HPMFC SAFEGUARDING POLiCIES

  At HPMFC, the safety and well-being of every child entrusted to our care are of paramount importance. As a UK-based football coaching academy, we are committed to adhering to and practicing stringent safeguarding measures to ensure that all our young participants are protected both on and off the pitch.

We strictly follow the guidelines set forth by the UK Government and relevant football associations, including The FA’s Safeguarding Children Policy. This includes the mandatory safeguarding training for all staff and adherence to the Working Together to Safeguard Children statutory guidance. Our safeguarding policies are regularly reviewed and updated to remain compliant with current legislation and best practices.

All our coaches hold the necessary qualifications and have undergone rigorous background checks. Every coach is:

• Enhanced DBS Checked: This ensures that they have no history that would make them unsuitable to work with children.
• Safeguarding Trained: All our coaches have completed safeguarding training courses approved by The FA. This training equips them with the knowledge to recognize and respond to signs of abuse or neglect.
• First Aid Certified: To handle any minor injuries or emergencies that may arise during training sessions.

Our on-pitch practices are designed to create a safe and nurturing environment for all participants:

• Code of Conduct: We have a strict code of conduct that all coaches, players, and parents must adhere to. This code emphasizes respect, safety, and the well-being of every child.
• Supervised Activities: All training sessions and matches are supervised by multiple coaches to ensure children are always in a safe and controlled environment.
• Safe Equipment and Facilities: We conduct regular safety checks of all equipment and facilities to ensure they meet the highest safety standards.
• Child-to-Coach Ratios: We maintain appropriate child-to-coach ratios to ensure effective supervision and individual attention.

We recognize that safeguarding extends beyond the pitch. Our off-pitch safeguarding measures include:

• Data Protection: We comply with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) to ensure all personal information about our young participants and their families is securely stored and handled. Access to this data is restricted and monitored to prevent unauthorized use.
• Parental Involvement: We encourage active communication between coaches and parents. Regular updates are provided regarding their child's progress and any relevant incidents.
• Clear Reporting Procedures: We have established clear procedures for reporting and responding to any safeguarding concerns. These procedures are communicated to all staff, parents, and children to ensure that everyone knows how to act if they suspect abuse or neglect.
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Safeguarding is an ongoing process, and we are committed to continuous improvement. Our coaches regularly attend refresher courses and workshops to stay updated on the latest safeguarding practices. Additionally, we welcome feedback from parents and players to help us enhance our safeguarding measures.

At HPMFC, we understand the trust placed in us by parents and guardians. We take this responsibility seriously and are dedicated to creating a safe, supportive, and enjoyable environment for every child. Our comprehensive safeguarding policies and practices reflect our commitment to the highest standards of child protection, ensuring that our academy is a place where young footballers can thrive both on and off the pitch.