Safeguarding and welfare

To achieve this, we ask that all our gymnasts adhere to the following Code of Conduct:

1. Be friendly, encouraging and respectful.
   1. Be kind, friendly, and encouraging to all members of the club.
   2. Be respectful to coaches, volunteers, and officials, and listen to their instructions.
2. Arrive dressed appropriately for gymnastics.
   1. Wear appropriate clothing for gymnastics such as leotards, shorts, tracksuits, and t-shirts – no jeans or very baggy clothing please!
   2. Jewellery and watches must be removed before class and left with parents. Any piercings which cannot be removed need to be covered with tape.
   3. Shoes and socks to be removed before class. If socks must be worn due to medical reasons, please inform the lead coach.
   4. Long hair must be tied back.
3. No food or drink on the equipment or matted area.
   1. No food or drink near the equipment or matted area of the gym.
   2. Help us keep the gym tidy by putting your rubbish in the bin.
4. Treat the equipment with respect.
   1. Only use the equipment when you have been given permission by your coach.
   2. Equipment must only be used in the way your coach has instructed you to.
5. If you need help or are feeling unwell, speak to your coach.
   1. If you are unsure about a skill you are trying, speak to a coach first so that they can assist you.
   2. If you are feeling unwell, make sure you let your coach know.
6. Do not leave the gym unless told you can.
   1. If you need to leave the gym at any time, ask your coach first.
   2. Stay in the gym until your parent or guardian arrives to pick you up.

To make sure our gymnasts enjoy participating in gymnastics at Good Life Gymnastics, we ask that our members follow these rules:

• Be friendly and respectful
• Arrive dressed appropriately for gymnastics
• No food or drink on the equipment or matted area
• Treat the equipment with respect
• If you need help or are unwell, speak to your coach
• Do not leave the gym unless told you can

To achieve this, we ask that all parents and guardians adhere to the following Code of Conduct:

1. Be friendly and respectful.
   1. Be friendly and respectful to all our members, coaches, volunteers, and officials.
   2. Respect the decisions of coaches, volunteers, and officials. In the case that you disagree with a decision made, please speak to the lead coach.
2. Ensure that your child is prepared for their class.
   1. Ensure that gymnasts are wearing appropriate attire such as leotards, shorts, tracksuits, and t-shirt – no jeans or very baggy clothing please!
   2. Remove jewellery and watches, and tape over any piercings that cannot be removed.
   3. Have your child remove shoes and socks before starting their class. If your child must wear socks for a medical reason, please inform the lead coach.
   4. Have long hair tied back.
   5. Ensure your child has water and snacks as required, and has been to the toilet.
3. Help us to encourage a positive learning environment.
   1. Promote good sportsmanship and encourage participation over winning.
4. Keep us informed.
   1. Please make the lead coach aware of any problems such as injuries or illnesses which could affect your child during their class.
   2. Keep us informed of changes to your contact details or child’s medical conditions.
5. Be punctual when dropping off and picking up your child.
   1. Arrive with plenty of time to get your child ready before the start of their class and remain with them until their class starts.
   2. If you’re running late, please let us know.
   3. Be ready to pick your child up at the end of their class.
   4. Inform the lead coach if someone else will be taking your child home.

To make sure our gymnasts enjoy participating in gymnastics at Good Life Gymnastics, we ask that parents, carers, and legal guardians follow these rules:

• Be friendly and respectful
• Ensure your child is dressed appropriately for gymnastics
• Help us to encourage a positive learning environment!
• Keep us up to date with your child's details, injuries and illnesses
• Be punctual when picking up and dropping off your child

To achieve this, we ask that all coaches, volunteers, and officials adhere to the following Code of Conduct:

1. Be approachable and respectful.
   1. Be approachable, respectful, and maintain appropriate working relationships with all our members, parents, coaches, volunteers, and officials.
   2. Respect the decisions of other coaches, volunteers, and officials, and set a good example for our members.
2. Maintain a positive learning environment.
   1. Promote good sportsmanship and encourage participation over winning.
   2. Take time to explain to gymnasts what is expected of them and reward for progress and good effort while making criticism constructive.
3. Ensure that classes and activities are productive and run efficiently.
   1. Arrive on time and ready to start coaching.
   2. Work to the lesson plan prepared by the lead coach and follow directions.
   3. Ensure that all activities are appropriate to the age, ability, experience, and maturity of your gymnasts and are within your coaching qualifications.
4. Keep the gym safe for our participants.
   1. Relay any concerns regarding the welfare of our members immediately to the lead coach or welfare officer.
   2. Ensure that at least two coaches are present at all times.
   3. Always adhere to Good Life Gymnastics’ safeguarding policies.

