ACamps Policies
ACES maintains the highest standards, in the protection and safety of your child. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact us directly on info@acesportuk.com
Child Protection Statement
We acknowledge that all children have a right to grow up in an environment that is not abusive. We are aware that child abuse occurs to children of both sexes, at all ages and in all cultures, religions, social classes and to children with and without disabilities.
We have a responsibility to our members and to the authorities to report suspected child abuse. Procedures will be followed sensitively but absolutely. Our loyalty in such circumstances remains with the child.
When any person has knowledge or suspicion that a child is either being abused, or is at risk of abuse, or that a carer has seriously neglected or failed to protect a child, he/she has a personal duty to report this to:
1) The Manager of the Camp on site; or
2) The local Child Protection agency (LSCB), or in Wales – Intake and Assessment,
Health and Social Care, PO Box 97, Cardiff CF11 1BP on 029 20 536 400 during (office hours) or 029 20 448360 (out of office hours).
We will investigate and act quickly if there is any suspicion of discrimination towards any member.
Equal Opportunities statement
We welcome children of all religious beliefs, faiths, cultures and abilities and believe that each child attending the camp is of equal value.
The activities we run strive to provide equal opportunities for all the children whatever their race, religion, language, culture, gender, health, disability, personality or lifestyle – according to the framework laid down by the following acts:
- Sex Discrimination Act (SDA) 1975
- Race Relations Act (RRA) 1976
- Race Relations (Amendment) Act 2000
- Disability Discrimination Act 1995
- Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974
- Equal Pay Act 1970 (amended 1983)
Active Community Education in Sport recognises that there are inequalities within our society and that many people suffer discrimination on the grounds of sex, race, colour and religion. As a Education company we never tolerate discrimination of this nature within our organisation.
Education and understanding of other people’s needs and backgrounds will be fostered to promote positive behaviour and attitudes. Discriminating behaviour, attitudes and comments will be challenged, regardless of whether they are from members, staff or parent/carers. We will regularly review our policy and amend it where necessary.
Behaviour policy
Bullying
If a child feels they are being bullied, they are encouraged to report this to their group coach. Once a member of staff has been informed, they will report the incident to the site manager immediately who should then discuss the matter with the child and with their coach.
If the manager feels there is a legitimate complaint, they will discuss the matter with the person being accused of bullying. It is worth bearing in mind that the bully may have problems of their own resulting in this behaviour that need to be dealt with sensitively and fairly. There may be reasons for bullying but there are no excuses for such behaviour. If we are convinced that bullying has taken place, we will decide what action is appropriate. In a serious case we may consider the removal of the bully from camp.
We expect children to:
• Show respect for all children on camp, treating them as they would wish to be treated
• Swearing, abusive and hurtful language is not acceptable. Aggressive behaviour or violence will not be tolerated
• Show respect for all personal property and the facilities
• Show respect for all staff. Listen to and follow instructions given by the staff team
• One child’s behaviour will not be allowed to endanger other children in the group by absorbing or distracting the supervising staff
Parent responsibilities
We expect you to inform us, both verbally and via the Attendance Form, if your child has any potential behavioural issues that may arise whilst on camp. Please be aware of the expected behaviour when your child attends camp. We would expect you to support action taken by staff to encourage good behaviour.
Staff responsibilities
• To treat all children fairly and recognise that each is an individual
• To protect children’s self-esteem and develop them
• To provide a challenging, relevant, appropriate and fun week
• To be clear about the rules and use sanctions consistently. No physical punishment will ever be used
• To be a good role model
• Not to use any form of physical intervention, e.g. holding, unless it is necessary to prevent personal injury to the child, other children, an adult or serious damage to property
• Any significant incident of unacceptable behaviour is recorded and the parent informed of the incident on the day.
Parents may be involved in a clear behaviour management procedure:
1. Initially the group coach will try to deal with the situation
2. If unsuccessful, the camp manager will try to deal with the situation, removing the child from the group but having a witness
3. If unsuccessful, the parent/carer will be involved. If the parent/carer does not come to collect the child, a note will be given to them requesting that the parent/carer sees the manager in the morning
4. If unsuccessful, the manager will consider suspending the child after consultation with head office
Concerns and complaints policy
All complaints, however serious, should always be referred to the manager and will be logged on an Incident Form. An investigation is undertaken in accordance with the principle that the welfare of the child is safeguarded and promoted. We always record full details of any complaint, including any subsequent information, action taken and whether the complaint is complete. If necessary, it will be investigated and a verbal or written report will be returned to the complainant within seven days or, by agreement, it will be extended by a further 14 days. If the response is not satisfactory, stage two of the process will be entered and the complainant will be asked to put the complaint in writing. Further consideration will be given and a written response, including investigation findings and action taken, will be forthcoming within 28 days. If another agency, such as the police or an inspection authority investigates, we will consult with them on how to proceed and inform the complainant of progress. A written record of complaints will be kept and is available upon request.
In England, Ofsted can be contacted by telephone on 0300 123 1231 or in writing at The National Business Unit, Ofsted, Piccadilly Gate, Store Street, Manchester M1 2WD. In Scotland, contact the Scottish Public Services Ombudsman at 4 Melville Street, Edinburgh EH3 7NS. In Wales, the CSSIW can be contacted on 0300 062 8888 or in writing to CSSIW Mid and South Wales, Rhudycar, Merthyr Tydfil CF48 1UZ.
INSURANCE
All of our camps have public liability and employer’s liability insurance cover.