[School name] safeguarding policy
Effective: [month year] · Review due: [month year] · Approved by: [name, role]
1. Purpose
This policy protects the welfare of all children and vulnerable adults who take part in swimming at [School name]. We are committed to a safe, supportive environment where everyone is treated with dignity and respect.
2. Scope
This policy applies to:
- contractors, swim teachers and coaches
- assistants, volunteers and administrative staff
- Group Leaders and private hirers running sessions involving children
- visitors and parents or carers while on site
3. Policy statement
- The welfare of the child is paramount.
- All children, whatever their age, ability, sex, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, disability or any other protected characteristic, have the right to protection from abuse.
- All suspicions and allegations of abuse will be taken seriously and responded to quickly and appropriately.
4. Legal framework
- Children Act 1989 and Children Act 2004
- Working Together to Safeguard Children 2026
- Keeping Children Safe in Education 2026, where relevant to good practice
- Equality Act 2010
- UK GDPR and Data Protection Act 2018, where safeguarding information is recorded or shared
- NSPCC guidance for sports clubs and organisations working with children
- [Swim England / STA] safeguarding guidance, where applicable
5. Our commitments
We will:
- make sure all relevant staff and teachers hold a current safeguarding certificate, for example from Swim England or UK Coaching
- keep enhanced DBS checks up to date for all staff working with children
- name a Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) for all concerns
- make sure staff and Group Leaders know how to report concerns
- encourage open communication with parents and carers
- act promptly on any disclosure or allegation
6. Poolside attendance
Only the account holder, people listed on the child's registration record, or people the account holder has given explicit permission may attend poolside. Where parental responsibility is shared or disputed, access must be agreed in writing by both parties or set by a court. We may restrict access if a safeguarding concern is raised or a conflict is unresolved.
7. Designated Safeguarding Lead
Name: [DSL name] · Contact: [email] The DSL receives concerns, advises staff and Group Leaders, keeps safeguarding records and makes referrals to outside agencies. If the DSL is unavailable, or the concern is about the DSL, contact [owner or deputy] or go directly to the local authority, NSPCC or emergency services.
8. Responding to concerns
Every concern, disclosure or allegation must be:
- taken seriously
- responded to calmly
- written down as soon as possible: date, time, people involved, what was seen or heard, and any action taken
- reported to the DSL without delay
- stored securely and shared only with those who need to know
Never promise confidentiality to a child or vulnerable adult. If someone is at immediate risk, call 999 first, then tell the DSL.
9. Code of conduct for staff
All teachers and staff must:
- always put the child's welfare first
- keep appropriate professional boundaries
- never be alone with a child in a changing area or behind closed doors
- use positive, constructive language
- avoid physical contact unless needed for teaching or safety
10. Photography and social media
- Parental consent is needed for any photo or video of a child.
- Only approved devices may be used; no personal devices.
- Children's images must not be shared on social media without written permission.
11. Changing facilities
- Children change in age-appropriate facilities.
- Staff enter changing rooms only when needed for supervision, with another adult present where possible.
- Family or private changing is offered where practical.
12. Whistleblowing
Staff should raise concerns about another staff member's behaviour or unsafe practice with the DSL, or with the NSPCC Whistleblowing Helpline: 0800 028 0285.
13. Review
This policy is reviewed every year, and after any change in law or serious safeguarding incident. It is shared with all staff and available to parents on request or on our website.
14. Useful contacts
- DSL: [name, email]
- Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO): [your local authority]
- Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH) or children's services front door: [your local authority number and out-of-hours line]
- NSPCC Helpline: 0808 800 5000
- [Swim England / STA] safeguarding team: [number]
Find your LADO and MASH by searching "[your county] LADO" and "[your county] MASH" on your council's website.