Statement of Commitment to Child Safety
Akua Swim School is an organisation committed to the well-being and safety of children and young people, we prioritise several key actions and values to ensure their protection and foster a nurturing environment. Here's an outline of our commitments:
Child-Centric Policies and Procedures:
Develop and implement comprehensive child protection policies and procedures that adhere to local laws and legislations.
Regularly review and update these policies to reflect evolving best practices and address emerging risks.
Training and Awareness:
Provide mandatory training to all staff and volunteers on child protection protocols, including recognising signs of abuse, appropriate behaviour, and reporting procedures.
Raise awareness among children, young people, and their caregivers about their rights, safe practices, and avenues for seeking help.
Strict Recruitment and Screening:
Implement rigorous background checks, including criminal record checks and reference verifications, for all employees and volunteers who work directly with children.
Ensure that recruitment processes prioritise candidates with a demonstrated commitment to child safety and appropriate qualifications.
Supervision and Monitoring:
Maintain appropriate ratios of trained adults to children during all activities and programs.
Implement systems for ongoing supervision and monitoring to prevent and address any potential risks or misconduct.
Safe Spaces:
Create physical and online environments that are safe, welcoming, and conducive to the well-being of children and young people.
Regularly assess and address any safety hazards or concerns within our facilities and online platforms.
Reporting and Response Mechanisms:
Establish clear reporting procedures for staff, volunteers, children, and caregivers to report any suspicions or incidents of abuse or misconduct.
Ensure that reports are taken seriously, investigated promptly, and responded to appropriately, prioritising the well-being and safety of the child.
Partnerships and Collaboration:
Collaborate with relevant stakeholders, including government agencies, law enforcement, child protection organisations, and community groups, to strengthen our child protection efforts.
Share resources, expertise, and best practices to collectively address systemic issues and promote child safety at a broader level.
Child Safe Values:
Respect and Dignity: We uphold the inherent worth and dignity of every child and treat them with respect, regardless of their background or circumstances.
Empowerment: We empower children and young people to voice their opinions, express their needs, and participate in decisions that affect them.
Transparency: We maintain transparent communication with children, young people, caregivers, and the broader community about our child protection policies, procedures, and actions.
Accountability: We hold ourselves accountable for creating and maintaining safe environments for children and young people, ensuring that any breaches of trust or misconduct are addressed swiftly and appropriately.
Continuous Improvement: We are committed to ongoing learning and improvement, regularly evaluating our practices, policies, and outcomes to enhance our effectiveness in safeguarding children and young people.
By adhering to these commitments and values, we aim to create an environment where children and young people can thrive, free from harm and exploitation.