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CHILD SAFEGUARDING Policy

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Child Safeguarding and Protection Policy

 

Policy Name: Child Safeguarding and Protection Policy
Company Name: Glide Bike Classes LTD
DSL – Christopher Humphris
Date Approved: 13 February 2026
Next Review 13 February 2027

 

1. Policy Statement

 

Glide Bike Classes LTD is fully committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children attending our sessions. The safety, wellbeing, and protection of children is our highest priority.

We recognise our responsibility to safeguard children in line with UK legislation and statutory guidance, including:

  • The Children Act 1989

  • The Children Act 2004

  • Working Together to Safeguard Children (2023)

Every child, regardless of age, gender, disability, ethnicity, religion, background, or additional needs, has the right to participate in our activities in a safe, supportive, and abuse-free environment.

This policy applies to all coaches, freelance staff, volunteers, parents/guardians, and any third parties working with or alongside Glide Bike Classes LTD.

 

2. Scope

 

This policy applies to:

  • All children aged 4–12 years attending Glide Bike Classes LTD

  • All freelance coaches and staff

  • The Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)

  • Parents and guardians attending sessions

  • Volunteers and contractors

 

3. Safeguarding Principles

 

Glide Bike Classes LTD believes that:

  • The welfare of the child is paramount.

  • Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility.

  • All children have the right to protection from abuse and neglect.

  • Children with Special Educational Needs (SEN) or disabilities may require additional safeguarding consideration.

  • Clear reporting procedures are essential for effective safeguarding.

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4. Safeguarding Responsibilities

 

4.1 Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)

 

Name: Christopher Humphris
Email: chris@glidelearntoride.com

The DSL is responsible for:

  • Overseeing safeguarding procedures

  • Receiving and responding to concerns

  • Liaising with local safeguarding partners, children’s services, or the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) where appropriate

  • Maintaining confidential safeguarding records

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4.2 Coaches and Freelance Staff

 

All coaches:

  • Must hold an enhanced DBS check prior to engagement

  • Must complete safeguarding training appropriate to their role

  • Are responsible for supervising children during sessions (1:6 ratio)

  • Must report concerns immediately to the DSL

  • Must maintain professional boundaries at all times

 

4.3 Parents/Guardians

 

  • Parents must remain on site during sessions.

  • Parents are responsible for informing coaches of medical conditions or additional needs.

  • Parents are encouraged to report concerns directly to the DSL.

 

5. Safer Recruitment

 

Glide Bike Classes LTD is committed to safer recruitment practices to reduce the risk of unsuitable individuals working with children.

Our procedures include:

  • Enhanced DBS checks for all coaches

  • Verification of identity and right to work

  • Obtaining relevant references

  • Interview processes that assess suitability to work with children

  • Safeguarding training prior to leading sessions

  • Ongoing monitoring and supervision

No individual may deliver sessions without satisfactory safeguarding checks being completed.

 

6. Recognising Types of Abuse

 

Glide Bike Classes LTD recognises the four categories of abuse defined in statutory guidance.

 

6.1 Physical Abuse

(Heading 2)

Deliberately causing physical harm to a child.

Possible indicators include:

  • Unexplained bruising or injuries

  • Injuries inconsistent with explanation

  • Flinching or fear of contact

  • Aggressive or withdrawn behaviour

 

 

6.2 Emotional Abuse

 

Persistent emotional maltreatment affecting a child’s emotional development.

Possible indicators include:

  • Low self-esteem

  • Excessive anxiety

  • Extreme compliance or aggression

  • Developmental delays

 

6.3 Sexual Abuse

 

Forcing or enticing a child to take part in sexual activities, whether or not the child understands.

Possible indicators include:

  • Age-inappropriate sexual knowledge

  • Sudden behaviour changes

  • Avoidance of certain adults

  • Secrecy or fearfulness

 

6.4 Neglect

 

Persistent failure to meet a child’s basic physical and/or psychological needs.

Possible indicators include:

  • Poor hygiene

  • Inappropriate clothing

  • Hunger or fatigue

  • Untreated medical issues

All staff must remain vigilant to signs of abuse and report concerns immediately.

 

7. Responding to a Disclosure

 

If a child discloses abuse or neglect, staff must:

  • Stay calm and listen carefully

  • Take the disclosure seriously

  • Reassure the child they have done the right thing

  • Not promise confidentiality

  • Avoid leading questions or investigating

  • Only ask open clarification questions if necessary

  • Record the information accurately using the child’s own words

  • Report immediately to the DSL

If a child is in immediate danger, emergency services (999) must be contacted.

All disclosures will be handled in accordance with Working Together to Safeguard Children (2023) and local safeguarding procedures.

 

8. Physical Contact

 

  • Physical contact will be minimal and only used when necessary for safety (e.g., steadying a child).

  • Contact will never involve intimate areas.

  • Contact will be explained beforehand.

  • Coaches must avoid unnecessary physical interaction.

 

9. Managing Allegations

 

9.1 Allegations Against Staff

 

Any allegation against a coach or staff member will:

  • Be reported immediately to the DSL

  • Be referred to the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) if required

  • Be handled confidentially and in line with statutory guidance

 

10. Health and Safety

(Heading 1)

  • Sessions operate at a 1:6 coach-to-child ratio

  • Helmets must be worn

  • Venues are risk-assessed

  • First aid provision is available

  • Parents remain onsite

 

11. Confidentiality and Record Keeping

 

  • All safeguarding records will be stored securely.

  • Information will be shared only on a need-to-know basis.

  • Records will be retained in line with data protection legislation (GDPR).

 

12. Code of Conduct for Staff

 

All staff must:

  • Treat children with respect and dignity

  • Avoid one-to-one unobservable situations

  • Use appropriate language at all times

  • Maintain professional boundaries

  • Report concerns immediately

  • Never engage in behaviour that could be interpreted as grooming or inappropriate

 

13. Policy Review

 

This policy will be reviewed annually or sooner if legislation changes.

Approved by: Russell James & Christopher Humphris
Position: Directors
Date Approved: 13 February 2026
Next Review Date: 13 February 2027

 

Contact:

Russell – 07930676035

Christopher – 07976 924056

“Highly recommend these classes. My daughter was a slow starter and was shown patience and encouragement throughout and in no time was riding her bike with confidence. She absolutely loves riding around now. Thanks for being a brilliant teacher.”

Anna P. - Facebook review, December 2023

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