​Purpose

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This guidance document provides AU Sports staff and work experience volunteers with clear instructions on safeguarding practices when working with children in school settings. Our top priority is to ensure the safety, wellbeing, and protection of all children. Every member of our team must understand their responsibilities in safeguarding children and creating a positive, respectful environment.

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1. Code of Conduct

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• Professional Boundaries

  • Always maintain professional boundaries with children. Avoid overly familiar language, physical contact, or behaviour that could be misinterpreted.

  • Treat all children equally and with respect, ensuring fairness, inclusion, and kindness.

• Positive Role Modelling

  • Set a good example by demonstrating positive attitudes, appropriate language, and respectful behaviour.

  • Encourage positive behaviour in children and promote a safe, supportive environment.

• Appropriate Physical Contact

  • Only engage in physical contact when necessary for the activity (e.g., adjusting technique in sports) and ensure it is age-appropriate and consensual.

  • Avoid any physical contact that could be misinterpreted or that makes a child feel uncomfortable.

2. Communication with Children

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• Appropriate Language

  • Use age-appropriate, positive language with children, avoiding sarcasm, criticism, or negative language that could impact their self-esteem.

  • Avoid personal discussions that do not relate to the activity or AU Sports programs.

• Private Communication

  • Do not engage in private or personal communication with children outside of AU Sports activities (e.g., through social media, texting, or messaging apps).

  • Communicate within group settings and keep interactions transparent. If one-on-one discussions are necessary, ensure they are in visible areas or with another staff member present.

     

3. Supervision and Safety

• Supervision Ratios

• Follow AU Sports’ supervision ratios at all times (e.g., 1 coach per 20 children). Additional volunteers or staff should be present for larger groups to ensure safety.

• Avoid situations where you are left alone with a child. Always ensure there is another adult or group of children present.

• Monitoring Environment

• Before starting activities, inspect the area for potential hazards and ensure equipment is safe and appropriate for use.

• Actively monitor children throughout the session to maintain safety and to ensure a positive, respectful atmosphere.

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4. Reporting Concerns

• Recognising Signs of Abuse or Neglect

  • Familiarise yourself with the basic signs of abuse or neglect, such as unexplained injuries, withdrawal, sudden changes in behaviour, or signs of anxiety.

  • Pay attention to any unusual behaviour or comments made by children that could indicate potential safeguarding issues.

• Reporting Procedures

  • If you have any safeguarding concerns, report them immediately to AU Sports’ Safeguarding Officer. Record detailed notes about the incident, including dates, times, and observations.

  • If the child is at immediate risk, follow emergency protocols and inform the appropriate authorities if necessary.

• Confidentiality and Data Protection

  • Keep all safeguarding concerns confidential and do not discuss them with unauthorised individuals. All information should be handled securely in line with AU Sports’ data protection policy.

  • Do not attempt to investigate concerns independently; always follow AU Sports’ reporting procedures.

     

5. Conduct for Work Experience Volunteers

• Role Clarity

  • Work experience volunteers must follow the guidance and instructions provided by AU Sports staff. Ensure you understand your role, tasks, and boundaries when working with children.

  • Volunteers should not lead sessions independently; they must work under the supervision of an AU Sports coach or staff member.

• Appropriate Interactions

  • Volunteers are required to follow the same code of conduct as AU Sports staff. Maintain a professional distance and avoid personal conversations with children.

  • If you observe any safeguarding concerns, report them to your supervising staff member or AU Sports’ Safeguarding Officer immediately.

     

6. Responding to Disclosures

• Stay Calm and Listen

  • If a child discloses information about potential abuse or harm, remain calm and listen without interrupting or showing judgment.

  • Reassure the child that they have done the right thing in speaking up and that their safety is your priority.

• Do Not Investigate

  • Avoid asking detailed or probing questions. Only ask open-ended questions such as, “Is there anything more you’d like to tell me?”

  • Do not promise confidentiality, as you may be required to share the information with the Safeguarding Officer or other relevant authorities.

• Report Immediately

  • Write down the details of the disclosure immediately, including exact wording if possible, and report it to the Safeguarding Officer.

  • Ensure the report includes your observations, the child’s comments, and any actions you took in response.

     

7. Additional Safeguarding Protocols

• Use of Technology

  • Avoid taking photos or videos of children without prior consent from both AU Sports and the school. Use only AU Sports-approved devices for any authorised recordings.

  • Ensure that any online sessions follow AU Sports’ guidelines for virtual safeguarding, including maintaining an open and professional atmosphere.

• Transporting Children

  • Staff and volunteers should not transport children without prior authorisation from AU Sports and the child’s parent/guardian. Always ensure that another adult is present if transport is required.

• Physical Restraint

  • Only use physical restraint in situations where a child’s immediate safety is at risk, and always follow the least restrictive intervention necessary.

  • Report any incidents where physical restraint was used to the Safeguarding Officer immediately.

     

Confirmation of Understanding

All AU Sports staff and volunteers are required to read and agree to this safeguarding guidance before working with children in school settings.

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Safeguarding Officer Contact Information

For any questions or to report a safeguarding concern, contact AU Sports’ Safeguarding Officer:

• Name: Pete Alexander

• Contact Number: +61425 383188

• Email: pete.ausporteducation@gmail.com

   

Thank you for your commitment to safeguarding and for helping to create a safe and supportive environment for children.