Play it Safe: Top Tips for Finding a Child-Friendly Sports Program
Parents and carers play an important role in making sure their children are spending time in places that are safe
WHAT A ‘CHILD SAFE ORGANISATION’ AIMS TO DO
A child safe organisation means that the place where our children spend time is safe from physical, sexual, psychological, ill-treatment and neglect. A child safe Karate School will have clearly established rules and a Code of Conduct to make sure children and young people are kept safe.
WHAT PARENTS AND CARERS CAN DO
Parents have a right to know who is working with their children.
You can tell an organisation that puts children first in a few different ways. The most important thing to do is ask questions and talk about any concerns.
When selecting a martial arts school, you can:
Ask to review the organisation's policies, procedures and Code of Conduct. These documents will provide an indication of how well the organisation values children.
Find out if the organisation has implemented or started to implement the Child Safe Standards. Organisations are required to apply the Standards under the new Child Safe Scheme.
Ask for a tour to see how workers interact with children. Ask their leaders about staff training and how they ensure staff are aware of appropriate behaviour with children.
Be involved in the organisation where possible. Child safe organisations are more likely to involve parents and children in decisions that affect them.
Find out about the organisation's complaint handling process.
Leaders in the organisation should welcome questions and want to demonstrate that they put children first.
It’s also important for parents to ask children about their experiences and show them they are interested in what the children do. Parents should talk about safe behaviours and let their children know they can talk to them if they ever feel scared, worried, upset or uncomfortable.
BLACK BELT MARTIAL ARTS HORNSBY IS A CHILD SAFE ORGANISATION
Your children are safe at BBMA Hornsby. We have:
A detailed Child Safety Policy, which explains how we have implemented the 11 Child-Safety Standards and how to raise a complaint
A Child-Safe Code of Conduct - for students, families and staff
Valid Working with Children Checks - for all staff aged 18 years and over
We have trained (MHFA) Mental Health First Aiders onsite
Annual Child Safety training for all staff
Senior staff are Rock and Water trained - helping kids develop critical emotional and social skills - building resilience, self confidence and self awareness (among many other benefits)
The BBMA Kids' Karate curriculum, crafted by BBMA Founder and Master Teacher Kyoshi Liz Mahler, is designed to deliver child safety lessons direct to children, helping them to avoid danger and stay safe in all environments and situations.
The bottom line is that at BBMA child safety is not an afterthought or ‘add on’. At BBMA we put your child’s safety at the centre of all we do.
Is there something else we can do to help keep our kids safe at Hornsby Dojo? We welcome your feedback, questions and suggestions. Please speak to us at Hornsby Dojo, or email hello@bbmahornsby.com.au.
