Welfare

As a parent or guardian of a TASC club member you can expect that:

  • Your child is safeguarded during their time with us.
  • All people with responsibility for your child will be suitably qualified and trained, and have been safely recruited including DBS checks.
  • Any concerns about your child’s welfare will be listened to and responded to.

We want our swimmers to feel they are having fun; listened to and respected; that our club is friendly, inclusive and that there is someone they can talk to if something is wrong.  TASC is guided by Wavepower 2024 which is the child safeguarding policy and procedures set by Swim England for all clubs to follow.

Who is responsible?

The club welfare team are the first point of contact for club staff and volunteers, swimmers and parents for any arising issue concerning child welfare.   The DBS coordinator arranges DBS checks and safeguarding training for coaches and volunteers and will work closely with Swim England to respond to child safeguarding issues.

However, safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility – including coaches, parents, volunteers and swimmers. Parents can support by:

  • Completing all consent, emergency contact and medical forms and updating the club immediately if anything changes.
  • Signing and adhering to the Parents Code of Conduct and helping your child to become familiar with the Swimmer Code of Conduct – Both available under Club Documents.
  • Ensuring your child arrives to sessions on time and is collected promptly.  
  • Ensuring your child has the right kit for training or competition, as well as enough food and drink.

Who do I talk to?

Welfare Officer Karen Laing and DBS Coordinator Ella Haruna, supported by our Chairman Paul Twitchell.

Heads of Departments:

Head Teacher Abbie Dale, Head Coach Kelly Haywood, Head of Development Jackie Bletcher and Club secretary Cindy Twitchell.  

At least one member of our Welfare team is present at our sessions and available to all swimmers, parents, carers and members if you need any help or any issues arise.  One of our Welfare Representatives, Sam Carpenter, Leanne Wells and Martie Attrell are available poolside at every session.

Our Welfare Officer Karen is available to chat about any issues or concerns with swimmers, parents, volunteers or coaches. You can contact Karen via the email address tascwelfare2@outlook.com. Please be assured that your enquiry will be dealt with in strict confidence.

How do I report a concern?

If you have a concern about the welfare of any child/member or the behaviour of an adult towards any child you should, without delay, contact:

In an emergency

If you believe a child has been harmed or may be at immediate risk of harm, and you are unable to contact your welfare officer or the Swim England safeguarding team please make immediate contact with the Police, Children’s Services on 0345 678 9021 or the NSPCC 24-hour helpline on 0808 800 5000.

Where can I learn more?

There is lots of useful information and resources for parents on the Swim England website, including this free online module which gives everyone involved in clubs or swimming lessons a basic overview of child safeguarding.   

Other sources for Advice: