Safeguarding

1. Policy Statement

LydiaLockhart Coaching is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children and young people (aged 6–18) who engage in our services. We believe that every child has the right to feel safe, valued, and respected.

We recognise our duty of care under UK legislation, including the Children Act 1989 & 2004, the Education Act 2002, and statutory guidance such as Working Together to Safeguard Children (2018).

This policy sets out how we ensure children are supported in a safe environment, how confidentiality is handled, and how safeguarding concerns will be addressed

2. Scope

This policy applies to:

  • All coaching sessions (in person and online).
  • All children and young people (6–18) who use our services.
  • Parents/guardians and any third parties involved in delivering or supporting sessions.

3. Commitment to Safeguarding

We will:

  • Provide a safe, supportive, and confidential space for children and young people.
  • Place the welfare of the child at the centre of our work.
  • Uphold children’s rights to protection from harm, abuse, neglect, exploitation, or discrimination.
  • Work in partnership with parents, carers, and safeguarding agencies when necessary.

4. Confidentiality

  • Coaching sessions provide a private and supportive environment for children and young people.
  • However, confidentiality is not absolute. If a safeguarding concern arises, the Coach has a duty to share relevant information to keep the child safe.
  • Information will only be shared on a need-to-know basis, following UK safeguarding procedures.
  • Children and parents will be informed at the start of coaching that confidentiality has these limits.

5. Recognising Abuse

We are alert to signs of abuse and neglect, which may include (but are not limited to):

  • Physical abuse – hitting, shaking, causing injury.
  • Emotional abuse – persistent criticism, humiliation, or emotional harm.
  • Sexual abuse – inappropriate sexual behaviour, language, or exploitation.
  • Neglect – failure to meet a child’s basic needs (food, clothing, shelter, medical care, supervision).

6. Responding to Concerns

If a safeguarding concern arises, LydiaLockhart Coaching will:

  1. Listen and reassure – take the child seriously without judgment.
  2. Record – make an accurate, timely record of what was said or observed.
  3. Report – share concerns with the appropriate safeguarding authority.
    • If the child is at immediate risk of harm, contact emergency services (999).
    • If concerns are non-urgent, follow local safeguarding referral procedures (e.g., Local Authority Children’s Services, MASH, NSPCC, or Social Services).
  4. Inform parents/carers – unless doing so would increase risk of harm to the child.

7. Safer Practice in Coaching

  • All sessions with children will take place with parental/guardian consent.
  • Parents are welcome to join sessions if their child wishes, and may remain present or nearby. However, children are not required to have a parent in the room unless they request it.
  • Online sessions will use secure platforms (e.g. Zoom) with parental awareness.
  • No physical contact will occur during coaching sessions.
  • Clear professional boundaries will be maintained at all times.

8. Training & Awareness

  • The Coach will undertake safeguarding training annually and stay up to date with all relevant UK safeguarding legislation and statutory guidance.
  • This policy will be reviewed annually and updated in line with new legislation or best practice.

9. Parental Reassurance

Parents and carers can be assured that:

  • Safeguarding is at the heart of our practice.
  • We will act promptly and responsibly if concerns arise.
  • We are committed to working in partnership with families to ensure the safety and wellbeing of every child.