Terms of service

Safeguarding Policy

At All Courts, the safety and well-being of all children in our care is of utmost importance. This safeguarding policy outlines our approach to safeguarding and child protection, ensuring that all staff and volunteers understand their roles and responsibilities in maintaining a safe environment for children.

1. Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)

Our Designated Safeguarding Lead is Archie Austin. Archie is the primary contact for any safeguarding concerns and will lead the response to any safeguarding issue that arises.

2. Contact Details for Safeguarding

If you have any concerns related to safeguarding or child protection, please contact:

3. Child to Staff Ratio

We maintain a child-to-staff ratio of 1 staff member to 20 children as a maximum. This ensures that all children receive adequate attention and supervision while in our care.

4. LADO (Local Authority Designated Officer)

In the case of any safeguarding concern regarding a member of staff, the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) must be contacted.

If a concern arises about a child being at risk of harm or abuse, please follow the local referral route to social services, which includes:

  • Local Referral Route: In order to access the service you will need to be referred by your GP or the NHS Wellbeing Team. You can ask your GP to refer you, or you can self-refer to NHS Single Point of Access (SPA) on 0800 6444 101.

5. Local Safeguarding Services and Support

If you need further support, the following local safeguarding services can assist:

  • Children’s Social Services: Report a concern online (professionals)or call 0300 123 4043 (24 hours a day). For non-urgent enquiries about children's social care, email contact@hertfordshire.gov.uk.

  • NSPCC (National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children):

6. Staff and Volunteer Responsibilities

All staff and volunteers are required to undergo safeguarding training and must report any concerns they have regarding a child's welfare. Any allegations or concerns of abuse should be reported immediately to the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL).

7. Monitoring and Review

All Courts are committed to continuous improvement in safeguarding. We regularly review our safeguarding policies and procedures to ensure that they are effective and compliant with the latest legislation and best practices.

  • Feedback: We actively seek feedback from parents, participants, and staff to ensure our safeguarding measures are appropriate and effective.
  • Annual Review: The safeguarding policy is reviewed annually to ensure it reflects current best practices and legal requirements.

9. Out-of-School Settings

As we operate in various out-of-school settings, such as community activities, holiday camps, supplementary schools, and sports training, we ensure that our safeguarding procedures are appropriate for each setting.

  • Community Activities (e.g., Youth Clubs): All Courts provide a structured environment where children are supervised at all times. Staff are trained to manage group dynamics and respond to any issues that may arise. Activities are designed to be engaging and age-appropriate.

Holiday Clubs: During school holidays, All Courts runs holiday camps that are fun and safe. Our staff ensure that children are supervised throughout the day and that activities are suitable for their age and ability.

  • Sports Training: Our basketball camps and sports training programs are led by qualified and experienced coaches. These activities are conducted in a safe and supportive environment, with staff ensuring that children receive proper supervision and care.

10. Health and Safety

At All Courts, the health and safety of children and young people is our top priority. We ensure that our programs provide a safe physical environment for all participants.

  • Risk Assessments: We carry out thorough risk assessments for each activity, including those held on basketball courts in schools, to identify and mitigate any potential hazards. These assessments consider the nature of the activity, the environment, and the equipment used.

  • Emergency Procedures: All staff are trained in emergency procedures, which include what to do in the event of an accident or injury. Clear emergency plans are in place for all activities, and first-aid kits are available at all activity locations.

  • Supervision: We ensure that the appropriate level of supervision is maintained at all times during our programs. Staff-to-child ratios are regularly assessed to ensure safety standards are met.

  • First Aid: All staff are trained in basic first aid, and at least one qualified first-aider is present at every activity.

11. Safeguarding and Child Protection

At All Courts, we are committed to safeguarding and protecting the welfare of all children and young people involved in our programs. Although we do not have a Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL), all of our staff are trained in safeguarding and child protection and are DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) checked. We follow the guidance provided by the UK Government and work hard to ensure that safeguarding measures are consistently implemented.

Child Protection Training: All staff receive safeguarding and child protection training during their induction and on an ongoing basis. This training ensures that staff can recognize the signs of abuse, neglect, and exploitation and know how to respond appropriately.Reporting Concerns: All staff are required to report any concerns regarding the safety or well-being of a child to a senior member of the team immediately. While we do not have a specific DSL, all staff are trained to handle concerns sensitively and promptly.

  • Confidentiality: Safeguarding concerns are treated with the utmost confidentiality. Information is shared only on a need-to-know basis and in accordance with legal requirements. All Courts follow strict guidelines on data protection and confidentiality.

12. Staff Suitability

We ensure that all staff and volunteers involved in our programs are suitable to work with children and young people. Our staff suitability procedures are designed to protect the safety and well-being of all children.

  • DBS Checks: All staff and volunteers working with children are subject to enhanced DBS checks. This helps us to ensure that no individual with a criminal history that would make them unsuitable to work with children is allowed to work with our participants.

  • References and Interviews: Staff and volunteers are thoroughly vetted before being employed, including checking references from previous employers and conducting interviews to ensure they have the appropriate skills, experience, and attitude for working with children.

  • Training and Qualifications: All staff are required to complete safeguarding training as part of their induction and ongoing professional development. Staff are also expected to have relevant qualifications related to their roles, such as coaching certifications for sports training programs.

13. Governance and Oversight

At All Courts, we are committed to ensuring that our safeguarding procedures are robust and effectively managed. We operate with strong governance to ensure that our activities meet legal requirements and best practices.

  • Safeguarding Policy: Our safeguarding policy is reviewed annually to ensure that it remains up to date and compliant with current legislation and best practices. Staff and volunteers are made aware of this policy during their induction, and it is available for parents and guardians to review upon request.

  • Audits and Reviews: We regularly audit our safeguarding procedures and activities to ensure that they are being implemented effectively. We also seek feedback from staff, parents, and participants to improve our processes and make any necessary changes.

  • Reporting Safeguarding Issues: All safeguarding concerns are reported to senior management. If necessary, we will work with external authorities, including social services and the police, to ensure the safety and protection of children.

14. Confidentiality

All safeguarding concerns will be dealt with confidentially and only shared with the appropriate authorities or individuals when necessary.