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   Kick Start Health Fitness and Martial Arts Academy
In association with Martial Arts GB & Sports England

Safeguarding Children Policy and Procedures

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Index

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  1. Commitment to Safeguarding

  2. Purpose and Scope of this Policy Statement

  3. Legal Framework

  4. Abuse and Neglect: Definition, Signs and Symptoms

  5. Codes of Conduct and Ethics

  6. Acting on Safeguarding Concerns

  7. Recording

  8. Recruiting, Supervision, Support and Training

  9. Whistleblowing

  10. Complaints

  11. Related Policies and Procedures

  12. Late Collection & Unaccompanied Departure Policy

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1. Commitment to Safeguarding

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At this Club we are committed to safeguarding children and young people under the age of eighteen. We expect everyone to share this commitment. We take all welfare concerns seriously and encourage children and young people to speak to us about any worries they may have. We will always act in the best interest of the child.

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2. Purpose and Scope of this Policy Statement

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This Club works with children and families as part of its activities.
The purpose of this policy statement is:

  • To protect children and young people who receive the Club’s services

  • To provide parents, staff and volunteers with the overarching principles that guide our approach to child protection
    This policy statement applies to anyone working on behalf of the Club.

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3. Legal Framework

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This policy has been drawn up on the basis of legislation, policy and guidance that seek to protect children in England, Northern Ireland and Wales:

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  • Human Rights Act 1998

  • Children Act 1989

  • Children Act 2004

  • Working Together to Safeguard Children 2018

  • Keeping Children Safe in Education 2018

  • Sexual Offences Act 2003

  • Data Protection Act 2018

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4. Abuse and Neglect: Definition, Signs and Symptoms

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Child:
In England, Northern Ireland and Wales a child is someone under the age of 18, whether living with their families, in state care, or living independently (Working Together to Safeguard Children 2018). This generally applies in Scotland (with some exceptions applying to parts of the policy).

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Safeguarding:
Safeguarding children is defined in “Working Together to Safeguard Children” as:

  • Protecting children from maltreatment

  • Preventing impairment of children’s health or development

  • Ensuring that children are growing up in circumstances consistent with the provision of safe and effective care

  • Taking action to enable all children to have the best outcomes

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Child Abuse:
Child abuse is any action by another person—adult or child—that causes significant harm to a child. It can be physical, sexual, or emotional, but can just as often be about a lack of love, care, and attention. Neglect can be just as damaging as physical abuse.

Other forms of harm or abuse include:

  • Bullying

  • Child Sexual Exploitation

  • Hate crimes

  • Abuse in domestic settings

  • Honour-based violence

  • Forced marriage

  • Human trafficking

  • Exploitation by radicalisers who promote violence

  • Membership of gangs inclined to use violence

Abuse and neglect may overlap, and children may experience more than one type.

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Poor Practice:
Poor practice includes any behaviour which contravenes the principles of this document or the relevant Code of Conduct or brings Martial Arts into disrepute, or which infringes an individual’s rights. Examples include:

  • Use of excessive, physical or humiliating punishments

  • Failure to act when witnessing possible abuse or bullying

  • Being unaware of, or breaching, any relevant policy

  • Spending excessive time alone with young people away from others

  • Inviting or allowing young people into your home where they will be alone with you

  • Engaging in rough, physical or sexually provocative activity

  • Allowing young people to use inappropriate language unchallenged

  • Making sexually suggestive comments even in fun

  • Reducing a person to tears as a form of control

  • Allowing allegations made by a young person to go unchallenged, unrecorded or not acted upon

  • Doing things of a personal nature for young people that they can do for themselves

  • Sharing a bedroom with a young person you are not related to, even with parental permission

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Signs and Symptoms:
Signs of abuse may include:

  • Unexplained or suspicious injuries

  • Inconsistent explanations for injuries

  • Disclosure of abusive acts

  • Changes in behaviour (withdrawn, angry, etc.)

