PreSports Academy – Policies and Procedures

Our Legal Commitment: PreSports Academy operates under strict alignment with the Statutory Framework for the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), UK Coaching standards, and British Gymnastics best practice guidelines. Our policies are reviewed annually by Academy Management to ensure the highest standards of safety and care.

1. Safeguarding & Child Protection Policy

• Welfare Priority: We maintain a zero-tolerance stance toward any form of child abuse or neglect, ensuring the welfare of every early years child is our paramount consideration.

• Action & Escalation: All concerns, disclosures, or incidents are recorded immediately using standardized reporting logs and escalated to local safeguarding authorities or the partner nursery’s Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) within 24 hours.

• Confidentiality: Strict confidentiality is maintained at all times. All sensitive child protection data and logs are stored securely in password-protected, encrypted digital files.

• Staff Vetting: Any coach or staff member found in breach of child welfare frameworks will face immediate suspension pending a full, formal investigation.

2. Mobile Health & Safety Policy

• Risk Mitigation: We actively minimize risks to provide a low-risk, safe, and positive physical environment for active gymnastics and multi-sports play.

• On-Site Inspections: Before any equipment is laid out, the lead coach conducts a dynamic physical check of the room—ensuring floor surfaces are dry, electrical sockets are safe, trailing wires are removed, and fire exits are completely clear.

• Premium Equipment: We use specialized, lightweight under-5s equipment and gymnastics mats, which are checked daily for wear and tear. High-quality safety matting is placed under all balance and impact zones.

• Nut-Free Zone: To protect children with severe, life-threatening allergies, PreSports Academy operates as a strict nut-free zone. No nut or peanut products are permitted near our active sports spaces.

• First Aid Standards: At least one lead coach on-site will always hold a valid, face-to-face Paediatric First Aid (PFA) certificate, renewed every three years. A fully stocked mobile first aid kit is present at every single session.

3. GDPR & Data Privacy Policy

• Secure Handling: In accordance with UK Data Protection law and the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) guidelines, we protect the privacy of all children and families in our care.

• Digital Security: All registration details, emergency contact numbers, medical permissions, and media preferences are stored securely on password-protected, encrypted digital systems.

• Document Retention: To comply with national safeguarding and child protection regulations, core incident registers and attendance logs are securely archived for a minimum of 24 years before legal destruction.

4. Safer Recruitment & Professional Standards

• Rigorous Vetting: To ensure that every adult deployed by PreSports Academy is fully safe and qualified, prospective coaches must pass an Enhanced DBS check, identity verification, qualification cross-checks, and a minimum of two professional references.

• Mandatory Induction: New coaches must complete mandatory safeguarding and pediatric first aid training before leading any active sessions.

• Professional Conduct: All coaches sign and pledge to uphold the UK Coaching Code of Practice. Coaches must maintain clear, professional boundaries, use age-appropriate language, and act as positive, healthy role models at all times.

5. Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Policy

• Equal Rights: Every child has an equal, unimpeded right to participate, learn, and feel valued in our academy.

• Inclusive Curriculum: We actively design our physical literacy curriculum to be completely inclusive, ensuring children of all starting abilities, backgrounds, and developmental needs can join in the fun.

• Zero Tolerance: We strictly prohibit discrimination, stereotyping, or exclusionary behavior from staff, parents, or participants