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Safeguarding & child protection policy

1. Introduction & Legal Framework

Gymnathlon Ltd. ("the Company") provides specialized multi-sport and physical development programmes for children aged 2.5 to 11 years.

  • Registered Office: Gymnathlon Ltd., Clerkenwell House, 45-47 Clerkenwell Green, London, England, EC1R 0EB
  • Company Number: 16921747
  • Contact: info@gymnathlon.co.uk

This policy complies with relevant legislation and guidance in the UK, including:

  • Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE)
  • Working Together to Safeguard Children
  • Children Act 1989 and 2004
  • United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC)

This policy applies to all directors, employees, franchise partners, coaches, assistants, and volunteers working on behalf of Gymnathlon Ltd.

2. Purpose of the Policy

The primary aim of Gymnathlon Ltd. is to ensure that every child participating in our multi-sport classes experiences a safe, enjoyable, and encouraging environment, free from all forms of harm, abuse, neglect, or discrimination.

Under this policy, a "child" is defined as anyone under 18 years of age.

3. Key Safeguarding Principles

All individuals representing Gymnathlon Ltd. must adhere to the following principles:

  • Child-Centred Approach: The welfare of the child is paramount in all decisions and actions.
  • Equal Protection: Every child, regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation, has an equal right to protection.
  • Vulnerability & SEND: We recognize that children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) can face additional barriers and elevated risks; coaches are trained to provide tailored support in partnership with parents/guardians.
  • Zero Tolerance: Immediate zero-tolerance policy towards alcohol, drugs, smoking, or vaping during or immediately prior to any Gymnathlon activity.

4. Designating a Safeguarding Lead (DSL)

Any concern, allegation, or disclosure regarding a child’s safety must be immediately escalated to our Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL):

  • Designated Safeguarding Lead: Michal Bojnansky
  • Email:info@gymnathlon.co.uk

In the absence of the DSL, concerns should be escalated directly to the Director.

5. Staff Recruitment, Training & DBS Checks

To maintain the highest standard of safety:

  • DBS Checks: All coaches, assistant coaches, and personnel in regulated activity must undergo an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check with Barred List clearance prior to leading sessions.
  • Barred List Referral: If an individual is removed from regulated activity due to a safeguarding concern, Gymnathlon Ltd. has a legal obligation to report this to the DBS.
  • Safeguarding Training: All coaching staff undergo mandatory Safeguarding Level 1/Level 2 training and Paediatric First Aid certification before working independently.

6. Ratios & Supervision

To ensure physical safety during energetic sports movement:

  • Gymnathlon Baby (Ages 2.5 – 4): Parent-accompanied sessions; 1 Lead Coach per up to 12-15 parent-child pairs.
  • Gymnathlon Junior, SportMix & Active (Ages 4 – 11): Minimum ratio of 1 Coach to 8-10 children (minimum 2 adults present at every venue where total group size exceeds 12).
  • School Holiday Camps: Minimum ratio of 1 Coach to 8 children for under 5s, and 1 Coach to 10-12 children for ages 5-11.

7. Physical Contact & Coaching Practice

Given the physical nature of sports coaching (gymnastics, athletics, ball games):

  • Safe Physical Spotting: Physical contact between a coach and a child is strictly limited to instructional support, safety spotting (preventing falls), or necessary first aid.
  • Consent & Transparency: Coaches must explain the physical guidance to the child where appropriate (e.g., "I am going to hold your waist to help you balance on the beam").
  • Prohibited Behaviour: Physical contact must never be used as a form of punishment, nor should it ever involve private body areas.

8. Handling Disclosures & Safeguarding Concerns

  • Immediate Danger: If a child is in immediate risk of harm, staff must call 999 immediately and inform the DSL thereafter.
  • Handling a Disclosure:
    • Listen & Reassure: Listen calmly without leading or probing questions.
    • No Absolute Confidentiality: Do not promise to keep secrets; explain that information must be shared with the DSL to keep them safe.
    • Record: Make an accurate, written record of the disclosure immediately using objective language (times, facts, exact quotes).
    • Report: Submit the written report to the DSL within 2 hours (and no later than the end of the working day).

9. Managing Allegations Against Staff / Behaviour Management

  • Allegations against staff: Must be reported to the DSL immediately. If the allegation concerns the DSL, it must be reported directly to the Director/Board. Allegations are handled in consultation with the local LADO (Local Authority Designated Officer).
  • Managing Behaviour: Gymnathlon operates a Positive Coaching Policy. Physical punishment or degrading language is strictly forbidden. Temporary time-outs or parental involvement are used for persistent disruptive or dangerous behaviour.
  • Anti-Bullying: We enforce a zero-tolerance policy toward bullying, peer-on-peer abuse, or discriminatory behaviour.

10. Venue Health, Safety & Equipment

  • Risk Assessments: Venue-specific risk assessments are completed for all sports halls, primary school facilities, and community centres before commencing classes.
  • Equipment Inspection: All Gymnathlon foam obstacles, balls, mats, and agility gear are inspected prior to every session for wear and tear.
  • First Aid & Medication: Every session has at least one Paediatric First Aider on site with a fully stocked portable first-aid kit. Medication (e.g., EpiPens, asthma inhalers) is only administered with prior written parental consent.

11. Photography & Social Media

  • Parental Consent: Photos and videos of children are only taken with explicit, opt-in written parental consent obtained during registration.
  • Identification Safety: Children’s full names or personal location details will never be published alongside photos on marketing channels.
  • Spectator Photography: Parents/guardians wishing to take photos of their own children during open sessions must refrain from publishing images featuring other children without prior consent from those families.

12. Review & Sign-Off

This policy is formally reviewed annually or following any significant updates to UK legislation.

  • Approved by: Peter Krajnak, Director, Gymnathlon Ltd.
  • Date Issued: September 2026
  • Next Review Date: September 2027