Safeguarding
Safeguarding Policy

Our commitment to you and your child’s safety.

At South Thames Taekwondo Academy, our top priority is you and your child’s safety. As a British Taekwondo Council (BTC) registered club, we operate under the 'Safe Landings' framework, which meets the NSPCC’s Advanced Standards for safeguarding in sport.

British Taekwondo Council

South Thames Taekwondo Academy is a member of the British Taekwondo Council, the National Governing Body for Taekwondo. The BTC has achieved NSPCC Advanced Standards in Safeguarding. South Thames Taekwondo Academy adheres to all of the BTC’s Safeguarding policies and procedures.

Child Protection in Sport

Keep children safe in sport and physical activity. Together we can create a caring culture where children are safe and thrive.

GTUK SAFEGUARDING

As a full member of the BTC, the National Governing Body for Taekwon-Do in the UK, the GTUK is committed to providing best practice when working with children and vulnerable adults, and ensuring that training opportunities and information are readily available.

 

Safeguarding for Children – FAQs for Parents

  • While we operate an "Open Door" policy for emergencies, we generally recommend that parents do not stay in the training hall during the session. We have found that children develop independence more quickly and engage more fully with the syllabus when training alongside their peers. You might be surprised at how much your child can achieve and the level of focus they can maintain when they are encouraged to step out of their comfort zone in a structured environment.


    To ensure the highest standards of safety and safeguarding, there are always at least two vetted adults present during every session: the Lead Instructor and our Academy Administrator. This ensures that in the event of an emergency or a child needing assistance, there is always dedicated support available. Of course, our "Open Door" policy means you are welcome to enter the hall at any time if an urgent need arises. We want you to feel completely confident that your child is in a safe, professional, and highly supervised environment.

     

  • To protect our students, no photos or videos are allowed during class without prior consent. We have a strict photography policy to ensure no images are shared on social media without parental permission.

     

  • Taekwondo is a contact sport, but instruction is kept professional. Coaches only use physical contact for safety (positioning a limb) or encouragement (high-fives!), and always in the presence of others.

     

  • Our instructors are trained to use positive reinforcement. We never use "shouting" or "punishment" as a teaching tool. If a child is overwhelmed, we allow them to take a break and rejoin when they feel ready.

     

  • We take every concern seriously. If you see something that doesn't feel right:

    Level 1:
    Speak to your Instructor who is also acting as the Club Welfare Officer.

    Level 2:
    Contact the BTC National Safeguarding Team at 07568 503791.

    Level 3:
    If a child is in immediate danger, call the Police (999) or the NSPCC (0808 800 5000).