Safeguarding Policy

Sensei Chelle Self Defence
Effective Date: 23rd October 2025
Last Updated: 23rd October 2025

1. Policy Statement

Sensei Chelle Self Defence is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all participants, particularly children, young people, and vulnerable adults who attend our courses, sessions, and workshops. We recognise that:

The welfare of participants is paramount
All participants, regardless of age, disability, gender, racial heritage, religious belief, sexual orientation, or identity, have the right to protection from abuse
Safeguarding is everyone's responsibility
We have a duty of care to create a safe, positive, and empowering environment

This policy applies to all staff, instructors, volunteers, and anyone working on behalf of Sensei Chelle Self Defence.

2. Definitions

"Children" - a child is anyone under the age of 18
"Young people" refers to those aged 11-18 who participate in our courses
"Vulnerable Adults" - Adults aged 18 or over who may be at risk due to disability, mental health issues, age, illness, or other circumstances that may increase their vulnerability
"Abuse" - Abuse is any action or failure to act that causes harm or exploitation. It can take many forms:

- Physical Abuse: Hitting, slapping, pushing, shaking, inappropriate physical restraint, or causing physical harm

- Emotional Abuse: Persistent emotional maltreatment, humiliation, bullying, intimidation, or undermining confidence

- Sexual Abuse: Forcing or enticing a person to take part in sexual activities, whether or not they are aware of what

is happening, including non-contact activities such as inappropriate comments or images

- Neglect: Failure to provide adequate supervision, care, or protection from harm

- Bullying and Harassment: Repeated behaviour intended to hurt, intimidate, or exclude someone

3. Roles and Responsibilities

3.1 Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)

Name: Michelle Killeen (Sensei Chelle)
Contact: info.senseichelle@gmail.com

DSL Responsibilities:

Act as the main point of contact for safeguarding concerns
Receive and respond to safeguarding disclosures and concerns
Make referrals to local authorities and police where appropriate
Maintain confidential records of safeguarding concerns
Ensure all instructors understand and follow safeguarding procedures
Keep up to date with safeguarding legislation and best practice
Review and update this policy annually

3.2 All Instructors and Staff

Be vigilant and recognise signs of abuse or concerning behaviour
Create a safe, positive environment for all participants
Follow this policy and report any concerns immediately to the DSL
Maintain appropriate professional boundaries
Complete safeguarding training as required
Never ignore concerns or attempt to deal with abuse allegations alone

4. Safe Recruitment and Training

4.1 Recruitment

All instructors and staff undergo appropriate background checks
DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) checks are obtained for all staff working with children and vulnerable adults
References are obtained and verified before employment
Safeguarding is discussed during the interview process

4.2 Training

All instructors receive safeguarding training appropriate to their role
The DSL receives enhanced safeguarding training and keeps knowledge up to date
Safeguarding training is refreshed every two years minimum
All staff are made aware of this policy and procedures

5. Safe Practice Guidelines

5.1 Supervision and Ratios

We maintain appropriate supervision ratios based on the age and needs of participants
Children and young people are supervised at all times during sessions
For participants under 16, we aim for a minimum ratio of 1 instructor to 12 participants
We ensure visibility and avoid one-to-one situations in isolated areas

5.2 Physical Contact

Physical contact is kept to the minimum necessary for safe and effective teaching
Techniques are demonstrated and explained before physical contact
Participants are asked for consent before physical demonstrations
Contact is always appropriate, professional, and in the context of teaching self-defence techniques
Instructors avoid unnecessary physical contact and are mindful of cultural sensitivities

5.3 Communication with Participants Under 18

Administrative Communication

All booking confirmations, course reminders, schedule changes, and administrative matters are communicated with parents/guardians
Parents/guardians are the primary contact for all matters outside of scheduled sessions
We do not engage in private messaging or personal communication with minors via social media, text, or email

During Sessions

Instructors communicate directly with all participants as part of normal teaching activities
This includes giving instructions, answering questions, providing feedback and encouragement, and ensuring participant safety
All communication during sessions is professional, appropriate, and relevant to the course content

