ASHCOMBE PARK BOWLING CLUB

Safeguarding and Child Protection 
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Ashcombe Park Bowling Club (APBC) has considered its responsibilities to the young people participating in bowls at our premises and within our club very carefully and has produced the following Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy and underpinning procedures to set out the standards we wish to uphold in providing activities for children and safeguarding the welfare of children in our care. 

Ashcombe Park Bowling Club is affiliated to Bowls England, the National Governing Body, and the Club recognises their policies. 

1 - Policy Statement 
Ashcombe Park Bowling Club acknowledges its duty of care to safeguard the welfare of all young people (defined as those under 18) involved in bowls within the Club. All young people have a right to protection, and have their needs considered. 

Ashcombe Park Bowling Club will therefore endeavour to ensure the safety and protection of all young people involved with the club through the Child Protection guidelines adopted by the AEC of the Club. It is the responsibility of all adults within the club to assist the AEC in this endeavour. 

2 - Policy Aims 
2.1 To provide young people with appropriate safety and protection whilst in the care of the club and help them to enjoy their experience of the sport of bowls. 

2.2 To reassure parents that their children will receive the best practicable care possible whilst participating in activities within the club. 

2.3 To provide support to Club members and volunteers to make informed and confident responses to specific child protection issues and to fulfil their role effectively. 

3 - Principles 
3.1 The welfare of young people is paramount. 
 
3.2 All young people, whatever their age, culture, disability, gender, language, ethnic origin, and religious beliefs have the right to protection from abuse. 

3.3 All suspicions and allegations of abuse and poor practice will be taken seriously and responded to swiftly and appropriately. 

3.4 All staff and volunteers working in bowls have a responsibility to report concerns to their Club Safeguarding Officer.

3.5 Adults – Club members, volunteers, coaches, will be supported to understand their role and responsibility regarding the duty of care and protection of young people by the club and the National Governing Body. 

3.6 Individuals will receive support through education and training, coordinated by the Club/National Governing Body to be aware of and understand best practice and how to manage any welfare or child protection issues that may come to light. 

3.7 Ashcombe Park Bowling Club will work in partnership with young people and parents to review and implement child protection and safeguarding procedures. 

3.8 Ashcombe Park Bowling Club’s policy and procedures are based on the above principles and UK and international legislation and government guidance and take the following into consideration: 
3.8.1 The Children Act 1989 and 2004. 
3.8.2 Working Together to Safeguard Children 2018. 
3.8.3 The UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. 
3.8.4 Any subsequent legislation relating to child protection will be incorporated into this document. 

4 - Responsibilities and Communication 
4.1 The Ashcombe Park Bowling Club Child Protection Policy will be available to all members, parents, staff, volunteers, and participants. 

4.2 The Policy will be reviewed every three years by the AEC and amended as appropriate. Guidance from Bowls National Governing Bodies will be sought as part of the review process. 

4.3 The AEC has responsibility for ensuring that the policy and procedures are implemented, including referring any appropriate disciplinary action to the national governing body as appropriate. 

4.4 The Club Safeguarding Officer has responsibility for responding to any allegations, concerns, or child protection incidents, passing information to the appropriate National Governing Body Safeguarding Officer, and informing the appropriate Club staff where relevant. 

4.5 Parents have a responsibility to work together with the Club in implementing procedures and providing their children with the necessary information to keep themselves safe. 

5. Monitoring and review 
This policy will be reviewed one year after being introduced and then every three years or in response to significant new legislation.

(Revision 6 – Feb 24)