3 SAFEGUARDING AND PROTECTING CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE 3.1 Policy Statement Milton Keynes BMX Club is committed to creating and maintaining a safe, positive, and inclusive environment for all members. We recognise that everyone involved in BMX racing—riders aged 4 to 70+, parents, volunteers, coaches, and officials—deserves to participate in an environment free from harm, abuse, bullying, and discrimination. BMX is inclusive for all children, including those who are neurodiverse. We celebrate neurodiversity and understand that conditions including ADHD, autism, dyslexia, dyspraxia, and other learning differences are natural variations of the human brain. We are committed to making reasonable adjustments to ensure all children can participate fully and safely in BMX activities. 3.2 Principles We recognise that: ● The welfare of children is paramount ● All children have the right to protection from abuse ● All suspicions and allegations of abuse will be taken seriously ● Working in partnership with children, parents, and other agencies is essential ● All participants have equal rights to protection regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, or neurodiversity ● Everyone has a responsibility to safeguard and promote welfare ● Safer recruitment practices protect both participants and the organisation ● Zero tolerance for bullying in any form, including cyberbullying ● Safe social media use is essential in modern sport ● Neurodiverse children are welcomed and supported with appropriate adjustments 3.3 Definitions ● Child/Young Person: Anyone under 18 years of age ● Neurodiversity: Natural variation in human brain function including autism, ADHD, dyslexia, dyspraxia, dyscalculia, Tourette's syndrome, and other neurological differences ● Regulated Activity: Unsupervised activities with children including teaching, training, instructing, caring for, supervising, or transporting children on a frequent or intensive basis ● Safeguarding: Protecting children and adults from maltreatment, preventing impairment of health or development, ensuring they grow up in safe circumstances, and taking action to enable all to have the best outcomes ● Club Welfare Officer (CWO): The designated person responsible for safeguarding matters within the club 3.4 Definitions: Specific Forms of Abuse and Exploitation Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE) Child Sexual Exploitation is a form of child sexual abuse where an individual or group takes advantage of a power imbalance to coerce, manipulate or deceive a child (under 18) into sexual activity, often in exchange for something the child needs or wants (such as gifts, money, status or affection). CSE can occur in person or online and may involve grooming; it does not always involve physical contact. Child Criminal Exploitation (CCE) Child Criminal Exploitation occurs when an individual or group takes advantage of a power imbalance to coerce, control, manipulate or deceive a child (under 18) into criminal activity, in exchange for something the child needs or wants, and/or for the benefit of the perpetrator. CCE may appear consensual, can occur in person or via technology, and frequently co-exists with other forms of exploitation. County Lines County lines is a violent and exploitative form of drug distribution. Gangs and organised criminal networks export illegal drugs into one or more importing areas within the UK, using dedicated mobile phone “deal lines”. Children and vulnerable adults are commonly exploited to move and store drugs, money or weapons, with coercion, intimidation and violence often used. Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) FGM comprises of procedures that intentionally alter or cause injury to the female genital organs for non-medical reasons, including partial or total removal of external genitalia or other harm. It is illegal in the UK, a form of child abuse and violence against women and girls, with severe immediate and long-term health consequences. There is a mandatory duty for regulated professionals and teachers to report “known” cases in under-18s to the police. 3.5 Definitions and Recognising Abuse All coaches and regulated volunteers will receive training to recognise signs of: ● Physical abuse: Hitting, shaking, throwing, poisoning, burning, scalding, drowning, suffocating, or otherwise causing physical harm ● Emotional abuse: Persistent emotional maltreatment causing severe and adverse effects on emotional development—including constant criticism, belittling, or making a child feel worthless ● Sexual abuse: Forcing or enticing a child to take part in sexual activities, including non-contact activities like viewing sexual images or grooming ● Neglect: Persistent failure to meet basic physical or psychological needs, likely to result in serious impairment of health or development ● Bullying and cyberbullying ● Online Abuse including Sexual exploitation, grooming, cyberbullying, or exposure to harmful content online 3.6 Signs of Abuse Physical indicators: ● Unexplained injuries, bruises, or marks ● Fear of physical contact ● Wearing inappropriate clothing to hide injuries ● Reluctance to change for activities Behavioural indicators: ● Sudden changes in behaviour or performance ● Withdrawal from activities previously enjoyed ● Fear of specific people or places ● Inappropriate sexual behaviour or knowledge ● Self-harm or substance abuse ● Low self-esteem or depression In neurodiverse children specifically: ● Changes in usual behaviour patterns ● Regression in skills or increased distress ● Reluctance to attend sessions they previously enjoyed ● Increased anxiety or sensory sensitivities Examples of poor Practice Poor practice can create safeguarding concerns: ● Spending excessive time alone with one child ● Inappropriate physical contact ● Failing to maintain professional boundaries ● Making sexualised comments or jokes ● Showing favouritism ● Allowing bullying behaviour to continue ● Inadequate supervision 3.7 Club Welfare Officer The club have appointed Club Welfare Officers who: ● Are the first point of contact for safeguarding concerns ● Have completed British Cycling's Safe Wheel Workshop ● Hold an enhanced DBS certificate ● Liaise with British Cycling's Safeguarding Team ● Maintain confidential records of concerns ● Are clearly identified to all members (photo and contact details displayed) Contact Details: Club Welfare Officers: