volunteer Welfare Officers.

Elmbridge Sports College further supports the relevant Respect Programme to address verbal abuse and bullying of youngsters by parents and coaches on the side lines.