Smash Sports works with children, parents, and the community to ensure children’s safety and protection from harm. If any member of staff suspects that a child is at risk of or experiencing abuse, they must follow this policy. This includes referring all concerns relating to neglect, emotional, physical, or sexual abuse to the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL), who will liaise with the Director and relevant statutory agencies.
We will:
- Protect children from abuse and harm
- Respond promptly and appropriately
- Promote awareness of safeguarding through training
- Empower children to speak up and be heard
In cases of suspected neglect, emotional or physical abuse, Smash Sports will liaise with parents or those with parental responsibility in the first instance, working collaboratively to achieve a successful outcome. If referral to children’s social care is necessary, parents will be informed.
In cases of suspected sexual abuse or if a child makes a disclosure, we are legally obliged to follow Wyre Council Safeguarding Children Policy.
For children already involved with social care, the DSL will work directly with the assigned social worker.
Alignment with KCSIE 2024
Smash Sports recognises updates to Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) 2024, particularly the emphasis on reporting concerns both to the school and Smash Sports’ DSL, as schools retain overarching responsibility for safeguarding when children are in the care of an external provider.
Forms of Abuse
The policy details all forms of abuse including physical, emotional, sexual, neglect, domestic abuse, online abuse, fabricated illness, county lines, cuckooing, and abuse of children with SEND. Please refer to the original policy structure for the detailed definitions and guidance for each.
Supporting Children with SEND
Smash Sports is an inclusive provider and recognises that children with disabilities or communication difficulties may be more vulnerable to abuse. Staff must understand and respect each child’s preferred communication methods and be vigilant for behavioural changes.
Where handling/lifting is required, staff will receive specific training to use correct, safe, and respectful techniques that maintain the child’s dignity.
Operational Safeguards
- Registers: Children are marked in on arrival and signed out when leaving. Daily checks confirm all children are accounted for.
- Prevent Duty: Staff are trained to identify and respond to extremism.
- Domestic Abuse & Toxic Trio: Staff are trained to identify associated risks (domestic violence, parental mental health, substance misuse).
ICT, Mobile Phones & Online Safety
- Children will not have access to devices during break and lunch times.
- Personal mobile phones must be stored away during sessions.
- Only designated work devices may be used for documentation or activity photos.
- Visitors are not permitted to use mobile phones on site.
Empowering Children
We promote independence, respect, and the right to be heard. Children are encouraged to speak up about any concerns.
Record Keeping
- Accidents in care: Recorded and signed by staff and parents; head injuries prompt immediate parental contact.
- Accidents outside care: Parents are asked to complete an “Injuries on Arrival” form.
- Disclosures: Use “Notes of Concern” forms. Do not photograph injuries. Use body maps as necessary.
Safeguarding Training
All staff must complete external safeguarding training every two years. Additional internal updates and scenario-based refreshers are delivered through team meetings and supervisions.
Disclosures & Reporting Abuse
- Direct Disclosure: When a child tells a team member directly.
- Indirect Disclosure: Behaviours, emotions, or creative expression may indicate abuse.
All suspicions or disclosures must be recorded factually and reported to the DSL immediately. The DSL may contact Lancashire children services.
Key considerations include previous concerns, consistency of injury explanations, parental behaviour, and child reactions.
Supervisions
Regular supervisions between team members and management provide opportunities to discuss children’s welfare and any staff concerns in a confidential and supportive setting.