Safeguarding Policy for Children and Personal Training

Introduction This Safeguarding Policy outlines our commitment to promoting the safety, welfare, and rights of children in all interactions associated with our personal training services. As a personal trainer, I take my responsibility to protect children seriously and aim to create a safe and supportive environment for all clients and their families.

Purpose The purpose of this policy is to:

• Ensure that children are safeguarded from harm while participating in personal training sessions or related activities.
• Outline the measures taken to promote child safety and well-being.
• Provide clear guidance for identifying and reporting concerns.

Scope This policy applies to all interactions between myself, any associated staff, and clients under 18 years of age, as well as any communication involving children and their guardians.

My Commitment I am committed to:

• Prioritising the safety and well-being of children in all aspects of my personal training services.
• Maintaining a zero-tolerance approach to abuse, exploitation, and neglect.
• Ensuring clear communication with parents and guardians about safeguarding practices.
• Promoting respectful, professional, and appropriate conduct at all times.

Principles

1. Best Interests of the Child: The welfare of the child is always the primary consideration.
2. Equality and Inclusion: Every child, regardless of age, gender, disability, race, ethnicity, religious beliefs, or sexual orientation, deserves protection from harm.
3. Confidentiality and Transparency: Information about children will be handled with sensitivity and shared only with appropriate individuals or authorities when necessary.

Safeguarding Practices

1. Safe Environment:

    

• Training sessions will be conducted in safe, professional settings with appropriate equipment.
• Parents or guardians are encouraged to observe sessions involving children under 18.
2. Data Protection:

    

• Personal information about children is securely collected and stored in compliance with data protection laws.
• Parental or guardian consent is obtained before collecting or using data related to children.
3. Appropriate Conduct:

    

• All interactions with children will remain professional and appropriate.
• Physical contact during sessions will be limited to what is necessary for instruction and always explained beforehand.
4. Training and Awareness:

    

• I stay informed on safeguarding best practices and undergo regular training to ensure compliance.
5. Reporting Mechanisms:

    

• Any concerns about a child’s safety or welfare will be promptly addressed and, if necessary, reported to relevant authorities.

Reporting Concerns If you have a concern about the safety or well-being of a child in connection with my services, please contact me immediately via:

Email: coach@mjhpersonaltrraining.co.uk

 Phone: 07519194418

All reports will be handled confidentially, and appropriate action will be taken in line with safeguarding guidelines.

Review and Updates This policy will be reviewed annually or when there are updates to legislation for safeguarding best practices. Any changes will be communicated clearly to clients.

Contact Information If you have any questions or require further information about this policy, please contact me at:

Michael Hayward

MJH Coaching

07519194418

 

 

 

          Safeguarding Guidlines 

Safeguarding Guidelines for Children in Personal Training/Sport

When working with children in personal training or sports environments, safeguarding their wellbeing, safety, and rights is of paramount importance. Below are comprehensive guidelines to ensure a safe and supportive environment for children:

1. Understanding Safeguarding Responsibilities

• Duty of Care: Always act in the child’s best interests and ensure their physical, emotional, and psychological safety.
• Legal Compliance: Familiarise yourself with and adhere to local child protection laws and organisational safeguarding policies.

2. Pre-Training Requirements

• Background Checks: Complete relevant background checks, such as a DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check in the UK, or equivalent in your country.
• Safeguarding Training: Undertake certified safeguarding and child protection training regularly.
• Parental Consent: Obtain written parental or guardian consent for all activities, including sharing progress updates, photographs, or videos.

3. Creating a Safe Environment

• Appropriate Facilities: Ensure training areas are safe, secure, and free from hazards.
• Supervision: Maintain appropriate levels of supervision at all times, ensuring children are never left alone.
• Respect Privacy: Provide privacy in changing rooms and ensure personal boundaries are respected.

4. Communication

• Professional Boundaries: Communicate professionally and appropriately, avoiding overly personal or private interactions.
• Transparent Communication: Keep parents or guardians informed of training progress, goals, and any concerns.
• Reporting Concerns: Encourage open communication where children feel safe to report any concerns. Follow up on concerns swiftly and appropriately.

5. Code of Conduct

• Positive Role Model: Demonstrate ethical behavior, respect, and encouragement at all times.
• Avoid Physical Contact: Minimise physical contact unless absolutely necessary for the child’s safety or to demonstrate an exercise. Always seek verbal consent first.
• No Favoritism: Treat all children equally, without favoritism or discrimination.

6. Handling and Reporting Incidents

• Recognizing Signs of Abuse: Be vigilant for signs of physical, emotional, or sexual abuse, as well as neglect.
• Reporting Procedures:
• Follow the reporting protocols of your organization.
• Report any safeguarding concerns to the designated safeguarding lead (DSL) or appropriate authority without delay.
• Keep detailed, objective records of any incidents or concerns.
• Confidentiality: Handle concerns sensitively, sharing information only with those who need to know.

7. Policies on Social Media and Technology

• Avoid Direct Messaging: Communicate with children through parents or guardians, or in a group setting with another responsible adult included.
• Photographs and Videos: Never share photos or videos of children without explicit written parental/guardian consent.
• Online Training: Ensure a parent or guardian is present during online training sessions.

8. Education and Empowerment

• Encourage Independence: Promote age-appropriate independence and self-confidence.
• Teach Boundaries: Help children understand their personal boundaries and empower them to say no if they feel uncomfortable.
• Raise Awareness: Educate children on basic safety, including what to do if they feel unsafe.

9. Monitoring and Evaluation

• Feedback: Regularly gather feedback from children and their parents/guardians about their experiences.
• Review Safeguarding Policies: Regularly review and update safeguarding policies and procedures to ensure they remain effective.

10. Legal and Ethical Compliance

• Adhere to the Children Act 1989/2004 (UK) or equivalent child protection laws in your country.
• Ensure compliance with GDPR/Data Protection regulations when handling personal information.

By implementing these guidelines, I can create a safe, supportive, and enjoyable environment for children, empowering them to thrive in their fitness and sporting journeys while prioritising their wellbeing.