Welfare Policy

R&S Legacy Gymnastics Ltd

Welfare & Safeguarding Policy

Policy Version: 1.0

Effective Date: 27 July 2026

Review Date: 27 July 2027

Our Commitment

At R&S Legacy Gymnastics Ltd, the welfare of every child and young person is our highest priority. We are committed to providing a safe, positive, inclusive and enjoyable environment where all gymnasts can learn, develop and achieve their potential.

Every child has the right to participate in gymnastics free from abuse, neglect, bullying, discrimination or harm.

All coaches, volunteers, parents and participants share responsibility for promoting the welfare of every gymnast.

Our Aims

We aim to:

• Put the welfare of children first in everything we do.
• Create a welcoming, safe and inclusive environment for all.
• Promote respect, kindness and positive behaviour.
• Ensure all concerns are listened to and acted upon appropriately.
• Work in partnership with parents and carers.
• Follow current safeguarding legislation and recognised good practice.
• Ensure coaches understand their safeguarding responsibilities.

Scope of This Policy

This policy applies to:

• Directors
• Coaches
• Assistant coaches
• Volunteers
• Parents and carers
• Gymnasts
• Visitors attending R&S Legacy Gymnastics activities

Safeguarding Principles

R&S Legacy Gymnastics Ltd believes that:

• Every child deserves to be safe.
• Every child should be treated with dignity and respect.
• Children’s views should be listened to.
• Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility.
• Concerns should never be ignored.
• All allegations or disclosures will be taken seriously.

Safe Coaching

Our coaches will:

• Hold appropriate coaching qualifications for their role.
• Maintain appropriate safeguarding awareness and training.
• Deliver sessions safely and professionally.
• Treat every gymnast fairly and with respect.
• Promote confidence and enjoyment.
• Never use humiliating, intimidating or abusive behaviour.
• Maintain appropriate professional boundaries at all times.

Equality and Inclusion

We welcome children regardless of:

• Age
• Gender
• Disability
• Race
• Ethnicity
• Religion or belief
• Sexual orientation
• Family background

Where reasonably possible, we will make adjustments to enable all children to participate safely.

Anti-Bullying

Bullying of any kind will not be tolerated.

This includes:

• Physical bullying
• Verbal bullying
• Emotional bullying
• Online or social media bullying
• Exclusion
• Discrimination

Any reports of bullying will be investigated promptly and appropriate action will be taken.

Photography and Social Media

Photographs or videos may only be taken in accordance with the club’s Photography Policy.

Parents should:

• Respect the privacy of other children.
• Not publish photographs of other gymnasts without permission.
• Use social media responsibly.

Reporting Concerns

Anyone who has concerns about the welfare or safety of a child should report them immediately.

Concerns may include:

• A child disclosing abuse.
• Unexplained injuries.
• Changes in behaviour.
• Bullying.
• Inappropriate behaviour from an adult.
• Unsafe coaching practices.

All concerns will be treated seriously, confidentially and recorded appropriately.

Where necessary, concerns will be referred to the relevant safeguarding authorities.

Confidentiality

Information relating to safeguarding concerns will only be shared with those who need to know in order to protect the child.

Absolute confidentiality cannot be guaranteed where a child’s safety may be at risk.

Parents and Carers

Parents are expected to:

• Treat coaches, volunteers and other families with respect.
• Keep medical and emergency contact information up to date.
• Inform coaches of any relevant medical conditions or additional needs.
• Support the club’s policies and procedures.

Gymnast Expectations

All gymnasts are expected to:

• Show respect to coaches and fellow gymnasts.
• Listen carefully during coaching sessions.
• Follow safety instructions.
• Use equipment correctly.
• Report any worries or concerns to a trusted adult.

Responding to Concerns

If a safeguarding concern arises, R&S Legacy Gymnastics Ltd will:

1. Listen carefully.
2. Reassure the child without making promises of confidentiality.
3. Record the concern accurately.
4. Report it to the appropriate safeguarding lead.
5. Contact external agencies where necessary.
6. Keep appropriate records.

Monitoring and Review

This policy will be reviewed annually or sooner if:

• Legislation changes.
• Best practice guidance is updated.
• An incident indicates changes are required.

Contact

For welfare or safeguarding concerns relating to R&S Legacy Gymnastics Ltd, please contact the Club Welfare Officer.

Club Welfare Officer: Molly Smallcombe

Welfare Email: welfare@rs-legacy.com

Email: radcliffesaleslimited@gmail.com

Telephone: 07584 243348 - 07817 490349

If a child is believed to be at immediate risk of harm, contact the police on 999 or your local Children’s Services without delay.

Approved by:

Directors, R&S Legacy Gymnastics Ltd

Charlotte Radcliffe

Director & Designated Safeguarding Lead

Melissa Sales

Director