Children's Safety

Aberdeenshire Council Sport and Active Lifestyles is committed to ensuring the safety and wellbeing of all children taking part in our activities.

• All our staff are thoroughly vetted for their suitability to be working with children
• All our staff are aware of the policy and procedures relating to child protection
• We assess the risk of every activity taking into account every aspect of safety and security
• We comply with relevant legislation
• We have designated officers to deal with issues of child protection

Positive Behaviour Policy

• We treat all children fairly and apply our behaviour policy in a consistent way.
• We expect children to try their best in all activities.
• We will deter antisocial behaviour and encourage respect for others and their property.
• If the health and safety of the class is being jeopardised consultation will take place with the parents.
• We will praise and reward children for good behaviour.
• We will never embarrass or humiliate a child.

Physical Contact

• Many sports require a degree of physical contact between sports staff and children.
• Coaches and staff may need to use it to instruct, encourage or protect.
• Physical contact during sport will only be used to develop sports skills or techniques, to treat an injury, to prevent an injury and to meet the requirements of the sport.
• The coach will explain the reason for the physical contact to the child and, unless the situation is an emergency, the coach will ask for the child's permission.

Late Collection of Children

• A contact number will be available for parents to phone if they are likely to be delayed in collecting children.
• Parents will be asked to provide an alternative contact name or number for staff to use when they are not available on their usual number.
• It is not the responsibility of the staff to transport children home on behalf of parents who have been delayed but we will wait with the child at the facility with other staff / volunteers / parents present if at all possible.
• We will not send the child home with another person without permission from the child's parent or carer.

Injuries and Illness

• We have guidelines and report forms for any injury children sustain during activities.
• If the child needs medical attention this will be arranged immediately and parents / carers will be informed as soon as possible.
• We will ensure we have up to date contact details and any information about any relevant medical conditions with us at sports activities or events.

Changing Rooms

• Adult staff will not shower or change at the same time as children using the same facilities.
• For mixed gender activities, separate facilities will be available for boys and girls.
• If a child feels uncomfortable changing or showering in public, no pressure will be placed on them to do so.
• Instead they will be encouraged to shower or change at home.

Abuse

• Given on-going public concern on the subject of child abuse, and changes in the law, we are now required to report if we think any child has come to harm as a consequence of possible abuse.
• Where there is the possibility that a child could be at risk of abuse or neglect, Sports Development is required to refer the child to Social Work, the Police or the Reporter.
• Under these circumstances, the parent would not normally be contacted first.

Contact

Should you wish to talk about Child Protection and the safety of children please feel free to contact the Sport and Active Lifestyles section at any of the offices below or email:
recreation @aberdeenshire.gov.uk

Recreation Office
Gordon House
Blackhall Road
Inverurie
AB51 3WA
Tel: 01467 628283

Recreation Office
Viewmount
Arduthie Road
Stonehaven
AB39 2DQ
Tel: 01569 768358

Recreation Office
1 Church Street
Macduff
AB44 1UR
Tel: 01261 813383

Related Information

External Links