Introduction
Our policy is to manage the Health, Safety and Wellbeing of our students, coaches and clients to provide and maintain a safe coaching environment and prevent accidents or ill health occurring. We provide regular training for our coaches, implement clear instructions to students and regularly review and assess risks within the working environment. We have a clear set of procedures and safety measures that our coaches implement whilst coaching Physical Education, School Sport and Physical Activity (PESSPA). These are fully aligned to Government and AfPE Safe Practice in Physical Education and Sport guidance on Health and Safety.
General Health, Safety and Welfare of students during PESSPA sessions/activities
YDP will carry out relevant risk assessments and take action for all sports delivered by our coaches. These will be regularly reviewed and updated.
Our coaches are fully qualified and each have an enhanced DBS, First Aid and Safeguarding certificate.
Students will be supervised at all times (both indoors and outdoors) by the appropriate and adequate teacher to student ratio. Our standard practice is 1 coach to 15 students.
We will teach students how to take action to control risks themselves in order to participate in a PE session safely.
Students
All long hair must be tied up with a plain band. All jewellery must be removed, including earrings. In exceptional circumstances, micropore tape can be used to cover earrings, for example, for the first six weeks after piercing. Jewellery worn for religious reasons should be covered in an appropriate way; e.g. a bracelet could be covered with a sweat band. Young students will be encouraged to leave jewellery, especially earrings, at home on PE days. Other jewellery will be collected by the class teacher and taken with the class to the session. YDP cannot be held responsible for lost or damaged jewellery.
Any medical conditions or special educational needs will be provided by the school/parent and YDP coaches will keep a secure record of these. Students with SEN will be encouraged to participate in PE sessions in a manner appropriate to their ability and the safety of themselves and others.
Students will change under supervision in the area agreed with the school.
In the Summer, students will be encouraged to wear caps to protect themselves from the sun. They should also have sun protection cream on – either applied by themselves or by a parent/guardian prior to the PE session.
PE Equipment
All PE equipment will be stored in the relevant storage area of each school. YDP coaches will familiarise themselves with these areas and ensure that the equipment is stored correctly and safely. We will organise the access of heavier or higher equipment. YDP coaches will ensure all sports equipment is in full working order and up to standard in accordance with PESSPA guidelines. YDP coaches are responsible for the safe and tidy storage of equipment they have used. The equipment stored in a range of appropriate containers allows easy access and a safe handling situation. Maintenance of PE equipment is carried out regularly and any defects are reported to the school.
Students access to the cupboard should be supervised by an adult at all times. Safe handling and use of all equipment will be taught and encouraged. Specific procedures for lifting carry and placing sports apparatus correctly are taught and reinforced. When lifting equipment students must:
In addition, safety rules procedures for working on all apparatus are established and reinforced, including:
Injuries, Accidents and Emergencies
Warm-up
Safe preparation is an integral part of every session. Students always complete an appropriate warm up prior to physical activity. The warm up involves:
Aerobic activity which incorporates mobility of the joints is completed prior to stretching. Specific muscle groups are used that relate to the anticipated activity and about full range of motion. The warm up is gradual and of a sufficient intensity to increase muscle/core temperature without causing fatigue or reducing energy stores.
Hygiene
YDP implements the highest hygiene standards ensuring PE equipment is regularly sanitised. Coaches will regularly wash and sanitise their hands at the beginning and end of each session. They will also use any PPE provided and if required by the school. We will ensure we are delivering our sessions in the cleanest possible environment.
First Aid and Emergency Procedures
All YDP coaches are first aid trained and will work closely with the schools First Aider and adhere to the schools accident and emergency procedures.
Risk Assessment of the Environment
At the beginning of each PE session, YDP coaches will look for and identify hazards in the coaching environment which could result in significant harm and report them to the school such as:
Coaches will look for and identify hazards inherent within the coaching of different areas of the activity. For example:
This policy was ratified on 1st January 2023.
Luke Kennedy, Managing Director
Youth Dreams Project Ltd
We work in over 36 schools in and around Peterborough and have 3 franchises in Cambridge, Oxford and Leicester. We aim to continue growing and reach even more young people nationwide. Our ethos is to deliver the highest standard of sports coaching, providing opportunities for as many young people as possible.