Significant Communication

If a minor discloses something concerning, raises a safeguarding issue, or requires discussion about behaviour or wellbeing, this is documented and reported to the DSL and parents/guardians
We maintain appropriate professional boundaries and avoid personal topics unrelated to training
Any communication that goes beyond routine teaching interaction is transparent and parents are informed

What We Avoid

Private one-to-one meetings with minors outside of scheduled sessions
Sharing personal contact details with minors
Social media contact with minors outside of official business channels
Personal conversations or relationships unrelated to the professional teaching context

5.4 Photography and Video

Parental consent is obtained before photographing or filming children
Images are stored securely and used only for agreed purposes
Participants may opt out of photography at any time
We do not publish images that could identify children without explicit consent

5.5 Changing Facilities and Toilets

Participants wear training clothes and do not require changing facilities
Where venue facilities are used, instructors do not enter changing areas when participants are present
Young children may be accompanied by parents if needed

5.6 Transport

We do not provide transport for participants
Parents/guardians are responsible for transporting minors to and from sessions
Instructors do not transport participants in private vehicles

6. Recognising Abuse

6.1 Signs and Indicators

Instructors should be alert to possible signs of abuse, which may include:

Physical signs

Unexplained bruises, marks, or injuries
Frequent injuries or pattern of injuries
Reluctance to remove clothing or participate in physical activities
Poor hygiene or appearing neglected

Behavioural signs

Sudden changes in behaviour, mood, or performance
Withdrawal, anxiety, or fearfulness
Inappropriate sexual behaviour or knowledge for age
Self-harm or eating disorders
Aggression or bullying behaviour
Fear of going home or reluctance to leave sessions
Low self-esteem or lack of confidence

Relationship signs

Fear of particular adults or situations
Inappropriate attachment to instructors
Disclosure of abuse by the participant or others

6.2 Important Notes

These signs do not automatically mean abuse is occurring
However, any concerns must be taken seriously and reported
It is not the instructor's role to investigate or determine if abuse has occurred
Our role is to recognise, respond, and report concerns appropriately

7. Responding to Concerns and Disclosures

7.1 If a Participant Discloses Abuse

Listen carefully and take what is said seriously
Stay calm and reassure the person they have done the right thing
Let them speak at their own pace without interrupting
Acknowledge their courage in speaking out
Explain that you must share this information with the DSL to keep them safe
Record exactly what was said as soon as possible
Report to the DSL immediately

DO NOT

Promise to keep secrets or guarantee confidentiality
Ask leading questions or press for details
Express shock, disbelief, or judgement
Confront the alleged abuser
Investigate or attempt to verify the disclosure
Discuss the disclosure with anyone except the DSL or authorities

7.2 If You Have Concerns About a Participant

Record your concerns in writing with specific details (date, time, what you observed, what was said)
Report to the DSL as soon as possible, ideally the same day
Do not discuss your concerns with the participant's family or others
Continue to treat the participant normally and supportively

7.3 If You Have Concerns About an Instructor or Staff Member

Report immediately to the DSL
If the concern involves the DSL, report to the local authority designated officer (LADO) or police
Do not confront the person or discuss with colleagues
The allegation will be taken seriously and investigated appropriately

8. Reporting and Referral Procedures

8.1 Internal Reporting

All safeguarding concerns must be reported to the DSL immediately
If the DSL is unavailable and the concern is urgent, contact local authorities directly
The DSL will assess the concern and decide on appropriate action

8.2 External Reporting

The DSL will make referrals to external agencies when appropriate:

Children's Social Care

For concerns about children and young people under 18
Contact the local authority where the child lives
Referrals made within 24 hours of concern being raised

Adult Social Care

For concerns about vulnerable adults
Contact the local authority adult safeguarding team

Police

For immediate danger or emergency situations (call 999)
For allegations of criminal activity
For concerns about online abuse or exploitation

LADO (Local Authority Designated Officer):

For allegations against staff, instructors, or volunteers
Contact within one working day of allegation

8.3 Record Keeping

All safeguarding concerns and actions are recorded in writing
Records include: date, time, names, factual description of concern, action taken, and outcome
Records are stored securely and confidentially
Records are kept separate from participant files
Access is restricted to the DSL and relevant authorities
Records are retained in line with data protection legislation

