Penton Tennis Club

Dear Members,

To keep everyone safe and happy playing tennis, everyone is responsible for SAFEGAURDING.

You will have recieved an updated Concern Form, Safeguarding casacde and Policy by email (aslo displayed in club house).

Who to contact if you are worried:

• Safeguarding Form - LTA  - this is a secure, online form which you can complete anonymously if you wish.  LTA's Safeguarding Policy & Procedures = The LTA SAFETOPLAY link  
• Elizabeth Cuthbert -  0774527912 or pentonsafeguarding@gmail.com or Jon Harries 07831237404
• Local authority designated officer 0300 555 1386 / 1373
• Local Authority Children’s Services  0300 555 1384 / 1373
• Police 0845 045 4545
• NSPCC (0808 800 5000)
• Hate crime can alternatively be reported through True Vision at www.report-it.org.uk
• In an emergency and/or if you are concerned that someone is at immediate risk of harm, please call the police without delay on 999.

Safeguarding helps to keep children (under 18) and vulnerable adults safe from harm.

What does this mean?

1. protect children or adults from abuse or neglect
2. prevent their health or development from impairment
3. prevent them from being drawn into extremism or terrorism
4. taking action to enable them to have best life chances

Who is responsible for this at Penton?

1. Elizabeth Cuthbert is the Safeguarding and Well-being Lead and Jon Harries, Chair is second.  They have been appropriately trained and will undergo further training and have been checked by DBS.
2. Malcom Scoates is coach at the club.  He has been trained and undergone DBS checks and undergoes further training on a regular basis.
3. You.  Everyone has a responsibility to ‘look out for’ other people.  This is not being nosy but simply making sensible choices, helping others to do this and keeping an eye open for things which raise questions.

What should I look out for?

1. Children or adults who exhibit symptoms of physical or sexual abuse (obvious bruising, limping … ); neglect (hunger, missing kit, appearing unkempt…);  emotional instability (unusual reactions, extreme anger, extreme views, being withdrawn … ). 
2. Adults who physically abuse children or vulnerable adults (shaking, hitting, throwing …)
3. Adults who talk to (shout at, seem to have a secret with, verbally abuse … ) or touch children or other adults inappropriately (kiss, stroke, sit on knee … )
4. Anyone who emotionally abuses others by making them feel worthless; bullying them; excluding them; making fun of them; silencing them; frightening them.
5. Anyone who uses extremist or hate-crime language or expresses such views.  This could include sexism, racism and extreme ideological views or anything which is in opposition to fundamental British values of freedom and democracy.
6. This is not a comprehensive list of the kinds of abuse or neglect which you may see.  The LTA Safeguarding policy has a full list.  However, use your common sense – if someone seems to be in trouble, then act and report the issue.
7. You are not trained, so do not expect to be an expert.  If you think something is wrong, then report it.  Don’t be afraid of reporting something.

What should I do?

1. Keep yourself safe – where possible do not be alone with a child or adult at risk
2. If a child or vulnerable adult confides in you, do not ask questions.  Say:

Tell me, Explain to me and Describe to me – and write down what you hear in as much detail as possible, as soon as possible.  You could use the club report form; the LTA online report form; simple written statement or call a number on the Safeguarding cascade.

1. Reassure the child/adult that s/he is right to report the behaviour
2. Listen carefully
3. Try not to ask questions
4. NEVER promise secrecy.  Inform them that you must report the conversation but that it is in their best interest.
5. Report it.  If someone is in immediate danger, then call the police (999).  Otherwise, use the reporting cascade.
6. Whistleblowing: what if I think something is not being done right in the club?  Let Elizabeth know or Tony or the LTA, NSPCC or the police.  Don’t let personal relationships stop you from doing what you think is right.

How can we keep each other safe?

1. Under 18s must be accompanied by their parent OR may play on non-club sessions with their parents’ permission OR may be at a club or training session when their parents have given permission AND there are several other club members there OR a DBS registered member from the club list (held by Elizabeth and Tony).  Never offer to play with a child if you are alone with them, unless they are a member of your family.
2. Be kind to each other.  No one should use verbal or physical abuse to each other.  In particular, avoid negative language; don’t spread rumours; try not to exclude others; be careful with nick-names; never try to hit someone with a ball on purpose; don’t hide or damage personal items; never use social media to hurt people.
3. Let everyone play.
4. Be friendly and open.
5. Be a role model for tennis and British values.