Keeping Children Safe

Swim Stars Swimming School

Keeping Children Safe

Health and Safety Policy

At Swim Stars Swimming School, we are fully committed to providing a safe environment for both our staff and customers. We recognise that health and safety are a top priority, and every individual involved with the swim school has a responsibility to uphold these standards — for their own well-being and for the safety of others.

We work closely with our pool operators to ensure we meet all health and safety requirements necessary for the safe and effective operation of our swim school.

Any individual who fails to follow the procedures and policies relating to the safe running of the school may be asked to leave, and their contract may be terminated.

Our Health and Safety Objectives

To ensure all health and safety procedures are implemented, maintained, and regularly reviewed by working in partnership with our pool operators.
To provide comprehensive health and safety training to all staff, tailored to their specific roles.
To issue and ensure staff are familiar with each operator's Normal Operating Procedures (NOP) and Emergency Action Plans (EAP).
To conduct annual risk assessments at each venue and update them as necessary.
To record and monitor all accidents and incidents in order to prevent reoccurrence and identify potential patterns.
To appoint a qualified supervisor at each venue in the absence of the owner to oversee health and safety compliance.
To maintain all Swim Stars equipment and ensure operator-provided equipment is present and functional before lessons begin.
To ensure all staff are trained in emergency procedures and confident in their roles during any emergency situation.
To seek professional external guidance where necessary to ensure our policies and training are current and compliant with regulations.
To keep all staff training up to date and verified.
To maintain and follow a Child Protection Policy in line with Swim England's Wavepower 2024-2025 safeguarding framework.
To foster a culture where health and safety is understood as a shared responsibility among all staff and customers.

Code of Conduct

Our Code of Conduct sets the expectations for behaviour and professionalism for everyone involved in Swim Stars Swimming School.

Treat every staff member, child, and parent with respect, dignity, and fairness — without discrimination.
Follow all Swim Stars policies and procedures at all times.
Adhere to pool operator NOPs and EAPs.
Supervise children to the highest standards possible within your role.
Maintain confidentiality regarding personal or sensitive information.
Prioritise creating a safe and supportive teaching environment.
Ensure teaching methods are appropriate to the age, ability, and experience of each swimmer.
Keep teaching, lifesaving qualifications, and ongoing professional development up to date.
Prioritise the well-being and development of the swimmer over performance outcomes.
Perform all general duties in line with health and safety procedures.
Protect children from harm, discrimination, or degrading treatment.
Attend safeguarding and child protection training at least every three years.
Encourage children to take responsibility for their behaviour and learning.
Always work in open, visible environments with children — avoiding private or unobserved situations.
Provide manual support only where necessary and always in a transparent and respectful manner.
Promote an open and honest environment — no secrets.
Maintain high standards of personal conduct and appearance.
Build appropriate relationships based on trust and mutual respect.
Never use influence for personal gain or inappropriate purposes.
Take all safeguarding concerns seriously and report them in line with policy.
Wear the correct uniform and carry a whistle during all lessons.

Photography & Filming Policy

(Incorporating Swim England’s Wavepower 2024-2025 Guidance)

1. Introduction & Purpose

This policy applies to all forms of photography and video recording, including those taken on mobile phones, tablets, laptops, or any other digital or film device. The aim is to protect children from inappropriate or harmful use of imagery.

The term “child” or “children” refers to any person under 18 years old.

The objectives of this policy are to prevent:

The misuse or alteration of images for child exploitation online or in print.
The identification of children through associated personal information.
The location or targeting of children where there are safeguarding concerns.

2. General Policy Guidelines

No photography or filming is permitted by parents or guardians during lessons, in line with pool operator policies and safeguarding regulations.
The use of cameras or recording devices at Swim Stars venues is strictly prohibited unless approved in advance, under the guidelines of this policy.
Parents/guardians are not permitted to take photos or videos on the premises to avoid capturing images of other children without consent.
Professional photography or filming must be arranged in advance and follow all safeguarding protocols.

3. Parental Consent & Use of Images

Images or videos featuring children under 18 may only be published with written parental consent, including but not limited to use on:
- Websites
- Social media (Facebook, Instagram, etc.)
- Newsletters or noticeboards
Parents have the right to refuse photography or video consent at any time.
Consent forms will be clearly explained, and parents will be reminded they can withdraw consent at any point.

4. Official Photographer Guidelines

When an official photographer is engaged:

All parents will be notified in advance.
The photographer must be DBS checked and provide references if self-employed.
Only group images or action shots should be used where possible.
Images must be appropriate, decent, and focus on the activity — not the individual.
Poolside images should show children in tops, t-shirts, or swim robes. Full-length swimwear or inappropriate angles (e.g. behind diving blocks) are not allowed.

5. Filming for Training Purposes

Filming may only be conducted to support stroke correction or training.
Written consent from parents is required before filming begins.
Parents will be invited to attend and/or review the footage.
All recordings must be deleted after use unless explicitly justified otherwise.
If consent is withdrawn or concerns arise, filming must stop, and any footage destroyed.

6. Use of Mobile Devices

Mobile phones or any devices with cameras must not be used in changing rooms.
Any breach of this rule will be treated seriously and may result in disciplinary action.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding any of these policies, please do not hesitate to contact us. Your child’s safety, privacy, and enjoyment remain our top priority.

Swim Stars Swimming School