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Safeguarding & Child Protection Policy

1. Introduction
Soulful Skate Co. is committed to providing a safe, inclusive, and positive environment for all participants, particularly children and young people. This policy outlines our approach to safeguarding and child protection and applies to all Soulful Skate Co. activities, including lessons, events, and trips.

 

2. Our Commitment to Safeguarding

  • We believe all children and young people have the right to feel safe and protected from harm.

  • We have a duty of care to protect children and young people from abuse and neglect.

  • We promote a culture of respect, inclusivity, and accountability in all our sessions.

 

3. Recognising and Responding to Concerns
All staff, volunteers, and participants should be aware of the four main types of abuse:

  • Physical Abuse – Any act that causes physical harm.

  • Emotional Abuse – Persistent maltreatment affecting emotional development.

  • Sexual Abuse – Any form of non-consensual sexual activity.

  • Neglect – Failing to meet a child's basic physical or emotional needs.

If you have concerns about a child's safety or welfare, report them immediately to the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL).

 

4. Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)
The DSL for Soulful Skate Co. is Danielle Davis. They are responsible for:

  • Acting as the first point of contact for safeguarding concerns.

  • Ensuring reports are recorded and, if necessary, referred to appropriate authorities.

  • Reviewing and updating safeguarding policies regularly.

  • Maintaining confidentiality, except when disclosure is required.

 

5. Reporting a Safeguarding Concern
If you have concerns about a child's safety, take the following steps:

  1. Listen – Allow the child to speak freely without interruption or judgment.

  2. Record – Write down what was said using the child's own words.

  3. Report – Inform the DSL immediately. If the concern is urgent, contact the local authority safeguarding team or the NSPCC helpline at 0808 800 5000.

 

6. Safe Working Practices

  • All sessions are conducted in safe, supervised environments.

  • Instructors avoid 1:1 unsupervised situations with minors unless in a public setting.

  • Physical contact (e.g., for demonstrations) is only used when necessary and with clear consent.

  • Soulful Skate Co. does not communicate privately with minors via personal messaging apps.

 

7. Photography & Social Media Use

  • Parental consent is required for any photography or videography involving children.

  • Photographs/videos will only be used for Soulful Skate Co. promotional purposes with prior consent.

  • Young people are encouraged to report concerns about inappropriate image use.

 

8. Recruitment & Training
As the business grows, we will implement a safe recruitment policy to ensure all freelance instructors:

  • Undergo DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) checks if working with under-18s.

  • Are emergency outdoor first aid qualified 

  • Are trained and certified by Skate GB 'Get Rolling' teacher qualification

  • Complete basic safeguarding training before delivering sessions.

 

9. Policy Review
This policy will be reviewed annually or when significant changes occur. Any updates will be made in accordance with safeguarding best practices and UK legislation.

 

Contact for Safeguarding Concerns

  • Designated Safeguarding Lead: Danielle Davis

  • Local Authority Safeguarding Team: Check your local authority’s website for safeguarding contact details.

  • NSPCC Helpline: 0808 800 5000

 

Date of Last Review: March 2025
Next Review Due: March 2025

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