To make sure our gymnasts enjoy participating in gymnastics at Good Life Gymnastics, we ask that coaches, volunteers and officials follow these rules:

• Be approachable and respectful
• Ensure that classes and activities are productive and run efficiently
• Maintain a positive learning environment
• Keep the gym safe for our participants
• Promote the safeguarding and welfare of our participants

Good Life Gymnastics acknowledges that we have a duty of care to safeguard and promote the welfare of our participants. We are dedicated to ensuring that our safeguarding policies promote the best practice and comply with statutory requirements.

Aims of this Policy

Through our safeguarding and child protection policy, Good Life Gymnastics aims to ensure that regardless of age, disability, race, religion or belief, gender, sexual orientation, or socio-economic background:

• Our members enjoy participating in sport at Good Life Gymnastics
• We provide a safe and positive learning environment to our members
• Our members are protected from abuse or maltreatment whilst participating at Good Life Gymnastics or otherwise.

Our Promise

In order to achieve our aims, Good Life Gymnastics will:

• Prioritise the welfare of our participants above all else
• Provide safeguarding and child protection training to our staff every three years
• Ensure that every member, parent, coach, volunteer, and official at the club is aware of the behaviour expected of them through our codes of conduct
• Take appropriate action to respond to any concerns for welfare or poor practice by following our clear reporting and complaints procedures
• Prevent the employment of unsuitable individuals through effective recruitment, selection, and monitoring.

Furthermore, Good Life Gymnastics will have a Designated Safeguarding Lead who is designated within the club to take on the lead role when dealing with safeguarding issues. They will be responsible for:

• Promoting this policy’s aims and the importance of safeguarding
• Responding to concerns regarding poor practice and child welfare concerns
• Liaising between the club and local agencies and organisations
• Keeping accurate and confidential records of child welfare concerns and storing these securely.
• Acting as the designated person for criminal records checks.

DSL

Designated Safeguarding Lead: Owen Downie
E-mail: [email protected]

Our Welfare Officer is Owen Downie, contactable on our main line, 020 3885 1303.

Staff training – Safeguarding

We can confirm that all of our coaches undergo annual basic Safeguarding and Child Welfare training, taught by our DSL in-house. Our senior staff, managers, and school coaches have obtained a child safeguarding and welfare in sport CPD.

Our DSL has read and is up to date with the 2026-2027 DfE Keeping Children Safe in Education. As part of the staff annual training, all coaches have read the relevant sections of the 2026-2027 DfE Keeping Children Safe in Education.

LADO – Local Authority Designated Officer – Contact information

Email: [email protected]
Phone: 07774 332675
Kingston and Richmond SPA: 020 8547 5008

At Good Life Gymnastics, the health and safety of our participants is paramount. We recognise that participation in gymnastics inherently carries a risk of injury. As such Good Life Gymnastics asks all members and coaches to adhere to this health and safety policy in order to reduce the risk as much as practicable.

Club Management

To ensure the health and safety of our participants, Good Life Gymnastics will:

• Risk assess hired premises to ensure the environment is safe for our participants
• Adopt the emergency procedures implemented by the hired premises
• Provide appropriate insurance cover for its members, coaches, volunteers, and officials while at Good Life Gymnastics.
• Collect member’s details including their name, date of birth, parent/guardian/carer information, emergency contact details, and medical details upon registration. Parents must also give their consent for their child to participate.

Coaching

To minimise the risk of injury to members and coaches, we aim to adopt the best coaching practices. Specifically, Good Life Gymnastics ensures that:

• Coaches are provided with adequate training to do their role.
• Only coaches who are competent and qualified to coach an activity will do so. Similarly, coaches supervising activities will be suitably competent and qualified.
• Coaches must consider the age, maturity, ability, and experience of their gymnasts when setting activities.
• There will be a maximum of 10 children to every coach per group or apparatus.
• There will be at least 2 coaches in the gym at all times.

Dress

It is important that all members and coaches wear the correct attire so that they can participate without being restricted and do not cause a hazard to themselves or anyone else. Anyone in breach of these regulations will be asked to change.

• Clothing must not restrict movement but cannot be so loose, it is hazardous.
• Any clothing with buckles, zips, or cords should not be worn.
• Long hair must be tied up.
• Gymnasts should have bare feet or be wearing gymnastics slippers, unless there is a medical reason for wearing socks.
• Coaches must not have long fingernails.
• All jewellery must be removed. In the case that it cannot be removed it should be covered with sports tape.

Equipment

All the equipment we use is purchased from recognised suppliers. To keep our equipment safe for use, we ask that our coaches and members comply with the following:

• All equipment must be checked before, during and after use.
• Any equipment which is deemed faulty must be removed immediately and the head coach informed.
• Apparatus will be used and maintained in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions and is suitably matted.

Participants with disabilities or medical conditions

At Good Life Gymnastics, we welcome participants with disabilities or medical conditions. As these individuals have a higher risk of injury from participation, the following regulations must be followed to maintain their health and safety:

• Where a gymnast has a medical condition or disability which increases their risk of injury, advice from their GP must be sought before participating.
• An assessment of risk to the individual will be completed prior to their participation and coach to gymnast ratios will be adjusted accordingly.
• The lead coach must inform coaches of the gymnast’s disability or medical condition and advise them accordingly.

First Aid and Reporting Accidents

We recognise that participation in gymnastics carries an inherent risk of injury and that accidents may happen. We also acknowledge our statutory duty to have adequate first aid procedures in place for our coaches and members.

• There must be a first aid kit and a designated coach trained in first aid at every class.
• Coaches must report injuries immediately to the lead coach who will inform the designated first aider and complete an Injury and First Aid form.
• For serious injuries, a Safeguarding Incident form must also be completed and the head coach and gymnast’s parents informed as soon as possible.
• These forms must be carried by the lead coach at all times.

Fire Safety

In the event of the fire alarm sounding, coaches must:

• Lead their gymnasts out of the building through the fire exits to the designated rendezvous point.
• The lead coach will ensure that a register is taken and all children are accounted for.

Health, Fitness, and Nutrition

Coaches should check their gymnast’s health and fitness before participating. We also ask that parents make the head coach aware of any health concerns.

Coaches should lead by example and promote a healthy lifestyle.

This policy outlines the restrictions on the use of photography, communications, and social media so that we can safeguard the welfare of our participants.

Photography by Parents, Carers and Guardians

We understand that parents, carers, and guardians wish to take photographs of their children and we do not wish to restrict you doing so. However, to safeguard the welfare of our participants we ask that you comply with the following guidelines:

• Parents, carers, and guardians may only take photographs when invited to, or otherwise with permission from the head coach.
• On taking photographs, parents must sign the photography sheet.
• Please do not use flash photography as it can endanger our gymnasts.
• Parents, carers, and guardians may not publish any images taken at Good Life Gymnastics unless they contain only their child, or they obtain permission from the other children’s parents.
• Parents, carers, and guardians may stand inside the gym to take photographs, however, we ask that you do not come onto the matted areas or equipment as it can be distracting for our gymnasts and disrupt our class.

Photography by Good Life Gymnastics

There may be occasions where Good Life Gymnastics wishes to take photographs of our participants and publish them on our website or other advertisements. On such occasions:

• Permission from the child and their parent must be obtained before any coach may take or publish photographs on behalf of the club.
• No personal details except first name may be displayed with photographs.
• Images must not be edited in such a way that the result is embarrassing or inappropriate.

Social Media and Communications

To safeguard our participants, we ask coaches comply with the following restrictions:

• Coaches, volunteers, and officials must not communicate with gymnasts under the age of 18 by text, social media, or email under any circumstances.
• Any contact with gymnasts under the age of 18 must be through parents.
• Communications should be limited to gymnastics related issues.

We acknowledge that we have a duty of care to safeguard the welfare of our participants. As such we implement a robust recruitment procedure to ensure that any unsuitable candidates are prevented from working with children and young people.

1. Advertised positions will clearly state what is expected of the successful candidate and the requirement to complete criminal records checks prior to recruitment.
2. Applications will be vetted against the candidate’s ability to fulfil our code of conduct.
3. References are sought with the applicant’s consent. In the event that the applicant has prior experience working within gymnastics, confirmation of qualifications will be sought.
4. Candidates undergo an interview where their ability to fulfil our code of conduct and their suitability to work with children is assessed.
5. Individual’s identity is verified and for applicants over the age of sixteen, a criminal records check will be completed.
6. Successful candidates will undergo a process of induction where they are explained the club’s safeguarding policies and the coach’s code of conduct.

