Information for Parents and Gymnasts

Our club is committed to creating a safe, positive and inclusive environment for every child and young person. This Safeguarding Policy explains the standards of behaviour we expect from gymnasts, parents and all adults involved in our club, and outlines how we work together to keep everyone safe.

Our Commitment to Safeguarding

We will:

  • Put the welfare, safety and happiness of every gymnast first.
  • Make sure no adult is ever solely responsible for a child during activities.
  • Ensure all adults act professionally, respectfully and appropriately at all times.
  • Take all concerns about a child's safety seriously and act on them immediately.
  • Encourage an open, respectful environment where every child feels valued and listened to.

Behaviour We Expect From All Adults (including coaches, staff and volunteers)

All adults working within our club must:

  • Treat every gymnast with respect and fairness.
  • Never engage in behaviour that could be abusive, harmful or inappropriate.
  • Keep professional boundaries at all times, remembering they are in a position of trust.
  • Avoid giving out personal contact details or connecting with gymnasts on personal social media.
  • Only provide intimate or personal care in an emergency and report it afterwards.
  • Act as positive role models and promote safe, responsible behaviour.
  • Report any concerns about a child or another adult immediately, following club procedures.
  • Respect differences in culture, race, gender, disability, religion and background.

Behaviour We Expect From Gymnasts

All gymnasts should:

  • Take part in training and events in a safe and fun way.
  • Treat coaches, volunteers, teammates and other gymnasts with respect.
  • Follow the rules of the club and your sport.
  • Avoid any kind of bullying, discrimination or unkind behaviour.
  • Be responsible for your own actions and help look after each other.
  • Be prepared and arrive on time for training and events.
  • Speak to a coach, welfare officer or trusted adult if something worries or upsets you.
  • Appreciate and thank those who support you, such as family, coaches and teammates.

Behaviour We Expect From Parents and Carers

Parents and carers play a vital role in helping create a positive, safe environment. We ask that parents:

  • Support the club's safeguarding approach and reinforce safe behaviour at home.
  • Treat coaches, volunteers, other parents and gymnasts with respect.
  • Avoid shouting at, insulting or intimidating any child or adult.
  • Never force or pressure your child to train or compete.
  • Use social media responsibly when talking about the club, staff or gymnasts.
  • Raise any concerns calmly with the welfare officer or appropriate club staff.
  • Ensure your child is on time, appropriately dressed and collected promptly.

Online and Social Media Expectations

  • Adults must not communicate with gymnasts through personal social media or private messaging.
  • Gymnasts should use social media safely and respectfully.
  • No bullying, gossip, inappropriate images or discussions will be tolerated online or offline.

Equality and Inclusion

Our club welcomes everyone. We do not tolerate discrimination of any kind, including racism, sexism, homophobia, ableism or bullying.

Every gymnast has the right to be included and treated fairly.

Sexual Behaviour and Positions of Trust

  • Sexual activity between children/young people is not allowed within club activities.
  • Any harmful or inappropriate sexual behaviour will be taken seriously and may be referred to statutory agencies (police/social care).
  • Sexual activity between an adult (18+) and a young person under 16 is illegal.
  • Sexual activity between an adult in a position of trust and a young person aged 16�17 is strictly prohibited and may also be unlawful.
  • Any inappropriate or illegal behaviour will be reported immediately to the police and children's social care.

Breaches of the Policy

If anyone�adult, parent or gymnast�does not follow this safeguarding policy or our Codes of Conduct, the club may take the following action:

  • Verbal or written warnings
  • Temporary removal from activities
  • Permanent exclusion from the club
  • Reporting to governing bodies or statutory agencies where necessary

Our responsibility is to keep every child safe. All decisions will be made with the child's best interests at heart.

If You Have a Concern

If you are worried about:

  • Your own child
  • Another gymnast
  • The behaviour of a coach, volunteer or parent
  • Something you have seen or heard

Please speak to our Club Welfare Officer or any trusted adult at the club.

Club Welfare Team

Melanie Kinghan
Email: welfare@misspoppysgymnastics.co.uk
Phone: 07582935427

Sarah Taylor
Email: welfare@misspoppysgymnastics.co.uk
Phone: 07727462319

You can also contact NSPCC, Children's Social Care or the Police if you feel a child is at immediate risk.