Safeguarding Policy

1. Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to ensure that Easy2Swim Swimming Academy provides a safe, positive, and nurturing environment for all children, young people, and vulnerable adults.

We recognise our legal and moral responsibility to safeguard the welfare of every learner, and we are committed to ensuring that all staff and volunteers understand their roles in protecting individuals from harm, abuse, or neglect.

2. Scope

This policy applies to:

• All staff, instructors, assessors, volunteers, and contractors at Easy2Swim Swimming Academy
• All learners, including children, young people, and vulnerable adults
• Parents, guardians, and visitors who engage with our programmes

3. Policy Statement

Easy2Swim Swimming Academy believes that:

• The welfare of the child or vulnerable adult is paramount
• Everyone, regardless of age, gender, ability, culture, race, language, religion, or sexual identity, has the right to protection from harm
• All suspicions and allegations of abuse will be taken seriously and responded to swiftly and appropriately

We will create an environment where learners feel safe, valued, and empowered to speak up if they have concerns.

4. Responsibilities

All Staff and Volunteers:

• Must familiarise themselves with this policy and safeguarding procedures
• Have a duty to report any safeguarding concerns immediately to the DSO
• Must complete safeguarding training every 12 months

5. Safe Recruitment

To protect learners and maintain trust, Easy2Swim will:

• Conduct appropriate background checks on all staff, including verification of identity, references, and qualifications
• Require all employees working with children to hold valid police clearance (South African Police Service clearance certificate)
• Keep copies of all clearance certificates on file and update them every three years

6. Responding to Concerns

7. Training and Awareness

All instructors, assessors, and staff receive safeguarding training during induction and annual refreshers thereafter. Additional role-specific training is provided to those working directly with children or vulnerable adults.

8. Data Protection and Confidentiality

All safeguarding records are kept securely and in line with South Africa's Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA). Information is only shared with relevant individuals or agencies on a need-to-know basis.

9. Allegations Against Staff

Any allegation made against a staff member will be taken seriously and handled in accordance with our Complaints Policy and Malpractice and Maladministration Policy. The staff member may be suspended during investigation if deemed necessary to protect learners.

10. Monitoring and Review

The Safeguarding Policy will be reviewed annually or following any safeguarding incident, regulatory change, or STA update. Review findings will be documented in the Policy Register and shared with all staff.