Hilary Shayegan, Chris Bagwell, Naomi Bagwell Email: cwo.mkbmxracing@gmail.com 3.8 Responding to Concerns If you have concerns about a child: ● Immediate danger: Contact police on 999 Non-emergency concerns: ● Speak to the Club Welfare Officer ● Contact British Cycling Safeguarding Team: 0161 274 2002 or compliance@britishcycling.org.uk ● Contact Milton Keynes Children's Services: 01908 253169 (or out of hours: 01908 265545) Important principles When a child discloses abuse, staff and volunteers must: ● Listen to the child; stay calm, patient and non-judgemental ● Allow the child to speak freely ● Avoid interrupting ● Use their own words when reflecting back to them ● Do not promise confidentiality ● Record what was said using the child's words ● Report concerns promptly to the Club Welfare Officer ● Never attempt to deal with the situation alone ● Avoid leading or investigative questions; ask only open prompts such as “Tell me”, “Explain”, “Describe” (TED). ● Do not promise confidentiality; explain you may need to share information to keep them safe ● Reassure the child it is not their fault ● Thank them for telling you ● Record accurately as soon as possible: date/time, who was present, the child’s exact words, and actions taken. Sign and date your record. ● Report promptly to the Club Welfare Officer or appropriate authority; in immediate danger call 999 ● Consider the child’s needs (including disability, neurodiversity, communication preferences) and offer appropriate support Avoid the following: ● Do not investigate or examine injuries; do not ask the child to show you physical evidence. ● Do not confront the alleged perpetrator. ● Do not make assumptions, speculate, or share information beyond a need-to-know basis. ● Do not delay reporting while seeking more detail. 3.9 Reporting Procedure Step 1: Immediate Safety ● If a child is in immediate danger, call 999 ● Ensure the person is safe before proceeding Step 2: Report to Club Welfare Officer ● Contact the CWO as soon as possible ● Provide all information you have ● Complete an incident report form ● If CWO is unavailable or concern involves CWO, contact British Cycling directly Step 3: CWO Action ● CWO records all details ● CWO reports to British Cycling Safeguarding Lead Officer (0161 274 2000 or compliance@britishcycling.org.uk) ● British Cycling will advise on next steps ● May involve reporting to police or social services Step 4: Follow-Up ● Support provided to all parties ● Investigation conducted as appropriate ● Disciplinary action taken if necessary ● Records maintained confidentially 3.10 Photography and Social Media Policy To protect children: ● Written parental consent obtained before photographing children ● Only designated photographers permitted at events ● Images stored securely and used appropriately ● No personal information published with images ● Social media use guidelines provided to all members ● Coaches and volunteers prohibited from private social media contact with junior members 3.11 Transport and Trips Not Applicable 3.12 Changing Facilities Not Applicable 3.13 Managing Behaviour Coaches will: ● Use positive behaviour management strategies ● Never use physical punishment ● Record behavioural incidents via the CWO monitored club reporting form ● Communicate with parents about persistent issues ● Follow the club's behaviour management procedures 3.14 Inclusivity MK BMX follows British Cycling policies for transgender and non-binary participation Transgender & Non-Binary Competitive Participation Policy – Policy_for_competitive_activity.pdf Transgender & Non-Binary Participation Policy Non-Competitive Activity Policy_for_non-competitive_activity.pdf 3.15 Neurodiversity Milton Keynes BMX Club celebrates neurodiversity and is committed to creating an inclusive environment where all children can thrive. 3.15.1 Understanding Neurodiversity MK BMX recognises that neurodiverse children may have: ● Different ways of processing information ● Unique strengths and talents ● Varying sensory sensitivities ● Different communication styles ● Specific support needs Common neurodiverse conditions include: ● Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) ● Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) ● Dyslexia, dyspraxia, dyscalculia ● Tourette's syndrome ● Developmental coordination disorders 3.15.2 Reasonable Adjustments The club will make reasonable adjustments including: ● Communication: o Clear, simple instructions o Visual aids and demonstrations o Written schedules and routines o Extra time for processing information o One-to-one explanations when needed ● Environment: o Quiet spaces available for breaks o Reduced sensory stimulation options o Predictable routines and advance notice of changes o Flexible start times or warm-up arrangements ● Support: o Designated support person if needed o Peer buddying systems o Modified equipment or techniques o Individual goal-setting and progress tracking o Positive reinforcement and encouragement 3.15.3 Working with Parents/Carers ● Parents/carers provide information about their child's needs ● Regular communication about progress and any concerns ● Partnership approach to support strategies ● Confidentiality maintained regarding diagnoses ● Parents/carers involved in planning adjustments (The nature of the activity means that parents remain on-site) 3.15.4 Training for Volunteers All volunteers receive guidance on: ● Understanding neurodiversity ● Recognising different communication styles ● Implementing reasonable adjustments ● Positive behaviour management ● Avoiding assumptions and stereotypes 3.15.5 Safeguarding Considerations Neurodiverse children may be at increased risk of: ● Bullying or exclusion ● Misunderstanding social situations ● Difficulty reporting concerns Additional protections: ● Enhanced monitoring for signs of distress ● Clear reporting mechanisms ● Trained volunteers who understand neurodiversity ● Zero tolerance for discrimination or mockery 3.16 Appendix A: Key External References NSPCC Learning – Child Sexual Exploitation; Child Criminal Exploitation; County Lines; Responding to Abuse. Home Office – Criminal exploitation of children and vulnerable adults: county lines (accessible version). NHS – Female Genital Mutilation overview and safeguarding guidance; FGM Act and mandatory reporting (as amended by Serious Crime Act 2015). Department for Education – Working Together to Safeguard Children (2023).