9. Confidentiality and Information Sharing

Safeguarding information is shared on a "need to know" basis
Confidentiality cannot be guaranteed when safeguarding concerns arise
Information may be shared with parents/carers unless doing so would place the participant at greater risk
Information will be shared with relevant authorities to protect participants
Participants will be informed about information sharing where appropriate
All information sharing complies with GDPR and Data Protection Act 2018

10. Managing Allegations Against Staff

10.1 Procedure

All allegations against staff are taken seriously
The DSL will contact the LADO within one working day
The alleged perpetrator may be suspended pending investigation
We will cooperate fully with external investigations
Support will be provided to all parties involved
Confidentiality will be maintained throughout the process

10.2 Types of Allegations

An allegation may relate to a person who has:

Behaved in a way that has harmed or may have harmed a child or vulnerable adult
Possibly committed a criminal offence against or related to a child or vulnerable adult
Behaved in a way that indicates unsuitability to work with children or vulnerable adults

11. Online Safety

11.1 Digital Communication

All digital communication with participants is professional and transparent
Communication with minors is through parents/guardians where possible
Social media interactions with minors are avoided
Any necessary online communication is through official business channels

11.2 Online Content

We do not share personal information about participants online
Images and videos are only published with appropriate consent
We monitor our online presence for inappropriate content or interactions

12. Bullying and Peer-on-Peer Abuse

12.1 Prevention

We promote a culture of respect, inclusion, and zero tolerance for bullying
Participants are encouraged to report bullying or concerning behaviour
We address inappropriate behaviour promptly and consistently

12.2 Response

All reports of bullying or peer-on-peer abuse are taken seriously
Incidents are investigated and appropriate action taken
Support is provided to both the victim and perpetrator
Parents/guardians are informed and involved in resolution
Serious incidents are reported to the DSL and may be referred to external agencies

13. Working with External Organisations

13.1 Bespoke Workshops at Schools and Institutions

We work within the host organisation's safeguarding policies
We clarify safeguarding responsibilities before delivery
Any concerns are reported to both our DSL and the organisation's designated safeguarding lead
We maintain our own safeguarding standards at all times

13.2 Information Sharing

We share relevant safeguarding information with partner organisations where appropriate
Information sharing agreements are established for ongoing partnerships

14. Support for Participants

Participants who have experienced abuse or have safeguarding concerns will be supported sensitively
We will work with external agencies to ensure appropriate support is provided
We will make reasonable adjustments to enable continued participation where safe and appropriate
Confidentiality will be maintained while ensuring the participant's safety

15. Policy Review and Updates

This policy is reviewed annually or following significant incidents or legislative changes
All staff and instructors are informed of updates
The policy is available on our website and provided to partner organisations on request
Feedback from staff, participants, and external agencies is considered in reviews

16. Key Contacts

16.1 Internal

Designated Safeguarding Lead: Michelle Killeen (Sensei Chelle)
Email: info.senseichelle@gmail.com

16.2 External (National)

NSPCC Helpline: 0808 800 5000
Childline: 0800 1111 (for children and young people)
Police (Emergency): 999
Police (Non-Emergency): 101

Action on Elder Abuse: 0808 808 8141
The Samaritans: 116 123

16.3 Local Authority Contacts

For safeguarding referrals, contact the local authority where the participant lives (not where the session takes place):

Search online for "[Local Authority Name] Children's Social Care" or "[Local Authority Name] Adult Safeguarding"
Most local authorities have 24-hour emergency duty teams for urgent concerns
Contact details can usually be found on the local authority's website under "Report a concern" or "Safeguarding"

Example - Redbridge (our primary area):

Redbridge MASH (Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub): 020 8708 3885
Out of hours emergency duty team: 020 8708 5897

17. Related Policies

This policy should be read in conjunction with:

This policy demonstrates our commitment to safeguarding and will be made available to all staff, participants, parents/guardians, and partner organisations on request.

Last Updated: 23rd October 2025
Next Review Date: 23rd October 2026