Safeguarding statement for Made You Dink

Made You Dink is committed to creating a safe environment for all children and young people in pickleball. We believe all young people should be protected from harm, poor practice, bullying, and abuse. We accept our responsibility to safeguard their welfare, aligning with statutory responsibilities, government guidance, and best practices. The safety and welfare of children are paramount. Our safeguarding practices will be inclusive, and this policy will be reviewed annually.

Procedures for concerns about a child's welfare

1. Immediate Danger: Call emergency services (999) if a child is in immediate danger or needs medical help.
2. Raising Concerns (Not Immediate Danger):
3. Report any welfare concerns to Made You Dink's Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL).
4. Document the concern factually using the incident report form.
5. Do not investigate or promise confidentiality.
6. The DSL will assess and contact relevant agencies if needed.
7. Where appropriate, discuss concerns with the child, explaining the steps to help.
8. Concerns from outside sport: Act on and report concerns originating outside of pickleball as per these procedures.

Children at Made You Dink can speak to:

Their coach
Any trusted staff or volunteer
The DSL
The NSPCC Helpline (0808 800 5000)
Childline (0800 1111)

Written code of conduct for all people working with children in Made You Dink

All staff, coaches, and volunteers must adhere to this code:

• Prioritise Child Welfare: Child safety is paramount.

• Respect and Dignity: Treat children with respect, valuing their rights and views.

• Appropriate Boundaries: Maintain boundaries and avoid inappropriate behaviour. Do not spend time alone with young people, invite them to your home, transport them alone without consent, engage in inappropriate physical games, share rooms, or engage in inappropriate physical contact or sexual behaviour. Do not take advantage of a position of trust.

• Language and Communication: Use appropriate language and challenge inappropriate language.

• Listen and Respond: Take concerns seriously and follow procedures.

• Record and Report: Document incidents and report to the DSL.

• Professional Conduct: Be a positive role model, promoting fair play and respect.

• Physical Contact: Only for coaching, first aid, or appropriate reassurance, in open view.

• Online Communication: Use official channels, including parents or carers in communications, or have their explicit consent for direct communication.

  Requirement for staff:
  

• All staff and volunteers with direct child contact must complete recognised safeguarding training.

• Refresher training is mandatory every three years.

• Updates on safeguarding changes will be provided.

• All staff to complete enhanced DBS check.

Anti-bullying policy

Made You Dink is committed to a bullying-free environment.

Key Principles:

• All forms of bullying will be challenged.

• Everyone is responsible for helping stop bullying.

• We will create a culture where children feel safe to report bullying.

Procedures for Addressing Bullying:

1. Reporting: Report any bullying immediately to a coach, the DSL, or staff.

2. Responding to the Child Being Bullied: Take reports seriously, listen, reassure the child, and explain that information will be shared as needed. Document the incident.

3. Addressing Bullying Behaviour: The DSL will investigate. If confirmed, the individual will be spoken to, consequences explained, and support provided to understand their actions and develop positive interactions. Disciplinary action may occur for severe or repeated cases.

4. Support and Education: Coaches will receive training. Made You Dink will promote a culture of respect and inclusion. Information on bullying and seeking help will be available.