1. MM & YT UK Safeguarding

2. Introduction
The aim of this induction is to raise awareness & introduce basic guidelines of safeguarding to all volunteers.
Volunteers may find that talking about safeguarding can be disturbing and thought provoking. If something upsets you, please do not hesitate to speak to the trainer in confidence.

3. Safeguarding
Safeguarding is defined in ‘Working together to safeguard children 2013’ as:
Protecting children from maltreatment
Preventing impairment of children’s health and development
Ensuring that children grow up in circumstances consistent with the provision of safe and effective care
Taking action to enable all children to have the best outcomes

4. Some Statistics
We don't know exactly how many children in England have experienced child abuse, however official statistics do tell us how many children have been identified as needing support or protection
There are over 11 million children under 18 in England
Over 390,000 children received support from children’s services in England last year (source DOE 2015)
Over 49,000 children in England were identified as needing protection from abuse last year (source DOE 2015)
There are over 69,000 children in care in England (source DOE 2015)

5. What are the different types of abuse ?
Sexual abuse
Domestic abuse
Neglect
Online abuse
Physical abuse
Emotional abuse
Bullying and cyber bullying
Harmful sexual behaviour
This is not an exclusive list but these are the ones that we, as coaches, may come across

6. Who can be abused? Who is vulnerable? Who are the perpetrators?
Any child
Who are the perpetrators?
Usually someone that the child knows
Where does it happen?
Usually in the home or in a ‘safe’ environment

7. Safeguarding training gives you the tools to spot possible abuse.

8. Possible signs of abuse
They may be smelly or dirty
Have unwashed clothes/inadequate clothing (ie: no winter coat)
Always appear hungry, frequently turning up at school without having breakfast or without lunch money
They may have untreated injuries
Reoccurring illnesses
Poor communication/ social skills
They may be living in unsuitable homes (ie;dog mess not been cleaned up, not adequate heating
Left at home for long periods of time
Taking on the role of Primary carer for siblings
They might avoid being alone with people, such as family members or friends
They could seem frightened of a person or reluctant to socialise with them.
Show sexual behaviour that's inappropriate for their age
They could use sexual language or know information that you wouldn’t expect of them.

9. Other signs
withdrawn suddenly, behaves differently Anxious, clingy ,depressed, aggressive, problems sleeping, eating disorders, wets the bed, soils clothes, takes risks misses School, changes in eating habits, obsessive behaviour nightmares, drugs, alcohol, self- Harm, thoughts about suicide

10. Barriers of reporting abuse
The vulnerable person may feel that they will not be believed
They are worried about the consequences
The lack of control that they have over ‘what happens next’
They don’t understand that what is happening is abuse

11. Our role as volunteer coaches
Be aware of the different types and signs of abuse
Act on our concerns by reporting it

12. If a child tells you they are being abused
Listen to the child – never promise that you will keep what they have told you a secret.
Remember what they tell you, including details of time, date, where you were and who was present, writing it down would be best practice. Remember to only report the facts, not your opnion.
If they are in immediate danger (ie: the person collecting the child has a strong smell of alcohol or drugs about them) Inform the school/center office immediately, they will call 999
Otherwise, report ALL suspicions to your manager and Chief Safeguarding Officer at MM &YT UK
ALL REPORTS WILL BE TAKEN SERIOUSLY, PLEASE DON’T FEEL ‘SILLY’ REPORTING ANYTHING

13. MM &YT UK Lead safeguarding officer.
Hannah Corne –

14. What happens if you are reported?
If you are the subject of the complaint then the same safe guarding procedures will apply as they would for any complaint
You will be removed from the school/community centre environment until investigations have been made
A through investigation will be conducted by MM &YT UK and the school/ community setting that you were in

15. What can you do to protect yourself?
- As much as possible, never be alone with a child in a close environment. If you find yourself in a room, keep the door open.
- Comforting a child if they are hurt or upset is fine within reason. You may find that some children become very attached to you and want to hug you or touch you all of the time. Use your discretion to try to discourage this. (a quick hug, or a hand hold whilst you are running/walking is fine)
- Never use inappropriate language, make sure you report any inappropriate language that you may hear.
- Never accept any gifts from the children or give them anything that isn’t related to the Mini Mermaid programme.

16. What is next? Complete the volunteer forms
Undergo an enhanced DBS check
Read the MMRC UK Safeguarding policies
Any follow up ‘E’ training can be found at