Protecting and safeguarding children is of the utmost importance across our organisation and Swim England is committed to ensuring that any child who attends an affiliated organisation, event or activity will be safeguarded from harm.
What should parents/guardians expect?
As a parent or guardian of a Swim England club member you can be assured that:
- your child is safeguarded during their time with us.
- all people with responsibility for your child will:
- be suitably qualified and trained.
- have been safely recruited by the club or organisation and that recruitment procedure includes a DBS check
- any concerns about your child’s welfare will be listened to and responded to.
You also have a right to access the Swim England Wavepower child safeguarding policy manual and to contact your club welfare officer and / or the Swim England safeguarding team should you need to.
What should parents be aware of?
As a parent or guardian, we recommend you make yourselves familiar with:
Key club information and contacts, such as:
- Website, social media site or notice board which would provide the latest news and updates for members.your welfare officer – who they are, how to contact them and any information on their role. Sara Hood welfare@guisboroughasc.co.uk
- the coaches, teachers and poolside team and who to contact to discuss your child’s training.
- information about the pool facilities, particularly around the changing rooms and any relevant rules that apply to the facility e.g. the use of mobile devices.
The club’s procedures and status, such as:
- rules, regulations, selection policies and codes of conduct.
- complaints process and disciplinary process and the relevant contacts.
- Swim Mark status.
Always ask the club to make this information available to you if you have problems finding or accessing it.
How can I help support my child and the club?
- Complete all consent, emergency contact and medical forms and update the club immediately if anything changes.
- Sign and adhere to the Parents Code of Conduct.
- Ensure your child arrives to sessions on time and is collected promptly.
- If you are going to be late let the club know.
- Ensure your child has the right kit for training or competition, as well as enough food and drink.
How can I raise a safeguarding concern?
If you have a concern that a child or adult may be at risk of harm, or being harmed, you should, without delay, contact the club welfare officer. Sara Hood welfare@guisboroughasc.co.uk
In an emergency
If you believe a child or adult has been harmed or may be at immediate risk of harm, and you are unable to contact your welfare officer or the Swim England safeguarding team please make immediate contact with an appropriate agency, such as:
- The Police
- Children’s Services
- Local Authority Adult Safeguarding Team
- Multi Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH)
- Local Authority Designated officer (LADO)
- NSPCC Child Protection Helpline 0808 800 5000.
Take the name and contact details of the person you have spoken to, plus the incident / referral reference number (if applicable) so you have a record of the advice they give.
Then report this to the club welfare officer and the Swim England safeguarding team the next working day.
Safeguarding changing rooms
Mobile phones are prohibited in the changing rooms. Please ensure your swimmer is aware of this rule and adhere to it.