Safeguarding Policy Statement

Safeguarding Policy Statement

OverExposure Sports Ltd (the “Centre”, “we”, “us”) acknowledges the duty of care to safeguard and promote the welfare of children and is committed to ensuring our safeguarding practice reflects statutory responsibilities, government guidance, and complies with current good practice, British Mountaineering Council and Association of British Climbing Walls requirements.

We recognize that the welfare and interests of children are paramount in all circumstances. We aim to ensure that regardless of age, ability or disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation, socio-economic background, all children:

• Have a positive and enjoyable experience of sport at The Project Climbing Centre in a safe and child-centred environment.
• Are protected from abuse while participating in sport or outside of the activity.

We acknowledge that some children, including disabled children and young people or those from ethnic minority communities, can be particularly vulnerable to abuse, and we accept the responsibility to take reasonable and appropriate steps to ensure their welfare.

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Our Commitments:

• Promote and prioritise the safety and well-being of children and young people.
• Ensure everyone understands their roles and responsibilities in safeguarding and is provided with appropriate learning opportunities to recognise, identify and respond to signs of abuse, neglect, and other safeguarding concerns.
• Ensure appropriate action is taken in the event of incidents/concerns of abuse, and support provided to the individuals who raise or disclose the concern.
• Ensure confidential, detailed, and accurate records of all safeguarding concerns are maintained and securely stored.
• Prevent the employment/deployment of unsuitable individuals.
• Ensure robust safeguarding arrangements and procedures are in operation.

The policy and procedures will be widely promoted and are mandatory for everyone involved with the operation of our Centre. Failure to comply will be addressed without delay and may result in dismissal or exclusion from the organisation.

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Important Contacts:

• Children’s Social Care Team - Poole Council: 01202 735046, 01202 657279 (Out of Hours)
• Designated Safeguarding Officer - Richard Smith: safety@theprojectclimbingcentre.co.uk
• Deputy Safeguarding Officer - Kirsten Bergant: admin@theprojectclimbingcentre.co.uk
• Board Member with Special Responsibility for Safeguarding - Freddie Naish: freddie@theprojectclimbingcentre.co.uk
• Local Safeguarding Children Board (LSCB): https://pdscp.co.uk/
• Safeguarding Adults Board (SAB): https://www.bcpsafeguardingadultsboard.com/
• NSPCC Helpline: 0808 800 5000
• Childline: 0800 1111
• NAPAC Support Line: 0808 801 0331

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Legal Framework:

This policy is based on legislation, policy, and guidance that protects children in England. A summary of key legislation is available at nspcc.org.uk/learning.

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Supporting Documents:

This policy statement is supported by related policies, procedures, guidance, and documents, including:

• Role description for the designated safeguarding officer
• Dealing with disclosures and concerns about a child or young person
• Managing allegations against staff and volunteers
• Recording concerns and information sharing
• Child protection records retention and storage
• Code of conduct for staff and volunteers
• Behaviour codes for children and young people
• Photography and sharing images guidance
• Safer recruitment
• Online safety
• Anti-bullying
• Managing complaints
• Whistleblowing
• Health and safety
• Induction, training, supervision, and support
• Adult-to-child supervision ratios

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Monitoring:

The policy will be reviewed at least annually, or in response to:

• Changes in legislation and/or government guidance
• Requirements from the Local Safeguarding Children Board, UK Sport, and/or Home Country Sports Councils, and Association of British Climbing Walls Guidelines
• Other significant changes or events

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For questions or concerns about this statement, please contact the Designated Safeguarding Officer:

• Email: safety@theprojectclimbingcentre.co.uk
• Telephone: +44 (0) 1202 660153
• Post: The Project Climbing Centre, Dolphin Centre, Poole, Dorset, BH15 1UD