Safeguarding
OUR CULTURE
In order to safeguard children, we make sure that everyone creates a secure space where they may play and learn. This entails putting the appropriate paperwork, regulations, procedures, and records in place as well as safety-promoting practices. Furthermore, we believe it's crucial that staff members understand the warning signs of abuse and neglect. Safeguarding won't work without these components, any more than it will if we don't exchange information, don't respond to what children say, or don't respond professionally to early indicators of abuse and neglect.
We are completely aware that we must constantly question ourselves whether children, adolescents, and adults feel safe, even when they claim to be. Since we really don't know, we make every effort to create a culture that is as safe as we can. We incorporate this culture through:
● Realising that anyone is capable of committing such crimes, regardless of gender, ethnicity, religion, or place of
worship.
● Being informed on trends and problems specific to the camp as well as issues within the larger community.
● Respecting the value of confidentiality and being comfortable in reporting safeguarding (or possible safeguarding) concerns.
● At our camp, we never shy away from a challenging, contentious, or unpleasant topic or conversation.
● Having mature, thoughtful, and sensible conversations about concerns.
● Asking the appropriate persons for guidance and assistance.
● Believing that everyone has a responsibility to protect and promote the welfare of children; acknowledging that everyone must work together to prevent, protect, and take action.
How We Keep Your Children Safe
Qualified and Caring Staff
Extensive Training
Our staff undergo rigorous training in first aid, child safety, and sports coaching to ensure they are well-prepared for any situation that may arise.
Background Checks
All our staff members undergo thorough background checks to ensure the safety and well-being of every child in our care.
Positive Role Models
Our staff are not only qualified but are also trained to be positive mentors, providing a nurturing and encouraging environment for your children.
Safe and Secure Facilities
Constant Supervision
Our facilities are under constant supervision, ensuring that each child receives the attention and care they need throughout the day.
Secure Entry Points
Access to our facilities is strictly monitored and controlled, providing a secure environment for all children and staff.
Natural Surroundings
Surrounded by natural scenery, our facilities offer a peaceful and safe setting for children to enjoy their time at the camp.
Health and Safety Measures
Sanitised Equipment
All sports equipment is regularly sanitized to ensure a clean and healthy environment for the children.
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Health-Focused Nutrition
We provide nutritious meals, emphasizing healthy eating habits and promoting overall well-being.
Emergency Protocols
We have well-defined emergency procedures and medical personnel on-site to handle any health-related situations.
IF A CHILD IS THOUGHT TO BE AT RISK OF HARM (OR LIKELY TO BE)
• If we believe there has been criminal activity or that a child or others are in immediate danger, we shall promptly report the matter to Children's Social Care or the police.
• Normally, this would be handled by the Designated Safeguarding Lead, Kaz James, however any employee can get in touch. It's critical to act quickly. Referrals to statutory agencies in cases where harm is alleged can be made without the permission of the parents.
Please be aware that we make every effort to establish positive working connections with parents because we believe this is essential to creating the best safety culture. However, unless instructed to do so by Child Protective Services, we typically don't notify the parents, carers, or suspected offender of the harm. Taking this action too soon could put a child at greater risk of injury.
Do you have a concern about your child or another child?
You can contact our Designated Safeguading Lead (Kaz James) on 07555748766 or kjames@apfactivitycamps.com
Alternatively the contact details for your local authority can be found here:
Female Genital Mutilation
Female genital mutilation (FGM) is the partial or total removal of the external female genitalia for non-medical reasons. It's also known as female circumcision or cutting.
FGM is often performed by someone with no medical training who uses instruments such as a knife, scalpel, scissors, glass or razor blade. Children are rarely given anaesthetic or antiseptic treatment and are often forcibly restrained.
The age at which FGM is carried out varies. It may take place:
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when a female baby is newborn
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during childhood or adolescence
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just before marriage
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during pregnancy.
There are four main types of FGM:
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Type 1 (clitoridectomy) – removing part or all of the clitoris.
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Type 2 (excision) – removing part or all of the clitoris and cutting the inner and/or outer labia.
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Type 3 (infibulation) – narrowing the vaginal opening.
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Type 4 – other harmful procedures to the female genitals including pricking, piercing, cutting, scraping or burning (NHS Choices, 2021).
FGM Helpline
email: fgmhelp@nspcc.org.uk.
telephone: 0800 028 3550
Child Criminal Exploitation
Child criminal exploitation (CCE) takes a variety of forms but ultimately it is the grooming and exploitation of children into criminal activity. Across each form that CCE takes, the current reality is that children who are coerced into criminal activity are often treated as criminals by statutory agencies rather than as victims of exploitation.
This is in part because safeguarding partners have different understandings of what constitutes criminal exploitation. Recently, CCE has become strongly associated with one specific model known as
but it can also include children being forced to work in cannabis factories, being coerced into moving drugs (often forced to insert drugs in their vagina or anus in a practice known as ‘plugging’) or money across the country, forced to commit financial fraud, forced to shoplift or pickpocket.
Signs of sexual exploitation and grooming
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Being frightened of some people, places or situations.
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Being secretive.
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Sharp changes in mood or character.
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A sudden change in their family relationships/dynamics.
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Having money or things they can't or won't explain, such as hotel key cards or unexplained gifts.
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Physical signs of abuse, like bruises or bleeding in their genital or anal area.
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Sudden change in physical appearance including clothes and hygiene levels.
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Sexually transmitted infections.
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A sudden and urgent request to go onto contraception or to obtain the ‘morning after pill’.
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Pregnancy.
EDUCATION CHILDREN
At APF Activity camps, we try to educate children on key safeguarding topics. These include CSE/CCE. Please see link below for a lesson delivered to children in Enfield given its prevelance and the high number of cases in this topic.
OUR COMPANY POSITION ON MODERN SLAVERY
Our company is committed to upholding human rights and ethical labor practices throughout our supply chain. Our 'body' consists of Director and Management committee, permanent and seasonal staff. Our business supply chain includes sourcing high-quality sports equipment and educational materials from reputable vendors, ensuring that our facilities are well-stocked with essential supplies for daily operations. Additionally, we work closely with local food providers to offer nutritious meals and snacks to children in our care, promoting their health and well-being.
We have implemented strict policies and procedures to prevent and address any instances of modern slavery and trafficking within our organisation. This is outlined in our safeguarding policy. We regularly conduct audits and assessments to ensure compliance with these standards, and we provide training to our employees and suppliers on identifying and reporting any potential violations.
Additionally, we collaborate with industry partners and organizations to continuously improve our approach to combatting modern slavery. By actively engaging with stakeholders and sharing best practices, we strive to create a culture of transparency and accountability in our efforts to eradicate modern slavery.
Our ultimate goal is to contribute to a world where every individual is treated with dignity and respect, free from exploitation. Through our commitment to ethical sourcing practices and ongoing monitoring of our supply chain, we aim to set a positive example for others in the industry. By working together with like-minded organizations, we can make a greater impact in the fight against modern slavery and ensure a more sustainable future for all.