Child Welfare & Safeguarding
Sevenoaks Swimming Club (SSC) is committed to the safety and welfare of all swimmers and water polo players, and as a club affiliated to Swim England, has adopted and abides by Swim England’s Safeguarding Policy and Procedures for Clubs; WavePower 2024
Wavepower is intended for anyone involved in these activities and offers practical guidance and information on mandatory requirements and good practice.
Ensuring the safety of each child, young person and adult at risk of harm associated with the club is a key part of how our club operates. It helps to provide a safe, happy and fun environment where participants can learn to swim, develop their skills and achieve their potential.
The responsibility to safeguard those associated with the club does not belong to any one person. Instead it belongs to everyone who plays a part in delivering our aquatic activities, however at times we recognise that issues might need escalating. In the first instance any issues should be raised with the coach or team manager who is present at the time the concern is raised. If the concern is related to this person or any issue arises outside of the SSC environment, then the club’s Welfare Officer, David Gentles, can be contacted at welfare@sevenoakssc.org or Deputy Welfare Officer, Kendra Tovey femalewelfare@sevenoakssc.org
We will advise you as to action to be taken and if necessary refer the matter to the statutory agencies or the Swim England Safeguarding Team.
Should a child be at risk of immediate harm and have been harmed, please contact the Police on 999.
For urgent action call 03000 411111.
If you would like further local advice you can contact Kent Safeguarding Children Multi Agency Partnership.
If you do not wish to approach the club directly you can call the Swimline number 0808 100 4001. You will need to leave a number for a Swimliner or the Swim England Safeguarding Team to call you back or if you wish to speak to someone immediately, hold on and you will be put through to the NSPCC Helpline.
ChildLine is a private and confidential service for children and young people up to 19 years of age. Contact can be made with a ChildLine counsellor about anything, Calls are free on 0800 1111.
Advice for Young People
SSC provide an environment where all young people have the ability to achieve their full potential in a fun and enjoyable environment. To enable this, there needs to be a commitment from all Members to abide by these Codes of Conduct which outline expected behaviour of each Member.
At SSC, we recognise that there are many challenges that people face in this modern age and we would therefore encourage you to share your concerns with your coach or welfare officers, they will help you.
We want you to:
- Feel welcome and safe in a friendly happy atmosphere
- Receive support, encouragement and praise when you achieve
- Receive support and help in any areas that you find more difficult or challenging
- To tell someone if you feel unhappy or afraid within SSC
- Don’t be afraid to say STOP if there is something that you are not happy about!
- SSC will only share your concern with people who really need to know and once you have told someone about your problem, something will be done about it.
We Will:
- Always listen to you and your needs as you are the most important part of our club.
- Always try to help you if you are afraid and unhappy
- Treat you as a person, respect and value your thoughts and input into how the club is run
- Provide you with opportunities to learn new skills and build your confidence.
If it is not possible to share your concerns with anyone within SSC, there are others who can help by calling:
Swimline- 0808 100 4001
Childline- 0800 1111
NSPCC Helpline- 0808 800 5000
We know it is not always possible or you have to confidence to speak to someone, therefore the following websites provide lots of useful information that will help you:
The Child Protection in Sport Unit has also got some really useful information for Children and Young People
Organisations that support and provide Advice on Self Harm
This is not an exhaustive list, however the organisations below can provide guidance and support for young people who are experiencing poor mental health. In addition, your GP and school can provide guidance on local services that may be available.
YoungMinds is the UK’s leading charity committed to improving the emotional wellbeing and mental health of children and young people.
SelfharmUK is a project dedicated to supporting young people impacted by self harm, providing a safe space to talk, ask any questions and be honest about what’s going on in your life.
Harmless is a national voluntary organisation for people who self harm, their friends, families and professionals.
Mind provides advice and support to empower anyone experiencing a mental health problem.
Samaritans provides confidential support for people experiencing feelings of distress and despair.
Advice for Parents
As a parent you play a key role in ensuring your children’s safety at SSC.
We make a commitment to focus on the wellbeing of your child. Remember, many people are volunteers and give their time to help ensure your child develops his or her swimming or water polo skills in a safe, protected environment.
We ask in return that you make a commitment to the club in line with the club’s commitment to your child. It doesn't have to be very time-consuming and can be as simple as ensuring your child turns up for training on time.
Here are a few ways in which we ask you show your commitment:
- Take an interest in your child’s activity and progress and be supportive.
- Find out what the club has to offer in terms of coaching sessions and competitions.
- Be punctual when dropping off and picking up your children for/from coaching and competitions.
- Take an interest in your son/daughter’s swimming and have clear lines of communication to keep up with your child’s progress.
- If you are unable to stay at training/competitions, ensure your son/daughter have all the required equipment and ensure that the club has an emergency contact number for you. A mobile would be preferable, and ensure you leave it switched on so you can be contacted in an emergency.
- Advise the club welfare officer or team coach/manager if your child has any particular needs, such as allergies or learning difficulties, to ensure they are provided for in the best way possible, and ensure any relevant new concerns/illnesses or ongoing treatments are reported appropriately to the club welfare officer or coach.
- Sign and adhere to the club’s Parent Code of Conduct.
Once your child starts to feel comfortable at a club you may wish to get more involved yourself. Feel free to offer your services as a volunteer. People giving time freely are the lifeblood of any club.
You may have specific skills that you can offer. SSC are always looking for people to help run it, assist at galas, join the committee, or take part in fundraising activities.
Alternatively, you may wish to train as a swimming teacher or coach, timekeeper or judge. Many clubs will assist in this, both by finding suitable courses and in sometimes assisting with the cost involved.
The club can only run with the help of the parents like you who become willing volunteers. Please do not hold back from offering to help.
Speak to any of the Committee and about what help is see if you can assist to help in the smooth running of the club for your child as well as all club members.
The Child Protection is Sport Unit (CPSU) have produced a great video highlighting how parents behaviour sometimes change when their child is placed within a competitive environment Magic Sports Kit Video.
In addition, they have developed some short videos highlighting the immense benefits that parents can bring to club environments - The value of positive parental support
Version 4- February 2024