ABWK has a child protection policy that can be viewed here. If you’d like to download a copy of the policy, you can do so by clicking this link. The download also contains a concerns form for anyone who may have any problems to report.
You can email the child protection officer, Jean Neale, at cpo@wadokai.org.uk.
All Britain Wadokai takes seriously its responsibility to safeguard and promote the welfare of children; and to work together with other agencies to ensure adequate arrangements within our clubs to identify, assess, and support those children who are suffering harm. We recognise that all adults, including temporary instructors, staff, volunteers and parents, have a full and active part to play in protecting our students from harm, and that the child’s welfare is our paramount concern. All instructors believe that our clubs should provide a caring, positive safe and stimulating environment that promotes the social, physical and moral development of the individual child.
· To provide an environment in which children and young people feel safe, secure, valued and respected, and feel confident, and know how to, approach adults if they are in difficulties believing they will be effectively listened to.
· To raise the awareness of all instructors and staff of the need to safeguard children and of their responsibilities in identifying and reporting possible cases of abuse.
· To emphasise the need for good levels of communication between all instructors.
· To develop a structured procedure within the clubs which will be followed by all instructors in the club.
· To develop and promote effective working relationships with other agencies, especially the police and social services and the Child Protection Officer of All Britain Wado Kai – Jean Neale – jeanneale2@gmail.com.
· To ensure that all adults within our clubs who have substantial access to children, have been checked as to their suitability.
· All members of the Committee understand and fulfil their responsibilities.
· We have a designated Child Protection Officer.
· All instructors are provided with opportunities to develop their understanding of the signs and indicators of abuse.
· All instructors are aware of how to respond to a student who discloses abuse.
· Our instructors will seek to ensure the suitability of adults working near children in our Dojo’s at any time.
· Instructors organising activities for children are aware of this club’s Child Protection Guidelines and procedures.
· Our instructors are checked for their suitability and have been cleared by the Criminal Records Bureau.
· All new instructors will be given a copy of our child protection policy.
· Referring a child if there are concerns about possible abuse, to the Designated Child Protection Officer.
· Ensuring that all such records are kept confidentially and securely and are separate from students records.
· Ensuring that an indication of further record-keeping is marked on the student’s records.
· Liaising with other agencies and professionals if deemed necessary.
· Encouraging self-esteem and self-assertiveness, through the syllabus as well as our relationships, whilst not condoning aggression or bullying.
· Promoting a caring, safe and positive environment within the club.
· Notifying the authorities as soon as there is a significant concern.
We recognise that all matters relating to child protection are confidential. All instructors must be aware that they have a professional responsibility to share information with other agencies in order to safeguard children. All instructors must be aware that they cannot promise a child to keep secrets, which might compromise the child’s safety or wellbeing.
· All instructors should take care not to place themselves in a vulnerable position with a child.
· All instruction should be conducted in view of others.
We understand that a student may make an allegation against an instructor. If such an allegation is made, the instructor receiving the allegation will immediately inform the Child Protection Officer. The Child Protection Officer on all such occasions will discuss the content of the allegation with the Local Authorities. If the allegation made to an instructor which concerns the Chief Instructor, the person receiving the allegation will immediately inform the Child Protection Officer who will consult the Local Authorities without notifying the Chief Instructor first.
We recognise that children cannot be expected to raise concerns in an environment where instructors fail to do so.
· All instructors should be aware of their duty to raise concerns, where they exist, about the management of child protection, which may include the attitude or actions of colleagues.
Our policy on physical intervention by instructors acknowledges that instructors must only ever use physical intervention as a last resort, when a child is endangering him/herself or others, and that at all times it must be the minimal controlled force necessary. Such events should be recorded and signed by a witness where possible. Instructors who are likely to need to use physical intervention will be appropriately trained. We understand that physical intervention of a nature which causes injury or distress to a child may be considered under child protection or disciplinary procedures.
ABWK acknowledges that to allow or condone bullying may lead to consideration under child protection procedures. This includes homophobic and gender related bullying. Where bullying is reported it will be investigated fully.
ABWK acknowledges that repeated racist incidents or a single serious incident may lead to consideration under child protection procedures. Where racism is reported it will be investigated fully.
· Establish and maintain an ethos where children feel secure and are encouraged to talk and are always listened to.
· Ensure that all children know there is an adult in the club whom they can approach if they are worried or in difficulty.
· Include across the syllabus opportunities, which equip children with the skills they need to stay safe from harm and to know to whom they should turn for help.
ABWK endeavours to give to the protection to its members both physically within the club environment and when away from the club when undertaking competitions and training sessions.