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Safeguarding policy

As an affiliate of British Martial Arts and Boxing Association we take Safeguarding very seriously.

Purpose 

The purpose of this document is to set out how Taekwondo Academy Stockport protects [children and young persons 

/and or/ adults at risk] from harm during their training within the club. This includes harm arising 

from abuse of all kinds, including sexual, physical and emotional abuse, neglect, bullying and any 

other forms of violence or exploitation.  

 

This policy lays out Taekwondo Academy Stockport responsibilities and the reporting mechanisms, to ensure that 

[instructors], parents, students and members of the public are confident reporting a concern and, for 

staff, to take appropriate action. 

 

To be clear, Safeguarding is defined as “protecting a persons’ health, wellbeing and human rights, 

and enabling them to live free from harm, abuse and neglect”. In martial arts, this will typically apply 

to children and young persons, and adults at risk. 

 

Scope Of This Policy 

This policy shall be effective and mandatory for all [staff, instructors, volunteers, visiting instructors]. This policy shall also be effective for all visitors and parents of Taekwondo Academy Stockport. 

 

Policy Statement 

Taekwondo Academy Stockport believes that everyone we come into contact with, regardless of age, gender identity, 

disability, sexual orientation or ethnic origin has the right to be protected from all forms of harm, 

abuse, neglect and exploitation.  Taekwondo Academy Stockport will not tolerate abuse and exploitation by staff or 

associated personnel. Taekwondo Academy Stockport remains committed to ensuring the effective prevention, 

reporting and response to any safeguarding concerns raised or detected.  

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Prevention 

In order to provide vulnerable groups with the best possible experience and opportunities within the

styles practiced, Taekwondo Academy Stockport operates in line with the BMABA national safeguarding policy. This 

includes ensuring best practice is met at all times in relation to safeguarding and risk management. A 

core part of Taekwondo Academy Stockport prevention strategy is to ensure that the following is met in terms of 

minimum best practice guidance at all times; 

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∙Instructors are expected to comply with BMABA association national frameworks and 

regulatory guidelines in respect of minimum standards, best practice and compulsory 

safeguarding obligations. 

∙Instructors must always hold the minimum grade required to competently and technically 

deliver the class in question, with additional qualifications as necessary for specialist styles or 

roles. 

∙Instructors must all hold the necessary Public Liability insurance, a valid first aid qualification 

and both an enhanced DBS check within 3 years from date of issue, and an in-date 

safeguarding qualification relevant to the group(s) being taught. 

∙Treat all young persons aged under 18 years of age, and all vulnerable adults, with respect, 

dignity and courtesy.  

∙Treat all children and / or vulnerable adults equally.  

∙Always put the welfare of children and / or vulnerable adults first.  

∙Always work in an open environment avoiding any isolation, unobserved situation, 

encouraging an open and transparent club community.  

∙Keep physical contact to an absolute minimum.  

∙Never be alone with a child and / or vulnerable adult.  

∙Where physical contact is essential as part of the safe and structured learning process of the 

art, discipline or sport being practiced, the instructor and/or teaching person must only do so 

with the consent of the child and/or vulnerable adult, remaining appropriate, non intrusive 

and ensuring that where physical contact is essential (for example, when assisting in an 

essential physical process for the purposes of safety, such as breakfalls) ensuring there is 

always two fully vetted and suitable adults present at all times.  

∙The involvement of parents / guardians is encouraged wherever possible, provided 

safeguarding of children and / or vulnerable adults remains the top priority and that any 

adult may not be given the opportunity to cause harm, distress or abuse to any children and 

/ or vulnerable adults present.  

∙Not take photographs, videos or create any other forms of media featuring any children and 

/ or vulnerable adults without written consent from the carer, guardian or parents in 

advance.  

∙Ensure that if the club embarks on any extra-curricular activities, safeguarding of children 

and / or vulnerable adults shall remain a top priority and furthermore, if classes are mixed in 

gender, both a vetted male and female member of the club must be present when out of the 

dojang.  

