Welfare
Keeping your child safe, a guide for parents.
When your child is taking part in gymnastics, we want you to be confident that they can have fun in a safe environment. Here’s some useful information to help you understand what is in place and who can help you.
Your child
It is important that your child has FUN and is happy whilst they are taking part in gymnastics. Parents and clubs together should create an environment where your child knows:
- Not to worry about progression or failure.
- Not to try and please others rather than enjoying the sport.
- What is acceptable coaching practice.
- What is not acceptable coaching practice or abuse.
- That they can TELL and talk to someone if they have a concern.
- Who to TALK to within their club.
Remember:
It is important that your child knows that if they feel uncomfortable being asked to do anything, they always have the right to say no.
You
Parents are extremely influential in a child’s enjoyment and development in gymnastics. Your support is vital and if you positively support your child, you can help them to:
- Reach their potential
- Enjoy the sport
- Be motivated
- Develop life skills
Be positive:
- Provide a positive role model to all.
- Acknowledge the efforts of all.
- Reassure and praise.
- Encourage fair play.
- Nurture positive behaviour and attitudes.
- Tell club officials of concerns.
- Support your child and the coaches.
Aim not to
- Verbally abuse or harass anyone.
- Push your child too hard, too fast.
- Expect too much.
- Let your child think they’ve let you down.
Heathrow Gymnastics Club
We work hard to ensure your child is in a safe and fun environment. Here is a list of what we have in place:
- A Club Welfare Officer for you and your child.
- Safeguarding policies and procedures.
- A procedure for reporting and dealing with safeguarding concerns including poor practice.
- Codes of conduct for all at the club.
- Parent contact details for all emergencies.
- Safe recruitment process which includes criminal record checks for relevant staff.
- Qualified staff with up to date safeguarding training.
Concerned?
Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility and if you are concerned then you should discuss and report the matter. If the matter is not immediate you can discuss with:
- Your child’s coach directly
- Our Welfare Officer, Katie Norton (formerly Katie Newman)
- A member of the British Gymnastics Safeguarding team
- The Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO)
Contacts
Heathrow Gymnastics Club Welfare Officer is, Katie Norton (formerly Katie Newman). If you have any concerns, you can confidentially contact Katie by phone on 0208 569 5069, or by email ObscureMyEmail (for confidentiality access to this email is by Katie Newman only).
For more information about safeguarding, you can call or visit British Gymnastics Safeguarding Team on 0345 129 7129, email them at ObscureMyTwoEmail or visit their website british-gymnastics.org/safeguarding
The London Borough of Hounslow, Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO)
lado@hounslow.gov.uk
NSPCC
0808 8005000
nspcc.org.uk
CPSU
thecpsu.org.uk
For more information about safeguarding, you can call or visit British Gymnastics Safeguarding Team on 0345 129 7129, email them at ObscureMyTwoEmail or visit their website british-gymnastics.org/safeguarding
The London Borough of Hounslow, Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO)
lado@hounslow.gov.uk
NSPCC
0808 8005000
nspcc.org.uk
CPSU
thecpsu.org.uk