MM & YT UK Safeguarding

1. MM & YT UK Safeguarding

2. Introduction The aim of this induction is to raise awareness & introduce basic guidelines of safeguarding to all volunteers. Volunteers may find that talking about safeguarding can be disturbing and thought provoking. If something upsets you, please do not hesitate to speak to the trainer in confidence.

3. Safeguarding is defined in ‘Working together to safeguard children 2013’ as: Protecting children from maltreatment Preventing impairment of children’s health and development Ensuring that children grow up in circumstances consistent with the provision of safe and effective care Taking action to enable all children to have the best outcomes Safeguarding

4. Some Statistics • We don't know exactly how many children in England have experienced child abuse, however official statistics do tell us how many children have been identified as needing support or protection • There are over 11 million children under 18 in England • Over 390,000 children received support from children’s services in England last year (source DOE 2015) • Over 49,000 children in England were identified as needing protection from abuse last year (source DOE 2015) • There are over 69,000 children in care in England (source DOE 2015)

5. What are the different types of abuse ? • Sexual abuse • Domestic abuse • Neglect • Online abuse • Physical abuse • Emotional abuse • Bullying and cyber bullying • Harmful sexual behaviour • This is not an exclusive list but these are the ones that we, as coaches, may come across

6. Who can be abused? • Who is vulnerable? Any child • Who are the perpetrators? Usually someone that the child knows • Where does it happen? Usually in the home or in a ‘safe’ environment

7. Safeguarding training gives you the tools to spot possible abuse.

8. Possible signs of abuse • They may be smelly or dirty • Have unwashed clothes/inadequate clothing (ie: no winter coat) • Always appear hungry, frequently turning up at school without having breakfast or without lunch money • They may have untreated injuries • Reoccurring illnesses • Poor communication/ social skills • They may be living in unsuitable homes (ie;dog mess not been cleaned up, not adequate heating • Left at home for long periods of time • Taking on the role of Primary carer for siblings • They might avoid being alone with people, such as family members or friends • They could seem frightened of a person or reluctant to socialise with them. • Show sexual behaviour that's inappropriate for their age • They could use sexual language or know information that you wouldn’t expect of them.

9. Other signs withdrawn suddenly, behaves differently Anxious, clingy ,depressed,aggressive, problems sleeping, eating disorders, wets the bed, soils clothes, takes risks misses School, changes in eating habits, obsessive behaviournightmares, drugs, alcohol, self- Harm, thoughts about suicide

10. Barriers of reporting abuse • The vulnerable person may feel that they will not be believed • They are worried about the consequences • The lack of control that they have over ‘what happens next’ • They don’t understand that what is happening is abuse

11. Our role as coaches Be aware of the different types and signs of abuse. • Act on our concerns by reporting it.

12. Before each session begins: • Safeguarding our participants is paramount to us and as such we are constantly reviewing and amending our safeguarding policies and procedures. • Participants and coaches to meet at a pre arranged point. • A full register must be taken. • Any missing participants will be noted and taken straight to the school office to confirm whether the child is absent from school. If necessary a call to the parents will be made from the office. • Coaches must have the full details of all parents (GDPR approved) in case any incidents occur.

13. If a child tells you they are being abused • Listen to the child – never promise that you will keep what they have told you a secret. • Remember what they tell you, including details of time, date, where you were and who was present, write it down on a piece of paper. Remember to only report the facts, not your opinion. • If they are in immediate danger (ie: the person collecting the child has a strong smell of alcohol or drugs about them) Inform the school/center office immediately, they will call 999 • Otherwise, report ALL suspicions to the Lead Safeguarding Officer or Deputy Safeguarding Officer at MM &YT UK ALL REPORTS WILL BE TAKEN SERIOUSLY, PLEASE DON’T FEEL ‘SILLY’ REPORTING ANYTHING

14. MM &YT UK Lead/deputy lead safeguarding officers. Hannah Corne – 0781 5155530 hannah@minimermaidrunningclub.org Khara Mills-Haunch – 07809160909 khara@minimermaidrunningclub.org

15. What happens if you are reported? • If you are the subject of the complaint then the same safe guarding procedures will apply as they would for any complaint • You will be removed from the school/community centre environment until investigations have been made • A through investigation will be conducted by MM &YT UK and the school/ community setting that you were in

16. What can you do to protect yourself? • - As much as possible, never be alone with a child in a close environment. If you find yourself in a room, keep the door open. - Comforting a child if they are hurt or upset is fine within reason. You may find that some children become very attached to you and want to hug you or touch you all of the time. Use your discretion to try to discourage this. (a quick hug, or a hand hold whilst you are running/walking is fine) • - Never use inappropriate language, make sure you report any inappropriate language that you may hear. • - Never accept any gifts from the children or give them anything that isn’t related to the Mini Mermaid programme.

17. What is next? • Complete the volunteer forms • Undergo an enhanced DBS check • Read the MMRC UK Safeguarding policies Any follow up ‘E’ training can be found at https://www.nspcc.org.uk/preventing-abuse/ www.minimermaidrunningclub.org