Child safeguarding Policy

1. Purpose 

This policy is designed to ensure the safety, well-being, and protection of children and young people (under the age of 18) who participate in activities at our Indoor Bouldering Centre. It outlines the procedures and practices to safeguard children and ensures that all staff and volunteers understand their responsibilities in relation to child protection. 

2. Scope 

This policy applies to all staff, volunteers, contractors, and anyone working with children and young people at the Centre. It covers children and young people attending lessons, using the bouldering walls, or participating in any other activities at the Centre. 

3. Our Commitment to Safeguarding 

We are committed to providing a safe and supportive environment for all children and young people. This includes: 

  • Promoting the welfare of children and young people. 
  • Ensuring children are protected from harm, abuse, or neglect. 
  • Offering training and support for staff and volunteers on safeguarding matters. 
  • Following clear procedures for responding to any concerns or allegations of abuse. 
  • Providing appropriate supervision and care during activities and lessons. 
  • Ensuring that any child who uses the Centre is treated with dignity and respect. 

4. Safe Recruitment of Staff and Volunteers 

All staff and volunteers who work directly with children will undergo: 

  • A thorough recruitment process, including interviews, reference checks, and background checks (DBS checks or relevant equivalent). 
  • Safeguarding training to ensure they understand their responsibilities and the Centre’s safeguarding procedures. 

5. Supervision of Children and Young People 

  • Children must be supervised by a responsible adult at all times when in the Centre, except during lessons or organized activities. 
  • Children attending lessons or activities will be supervised by qualified instructors at all times, ensuring they are safe, engaged, and adequately supported. 
  • Instructors and staff will provide a safe ratio of adults to children to ensure proper supervision and intervention if needed. 
  • Parents or guardians of children attending the Centre must complete a registration form, which includes emergency contact details and medical information. 
  • If children are attending unsupervised, parents or guardians are expected to remain in the Centre or be contactable at all times. 

6. Code of Conduct for Staff and Volunteers 

All staff and volunteers must adhere to the following code of conduct: 

  • Treat all children and young people with respect, fairness, and understanding. 
  • Never engage in any form of physical, emotional, or verbal abuse or bullying. 
  • Never engage in inappropriate relationships or activities with children or young people. 
  • Ensure appropriate boundaries are maintained between adults and children at all times. 
  • Report any safeguarding concerns immediately to the designated safeguarding lead or senior management. 
  • Only engage in appropriate physical touch (e.g., guiding a child’s hand to show climbing technique) and always ensure the child’s comfort. 

7. Responding to Safeguarding Concerns 

If staff, volunteers, or visitors become aware of any safeguarding concerns, they must follow the procedure below: 

  1. Report Concerns: Report any concern or allegation to the designated safeguarding lead (DSL) immediately. 
  1. Assessment and Action: The DSL will assess the concern and decide whether further action is required. This may include referring the case to child protection services or another relevant authority. 
  1. Confidentiality: All concerns will be treated with the utmost confidentiality. Information will only be shared with those who need to know in order to protect the child or young person involved. 
  1. Record Keeping: Accurate records will be kept of all safeguarding concerns, including the action taken. 

8. Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) 

The Centre will have a designated safeguarding lead responsible for: 

  • Overseeing all safeguarding matters and ensuring that safeguarding policies and procedures are followed. 
  • Ensuring that safeguarding training is provided regularly for all staff. 
  • Being the first point of contact for any safeguarding concerns or disclosures. 
  • Liaising with local authorities, child protection agencies, and other relevant bodies when necessary. 

9. Safety Procedures for Climbing Activities 

To ensure the physical safety of children and young people while using the bouldering walls: 

  • Children must be taught proper climbing techniques by qualified instructors. 
  • Children will be taught how to climb safely and how to fall safely, and they will be supervised at all times. 

10. Anti-Bullying and Positive Behaviour Policy 

We are committed to creating a safe, inclusive, and respectful environment for all children, young people, and their families. Bullying or any other form of inappropriate behaviour will not be tolerated. Staff and volunteers will: 

  • Encourage positive behaviour by setting clear expectations and offering praise. 
  • Address any issues of bullying or inappropriate behaviour immediately and in accordance with the Centre’s behaviour policy. 

11. Parent and Guardian Involvement 

  • Parents and guardians are encouraged to remain involved in their child’s experience at the Centre. 
  • Information regarding the child’s progress, behaviour, and safety will be shared with parents or guardians regularly. 
  • Any concerns regarding a child’s safety or welfare should be discussed with the Centre’s designated safeguarding lead or management. 

12. Training and Awareness 

All staff and volunteers will receive training on safeguarding and child protection. This training will be updated regularly and will include: 

  • Recognizing the signs of abuse and neglect. 
  • Understanding the procedures for reporting concerns. 
  • Understanding the importance of creating a safe and inclusive environment for children. 
  • Guidance on how to respond to disclosures from children. 

13. Review of the Safeguarding Policy 

This policy will be reviewed annually and updated as necessary to ensure that it remains effective and in line with current legislation and best practice. 

By implementing this Child Safeguarding Policy, we aim to create a safe, supportive, and enjoyable environment for all children and young people at our Indoor Bouldering Centre. 

Date of last review: 8/07/2025 
Date of next review: 01/07/2026 
Approved by: Joshua Robertson, Operations Director 
Contact Details: Joshua Robertson (Designated Safeguarding Lead)