CHILD PROTECTION

Child Protection Policy

The Borough of Harrow Swimming Club (BHSC) is fully committed to safeguarding the welfare of all children who are involved in swimming activities. In line with Wavepower 2020/23, the Swim England Child Safeguarding Policy and Procedures, our club follows strict guidelines to ensure the protection and well-being of all young swimmers. Everyone at the club—administrators, officials, coaches, teachers, parents, and swimmers themselves—has a role to play in safeguarding children from abuse.

Abuse can occur in any setting where children are present, including at home, school, or within the club environment. It is important to recognize that some individuals may seek out environments where children are present in order to exploit or harm them. As a club, we have both a moral and a legal obligation to protect the children in our care.

1. Key Principles of Child Protection

Our child protection procedures are founded on the following principles:

• The Child’s Welfare is the First Priority: The welfare and safety of children are paramount and take precedence over all other considerations.
• Equal Protection for All: Every child, regardless of their age, disability, gender, racial origin, religious belief, or sexual identity, has the right to be protected from abuse.

2. Understanding Child Abuse

It is widely acknowledged that there are four main types of abuse: Physical Abuse, Sexual Abuse, Emotional Abuse, and Neglect. Recognizing the signs of these types of abuse and taking appropriate action is crucial in ensuring the safety of our swimmers.

Physical Abuse

Physical abuse involves causing harm or injury to a child. This could include:

• Hitting, shaking, or inflicting physical pain on a child.
• Forcing a child to train beyond their physical capabilities.
• Bullying can also be categorized as physical abuse if it involves physical aggression or harm.

Sexual Abuse

Sexual abuse occurs when a child is involved in sexual activities that they do not fully understand or cannot consent to. This may involve:

• Inappropriate touching, sexual comments, or suggestions.
• Any sexual activity, including intercourse, involving a child.
• Exploitative use of children in sexual imagery or activities for the abuser’s gratification.

Emotional Abuse

Emotional abuse is the persistent mistreatment of a child that causes severe and lasting damage to their emotional well-being. Examples include:

• Ridiculing, belittling, or constantly criticizing a child.
• Failing to show love, care, or attention to a child, which can lead to feelings of worthlessness.
• Overprotection: Preventing a child from experiencing age-appropriate independence, social activities, or opportunities to learn, can also be a form of emotional abuse.

Neglect

Neglect is the persistent failure to meet a child’s basic needs, leading to serious consequences for their health and development. Examples include:

• Failing to provide adequate food, shelter, or clothing.
• Not attending to a child’s emotional needs, such as love, comfort, and security.
• Ignoring medical, educational, or emotional requirements necessary for the child’s well-being.

3. What to Do if You Suspect Abuse

If you suspect that a child may be at risk of abuse, it is vital that you take appropriate action immediately. It is not your responsibility to determine if abuse is occurring, but it is your responsibility to act on your concerns.

Key Actions:

1. Document the Concern: Make a detailed note of what you have seen or heard, but do not delay in passing this information on.
2. Report the Concern: Contact the Club Welfare Officer or a coach immediately. If the incident occurs at an event, you may also inform the referee or event organizer.
   • If you suspect that the Welfare Officer or coach is involved in the abuse, you should contact the Local Authority or the police directly.
3. Swimline: Alternatively, you can call Swimline at 0808 100 4001, the Swim England helpline, where you can speak to someone who understands both swimming and child protection requirements. If you require urgent advice, you may also be transferred to the NSPCC Child Protection Helpline.

4. Role of Club Welfare Officer

The Club Welfare Officer plays a central role in safeguarding the children at the Borough of Harrow Swimming Club. They are responsible for handling all child protection concerns and ensuring that club policies comply with Swim England guidelines.

Contact Details:

• Club Welfare Officer: Cathy Garner
  Email: welfare@harrowswim.com

The Welfare Officer is available to listen to any concerns about a child’s safety or well-being, and they are trained to take appropriate action to protect the child in accordance with safeguarding laws and club policies.

5. External Support and Reporting Contacts

In cases where further intervention is necessary, or if you believe that a child is in immediate danger, you should contact the following authorities:

London Borough of Harrow Children’s Services

• Address: 429/433 Pinner Road, Harrow, Middlesex, HA1 4HN
• Tel: 020 8863 5544
• Emergency Duty Team (Out of Hours): 020 8424 0999
• Police: 999 (for emergencies)

Swim England and Other Safeguarding Bodies

• Swim England Legal Affairs Department
  Address: Harold Fern House, Derby Square, Loughborough, LE11 5AL
  Tel: 01509 221350
• Swimline: 0808 100 4001
• Child Protection in Sport Unit
  Tel: 0116 234 7278
  Email: cpsu@nspcc.org.uk
• NSPCC Child Protection Line
  Tel: 0808 800 5000
  Website: www.nspcc.org.uk

6. Staff Training and Safeguarding Responsibilities

All coaches and teachers at BHSC are trained in child safeguarding procedures and are familiar with Wavepower and the club’s Code of Conduct. They are equipped to handle child protection concerns and understand the importance of maintaining a safe and supportive environment for all children.

7. Further Resources and Guidance

For more information on child protection policies and guidelines, including best practices for safeguarding in swimming, please refer to Wavepower 2023/24 and other relevant resources available on the Swim England website.

• Wavepower Child Safeguarding Procedures: www.swimming.org/swimengland/wavepower-child-safeguarding-for-clubs
• Kidscape (Child Protection): www.kidscape.org.uk

8. Importance of a Safeguarding Culture

At the Borough of Harrow Swimming Club, we take child protection very seriously. It is the responsibility of everyone within the club—whether a coach, parent, swimmer, or volunteer—to uphold a culture of safety, respect, and vigilance. By working together, we can ensure that every child who participates in swimming does so in a safe and supportive environment.