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Child Protection Policy

 1248 words   6 minutes 

Phill Sparks acknowledges the duty of care to safeguard and promote the welfare of children and is committed to ensuring safeguarding practice reflects statutory responsibilities, government guidance and complies with best practice and Mountain Training England’s requirements.

The policy recognises that the welfare and interests of children are paramount in all circumstances. It aims to ensure that regardless of age, ability or disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation, socio-economic background, all children:

  • have a positive and enjoyable experience of sport with Phill Sparks in a safe and child centered environment;
  • are protected from abuse whilst participating in climbing or outside of the activity.

Phill Sparks acknowledges that some children, including disabled children and young people or those from ethnic minority communities, can be particularly vulnerable to abuse and accepts the responsibility to take reasonable and appropriate steps to ensure their welfare.

As part of this safeguarding policy Phill Sparks, and anyone working on his behalf, will:

  • promote and prioritise the safety and wellbeing of children and young people;
  • ensure everyone understands their roles and responsibilities in respect of safeguarding and is provided with appropriate learning opportunities to recognise, identify and respond to signs of abuse, neglect and other safeguarding concerns relating to children and young people;
  • ensure appropriate action is taken in the event of incidents/concerns of abuse and support provided to the individual/s who raise or disclose the concern;
  • ensure that confidential, detailed and accurate records of all safeguarding concerns are maintained and securely stored;
  • prevent the employment/deployment of unsuitable individuals;
  • ensure robust safeguarding arrangements and procedures are in operation.

The policy and procedures will be widely promoted and are mandatory for Phill Sparks and everyone working on his behalf. Failure to comply with the policy and procedures will be addressed without delay and may ultimately result in dismissal or exclusion.

I last updated my Child Protection Policy on 3 October 2026.

Monitoring

The policy will be reviewed a year after development and then every three years, or in the following circumstances:

  • changes in legislation and/or government guidance;
  • as required by local Multi-Agency Safeguarding Partnerships, UK Sport, and Mountain Training England;
  • as a result of any other significant change or event.

Child Protection Representative & Designated Safeguarding Lead

Phill Sparks is the appointed Child Protection Representative and Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL), having completed formal Designated Safeguarding Lead training. If anyone working on his behalf has any child safety or safeguarding concerns, they should discuss them directly with him. He has the following responsibilities:

  • Ensuring that the policy is being put into practice;
  • Being the primary point of contact for child protection and safeguarding issues;
  • Keeping confidential, accurate records of any concerns expressed about child protection issues;
  • Referring child protection concerns to Local Authority Children’s Social Care or the police when appropriate;
  • Ensuring that staff and volunteers are given appropriate supervision and safeguarding guidance;
  • Ensuring that everyone working for Phill Sparks is aware of the identity and role of the Designated Safeguarding Lead.

Staff/Volunteer Safety

  • Avoid being alone with an individual child. If there is a need to be alone with a child (e.g., first aid or if they are distressed), make sure that another adult knows where you are and why.
  • Arrange meeting points where you will not be on your own with the first arrival—for example, a staffed climbing wall reception or café. Alternatively, plan to arrive with another member of staff or volunteer.
  • When transporting children:
    • Every effort must be taken to avoid transporting a lone child.
    • Ensure that another responsible adult is aware of the travel arrangements and check in with them at the start and end of the journey, and during any delays.
    • Any drivers must be properly insured, have rested before driving, and should have clean licenses.
    • All vehicles should be fitted with full seatbelts, not just lap belts. Full seatbelts should always be used.
    • If staff are asked to give a child a lift, they are not obliged to do so; it is left to their discretion.

Child Safety

  • When climbing or walking outside, a parent or guardian for each child must be present throughout the activity. When working at a centre or on an artificial climbing wall, parents may leave the children.
  • We will ensure participants know how to access toilet and changing facilities; however, we are not responsible for changing or toileting of children. Where children are known to require such assistance, a parent or carer should assist.
  • Make sure that the area you are using for activities is fit for the purpose (e.g., remove obstacles or hazards that could cause injury).
  • Make sure that all staff and volunteers know:
    • Where the emergency phone is and how to operate it;
    • Where the first aid kit is;
    • Who is responsible for First Aid and how to record accidents or injuries;
    • What to do in the event of a fire or other emergency.
  • We will not let children go home without an adult unless the parent has specifically said they may do so. We will never let a child go with another adult unless the parent has informed us that this will happen.

Photography and Media

  • Photography or video recording of children is only permitted with explicit written consent from a parent or legal guardian via the Junior Consent Form.
  • Images will be used strictly for instructional feedback or approved promotional material as agreed. Full names or identifying personal details of children will not accompany published images.
  • Children may request at any time not to be photographed or filmed.

Handling Allegations Against Staff or Volunteers

  • Any concern or allegation made against staff or volunteers regarding child welfare or safety must be reported immediately.
  • Allegations will be referred to the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) within 24 hours.
  • The person subject to the allegation will not conduct or participate in any internal investigation.

Additional Staff, Assistants and Volunteers

Phill Sparks may occasionally employ additional staff to help improve the quality of provision. Staff, assistants, and volunteers must undergo certain checks before they are deployed:

  • Checking applicant identity (passport, driving license, etc.);
  • Taking up references prior to the person starting work;
  • Ensuring relevant Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks have been carried out;
  • Allowing no unaccompanied access to children until all of the above have been completed;
  • Ongoing supervision of paid workers and volunteers;
  • Verifying appropriate qualifications and up-to-date experience, including attendance on a face-to-face safeguarding course.

What is Child Protection?

Child protection is the response to the different ways in which a young person’s or child’s physical, emotional, intellectual, and spiritual health are damaged by the actions of another person.

What You Should Do

  1. Listen: Listen carefully to the child or young person.
  2. Be Honest: Look at them directly and do not promise to keep secrets before you know what they are, but always let them know if, and why, you need to tell someone.
  3. Take It Seriously: Take whatever is said to you seriously and help the child or young person to trust their feelings. Take notes of exactly what is said, avoiding assumptions or personal interpretations.
  4. Report Promptly: Report concerns immediately to the Child Protection Representative / Designated Safeguarding Lead or directly to Children’s Social Care / Police if immediate safety is at risk.

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