Introduction 
This policy sets out the responsibilities of parents, coaches, officials of the club and club members working with children with regard to child protection issues. 

Welfare Officer
Our club's Welfare Officer is Mark Bedford. Please contact Mark on Mobile number 07920 131223 if you have concerns over the welfare of any child or vulnerable adult at Stocksbridge Tennis Club.

Club responsibilities 
Stocksbridge Tennis Club has a duty of care to all of the children who play tennis within the club. 
StocksbridgeTennis Club:

• Aims to create an enjoyable environment for all juniors who wish to take part in tennis and social activities at the club.
• Recognises that young people have the right to be safe, secure and free from threat.
• Recognises that young people have the right to be treated with respect and for their concerns to be listened to and acted upon.
• Will ensure that junior members have specific programmes and facilities designated for them, with adequate supervision.
• Has procedures in place to help any person who requests help and support on a confidential basis in issues relating to Child Protection.
• Will ensure that the coaches working at the club hold coaching qualifications from a recognised tennis body; are licensed by a recognised tennis body; hold a current LTA DBS or equivalent that covers the DBS Children's Barred List information checks; a current LTA approved Safeguarding Certificate; an up-to-date First Aid (EFAW) Certificate.
• Will endure that junior organisers at the club hold a current voluntary LTA DBS or equivalent that covers the DBS Children's Barred List information checks.
• Will ensure that any club members and volunteers working with young people are aware of and apply the Good Practice Guidelines for Those Working with Children.
• Will make sure that the children in its care are aware that adults are there to help them and to listen to their concerns
• The Welfare Officer will maintain a record of DBS checks for current coaches and volunteers working with children. These will be posted on the club notice board.

Responsibilities of parents

• It is part of parents' duty of care to inform an adult member if there are any issues of a personal nature which may impact upon their child's behaviour or relationships with others in the club
• To inform the Welfare Officer if a child (who is not their own) makes a disclosure. The parent should ensure that they are not alone with the child and that they bring in an independent witness if they feel a disclosure is being made.
• To make the Welfare Officer aware of any concerns over the welfare of a child. It is for the club to then initiate action if deemed appropriate

In general it is NOT good practice for parents to be ALONE with any child who is not their own.

Responsibilities of coaches and others working with children 
Those working with children should receive appropriate training to make them aware of their responsibilities. The club has good practice guidelines for those working with children which all coaches and members should be aware of. Additionally, all coaches and the Welfare officer are required to keep their LTA safeguarding certification up to date. Other adults are encouraged to attend safeguarding training.

Those working with children:

• Should not be alone with one child at any time. They should ensure that they have an adult assistant with them or should always coach a group of children
• Should ensure that all team members and parents are aware of their responsibilities
• Have the primary responsibility for the care of all children during training and matches
  • If a child makes a disclosure they must ensure that they
  • Write everything down after the disclosure
  • Reassure the child that you take them seriously
  • Immediately inform the Welfare Officer                                                                                          

Transporting children: 
Coaches and other volunteers are not responsible for transporting children to and from the venue. It is reasonable for the club and coaches to place responsibility on parents for ensuring appropriate transport arrangements are made for their children. Parents may choose to make private arrangements with another adult (such as a family friend or another parent who is already transporting their own child), however, should let the club know. This driver must have a valid UK driving licence, correct insurance, MOT certificate and complies with laws on the use of seatbelts and restraints. It is preferable that children meet up at the tennis club (or other convenient but public place) when being offered a lift.

Exceptional Circumstances - Transporting children: 
In unforeseen circumstances a child/children may require transportation not covered by the paragraph above. In this circumstance, permission from the parent or guardian must be sought prior to the journey, children must be seated at the back of the vehicle at all times, a current DBS must be held by the adult in charge and where possible, two adults should be present.

Responsibilities of children 
All children who are involved with the club are to be protected by the club wherever possible. They have a duty to inform the adult in charge or other relevant adult if they have concerns over another child