Aims Of This Policy

• To protect children and young people taking part in SkillsLoop coaching sessions and activities.
• To provide coaches, staff and volunteers with clear safeguarding expectations and procedures.
• To ensure safeguarding concerns are recognised, recorded and responded to appropriately.
• To ensure parents and guardians understand SkillsLoop's safeguarding approach and their responsibilities.
• To provide a safe environment where young riders feel able to raise a concern or say when they feel uncomfortable.

Definitions

Child / Young Person

For the purposes of this policy, a child or young person is anyone under the age of 18.

Safeguarding

Safeguarding means protecting children from abuse, neglect, exploitation and other forms of harm, supporting their health and development and taking action to help children achieve safe and positive outcomes.

Child Protection

Child protection forms part of safeguarding and relates specifically to action taken where a child may be suffering, or may be at risk of suffering, significant harm.

Designated Safeguarding Lead

The Designated Safeguarding Lead, or DSL, is the person responsible for overseeing safeguarding within SkillsLoop LTD and acting as the primary point of contact for safeguarding concerns.

Responsibilities

Safe Coaching Practice

SkillsLoop aims to create an environment where young riders can learn and progress while maintaining clear professional boundaries and appropriate supervision.

Reporting Procedure

Where a safeguarding concern is identified, SkillsLoop will follow the process below.

If A Child Makes A Disclosure

If a child tells a coach, member of staff or volunteer about something that raises a safeguarding concern, the person receiving the information should:

• Listen calmly and take what the child says seriously.
• Allow the child to speak in their own words and avoid unnecessary or leading questions.
• Reassure the child that they were right to speak to someone.
• Never promise to keep safeguarding information secret.
• Explain, in an age-appropriate way, that the information may need to be shared with someone who can help keep them safe.
• Make an accurate written record as soon as possible.
• Report the concern to the DSL without unnecessary delay.

Confidentiality & Record Keeping

Safeguarding information will be handled sensitively and shared only where there is a legitimate safeguarding reason to do so.

Records relating to safeguarding concerns will be kept securely and separately from general coaching information wherever appropriate.

Information may be shared with relevant professionals or statutory agencies where this is necessary to protect a child or support an appropriate safeguarding response.

The safety and welfare of the child will take priority when deciding whether safeguarding information needs to be shared.

Allegations Or Concerns About An Adult

Any safeguarding concern or allegation involving a SkillsLoop coach, member of staff, volunteer or another adult working with children must be taken seriously and reported promptly.

The matter will not be investigated informally by SkillsLoop where doing so could compromise an appropriate safeguarding process.

Advice will be sought from the appropriate safeguarding authority or statutory agency where required.

Appropriate steps may be taken to restrict an individual's contact with children while a concern is being considered.

Training & Policy Review

SkillsLoop is committed to maintaining appropriate safeguarding awareness and training relevant to the roles undertaken within the business.

This policy will be reviewed at least annually and may be reviewed earlier following:

• A safeguarding incident or concern.
• A significant change to SkillsLoop activities.
• A change in safeguarding guidance or legislation.
• Learning or recommendations arising from safeguarding practice.