Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy

1. Policy Statement

Sam Marland Tennis Ltd is committed to providing a safe, nurturing, and inclusive environment where all children can learn, grow, and thrive. We recognise our moral and legal duty to safeguard and promote the welfare of every child in our care. This policy outlines our approach to preventing harm, responding to concerns, and ensuring robust safeguarding practices across our setting.

We follow all relevant legislation and statutory guidance, including:

• Children Act 1989 & 2004
• Working Together to Safeguard Children (latest edition)
• Keeping Children Safe in Education (where applicable)
• The EYFS Statutory Framework
• Local Safeguarding Partnership procedures

2. Aims ofThis Policy

• Protect children from maltreatment, abuse, neglect, and exploitation
• Ensure early identification of concerns and timely intervention
• Provide clear procedures for staff, volunteers, and parents
• Promote a culture of vigilance, transparency, and accountability
• Ensure all staff understand their safeguarding responsibilities

3.Definitions

Safeguarding

Protecting children from harm, ensuring safe and effective care, and enabling them to achieve the best outcomes.

ChildProtection

Actions taken to protect a child who issuffering, or likely to suffer, significant harm.

Types ofAbuse

• Physical abuse
• Emotional abuse
• Sexual abuse
• Neglect
• Domestic abuse exposure
• Online abuse / exploitation

4. Rolesand Responsibilities

DesignatedSafeguarding Lead (DSL)

• Name: _______Sam Marland___________________
• Contact: ______07729 733317__________________
• Responsibilities     include:
   
  • Managing safeguarding concerns
   
  • Liaising with local safeguarding partners
   
  • Ensuring staff training and policy compliance
   
  • Maintaining secure safeguarding records

All Staffand Volunteers

Must:

• Prioritise the welfare of children
• Recognise signs of abuse
• Report concerns immediately to the DSL
• Maintain confidentiality
• Complete safeguarding training regularly

5. SaferRecruitment

We follow safer recruitment practices toensure only suitable individuals work with children. This includes:

• Enhanced DBS checks
• Identity and reference checks
• Verification of qualifications
• Employment history review
• Safeguarding interview questions
• Probation and supervision

6.Recognising and Responding to Concerns

Staff must remain alert to signs of abuse,including:

• Unexplained injuries
• Changes in behaviour
• Developmental delays
• Poor hygiene or neglect indicators
• Disclosures from the child

Respondingto a Disclosure

Staff must:

• Listen calmly
• Reassure the child
• Avoid leading questions
• Record the disclosure factually
• Report immediately to the DSL

7.Recording and Reporting

• All concerns must be recorded on the same day
• Records must be factual, dated, and signed
• DSL will decide on next steps, including referral to:
   
  • Local Authority Children’s Services
   
  • Police (if immediate danger)
   
  • Early Help services

8.Confidentiality and Information Sharing

• Information is shared on a need-to-know basis
• We follow GDPR and safeguarding exemptions
• Parents are informed unless doing so increases risk to the child

9. StaffTraining

All staff receive:

• Induction safeguarding training
• Annual refresher training
• DSL receives advanced training every 2 years
• Regular updates on safeguarding issues (e.g., online safety, Prevent Duty)

10.Managing Allegations Against Staff

If an allegation is made against a staffmember:

• Report immediately to the DSL or provider/manager
• DSL contacts the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO)
• Staff member may be suspended pending investigation
• Confidentiality is maintained throughout

11. SafeWorking Practices

We maintain a safe environment by:

• Ensuring appropriate staff-to-child ratios
• Conducting risk assessments
• Maintaining secure premises
• Following intimate care and toileting procedures
• Ensuring safe use of mobile phones and cameras
• Monitoring online safety practices

12.Partnership with Parents

We work collaboratively with parents andcarers by:

• Sharing policies and expectations
• Communicating concerns promptly
• Offering support and signposting services
• Encouraging involvement in the child’s learning

13.Whistleblowing

Staff must report unsafe practices or concernsabout colleagues. We follow the local authority whistleblowing procedures andensure staff are protected from victimisation.

14.Monitoring and Review

This policy is reviewed annually or sooner if:

• Legislation changes
• Local safeguarding guidance updates
• A safeguarding incident requires policy revision

15. PolicyApproval

Provider/Manager Name: _______Sam Marland___________________

Date: ________13/02/2026__________________________________