Hollybush Padel

Safeguarding

Safeguarding Policy – Hollybush Padel Centre

Last updated: May 2026

Hollybush Padel Centre (“we”, “us”, “our”) is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and vulnerable adults who use our facilities.

We believe everyone has the right to participate in sport in a safe, positive and enjoyable environment.

1. Our commitment

We are committed to:

  • Providing a safe environment for all participants
  • Ensuring all coaches and staff act appropriately at all times
  • Taking all safeguarding concerns seriously and acting promptly
  • Promoting a culture of respect, inclusion and safety

2. Scope of this policy

This policy applies to:

  • All coaches, staff and contractors
  • All volunteers and assistants
  • All players, parents, and guardians
  • All visitors using Hollybush Padel Centre facilities

3. Safeguarding responsibility

All coaches and staff working at Hollybush Padel Centre are required to:

  • Hold appropriate coaching qualifications
  • Hold valid safeguarding training (current and up to date)
  • Hold enhanced DBS checks where required
  • Maintain appropriate insurance
  • Follow this safeguarding policy at all times

4. Coaching and supervision of children

  • Children under 16 must be supervised by a parent or guardian unless attending an organised coaching session.
  • During coaching sessions, responsibility for safeguarding rests with the assigned coach.
  • Parents/guardians must ensure children are collected promptly after sessions.
  • Coaches will not be responsible for unsupervised children outside booked sessions.

5. Conduct of coaches and staff

All staff and coaches must:

  • Maintain professional boundaries at all times
  • Avoid being alone with a child where possible (unless in a visible or appropriate setting)
  • Communicate appropriately and professionally
  • Never use inappropriate language or behaviour
  • Never transport children alone without parental consent

6. Photography and filming

  • Photography or filming of children may only take place with parental consent.
  • Parents/guardians may request that their child is not photographed or filmed.
  • Images will only be used for legitimate club or promotional purposes.

7. Reporting a concern

If you have any concerns about the welfare of a child or vulnerable adult, you should report it immediately.

Concerns may include:

  • Bullying or inappropriate behaviour
  • Unsafe coaching practice
  • Suspicious behaviour by staff or visitors
  • Any form of abuse or neglect

Concerns should be reported to:

  • A member of Hollybush Padel management
  • Or the designated safeguarding lead (DSL)

All concerns will be taken seriously and acted upon promptly.

Where necessary, we will refer concerns to:

  • Local authority safeguarding services
  • Police or relevant external agencies

8. Whistleblowing

We encourage anyone to report concerns about poor practice or unsafe behaviour.

All reports will be treated confidentially and handled appropriately.

No individual will suffer any disadvantage for raising a genuine safeguarding concern.

9. Code of behaviour

All users of Hollybush Padel Centre are expected to:

  • Treat others with respect
  • Behave appropriately at all times
  • Follow instructions from staff and coaches
  • Avoid any behaviour that could be considered unsafe or disruptive

We reserve the right to remove any individual who does not meet these standards.

10. External coaching

Only coaching provided by authorised Hollybush Padel coaches is permitted on site.

All coaches are:

  • Accredited
  • DBS checked where required
  • Fully insured

Unauthorised coaching is not permitted.

11. Review of policy

This policy will be reviewed regularly and updated where necessary to ensure compliance with current safeguarding guidance and best practice.

12. Contact

Hollybush Padel Centre
Sevenoaks, Kent, United Kingdom

Designated Safeguarding Lead: Steven Seffens
Email: info@hollybushpadel.com