Child safeguarding policy

At Percival Coaching, we are fully committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children who participate in our football coaching programs. Our priority is to provide a safe, supportive, and positive environment in which children can develop their skills, grow in confidence, and enjoy their participation in football.

This safeguarding policy outlines the steps we take to ensure that children’s safety and well-being are always at the forefront of our coaching services.

1. Our Commitment to Safeguarding

We are committed to the following principles:

  • Children’s Safety First: The safety and well-being of every child are our primary concern. We aim to provide an environment where children feel safe, supported, and valued.

  • Creating a Positive Environment: We strive to foster a positive environment for learning, development, and play, free from abuse, neglect, or discrimination.

  • Zero Tolerance for Abuse: We have a zero-tolerance approach to any form of child abuse, including physical, emotional, sexual abuse, or neglect.

2. Our Safeguarding Responsibilities

As part of our safeguarding efforts, we ensure that all staff, coaches, and volunteers are appropriately trained and understand their responsibilities. Our coaches and staff members are required to:

  • Adhere to a strict Code of Conduct that promotes respectful and appropriate behavior towards all children.

  • Undertake regular safeguarding training to ensure they are aware of potential safeguarding risks and know how to act in the best interests of children.

  • Complete DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) checks before engaging with children, ensuring no person with a criminal background that could jeopardize a child’s safety is employed.

  • Report any safeguarding concerns or incidents immediately to our Designated Safeguarding Lead.

3. Reporting Safeguarding Concerns

We take all concerns regarding the safety and well-being of children seriously. If you, as a parent or guardian, or any member of staff have concerns about a child’s safety, please report it promptly.

If the concern is urgent or relates to potential immediate harm, please contact your local Children’s Social Care or the Police directly.

We ensure that all reported concerns will be handled confidentially and respectfully, with the child’s safety and privacy in mind. Our safeguarding procedure follows the guidance set out by UK Government’s Working Together to Safeguard Children (2018) and the Local Safeguarding Children Board (LSCB).

4. Code of Conduct for Coaches and Volunteers

All coaches, staff, and volunteers working with children at Percival Coaching are required to adhere to a Code of Conduct which includes the following:

  • Respect for Children: Always treat children with respect, ensuring that they feel safe and valued.

  • Appropriate Boundaries: Coaches should never engage in behavior that could be seen as inappropriate, such as physical contact beyond what is necessary for coaching or encouragement.

  • Safe Communication: Communication with children should always be appropriate and kept within professional boundaries. This includes not engaging in social media or private messaging with children under the age of 18.

  • Responding to Concerns: If a child discloses a safeguarding concern, coaches should listen attentively, reassure the child, and report the information to the safeguarding lead immediately.

5. Safeguarding Training

We are committed to providing ongoing training for all staff members to ensure they are well-equipped to recognize and respond to safeguarding concerns. This includes:

  • Initial Safeguarding Training: All coaches, volunteers, and staff are required to undergo safeguarding training before engaging with children.

  • Ongoing Professional Development: We provide regular refresher courses and updates on safeguarding issues, child protection laws, and best practices.

  • First Aid Training: All coaches are trained in basic first aid to ensure children’s health and safety during sessions.

6. Background Checks

To ensure that only trusted individuals work with children, all coaches, volunteers, and relevant staff are required to undergo DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) checks before starting any role. This helps ensure that individuals with a history of criminal behavior, especially in relation to children, are not employed by Percival Coaching.

7. Incident and Accident Reporting

In the event of an accident, injury, or any safeguarding-related incident, the following procedure will be followed:

  • Immediate Action: The safety and well-being of the child will be the priority. Coaches will act to administer first aid or call for medical assistance as necessary.

  • Incident Reporting: All incidents, including injuries or concerns raised by children or parents, will be documented in our Incident Report Form.

  • Parental Notification: Parents will be informed immediately of any serious incidents, injuries, or concerns involving their child.

  • Investigation: All incidents will be investigated in accordance with our safeguarding policy, and appropriate steps will be taken to prevent recurrence.

8. Confidentiality

We respect the confidentiality of all children and families in our care. Personal information and concerns will be handled with the utmost discretion. However, if a safeguarding concern arises, it may be necessary to share information with relevant authorities to protect the child’s safety.

9. Parental Involvement

We encourage open communication between parents and coaches to ensure children’s welfare. We invite parents to:

  • Ask Questions: If you have any concerns about the safety of your child, please do not hesitate to speak with a coach or the safeguarding lead.

  • Stay Informed: We will keep parents informed about any important changes to our safeguarding procedures and notify them promptly in case of incidents.

  • Safeguarding Awareness: We offer parents and guardians the opportunity to learn more about our safeguarding practices through workshops or informational sessions.

10. Policy Review

We regularly review and update our Child Safeguarding Policy to ensure that it remains in line with current legislation and best practices. This policy will be reviewed at least once per year, or more frequently if required by changes in the law or our operations.

Contact Us

If you have any questions or concerns about our safeguarding policy, please feel free to get in touch with us.

Percival Coaching
Email: info@percivalcoaching.com