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Child Protection Policy

Policy Version: 3.0
Date: Jan 2026
Review Date: Jan 2027

 

1. Policy Statement

Shirley Shotokan Karate Club ("Shirley SKC") is committed to providing a safe, positive, and enjoyable environment for all members. The welfare of children, young people, and vulnerable adults is paramount.

Shirley SKC recognises its duty of care to safeguard and promote the welfare of every member and is committed to ensuring that safeguarding practices reflect current legislation, government guidance, and the requirements of JKA England.

As an affiliated JKA England club, Shirley SKC supports JKA England's commitment to the Safeguarding Code in Martial Arts and will work in partnership with parents, carers, instructors, and external agencies to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all members. (Japan Karate Association England)

 

2. About Shirley Shotokan Karate Club

Shirley Shotokan Karate Club is a family-run traditional Shotokan Karate club based at Orchard Park High School, Orchard Way, Shirley, Croydon, CR0 7NJ.

The club offers karate classes for children, teenagers, and adults in a welcoming and inclusive environment. Shirley SKC is affiliated with JKA England and is committed to maintaining the highest standards of instruction, safety, and safeguarding. (Shirley Skc)

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  3. Our Commitments

Shirley SKC will:

  • Promote the health, wellbeing, and welfare of all members. B

  • Ensure all children and vulnerable adults are treated with dignity and respect.

  • Provide a safe and inclusive training environment.

  • Take all safeguarding concerns seriously.

  • Respond appropriately and promptly to concerns or allegations of abuse.

  • Ensure instructors understand their safeguarding responsibilities.

  • Follow JKA England safeguarding procedures where appropriate.

  • Encourage an open and transparent culture where concerns can be raised without fear.

  • Review this policy annually.

 

4. Scope of the Policy

This policy applies to:

  • All club members.

  • Instructors and assistant instructors.

  • Volunteers.

  • Parents and carers.

  • Visitors attending Shirley SKC events or activities.

It covers all club activities, including:

  • Regular training sessions.

  • Gradings.

  • Competitions.

  • Courses and seminars.

  • Social events organised by the club.

  • Travel undertaken on behalf of the club.

 

5. Safeguarding Principles

Shirley SKC believes that:

  • Every child and vulnerable adult has the right to protection from harm.

  • The welfare of the child is paramount.

  • All concerns and allegations should be taken seriously.

  • Safeguarding is everyone's responsibility.

  • All members should be able to train in a safe, supportive, and respectful environment regardless of age, disability, gender, race, religion, or sexual orientation.

 

6. Code of Conduct

All members, instructors, parents, and visitors are expected to:

  • Treat others with respect and courtesy.

  • Promote good sportsmanship at all times.

  • Follow the instructions of instructors.

  • Refrain from bullying, harassment, discrimination, or abusive behaviour.

  • Use appropriate language and behaviour within the dojo.

  • Respect personal boundaries.

  • Report any safeguarding concerns immediately.

 

7. Photography and Social Media

Shirley SKC recognises that photographs and videos are an important part of celebrating achievements.

The club will:

  • Obtain parental consent before using images of children.

  • Ensure images are used appropriately.

  • Never publish personal information alongside photographs.

  • Monitor social media use associated with the club.

  • Remove inappropriate content immediately.

Parents and spectators are requested not to photograph or film other children without permission.

 

8. Responding to Safeguarding Concerns

If a member, parent, or instructor has concerns about the welfare of a child or vulnerable adult, they should report the matter immediately.

In the event of immediate danger:

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Shirley SKC will:

  1. Listen carefully and remain calm.

  2. Record the concern accurately.

  3. Report concerns to the appropriate safeguarding lead.

  4. Refer matters to JKA England and/or statutory agencies where necessary.

  5. Maintain confidentiality wherever possible.

 

9. JKA England Safeguarding Contact

Any safeguarding concerns relating to a JKA England affiliated club may be reported to:

JKA England Safeguarding Officer
David Burns
Email: safeguarding@jka-england.org
Telephone: 07717 576859 (Japan Karate Association England)

 

10. Club Contact Details

Shirley Shotokan Karate Club

Shirley SKC encourages all members and parents to raise concerns at the earliest opportunity.

 

11. Confidentiality

Information relating to safeguarding concerns will be handled sensitively and shared only on a need-to-know basis, except where disclosure is necessary to protect a child or vulnerable adult.

 

12. Recruitment and Training

Where appropriate, Shirley SKC will:

  • Ensure instructors understand safeguarding responsibilities.

  • Promote safeguarding awareness.

  • Encourage safeguarding training.

  • Support the safeguarding standards established by JKA England.

 

13. Policy Review

This policy will be reviewed annually or sooner if:

  • Legislation changes.

  • JKA England updates its safeguarding guidance.

  • An incident highlights the need for amendment.

 

Policy Approval

This policy has been approved by Shirley Shotokan Karate Club and will be made available to all members, parents, and carers.

Approved By

Position

Date

Clare Fabri

Chief Instructor

July 2026

This policy should be read alongside JKA England's safeguarding, code of conduct, and safe practice policies. (Japan Karate Association England)

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