CHILD PROTECTION POLICY

This policy applies to all staff, including, paid staff, volunteers and sessional workers, students or anyone working on behalf of Spirit Elite Cheer Squad.

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The purpose of this policy is:

• To protect children and young people who receive Spirit Elite services.

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• To provide staff and volunteers with the overarching principles that guide our approach to safeguarding. ​

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Spirit Elite Cheer Squad believes that a child or young person should never experience abuse of any kind. We have a responsibility to promote the welfare of all children and young people and to keep them safe.

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We are committed to practice in a way that protects them.

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Legal Framework.

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This policy has been drawn up on the basis of law and guidance that seeks to protect children, namely:

• Children Act 1989,

• United Convention of the Rights of the Child1991

• Data Protection Act 1998

• Sexual Offences Act 2003

• Children Act 2004

• Protection of Freedoms Act 2012

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We recognise that:

• The welfare of the child is paramount, as enshrined in the Children Act 1989

• All children, regardless of age, disability, gender, racial heritage, religious belief, sexual orientation or identity, have a right to equal protection from all types of harm or abuse

• Some children are additionally vulnerable because of the impact of previous experiences, their level of dependency, communication needs or other issues

• Working in partnership with children, young people, their parents, carers and other agencies is essential in promoting young people’s welfare.

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We will seek to keep children and young people safe by:

• Valuing them, listening to and respecting them

• Adopting child protection practices through procedures and a code of conduct for staff and volunteers

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• developing and implementing an effective e-safety policy and related procedures

• providing effective management for staff and volunteers through supervision, support and training

• recruiting staff and volunteers safely, ensuring all necessary checks are made

• sharing information about child protection and good practice with children, parents, staff and volunteers

• sharing concerns with agencies who need to know, and involving parents and children appropriately

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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: ______25th October 2017____________

Signed: ___________Rebecca Carr- Head Coach__________________ (this should be signed by the most senior person in your organisation, for example the safeguarding lead on your board of trustees).