Photography Policy 

EMSA does not permit any photographs to be taken of the children or babies during swimming sessions unless prior written consent is obtained from parents/carers.

We may, on occasions, take photos for promotional purposes, i.e. leaflets or website etc. Before doing so, we will seek permission from all those involved, and respect the individual’s wishes if they do not want to appear in the photos.

Where there is sole usage of the pool by EMSA. Photographs may be taken, with adherence to the above. If you wish to take photos of your child, please inform EMSA, prior to doing so, either by phone, email or in person.

Equal Opportunities Policy

EMSA, EMSA BABIES, EMSA SQUAD AND EMSA NURTURE are committed to the principle of equal opportunities.

Everyone will be treated with respect and their individuality acknowledged taking positive account of their gender, religion, ethnic and cultural origin, age, social background and abilities.

Each person will be valued as an individual without racial or gender stereotyping. We will, wherever possible, take account of individual customs, values and beliefs, and utilise equipment/materials that help to promote anti-racist and anti-sexist behaviour.

We encourage all participants to develop a well-grounded sense of their own value and worth and that of others.

Every person has the right to participate in our lessons regardless of any disability or special need they may have, and if appropriate additional adaptive equipment will be provided alongside the regular equipment that is suitable for everyone, including those with a disability or special need.

EMSA will not tolerate any discrimination or prejudice at its venues. All personnel will promote positive attitudes and behaviours’

Safeguarding 

EMSA LTD , EMSA BABIES, EMSA SQUAD AND EMSA NURTURE are committed to the belief that all children have a right to protection, and the needs of disabled children and others who may be particularly vulnerable must be taken into account.

The EMSA Team has a duty of care to safeguard from harm all children and young people involved in any activities directly delivered by the EMSA.

EMSA also has a responsibility to ensure that we have established policies and provide protection to children and young people.

1 Policy Aims

Our Safeguarding policy aims to:

Clarify what is required in relation to the protection of children and young people.

Highlight the commitment of our staff to Child Protection Issues.

Recognise that the safety and welfare of the child is paramount, and that the child is potentially at risk when child abuse is reported or suspected.

Where our lessons take place, this Policy aims to:

Set and implement standard procedures to protect the child first and foremost when suspected or actual abuse is reported.

Ensure that adequate steps are taken to ensure that unsuitable people are not employed or deployed in activities.

Create a safe and positive environment for children.

Help ensure that all staff are supported and trained to recognise and respond appropriately to child protection or poor practice concerns.

Promote good practice and actively challenge practices and behaviour that could be deemed harmful to children.

2 Principles of the Safeguarding Policy

The key principles of the Safeguarding Policy are that:

The welfare of children and young people is the primary concern, and all children should be protected from harm.

All young people, whatever their gender, race, ethnic or national origin, disability, family status, age, religious belief, class or sexuality have the right to protection from abuse.

It is the responsibility of all involved in the delivery of our activity for children, to report any concerns.

It is the responsibility of the child protection experts to determine whether or not abuse has taken place.

All incidents, allegations or suspicions of poor practice or abuse should be taken seriously and responded to swiftly and appropriately.

Children and young people should be allowed to enjoy sport and other activities, without being abused or exploited

EMSA have a duty of care to all children and young people.

3. EMSA has a designated Welfare Officer / Child Protection Officer (CPO) who is the lead point of contact for all safeguarding and child protection matters.

The current designated CPO is Sally Brooks, who can be contacted on 01623 430093 / 07813892108.

Any concerns or incidents can also be reported directly to Children’s Social Care:

Call Derbyshire: 01629 533190, Nottinghamshire: 0300 500 8090 or in an emergency, dial 999.

Responsibilities of the CPO:

• Be familiar with Swim England’s Wavepower safeguarding policies and procedures.
• Ensure effective systems are in place for confidential and accurate record keeping.
• Ensure effective internal procedures exist for responding to concerns.
• Act as the key contact for the individual who has raised a concern.
• Act as the link between the club and external agencies (Children’s Social Care, Police, Swim England Safeguarding Team).
• Refer concerns without delay to Children’s Social Care or Police where appropriate.
• Ensure that, if concerns relate to a member of staff or volunteer, disciplinary processes are initiated in line with Swim England and organisational policy.
• Attend and maintain up-to-date safeguarding training provided by Swim England or other approved agencies.
• Report safeguarding concerns involving staff or volunteers to Swim England’s Safeguarding Team (as the National Governing Body).
• In the event of an allegation or suspicion of abuse, ensure Children’s Social Care or Police are informed immediately.
• If the CPO is unavailable, or if the concern relates to the CPO, the person raising the concern must contact Children’s Social Care or the Police directly.
• Decisions regarding informing parents or carers will be taken in consultation with Children’s Social Care.

Guidance & Procedures

Full safeguarding policies and detailed procedures are documented in Swim England’s Wavepower and through the NSPCC Child Protection in Sport Unit (CPSU). These documents are available via the Swim England website or by contacting EMSA.