Support for Parents about Safety in Sports Clubs and Organisations
As parents, it is great to encourage your children to try a range of activities, be it in sport, with an organised group or as a volunteer, they all offer fun, life skills as well as social opportunities. What is important is that this happens in a safe and secure environment.
Encourage your child to explore different sports and organisations and stay active.
Safeguarding your child in their chosen activity
It’s important for parents/ carers to check that any organisation that your child attends have your child’s safety as its priority. Even if they seem professional, there are questions that you should ask to make sure that they have all the necessary safeguarding measures in place.
Whichever activity, club, tutor or group your child wants to try, remember to ask for the following information:
- A copy of their safeguarding children policy
- A copy of the health and safety policy
- Who is the Welfare Officer (who do I speak to if I have concerns)
- Are all staff trained in safeguarding and first aid?
- A code of conduct for staff, volunteers, parents and children including texting and social media
- Do you have a website or leaflet with your safeguarding information?
- Ask to see qualifications and certificate
- Check who has a Disclosure and Barring Certificate
Remember: High quality clubs and organisations will always welcome questions about their activities, the safety of their environment and care of your child.
Helpful Hints:
- Ask other parents who they recommend
- Look for adverts on the internet, advertisements and local media
- Make sure you can take an interest in the activity
- Discuss what your child has done and what progress they are making
Don’t be afraid to question:
- Activities where parents or carers are discouraged from watching sessions or becoming involved
- Individuals who take charge and operate independently to the safeguarding guidelines
- Individuals who show favouritism and reward individual young people
- If children stop attending for no reason
- Text messages/ communication directly to young people without including parents or A good and professional organisation will already have procedures in place and will welcome the chance to demonstrate that they are providing a safe environment for your child.
- To raise concerns with the Welfare Officer, lead person in charge or someone higher in the organisation
- Worried about a child? - Tameside MBC
Remember: Trust your instincts, a DBS check and qualifications are not a substitute for parental vigilance.