This procedure will be implemented consistently and without discriminating against candidates on the grounds of age, disability, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity or gender reassignment in accordance with the Equality Act 2010, and will be fully compliant with the Data Protection Act 1998.

At Good Life Gymnastics, bullying by children or adults will not be tolerated. We strive to both prevent bullying and deal with any concerns effectively and at the earliest instance.

Preventing Bullying

To prevent bullying, we encourage an open environment where our participants feel confident speaking to coaches, volunteers, and officials about their concerns. We will take all allegations of possible bullying seriously and will take steps to address these.

Procedure following an allegation of Bullying

This procedure will be implemented consistently by coaches, volunteers, and officials to address all concerns or allegations of bullying.

1. Speak to the child involved. Find out what has happened, offer reassurance and explain that you may need to speak to the lead coach about what has happened.
2. Speak to the lead coach and relay the allegation or your concerns.
3. Speak to the alleged bully and hear their side of the story to understand the situation better. Explain the consequences of their actions to the bully and seek an apology.
4. Inform the bully’s parents.
5. Complete a safeguarding incident form detailing what has been alleged and the actions that have been taken, including reassuring the victims.
6. If the situation cannot be remedied by this procedure, inform the lead coach and welfare officer who will consider sanctions or disciplinary action.

Despite the best efforts of Good Life Gymnastics, there may inevitably be occasions when a complaint or concern needs to be addressed. As such, the following procedure must be consistently implemented so that concerns can be resolved at the earliest opportunity.

Complaints or Concerns Procedure

With any complaint we ask that the complainant speaks to the head coach or welfare officer at the earliest opportunity to relay their concern. In the majority of cases, the concern can be dealt with then and there. In the event that such a resolution cannot be sought, the following procedure will be followed:

1. Lead coach will make an immediate assessment of the complaint. Where it is deemed that the complaint is serious, our concern for welfare procedure will be implemented instead.
2. Complainant will be asked to submit their complaint in writing. This must include details of the incident, the date and time it took place and the name of the complainant. Complaints will be dealt with anonymously if requested.
3. Complaint is reviewed by the lead coach and supervisor. If there is a conflict of interest, the complaint will be reviewed by the Manager as appropriate.
4. The lead coach will decide on the course of action to be taken, which may include disciplinary action or sanctions. Advice may be sought from our welfare officer.
5. Our welfare officer will contact the complainant by telephone to advise them of the planned course of action and to ensure that it addresses their concerns. Confirmation will be given in writing by email.
6. The agreed course of action will be taken and documented on a safeguarding incident form. The welfare officer will telephone the complainant to give the result and check that this has addressed their concerns. Confirmation will be given in writing by email.
7. On reaching a conclusion, the situation will be monitored by the lead coach and welfare officer for an agreed period of time.

Example of this procedure being implemented

For example, a parent has spoken to the head coach after their child’s class stating that while their child was learning a somersault, the coach's supporting technique was dangerous.

1. Initial assessment undertaken by the head coach was that this concern did not constitute a serious or immediate concern for welfare and so our complaints procedure will be implemented.
2. The parent emailed the head coach with details of the incident as requested.
3. The head coach and the welfare officer review the complaint.
4. The head coach liaises with the welfare officer and decides the following course of action. The coach will be given training on supporting technique by the head coach and their competency on supporting this skill will be reassessed. Until this time, the coach will not support this skill.
5. The welfare officer speaks to the parent who agrees this course of action addresses their concerns. Confirmation is sent by email.
6. The coach is spoken to regarding the incident and training is provided. The coach is subsequently deemed competent supporting the skill and a period of supervision while coaching this skill is agreed. This is relayed to the parent by our welfare officer and the parent agrees this resolves their concerns. These actions are fully documented on a safeguarding incident form.
7. The situation has been resolved.
8. The head coach monitors the coach’s competency during their supervision period and deems them competent to support the skill unsupervised.

Good Life Gymnastics recognises our duty to promote the welfare of our participants. In the event that a concern for the welfare of one of our participants is raised, we will consistently implement the following procedure.

Concern for Welfare Procedure

On being made aware of a concern our head coach and welfare officer will make an initial risk assessment on how immediate the concern for the child’s welfare is and the seriousness of the concern or complaint.

• Low risk – where the concern for the child’s welfare is not immediate and the nature of the concern is not deemed serious.
• Medium risk – where the concern for the child’s welfare is not immediate but the concern is ongoing or there exists a complaint of a serious nature.
• High risk – where there is an immediate concern for the child’s welfare.

