Safeguarding in Karate

Sentenashi Karate Association

​

​

Back to Policies

​

CHILD PROTECTION POLICY

​

​

 

​

​

​

Last reviewed and agreed: November 2021

​

Next Review: November 2024

​

Introduction

 

This policy has been developed in accordance with the principles established by the Children Act 2004; and in line with government publications:

​

• "Working Together to Safeguard Children" 2018.

 

• "Framework for the Assessment of Children in Need and their Families" 2000.

 

• "What to do if You are Worried a Child is Being Abused" 2015.

 

• "Safeguarding Children: Child Protection: Guidance about Child Protection Arrangements for the Education Service" 2008.

 

• Local Area Child Protection Committee Procedures.

 

Sentenashi Karate Association recognise that all adults, including temporary instructors, staff, volunteers and parents, have a full and active part to play in protecting our students from harm, and that the child’s welfare is our paramount concern.

 

Sentenashi Karate Association is committed to provide a caring, positive safe and stimulating environment that promotes the social, physical and moral development of children and young people to train & practice the sport of Karate.

 

​

   The aims of this policy are:

 

• To support the child’s development in ways that will foster security, confidence and independence.

 

• To provide an open environment in which children and young people feel safe and secure.

 

• To raise the awareness of all instructors and staff of the need to safeguard children and of their responsibilities in identifying and reporting possible cases of abuse.

 

• To ensure that all its instructors are carefully selected and passed rigorous DBS checks and accept responsibility for children in their care.

 

• To develop a structured procedure which will be followed by all instructors in the club to respond swiftly to any suspicions or allegations in cases of suspected abuse.

 

• To develop and promote effective working relationships with other agencies, especially the police and social services and the Child Protection Officer of the National Governing Body of Karate.

 

• To make Karate fun, enjoyable and promote fair play and always put the welfare of each young person first, before winning or achieving goals.

 

 

Procedures

​

Sentenashi Karate Association’s procedures for safeguarding children will be in line with Local Authority policies and also the National Governing Body of Karate protection policies. This club will ensure that:

​

• All members of the Sentenashi Karate Association understand and fulfil their responsibilities.

• We have a designated instructor who acts as our Child Protection Liaison Officer, (CPLO).

• We have an instructor who will act in the designated instructor's absence, Deputy Child Protection Liaison Officer, (DCPLO).

• All instructors are provided with opportunities to develop their understanding of the signs and indicators of abuse.

• All instructors are aware of how to respond to a student who discloses abuse.

• Instructors organising activities for children are aware of this club’s Child Protection Guidelines and procedures.

• Our instructors are checked for their suitability and have been cleared by the Disclosure and Baring Service.

• Our procedures will be regularly reviewed and up-dated.

 

Responsibilities

 

The CPLO is responsible for:

 

• Referring a child if there are concerns about possible abuse, to the Local Authorities.

• Keeping written records of concerns about a child even if there is no need to make an immediate referral.

• Ensuring that all such records are kept confidentially and securely and are separate from student’s records.

• Liaising with other agencies and professionals.

• Organising child protection training for all instructors.

• Liaising and working together with all other support services and those agencies involved in the safeguarding of children.

• Notifying the authorities as soon as there is a significant concern.

 

Allegations against Instructors

​

• All instructors should take care not to place themselves in a vulnerable position with a child.

• All instruction should be conducted in view of others.

 

NSPCC Helpline

• Tel: 0808 800 5000

​

Sentenashi CPO

•   Tel: 07751 88 02 03                         

•   email: sentenashi@live.co.uk          email: sentenashi@live.co.uk

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

Mike O'Brien                            Megan Weller               Awarded 07-March-2023 (4th year)

​

 

English Karate Federation CPO

Steve Coupland

email: cpo@englishkaratefederation.com