  • Inappropriate sexual awareness or behaviour

  • Sudden or unusual distrust of adults

  • Difficulty making friends or being prevented from socialising

  • Eating pattern changes, sudden weight change

  • Poor hygiene or unkempt appearance

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This list is not exhaustive. Presence of one or more indicators is not proof of abuse.

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Remember:
It is not the responsibility of the Club to decide if child abuse is occurring but to act on any concerns by reporting them.

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5. Codes of Conduct and Ethics

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The codes of conduct and ethics for all those involved at the Club can be found as a separate guidance sheet. These must be followed at all times to maintain the highest possible standards of behaviour. All those involved at the Club will show their understanding and commitment to the codes of conduct and ethics by signing a copy of the relevant guidance sheet.

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6. Acting on Safeguarding Concerns

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All have a responsibility to ensure concerns about children and vulnerable adults are passed to the appropriate support agency without delay.

  • Stay calm and listen carefully to disclosures.

  • Explain that information may need to be shared with others.

  • Ask questions for clarification only; avoid leading questions.

  • Reassure the child they have done the right thing.

  • Tell them what you will do next.

  • Contact the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) as soon as possible.

  • If you believe a child is in immediate danger, call 999.

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All safeguarding concerns and poor practice occurrences must be reported to the DSL, including those concerning instructors or volunteers.

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7. Recording

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  • Record disclosures as soon as possible, using the child’s own words where possible.

  • Note the date, time, names, and details of the incident and who was informed.

  • Distinguish between fact, observation, allegation, and opinion.

  • Use the Club’s Report/Incident Referral Form.

  • Keep records secure and share only with those who need to know.

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8. Recruiting, Supervision, Support and Training

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  • All reasonable steps will be taken to prevent unsuitable people from working with children.

  • All staff and volunteers will be informed, trained, supervised, and supported to ensure they safeguard children effectively.

  • Training and resources will be provided, including induction, trial periods, and ongoing support.

  • Safeguarding training is encouraged and available through the NSPCC and other organisations.

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9. Whistleblowing

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It is important that everyone feels able to speak up if they are unhappy with anything. The NSPCC has a whistleblowing advice line for those with concerns about how child protection issues are being handled.

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10. Complaints

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We encourage an open culture where children and staff can express concerns. There is a procedure for dealing with complaints from a child, worker, volunteer, parent, or carer.

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11. Late Collection & Unaccompanied Departure Policy

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For the safety and welfare of all children:

  • All students under 16 will remain supervised inside the academy until collected by a parent or authorised adult, unless we have received explicit written permission from a parent or legal guardian for the child to leave alone (e.g., to walk home or take public transport).

  • Parents/carers must inform the academy as soon as possible if they will be late for collection.

  • If a parent/carer is repeatedly late or fails to communicate, the academy reserves the right to review the child’s place at the club.

  • We will never instruct or allow a child to wait outside or leave unsupervised without prior written consent.

  • All late collection incidents will be recorded, including the time, actions taken, and communications with parents/carers.

  • In cases where a parent is uncontactable and the child is not collected within a reasonable time, the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) may contact the local authority or police for advice and support.

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12. Related Policies and Procedures

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This policy should be read alongside our other organisational policies, including:

  • Code of conduct for children/young people

  • Code of conduct for instructors

  • Code of conduct for parents/guardians

  • Equal opportunities policy

  • Online policy

  • Anti-bullying policy

  • Photography and image sharing guidance

  • Safer recruitment policy

  • Complaints procedure

  • Health and safety policy

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Contact Details
Designated Safeguarding Lead: Marshall Willock
Phone: 0121 4303800
Email: info@magb.com

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Local Authority DSL:
Area: South Gloucestershire Council
Name: Children’s Advice & Support Service (CASS)
Monday to Friday Phone: 01454 866000
Emergency Duty Team (out of hours): 01454 615165


Police: 999


NSPCC Helpline: 0808 800 5000

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We are committed to reviewing our policy and good practice annually.

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This policy was last reviewed on:
Name: Claire King
Signed: c.king
Date: 25/09/2025

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