Childline 0800 1111    www.childline.org.uk

NSPCC Child Protection helpline 0808 800 5000     www.nspcc.org.uk

Child Protection Policy

The club is mindful of its obligation towards the safety of its club members of all ages and is specifically mindful of its obligations to the well-being and safety of the children which are members of the club.

The club operates a child protection policy in line with the Child Protection Handbook provided by the F.A. This handbook takes precedence over all other rules and guidelines of the club. A full handbook is available free from WWW.FA.COM or a copy can be obtained from the club secretary.

Therefore the club intends to pursue the following standards and guidelines when undertaking club activities.

• All children are to be dropped off by either a parent or guardian at the beginning of every coaching event, match or social activity. Each parent or guardian will bring to the officers of the clubs attention that the child/children have reported for the activity and sign them in.
• Failure to register will mean the child will not be eligible to take part in the activity.
• The club secretary will keep a register of club members.
• No club activity either social or with regard to playing fixtures or coaching will be taken by a sole adult. A minimum of 3 adults per session will required for the activity to take place.
• The officers of the club will at all times pay strict attention to the welfare of the children whilst they are engaging in club activities.
• During club activities no children will be allowed to wander from the immediate area where the activity is taking place.
• Any child, who through their actions or behaviour causes concern to either their fellow club members or one of the club officers, will be subject to the disciplinary procedure as identified in the clubs policy.
• At the end of each club activity, his/her respective parent or guardian or a person nominated by the parent at the start of the session must collect each child. The parent/guardian must bring to the attention of the registration officer the fact that the child is leaving. Failure to do this may prevent the child from taking part in future club activities.
• No officers of the club will leave the area of the activity until every child has been collected and seen safely away.
• The club operates a first-aid policy with first aid equipment and training provided to nominated first aid officers of the club. Registration to the club includes a disclaimer that in the event that the parent or guardian is not readily available allows the club to administer first aid by a qualified first aid attendant.
• Each participating child must wear protective clothing such as shin pads and correct boots. Mandatory.
• Children, Parents and Officers must abide by the rules of the club and adhere to the codes of conduct as set out by the club.
• BULLYING WILL NOT BE TOLERATED!

Garway Junior FC agrees to implement and follow The Football Association’s Child Protection Policy, Procedures and Practices.

Garway Junior FC has appointed a Child Protection Designated Person. The person appointed has attended the FA Child Protection and Best Practice Workshop and will hold a valid, up to date certificate of attendance.                            

Background. 

The FA Child Protection Procedures and Practices handbook places a very clear responsibility on Clubs to ensure that they safeguard and promote the welfare of all children.
The purpose of this policy is to inform all Managers/Assistant Managers about these responsibilities and to enable everyone to have clear understanding of how they are to be carried out. 
The club follows the procedures contained within the FA Child Protection Procedures and Practices Handbook - a guide to procedure and practice for all FA Coaches / managers.
This club acknowledges that Managers are particularly well placed to notice outward signs of abuse, changes in behaviour, or failure to develop. We recognise the important role we have in early recognition of the signs and symptoms of abuse or neglect and appropriate referral procedures. 

Child Protection responsibilities accepted by Garway Junior Football Club

Jonathan Pearce is the clubs designated Child Protection Officer with responsibility for child protection matters.
The club will ensure that all Managers / Assistant Managers are the subjects of stringent risk assessments including checks via the Criminal Records Bureau.
The club will provide Training and yearly refresher meetings for Managers / Assistant Managers through the Train the teacher Medium to ensure that skills and expertise are up to date.

The Child Protection Officer. 
Key responsibilities of this role are. 

Ensure that the FA Child Protection Procedures are followed within the Club.

• Ensure that all Managers / Assistant Managers are aware of these procedures.
• Ensure that appropriate training and support is provided.
• Decide whether to take further action about particular concerns.
• Report to the FA, Social Services and or Police where appropriate over suspected cases of child abuse.
• Act as lead Countersignature for the Criminal Records Bureau.
• Ensure that all Managers / Assistant Managers are checked with the Criminal Records Bureau.
• Ensure that all codes of practice with regards to the Criminal Records Bureau are adhered to i.e. written Policies exist with regards  to the Employment paid or voluntary of ex offenders and the retention and Disposal of Disclosure information.

 Club Procedures.

  Introduction. 
Any adult member of the club management could be approached by a child needing help or guidance. Likewise any Manager /Assistant Manager may be in a position to notice or be concerned about physical or sexual abuse or neglect. 

If any Manager / Assistant Manager is concerned about a child they must inform the designated Child Protection Officer

(Jonathan Pearce) unless he / she is the cause for concern in which case, they will inform a different club officer. 

The Manager/Assistant Manager must record information regarding concerns on the same day. The recording must be a clear, precise, factual account of the observations and must be signed and dated.

The Child Protection Officer will decide whether concerns should be referred to the FA, Social Services or the Police.  
 
Concerns will not be discussed with parents before the Child Protection Officer has assessed the situation and consulted the authorities. 

 When to be concerned. 
Managers should take note if any of the following are observed.

• Any injury that is not typical of the bumps and scrapes normally associated with children's activities.
• The regular occurrence of unexplained injuries.
• Confused or conflicting explanations of how injuries were sustained.
• Significant changes in behaviour or attitude.
• Sexual behaviour which is unusually explicit or inappropriate to the child’s age.
• A recounting of an experience by a child in which they have been significantly harmed.

Dealing with disclosure. 
The following points give guidance on how Managers / Assistant Managers should deal with disclosure made to them.

• Do not promise confidentiality.
• Explain who you will have to tell and why.
• Listen to what is being said, without displaying shock or disbelief.
• Accept what is being said.
• Allow the child to talk freely, limit questions and speak only to clarify.
• Strictly avoid leading the child or adult who has made the approach by making suggestions or introducing your own ideas into what may have happened.
• Never ask leading questions such as " did he do x to you ". Instead use open questions like “Tell me what happened".
• if it is an adult making the approach and it becomes obvious that they are making significant allegations concerning either abuse or neglect, you may feel it appropriate to re direct them to the club Child Protection Officer. Unless he is the subject of the allegation.
• Be especially careful to distinguish between fact and opinion. Note any non-verbal communication/behaviour.
• Reassure the child but do not make a promise you cannot keep.
• Reassure the child that what has happened is not their fault. 
• Stress that the child has done the right thing by telling you.
• Do not alter the child’s account by condemning or criticising the suspected person.
• Record the disclosures, time and date the record then notify the club Child Protection Officer. 

BY FOLLOWING THE CORRECT PROCEDURES YOU ARE PROTECTING YOURSELF, THE CLUB AND OUR CHILDREN