top of page

ISFA CHILD WELFARE AND SAFEGUARDING POLICY

Internal school football and matches played between schools

All internal and inter-school football is the responsibility of the relevant school's governance. Safeguarding in school football is underpinned by the Department for Education ‘Keeping Children Safe in Education’ 2022

 

ISFA’s Safeguarding policy and relevant information
regarding child welfare

ISFA’s Child Welfare and Safeguarding policy refers specifically to ISFA-run activities, during which ISFA staff or volunteers are working. These will include:-

  • Representative Football 

  • ISFA Cup Finals 

  • ISFA tournaments, festivals and events

If you have a concern about the welfare of a child and/or specific safeguarding concern within a school or grassroots club, they will have their own Safeguarding Children Policies and Procedures which you will need to follow.  They should also have designated staff to assist you.

​

Safeguarding Children Policy Statement

Every child or young person, defined as any person under the age of 18, who plays or participates in football should be able to take part in an enjoyable and safe environment and be protected from abuse. This is the responsibility of every adult involved in football. The ISFA recognises its responsibility to safeguard the welfare of all children and young people involved in ISFA activities by protecting them from physical, sexual or emotional harm and from neglect or bullying.

The ISFA is therefore committed to working to provide a safe environment for all children and young people to participate in the sport to the best of their abilities for as long as they choose to do so.

ISFA Safeguarding Children Policy 2022

​

Key principles

  • The child’s welfare is, and must always be, the paramount consideration

  • All children and young people have a right to be protected from abuse regardless of their age, gender, disability, culture, language, racial origin, religious beliefs or sexual orientation

  • All suspicions and allegations of abuse will be taken seriously and responded to swiftly and appropriately

  • Working in partnership with other organisations, children and young people and their parents and carers is essential.

​

The ISFA is committed to working in partnership with the Football Association and therein the Police, Social Care Departments, and Local Safeguarding Children’s Boards (LSCB) in accordance with their procedures. This is essential to enable these organisations to carry out their statutory duties to investigate concerns and protect all children and young people.

It is essential that everyone is clear about how to report a concern about the welfare of a child or young person. In summary this means following the guidelines set out in the ISFA Safeguarding Children Policy and Procedures.

​

Reporting Concerns

Safeguarding children is everyone's responsibility. If you are worried about a child it is important that you report your concerns - no action is not an option.

  • If you are worried about a child then you need to report your concerns to ISFA Designated Safeguarding Officer, Sarah Millard - welfare@isfa.org.uk (07410 920940)

  • If the child needs immediate medical treatment take them to a hospital or call an ambulance and tell them this is a child protection concern. Then let the ISFA Welfare Officer know what action you have taken.

  • If at any time you are not able to contact the ISFA Welfare Officer or the matter is very serious then you can either:

  • Call The FA/NSPCC 24 hour Helpline for advice on 0808 800 5000 Contact the Police or Children's Services

  • If you need to report a welfare concern, please contact ISFA's Welfare Officer, Sarah Millard at welfare@isfa.org.uk.

  • Alternatively, follow the procedures outlined by the FA:- FA Procedure - Dealing with Concerns

​

Useful Links

​

Working together 2018 and 2020 updates

​

Guidance for overnight trips with young people

bottom of page