Safeguarding & Child Protection Policy (For Parents/Guardians)

1) Introduction

Flag Frenzy Football Camp is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children and young people who attend our camps. Every child has the right to feel safe, valued, and respected, and to be free from harm.

2) Purpose of this Policy

This policy sets out our approach to safeguarding and the procedures we follow so that children’s welfare is always our top priority.

3) Legal & Guidance Framework

• Children Act 1989 and Children Act 2004
• Working Together to Safeguard Children (UK)
• Keeping Children Safe in Out‑of‑School Settings (DfE)
• NSPCC & CPSU (Child Protection in Sport Unit) guidance

We aim to align with current national guidance; this policy is reviewed and updated when requirements change.

4) Scope

This policy applies to all staff, coaches, volunteers, contractors and anyone working on behalf of Flag Frenzy Football Camp.

5) Key Principles

• The welfare of the child is paramount.
• All children have the right to protection from abuse.
• Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility.
• Concerns and allegations are taken seriously and acted on promptly.

6) Roles & Responsibilities

• Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL): Jasene Trotman Taylor — Camp Director/DSL — Email: info@flagfrenzyfootball.co.uk — Phone: [Your Number].
• Deputy DSL(s): [Name/Role].
• All staff/volunteers: complete safeguarding induction and follow this policy.
• Parents/guardians: share relevant info to help keep children safe and raise concerns without delay.

7) Safer Recruitment

• DBS checks for eligible roles, identity and reference checks.
• Safeguarding questions during recruitment and a signed code of conduct.
• Role‑specific training before working directly with children.

8) Staff Code of Conduct

• Treat all children with respect and kindness; model positive behaviour.
• Avoid being alone with a child in a closed or unobservable space wherever possible.
• Maintain professional boundaries; no personal contact details or private messaging.
• Report concerns immediately to the DSL; do not delay or investigate alone.

See also our separate Code of Conduct/Behaviour Policy.

9) Recognising Abuse & Neglect

We remain alert to physical, emotional and sexual abuse, and neglect, including bullying and online harms. Indicators may include unexplained injuries, changes in behaviour, fearfulness, or disclosures by a child.

• Physical abuse
• Emotional abuse
• Sexual abuse
• Neglect

10) Reporting a Concern

1. Immediate safety first: If a child is at risk of significant harm, call emergency services.
2. Report promptly: Share concerns with the DSL (or deputy) the same day. If the concern involves a DSL, escalate to the Camp Director/owner.
3. Record accurately: Use the Safeguarding Concern Form with factual notes (who/what/when/where). Avoid leading questions; do not promise confidentiality.
4. Next steps: The DSL assesses and may consult with the Local Authority, police or other agencies as appropriate.

Parents are informed where appropriate unless doing so increases risk. We retain clear, dated records.

11) Allegations Against Staff/Volunteers

• Remove the person from unsupervised duties if necessary to protect children.
• Notify the DSL/Camp Director immediately. Seek advice from the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) where appropriate.
• Keep clear, confidential records and follow fair processes.

12) Recording & Information Sharing

• Safeguarding records are stored securely and shared on a need‑to‑know basis.
• Information may be shared with agencies if it helps protect a child (UK GDPR permits this where necessary).
• Retention follows our Privacy Policy and any legal/insurer requirements.

13) Photography, Social Media & Communications

• Parental consent is collected for photos/videos; we respect any opt‑out at all times.
• Images are used appropriately for promotion and never with identifying details without consent.
• Staff do not contact children directly via personal accounts or share personal contact details.

14) Online Safety

We maintain appropriate controls for any digital tools used by the camp and expect respectful online behaviour aligned with our Code of Conduct.

15) Ratios, Toilets & Supervision

• We plan staffing to meet safe ratios for age and activity. Children remain with their group leaders.
• Clear procedures for toilet breaks, changing areas and one‑to‑one situations to reduce risk.
• Missing child procedures in place (immediate search, site lockdown as needed, parents/police informed).

16) Site Security, Arrival & Dismissal

• Controlled entry/exit points and sign‑in/out processes.
• Only authorised adults can collect children; ID may be requested.
• Late collection procedures and contact steps are communicated to parents.

17) Training

• All staff complete safeguarding induction and annual refreshers.
• Specialist roles (DSL, first aiders) maintain up‑to‑date, role‑appropriate training.

18) Review

This policy is reviewed at least annually (target review month: August) and when guidance changes. The latest version is posted on our website.

Related Policies

• Health & Safety
• Code of Conduct/Behaviour
• Medical & Inclusion
• Refunds & Cancellations
• Privacy Policy

Contacts

Disclaimer

This policy is for general guidance and does not replace statutory guidance. Consider an independent review to ensure alignment with local procedures and current UK safeguarding guidance.