∙Remain an excellent role model both in and out of the dojang. This includes not smoking, 

drinking alcohol or using any foul language in front of any children and / or vulnerable adults.  

∙Ensure that any contact via social media or other digital formats are recorded and minimised. 

No instructor and/or club official should have any communication with children and / or 

vulnerable adults via any forms of social media.  

∙Recognise the development needs and capacity of the children and / or vulnerable adults in 

the class and not risk sacrificing welfare or safety for the club or instructor’s personal gain.  

∙In relation to the above this also means avoiding excessive training and / or competitions and 

not pushing the student if they are not fully confident.  

∙Secure written parental consent for the club to act in loco parentis, to give permission for the 

administration of emergency first aid or other medical treatment if the need arises, ensuring 

medical conditions and pre-existing injuries and allergies are recorded. 

∙Keep thorough records of any injuries or near misses that have occurred, along with details 

of any treatment given and further communication had with parents / guardians and/or 

children and / or vulnerable adults.  

∙Follow association guidelines and other association policy relating to good practice or best 

practice.  

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Taekwondo Academy Stockport

remains committed to ensuring prevention via professional, competent club governance at all times.

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Raising Concerns Or Making A Disclosure 

Taekwondo Academy Stockport will always ensure that in any case where a child or vulnerable adult might directly 

confide to any form of abuse, that the club must take immediate steps to safeguard that person 

effectively.   Where concerns are raised by a third party, or by suspicions held by the instructor or 

club, the below checklist shall be maintained wherever possible but in all instances, the club will 

escalate and report in full on all occasions.  

If a child or vulnerable adults indicates that they are being abused, the instructor to whom the 

disclosure is made will;  

Stay calm so as not to frighten the child or vulnerable adult.  

Reassure the child or vulnerable adult that they are not to blame and that it was right to 

inform.  

•Listen to the child or vulnerable adult, showing that they are being taken seriously.  

Keep questions to a minimum so that there is a clear and accurate understanding of what has 

been said.  The law is very strict and child / vulnerable adult abuse cases have been dismissed 

where it is felt that the child or vulnerable adult has been led or words and ideas have been 

suggested during questioning. Accordingly, the instructor must only ask questions to clarify 

details – not to question further.  

Inform the child or vulnerable adult that the instructor will have to inform other people about 

what they have disclosed.  The instructor must ensure the child or vulnerable adult 

understands this is in confidence, on a needs-must basis and is to help stop the abuse 

continuing.  

Safety of the child or vulnerable adult is paramount.  If the child or vulnerable adult needs 

urgent medical attention, the instructor will call an ambulance, inform the doctors of the 

concern and ensure they are made aware that this is a child protection / safeguarding issue.  

Record all information.  

Report the incident to the club/welfare officer and, where appropriate to the association 

without delay.

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If the instructor / club is not clear on what action is required and there is a real or immediate 

threat to the child or vulnerable adult, they should contact the Police on 999. Where there is 

confusion on what should happen next, the instructor should not delay by contacting the 

association and should instead contact a relevant statutory authority, such as the local authority 

designated officer (LADO) or the NSPCC on their 24 hour help line, the number of which will be 

publicly available.  

 

Key Contacts 

Key contacts for Taekowndo Academy Stockport are as follows; 

 

Lead Instructor 

Liam Foran - 07544861415

​

Wellfare Officer

Dan McGrogan - 

 

In the event that you are not confident raising your concerns with us, you can also raise immediate 

safeguarding concerns or complaints to our association, the British Martial Arts & Boxing Association 

(BMABA) for a confidential and professional response. The BMABA’s lead safeguarding details are 

available below; 

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BMABA National Designated Safeguarding Lead: Kirsty Hawkins​

Telephone Number: 01798 306546 (ext. 201)​

E-Mail: safeguarding@bmaba.org.uk

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