Child Protection Policy
Ashridge Park FC is committed to creating and preserving the safest possible environment for children to play football.
Every child or young person, defined as any person under the age of 18, who plays or participates in football should be able to take part in an enjoyable and safe environment and be protected from abuse. This is the responsibility of every adult involved in football.
Ashridge Park FC recognizes its responsibility to safe guard the welfare of all children and young people by protecting them from physical, sexual or emotional harm and from neglect or bullying. It is determined to meet its obligation to ensure that Ashridge Park FC as an organization, which provides football opportunities for children and young people do so, to the highest possible standard of care.
These procedures apply to anyone in football whether in a paid or voluntary capacity, for example, volunteers, referees, club officials, football coaches and first-aiders
Ashridge Park FC accepts children's welfare is paramount and that all children, whatever their age, culture, disability, gender or religion, have the right to protection from abuse. All suspicions and allegations of abuse will be taken seriously and responded to swiftly and appropriately.
Ashridge Park FC’s aims are:
- To develop a safe environment in order to protect all children and young people who play football.
- To demonstrate best practice in the area of child protection.
- To ensure that all team managers have completed the Football Association Safeguarding Children Workshop and have clearance through the Criminal Records Bureau.(CRB)
- To ensure that the child's welfare is, and always must be, the paramount consideration.
- To ensure all suspicions of abuse will be taken seriously and responded to swiftly, and appropriately working in partnership with children/parents/carers is essential.
The following aims should be used in conjunction with the Ashridge Park FC Child Protection Reporting Procedures Guide. These procedures have been developed to reflect the key principles of the FA Child Protection Policy and has such the following documents should be referred to for further guidance.
- The Football Association Child Protection Policy
- The FA Coaches Association Child Protection Policy
- The FA Centres of Excellence
- The FA Safety First.
The above can be viewed on www.thefa.com The FA.com
Ashridge Park FC Child Protection Reporting Procedures
The following steps shall be taken should you:
- Have a concern about the welfare of a child or young person.
- A child or young person informs you of a possible abuse situation, or
- Through observation or a third party you become aware of a possible abuse situation.
Step 1
- Stay Calm
- If the child or young person is present reassure him/her that they are not to blame.
- Don't make promises of confidentiality or outcome.
- Keep questions to a minimum.
Step 2
Is the child or young person in need of immediate medical attention?
NO?
- Contact the Child Welfare Officer.
- Do not contact parents at this stage.
- Make a factual record of events and pass to designated person.
- The designated Child Welfare Officer (CWO) will either discuss the situation with other committee members or if action is needed urgently provide the appropriate advice and action to be taken to the confidant. The designated CWO shall then inform the other committee members of the situation as soon as possible after the initial allegation.
- If the designated CWO cannot be contacted straight away seek urgent advice from Local Social Services, the police or The FA/NSPCC helpline. Contact details are given at the end of the Child Protection Report.
YES?
MAKE SURE THAT THERE IS AT LEAST ONE OTHER PERSON PRESENT BEFORE PROCEEDING
- Take the young child or person to hospital or telephone an ambulance.
- Inform doctor at the hospital who will take appropriate action.
- Inform the parents/carers immediately unless you have specific reasons not to, then contact Ashridge Park FC 's designated CWO or local Social Services, the Police or The FA/NSPCC helpline for guidance. Contact details are given at the end of the Child Protection Report.
Step 3
If the allegations of abuse involves a member of Ashridge Park FC or another Football team.
The confidant shall:
- Make a factual record of events as soon as possible.
- Contact the Ashridge Park FC CWO and provide the CWO with the factual record of the events of the allegation of abuse.
- The designated Child Welfare Officer (CWO) will either discuss the situation with other committee members or if action is needed urgently provide the appropriate advice and action to be taken to the confidant. The designated CWO shall then inform the other committee members of the situation as soon as possible after the initial allegation
- If the designated CWO cannot be contacted straight away seek urgent advice from Local Social Services, the police or The FA/NSPCC helpline. Contact details are given at the end of the Child Protection Report.
- Take action advised by these agencies including advice on contacting parents/carers.
- Inform the Ashridge Park FC Management Committee members of the situation as soon as possible after the initial allegation.
Child Protection Officer.
Child Welfare Officer
Alan Youd
Mobile: 07775916092
Email: alanyoud2014@gmail.com
FA/NSPCC Helpline.
Tel. 0808 800 5000
Children’s Services
Wokingham
Tel. 0118 9088230