- Policy Statement
Young Talent Swim School (“YTSS”) is committed to providing a safe, inclusive and supportive environment for every child, young person and adult at risk who participates in our activities.
We recognise our responsibility to safeguard the welfare of all participants and promote their wellbeing at all times.
We believe:
This policy is informed by Scottish legislation and guidance, including Scottish Swimming safeguarding guidance, the Protection of Vulnerable Groups (Scotland) Act 2007, and the National Guidance for Child Protection in Scotland.
- Scope
This policy applies to:
- All employees, swimming teachers and volunteers.
- Contractors or individuals acting on behalf of YTSS.
- All swimmers participating in YTSS activities.
- All venues used by YTSS.
- All communications relating to YTSS activities, including online and digital communications.
- Designated Safeguarding Lead
Young Talent Swim School has a Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL):
Jamie Robertson
Director
Young Talent Swim School
The Designated Safeguarding Lead is responsible for:
- Acting as the first point of contact for safeguarding concerns.
- Ensuring safeguarding procedures are followed.
- Maintaining safeguarding records.
- Liaising with external agencies where required.
- Supporting staff in responding appropriately to concerns.
- Safer Recruitment & Training
YTSS is committed to safer recruitment practices and maintaining high safeguarding standards.
Where appropriate, staff will:
- Hold PVG Scheme membership.
- Provide suitable references.
- Complete relevant safeguarding training.
- Receive safeguarding information during induction.
Safeguarding training will be refreshed periodically to ensure staff remain informed of current best practice.
- Code of Conduct
All staff, teachers and volunteers are expected to:
- Treat all swimmers and families with dignity and respect.
- Maintain appropriate professional boundaries.
- Act as positive role models.
- Put the welfare of children first.
- Follow safeguarding procedures at all times.
Staff must never:
- Engage in inappropriate behaviour or communication.
- Use abusive, discriminatory or offensive language.
- Share personal contact details with swimmers.
- Communicate directly with children through personal social media accounts.
- Physical Contact & Swimming Instruction
Swimming instruction occasionally requires limited physical guidance to support learning, confidence and safety.
Any physical contact should:
- Be appropriate and proportionate.
- Be explained where possible.
- Be carried out openly and professionally.
- Always prioritise the swimmer’s comfort and wellbeing.
Physical contact must never be unnecessary, excessive or inappropriate.
- Changing Rooms
Parents and guardians remain responsible for supervising children within changing facilities.
Photography and video recording within changing areas is strictly prohibited.
Any safeguarding concern arising within changing facilities should be reported immediately.
- Recognising & Reporting Concerns
Safeguarding concerns may arise in many different ways.
Examples include:
- Unexplained injuries.
- Sudden behavioural changes.
- Neglect or poor welfare.
- Inappropriate communication or conduct.
- A direct disclosure from a child or adult at risk.
Any member of staff who has a concern must:
- Listen calmly and take concerns seriously.
- Avoid asking leading questions.
- Never promise confidentiality.
- Record factual information as soon as possible.
- Report the concern to the Designated Safeguarding Lead immediately.
If an individual is believed to be at immediate risk of harm, emergency services should be contacted immediately.
- Record Keeping & Confidentiality
Safeguarding concerns will be recorded and stored securely.
Information will only be shared with those who need to know in order to protect a child, adult at risk, staff member or organisation.
Confidentiality will be respected wherever possible, but the safety and wellbeing of the individual will always take priority.
- Additional Support Needs
Young Talent Swim School is committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for swimmers with Additional Support Needs.
Many of our teachers have completed additional training to support swimmers with a range of physical, developmental and learning needs. We work closely with parents and carers to understand individual requirements and adapt our approach where appropriate to help every swimmer reach their potential.
While some swimmers may require a specialist service beyond our expertise, we are proud to support a wide range of additional needs within our lessons and strive to ensure that every swimmer feels safe, supported and included.
- Online Safety & Communication
Communication relating to lessons should take place through approved YTSS communication channels.
Staff do not communicate privately with children through personal messaging services or social media platforms.
Any concerns relating to online behaviour, digital communication or social media should be reported to the Designated Safeguarding Lead.
- Raising a Safeguarding Concern
Safeguarding concerns should normally be reported to the Designated Safeguarding Lead.
If you do not feel comfortable reporting a concern through Young Talent Swim School, or if you believe a child or vulnerable adult may be at risk of harm, you may also contact your local authority safeguarding team or Police Scotland directly.
If an individual is believed to be at immediate risk of harm, emergency services should be contacted immediately.
Young Talent Swim School will cooperate fully with any legitimate safeguarding investigation or enquiry.
- Working with Parents & Carers
Young Talent Swim School believes safeguarding is most effective when working in partnership with families.
We aim to:
- Provide clear safeguarding information.
- Encourage open communication.
- Listen to concerns raised by parents and carers.
- Promote a safe, positive and supportive environment for all swimmers.
- Policy Review
This policy will be reviewed annually, or sooner if required following legislative changes, safeguarding guidance updates or significant organisational changes.
- Contact Information
For any questions regarding these Terms & Conditions, please contact:
Young Talent Swim School
Telephone: 07751 708644
Email: info@youngtalentswimschool.com
Website: www.youngtalentswimschool.com
Last updated: 19th June 2026