Safeguarding Policy Statement

Swim Angels is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children, young people, and vulnerable adults who participate in our swimming lessons or are employed by us. We take our responsibility to protect everyone involved very seriously and aim to provide a safe, positive, and enjoyable environment.

Scope
This policy applies to all staff (including under-18 employees), volunteers, contractors, parents/guardians, and participants. It covers all activities at Salendine Nook Pool.

Commitment 
We will: 

  • Prioritise the welfare of children and young people above all else. 

  • Treat everyone with respect and dignity, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, or background. 

  • Ensure all staff are appropriately checked (enhanced DBS) and trained. 

  • Follow best-practice guidance from Swim England’s Wavepower (latest version) linked here as the sector standard, even though we are not formally affiliated. 

  • Provide a safe environment free from abuse, bullying, harassment, or exploitation.

Key Procedures 

  1. Recruitment & Checks 
    All staff working with children have an enhanced DBS check (renewed every 3 years). References are taken, and suitability is assessed. Under-18 employees are appropriately supervised in line with risk assessment and operational requirements.

  2. Training 
    All staff receive safeguarding awareness information (including Wavepower key points) during induction.  

  3. Safe Practice  

    • Parents/guardians must remain poolside and supervise their children.  

    • No one-to-one situations without parent/adult present.  

    • Photography and filming: No photography or filming of any kind is permitted in the pool area at any time by parents, guardians or visitors. This protects all children's privacy and safety. Signs displayed.   

    • Changing rooms: No mobile phones or photography allowed; staff knock and announce before entering. Signs displayed.  

    • Physical contact: Hands-off teaching unless for safety or swim teaching reasons (e.g., safety, rescue, technique correction etc); always explained to the child beforehand. 

    • Communication: Staff will only communicate with parents and guardians through official business channels. Staff will not communicate with children or young people directly via personal mobile numbers, personal email or social media etc. 

    • Transport: Not provided by staff; parents responsible. 

    • Children aged 8 and over should use the changing facility appropriate to their biological sex. Children under 8 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian of either gender.

    • No adults are permitted in changing areas used by children unless accompanying their own child.

    • Parents and guardians must not enter changing facilities of the opposite biological sex.

    • Adults should avoid entering changing areas used by children unless necessary. Where access is required (e.g. accompanying their own child or using toilets), adults must act appropriately and respect the privacy of others at all times.

    • Where possible, adults are encouraged to avoid using changing areas during busy periods (e.g. lesson changeover times) to help maintain privacy for children.

    • Showers are for use by swimmers participating in lessons and authorised staff only. Parents, guardians, and spectators are not permitted to use the shower facilities at any time, in order to maintain appropriate safeguarding standards and privacy for children.

  4. Reporting Concerns  

    • Any concern about abuse, neglect, poor practice, or bullying must be reported immediately to the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL): James Bennett Swim School manager, 07856 945734, swimangelsuk@outlook.com 

    • If urgent (child in immediate danger): Call 999 or local children's services.  

    • All concerns are taken seriously, recorded confidentially, and followed up appropriately (may involve external agencies like NSPCC, police, or local authority).  

    • Staff/volunteers are supported and protected when raising concerns in good faith. 

  5. Allegations Against Staff 
    Any allegation against a staff member is treated seriously. Appropriate action will be taken, which may include temporary removal from duties while an investigation is carried out. The DSL follows Wavepower procedures and reports to statutory agencies as required. 

 

 
James Bennett– Owner/Manager 
This policy will be reviewed annually or following any significant change. Next review date: September 2026.

Contact for Concerns: 07856 945734, swimangelsuk@outlook.com 
External help: NSPCC Helpline 0808 800 5000 | Childline 0800 1111.  

Kirklees Duty and Advice Team: 01484 456848