Depending on the risk level, the appropriate procedure will be implemented as follows:

Low Risk

1. The Lead coach as appropriate will speak to the child’s parent in person or if not practical then by phone to relay their concern.
2. Details of the incident and any action taken will be documented on a safeguarding incident form by the welfare officer.
3. Situation will be monitored for a suitable period of time.

Medium Risk

1. The Manager as appropriate will call the child’s parent and ask them to attend.
2. The Manager will contact and liaise with the appropriate authorities or agencies.
3. The Manager will fully document the incident on a safeguarding incident form.
4. Situation will be monitored for a suitable period of time, if applicable.

High Risk

1. The Manager will call the child’s parent and ask them to attend immediately.
2. The Manager will contact police or ambulance services as applicable.
3. The Manager will fully document the incident on a safeguarding incident form.
4. Situation will be monitored for a suitable period of time, if applicable.

1. Introduction

Good Life Gymnastics is committed to upholding the highest standards of ethics, integrity, and accountability. We encourage all employees to report any concerns or suspicions of unethical or illegal behaviour within the organisation. This Whistleblowing Procedure is designed to provide a confidential and secure mechanism for reporting such concerns.

2. Scope

This procedure applies to all employees, contractors, volunteers, and other stakeholders of Good Life Gymnastics, including gymnastics instructors, administrative staff, and any third parties associated with the organisation.

3. Reporting Mechanism

3.1 Reporting Channels. Reports can be made through any of the following channels:

1. Direct Supervisor: Employees are encouraged to report their concerns to their immediate supervisor, manager, or any higher-level authority within the company.
2. Human Resources Department: Concerns can be reported directly to the Human Resources Department. DSL – Owen Downie

3.2 External Whistleblowing. Should the individual wish to remain anonymous, they may use an official 3rd party whistleblowing contact to take action.

1. Information to include in reports when making a report: Whistleblowers should include as much information as possible, including:
   1. A detailed description of the concern, including dates, times, locations, and individuals involved.
   2. Any supporting documentation or evidence.
   3. Their contact information (if they choose not to remain anonymous).
2. Protection of Whistleblowers: Good Life Gymnastics is committed to protecting the confidentiality and rights of whistleblowers. We will not tolerate any retaliation or adverse actions against individuals who report concerns in good faith. To ensure protection:
   1. Reports will be treated confidentially to the extent permitted by law and disclosed only to those individuals involved in the investigation.
   2. Whistleblowers will not face any adverse employment consequences for making a report in good faith.
3. Investigation process upon receiving a report: Good Life Gymnastics will conduct a prompt and thorough investigation. The process may include:
   1. Assigning a qualified investigator to review the report and gather additional information.
   2. Interviewing relevant parties and collecting evidence.
   3. Taking appropriate corrective action if misconduct is substantiated.
   4. Providing feedback to the whistleblower on the outcome of the investigation, to the extent allowed by law.
4. Reporting and Documentation: All reports, investigations, and outcomes will be documented and retained in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.
5. Communication: Good Life Gymnastics will periodically communicate the existence and importance of this Whistleblowing Procedure to all employees, contractors, and stakeholders through various means, including employee handbooks and training sessions.
6. External Reporting: If whistleblowers believe that Good Life Gymnastics has not adequately addressed their concerns or if the concerns involve senior management, they have the right to report the matter to external regulatory authorities or legal entities, as permitted by law.
7. Review and Updates: This Whistleblowing Procedure will be reviewed periodically and updated as needed to ensure its effectiveness and compliance with applicable laws and regulations.

We understand that there are occasions when parents are late in collecting their children. In such circumstances we ask that parents contact the club at the earliest opportunity and if they are unable to collect their children, make alternative arrangements and inform the club of these, including giving their consent for another person to collect their child.

Please note that Good Life Gymnastics will not send children home with any person other than a parent without permission or drop children home under any circumstances.

Procedure

In the event that a parent is late collecting their child and hasn't contacted the club, the following procedure will be implemented.

1. Wait with the child at the club, ensuring there are at least 2 coaches present.
2. Attempt to contact the parent and respond to their instructions.
3. Attempt to contact any emergency contacts as nominated by the parents and respond to their instructions.
4. Ask the child if there is another family member who could be contacted and attempt to contact their parents through them.
5. In the case that no-one can be reached and the child has not been picked up after an hour, contact police and follow their instructions.
6. Complete a safeguarding incident form detailing the incident and actions taken.