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COURT CUBS

by Court Collective

SAFEGUARDING POLICY

Court Collective is committed to ensuring that every child and young person involved in our activities can thrive in a safe, supportive, and welcoming environment. We believe that all children have the right to participate in sport free from harm, abuse, or exploitation. This policy outlines our commitment to safeguarding children and promoting their welfare within all our venues. We firmly believe that all children have the right to protection and care, and this policy underlines our commitment to the safety and wellbeing of our participants.

POLICY PRINCIPLES

  • Everyone is responsible for safeguarding: All staff, volunteers, parents, and participants have a role to play in ensuring children’s safety.

  • Child safety is paramount: Every child’s well-being and safety are the top priorities in every decision made within the organisation.

  • Equality of protection: All children, regardless of race, gender, disability, sexual orientation, religion, or social background, have an equal right to be protected from harm.

  • Zero tolerance for abuse: All safeguarding concerns will be treated seriously, and appropriate action will be taken swiftly.

  • We aim to provide an environment where children feel safe and confident to raise concerns without fear.

RECOGNISING ABUSE 

Staff and volunteers should be able to recognise the main forms of abuse, which can occur inside or outside our sessions and are not mutually exclusive:

  • Physical abuse: hitting, shaking, or otherwise causing physical harm.

  • Sexual abuse: involving a child in sexual activity (contact or non-contact), including grooming, online or in person.

  • Emotional abuse: persistent emotional maltreatment that harms a child's development, including humiliation or exposure to the ill-treatment of others.

  • Neglect: persistent failure to meet a child's basic physical or psychological needs.

  • Bullying (including cyberbullying) and exploitation, criminal or sexual.

ROLES AND responsibilities  

  • Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL): The DSL leads on all operational matters related to child protection, providing advice and ensuring adherence to policies and procedures.

  • Coaches and Staff: All individuals working in a position of trust (such as coaches and volunteers) must act professionally, adhere to safeguarding policies, and report concerns. They are expected to undergo regular safeguarding training and maintain professional boundaries.

  • Parents and Guardians: Parents and guardians play a vital role in safeguarding by staying informed, engaging with staff, and reporting any concerns they may have.

RECRUITMENT AND VETTING OF STAFF AND VOLUNTEERS 

Court Collective follows a Safer Recruitment Policy to ensure that anyone working with children is suitable for their role. This includes:

  • Enhanced DBS checks for all individuals working with children.

  • Verification of professional qualifications, experience, and references.

  • A thorough interview process to assess the candidate’s suitability for working with children.

training 

To maintain a high standard of safeguarding, Court Collective ensures:

  • All staff and volunteers undergo mandatory safeguarding training annually. This training includes recognising signs of abuse, responding to disclosures, and reporting procedures.

  • The Designated Safeguarding Leads, Coaches, and Officials receive additional safeguarding training tailored to their roles and responsibilities.

  • Ongoing professional development and updates on safeguarding practices will be provided regularly to reflect any legislative or procedural changes.

CONFIDENTIALITY AND DATA PROTECTION 

Court Collective respects the confidentiality of all individuals involved in safeguarding concerns but recognises that confidentiality cannot be absolute when safeguarding children. The principles for information sharing are:

  • Need to know basis: Information will only be shared with those who need to be involved in order to protect the child and manage the situation appropriately.

  • Data protection compliance: Any information shared will comply with the Data Protection Act 2018 and the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). Personal data will only be shared if it is necessary to protect a child from harm.

  • Secure storage of records: All safeguarding records, including disclosures, reports, and investigation outcomes, will be stored securely and access will be limited to authorised personnel. Safeguarding records will be retained in accordance with Court Collectives' data retention policies.

mobile phone use

  • Unlawful to photograph children: Staff are strictly prohibited from using mobile phones or any devices to photograph or video children during activities unless explicit written consent has been obtained from the child's parent or guardian.

  • No personal use: Mobile phones should only be used for emergencies or essential communications during sessions. Personal use, including messaging or photographing children, is strictly forbidden.

CONFIDENTIALITY AND DATA PROTECTION 

Court Collective respects the confidentiality of all individuals involved in safeguarding concerns but recognises that confidentiality cannot be absolute when safeguarding children. The principles for information sharing are:

  • Need to know basis: Information will only be shared with those who need to be involved in order to protect the child and manage the situation appropriately.

  • Data protection compliance: Any information shared will comply with the Data Protection Act 2018 and the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). Personal data will only be shared if it is necessary to protect a child from harm.

  • Secure storage of records: All safeguarding records, including disclosures, reports, and investigation outcomes, will be stored securely and access will be limited to authorised personnel. Safeguarding records will be retained in accordance with Court Collectives' data retention policies.

whistleblowing

  • Court Collective encourages all staff, volunteers, and participants to raise concerns about safeguarding issues without fear of retribution. Whistleblowing refers to the act of reporting serious concerns about the behaviour of individuals or the organisation that may not be addressed through normal procedures.

  • Who can whistle blow: Any individual who becomes aware of poor safeguarding practices, failures to act on concerns, or any form of abuse can report these concerns.

  • How to report: Concerns can be reported directly to the DSL or to an independent external body such as the NSPCC (0800 028 0285) if necessary.

REPORTING A SAFEGUARDING CONCERN 

Support Procedures:

  • Listening and reassurance: When a safeguarding concern is raised, the child will be immediately comforted and reassured by a trusted adult. They will be encouraged to express their feelings and concerns in a safe space, knowing they are believed and supported.

  • Safe space: If necessary, the child will be temporarily removed from the situation and placed in a calm, safe area where they can relax and feel safe and secure.

  • The member of staff will accurately document the child’s disclosure or concern, noting the date, time, and context of the conversation, as well as the child's exact words where possible. This documentation should be completed as soon as possible after the disclosure to ensure accuracy.

  • Communication with parents/guardians: The child’s parent or guardian will be informed about the situation as soon as it is safe to do so, unless notifying them may place the child at greater risk. They will be provided with reassurance and information about the next steps.

  • Referral to LADO: If the safeguarding concern involves an allegation against a staff member or volunteer, Court Collective will immediately refer the case to the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO). The LADO is responsible for overseeing investigations into allegations against adults working with children.

KEY CONTACTS

Designated Safeguarding Lead

Name: Donna Knight

Email address: info@courtcollective.co.uk

 

Designated LADO for Wandsworth

Name: Alice Peatling

Email address: LADO@wandsworth.gov.uk

Tel: 07974 586461

​

Designated LADO for Camden

Name: Jacqueline Fearon

Email: LADO@camden.gov.uk

Tel 020 7974 4556

 

NSPCC (child concern): 0800 1111

NSPCC (adult concern): 0808 800 5000

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