Child Protection Policy

1. Policy Statement

The Shred Academy (“we”, “us”, “our”) is committed to creating a safe, positive, and inclusive environment where all children and young people can learn, play, and develop through action sports.
We recognise our duty of care to safeguard all participants from harm and abuse, and we will take all reasonable steps to ensure the welfare of every child involved in our programmes.

This policy outlines how we prevent, recognise, and respond to concerns or allegations of abuse, and how we ensure no adult is left alone in an unsupervised one-to-one situation with a child.

2. Scope

This policy applies to all staff, coaches, volunteers, and contractors engaged by The Shred Academy, as well as to visitors, parents, and external partners participating in our activities.

3. Legal & Guidance Framework

This policy is based on:

  • Children Act 1989 and 2004
  • Working Together to Safeguard Children (2018)
  • Keeping Children Safe in Out of School Settings Guidance (2020)
  • NSPCC Child Protection in Sport Unit (CPSU) guidance
  • Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) requirements
  • Data Protection legislation including UK GDPR

4. Our Commitments

We are committed to:

  • Protecting children from abuse, harm, or neglect.
  • Ensuring that all adults working with children are suitable, trained, and supported.
  • Responding quickly, proportionately, and transparently to any safeguarding or child protection concern.
  • Promoting a culture of respect, inclusion, and accountability across all Shred Academy programmes.

5. Recognising Abuse

Abuse can occur in many forms. We train and support all staff to recognise the main types:

  • Physical abuse – hitting, shaking, or causing physical harm.
  • Emotional abuse – threats, humiliation, or persistent negative treatment.
  • Sexual abuse – involvement in sexual activity or exposure to inappropriate materials.
  • Neglect – failing to meet a child’s basic physical or emotional needs.
  • Bullying (including online) – behaviour causing distress, intimidation, or isolation.

All concerns, however small, must be taken seriously and reported immediately.

6. Preventing One-to-One Situations

To minimise risk and protect both children and adults:

  • No coach, staff member, or volunteer should be alone with an unaccompanied child at any time.
  • Coaching should always occur in open, visible areas, ideally within sight or hearing of others.
  • Private or closed-door conversations should be avoided; if necessary, they should take place in view of others.
  • Parents/guardians are encouraged to stay on site during sessions whenever possible.
  • If a child requires one-to-one support (e.g. for first aid or behaviour reasons), another adult should be informed and present where possible.
  • Travel with a child alone in a vehicle is not permitted unless in an emergency, and must be reported to the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL).

7. Responding to Concerns or Allegations

If a coach or volunteer suspects abuse, receives a disclosure, or witnesses inappropriate behaviour:

  1. Listen carefully – do not interrupt or make promises.
  2. Record exactly what was said, including dates, times, and names.
  3. Report the concern immediately to the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) or Deputy DSL.
  4. Do not investigate the concern personally or confront the alleged individual.
  5. If there is immediate danger, contact emergency services (999) first, then inform the DSL.

All concerns are treated seriously and handled in line with statutory guidance and data protection laws.

8. Allegations Against Staff or Volunteers

  • Any allegation made against a coach, volunteer, or staff member must be reported immediately to the DSL.
  • The DSL will liaise with the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) and follow their advice.
  • The accused individual may be suspended from duties pending investigation to ensure child safety.
  • Confidentiality will be maintained throughout, and all parties will be treated fairly and respectfully.

9. Recruitment & Training

  • All staff and volunteers working directly with children must have a current DBS check.
  • At least one Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) and one Deputy DSL will be trained and available during all activities.
  • All new staff receive induction training on this policy and must read and sign both the Safeguarding Policy and the Code of Conduct before working with children.
  • Ongoing safeguarding and first aid training are provided to maintain high standards.

10. Monitoring & Review

  • This policy will be reviewed annually or sooner if legislation or best practice changes.
  • Feedback from staff, participants, and parents will inform improvements.
  • Any incident or near miss will be reviewed to strengthen future prevention.

11. Designated Safeguarding Contacts

Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL): Bernard Harding
Deputy DSL: Danny Clements
Organisation: Shreducation Community Interest Company (trading as The Shred Academy)
Company No: 16696920

12. Declaration

All staff, coaches, and volunteers confirm they have read, understood, and agree to abide by this Child Protection Policy and all related safeguarding procedures.

Review Cycle: Annual (or sooner if required)
Last Reviewed: 21/10/25
Next Review Due: 21/10/26