Safeguarding Policy
Safeguarding Policy Statement - Reviewed August 2026
“The welfare of the child is paramount”
Introduction
Kinetic Foundation ensures that the safety and welfare of our children and young people is of the utmost importance. It is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of every young person involved in the Academy, regardless of age, background, gender, race, ethnicity, religion, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, socioeconomic background or any other characteristic.
The Academy recognises that safeguarding is everyone's responsibility.
It is the duty of all our staff and managers to protect each child from abuse and to be alert to the possibility of abuse. These procedures supplement the Croydon Safeguarding Children Board and the Football Association Child Protection Guidelines and will be used in conjunction with these.
Kinetic Foundation’s activities involve us working with children and young people, therefore anyone working for or in partnership with Kinetic Foundation must carry out an Enhanced DBS check. This policy recognises that their welfare and interests are of upmost importance in all circumstances. It applies to anyone who works, volunteers or acts as a Trustee for Kinetic Foundation. It aims to ensure that regardless of age, ability or disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation, socio-economic background, all children and young people;
have a positive and enjoyable experience when engaged with any activity arranged by or meeting any individual managed by Kinetic Foundation
are protected from abuse whilst participating in any Kinetic Foundation activity
Kinetic Foundation is aware that that some children and young people can be vulnerable to abuse, and we accept the responsibility to take reasonable and appropriate steps to ensure their welfare at all times.
KF’s Safeguarding Policy
Safeguarding children is the responsibility of the entire Kinetic Foundation. All adults working at Kinetic Foundation (including employed staff, volunteers, students on placement and trustees) are required to report instances of actual or suspected child abuse or neglect to the Designated Safeguarding Lead Officer, Sofina Begum.
The role of the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) is to:
Ensure child protection procedures are in place and updated as appropriate.
Ensure all staff are aware of the Foundation’s policy and procedures.
Liaise with the educational provider’s safeguarding team.
Liaise with the relevant County FA, league or football governing body where required
Be available to provide advice/support to staff and for confidential discussion about concerns.
Be available to provide support to young people that engage with Kinetic Foundation programmes.
Ensure safeguarding training is completed
Liaise with the Board to keep them informed regarding child protection procedures.
Liaise with Social Services and other relevant agencies where required.
Maintain the single central record of concerns, ensuring records are kept confidentially and accurately.
Be the first point of contact for external agencies that are pursuing Child Protection investigations.
Monitor and maintain the up to date list of Looked after Children
Monitor safeguarding trends and incidents
Ensure appropriate follow-up and support
Ensure staff training is provided in relation to the need to protect students from harm which they may be causing to themselves (and which may or may not be a symptom of abuse by a third party). This includes suicidal feelings, self-harm (including harm via the use of alcohol or drugs), the use of online imagery and inappropriate sexual behaviour.
The policy and procedures are mandatory for everyone involved in Kinetic Foundation. Failure to comply with the policy and procedures will always be addressed with immediate effect.
This policy statement is supported by and should be read in conjunction with Kinetic Foundation’s more detailed set of safeguarding procedures.
How to report a safeguarding concern
If you are worried about a player/young person, contact the DSL.
If someone is in immediate danger, call 999.
You don't need to be certain that abuse has occurred before raising a concern.
Welfare officer/designated person for child protection
Anyone who has a concern about a child should contact the Designated Safeguarding Lead.
Designated Safeguarding Lead:
Name: Sofina Begum
Role: Head of Operations
Telephone: 07735836616
Email: Sofina.begum@kinetic-foundation.org.uk
Confidentiality and information sharing
Safeguarding information will be handled sensitively and securely.
However, staff must understand that safeguarding information cannot always remain confidential.
Information may need to be shared where this is necessary to:
protect a young person from harm;
prevent harm to another person;
enable statutory agencies to fulfil their safeguarding responsibilities;
manage an allegation;
comply with legal requirements;
support effective multi-agency safeguarding.
The Academy will share information proportionately and in accordance with applicable data protection and safeguarding requirements.
Monitoring
The above policy and procedure must be observed by all staff and managers at all times. The policy and the detailed procedures will be reviewed every year, and in the following circumstances:
changes in legislation and/or government guidance
as required by the Local Safeguarding Children Partnership Arrangements or Safeguarding Adults Board
as a result of any other significant change or event.
A summary of the Policy will be on the Kinetic Foundation website, available to all parents and players.
Responsible Officers
Designated Safeguarding Lead:
Name: Sofina Begum
Role: Head of Operations
Telephone: 07735836616
Email: Sofina.begum@kinetic-foundation.org.uk
Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead:
Name: Jeff Hawkins
Role: Head of Academy
Email: jeff.hawkins@kinetic-foundation.org.uk
Senior Safeguarding Lead / Board Lead:
Name: Soye Briggs
Role: Chief Operating Officer
Email: trustee@kinetic-foundation.org.uk