SAFEGUARDING
POLICY

INTRODUCTION

Advantage Padel is committed to prioritising the well-being of all children and adults at risk by promoting safeguarding in our clubs at all times. This includes during all programmes, competitions and events we run. Our safeguarding policy strives to minimise risk, deliver a positive experience for everyone and respond appropriately to all safeguarding concerns/disclosures. If you would like a copy of this policy or any of our other policies (including our Diversity & Inclusion policy and Whistleblowing policy) please email us.

Our Safe and Inclusive Code of Conduct:

For children and young people:

STAY SAFE

Keep yourself safe in our Centre by listening to your coach or a member of staff, behaving responsibly and speaking our when something isn't right.

ARRIVE PREPARED

Always bring the correct kit and plenty of water for on court breaks.

STAY SEEN

When you are at the centre, stay in places where we can see you and don’t wander off.

NO SMOKING

No smoking is allowed at any point during your time at our Centre.

NO BULLYING

Report any incidents of bullying, including homophobia and transphobia to a member of staff.

HAVE FUN

Make our Centre a welcoming and friendly place to be. Play tennis by the rules and have fun.

SHOW RESPECT

Respect all our staff, coaches, volunteers and other players

CELEBRATE DIFFERENCES

Respect and celebrate difference in our Clubs and do not discriminate anyone else on the grounds of gender, race, sexual orientation or ability.

For parents:

· Make sure your child has the appropriate kit for the lesson, as well as enough food and drink.

· Please make sure your child arrives on time for the lesson and is picked up promptly. Please let us know if you’re running late or if your child is going home with someone else.

· Keep all contact information and medical records up to date.

· Maintain a good relationship with the staff and coaches at our Clubs.

· Talk to us if you have any concerns - we welcome any feedback from you.

· Always encourage good sportsmanship.

· Behave positively when at our Clubs, shout encouragement and say ‘well done’.

· Encourage your child to play by the rules.

· Ensure that your child understands their code of conduct.

· Use social media responsibly when talking and sharing about what goes on at our Clubs. Behave the same way online as you would in person.

· Listen when your child says they don’t want to do something.

For staff, coaches and volunteers:

· To implement our safeguarding policies and procedures.

· Report any concerns to our welfare offices.

· Listen to any concerns that parents or any young person may have.

· Use constructive training methods to develop children’s abilities across all coaching programmes.

· Respect your position of trust and maintain appropriate boundaries and relationships with young people.

· Make sure all equipment at our Clubs is fit for purpose.

· Respect children’s trust and well being while being honest with them.

· Lead by example when it comes to good behaviour, sportsmanship and commitment to our Clubs.

· Develop positive relationships with parents.

· Always make sure our Clubs are warm and friendly places to be.

· Stop play if an injury occurs and treat with the appropriate first aid.

CONCERN REPORTING PROCEDURE

Anyone who is concerned about the well-being of a child/ adult at risk, or has a disclosure of abuse or neglect made to them must:

Download the Concern Reporting Form here

RESPOND

You have a concern about a child/adult at risk, or have a disclosure of abuse or neglect made to you

REFER

RECORD

Write an objective account of the concerns immediately using the Reporting a Concertn Form. Send it to the Welfare Officer within 48 hours of the concern/disclosure. If appropriate to do so the Welfare Officer will also forward in to the LTA Safe and Inclusive Team.

OUR SAFEGUARDING TEAM

USEFUL CONTACTS

The LTA Safe and Inclusive Tennis Team work Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm.

If you have any concerns, or wish to report anything, you can email them here.

To find the contact details for your Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO), please search LADO on your local council's website, (or Children’s Social Care Out of hours Emergency Duty Team 0300 303 867)

Call the police (999)

Inform the parent/carer of the concern, unless you believe it will put the child, adult or yourself at risk.

Speak to your Welfare Officer. If they are unavaialble you can call the LTA Safe and Inclusive Team or NSPCC for advice.