1. Our Commitment
Pure Indigo Limited (trading as Just Karate) is committed to providing a safe, positive, and inclusive environment for children and young people. We recognise that the welfare of the child is paramount and that all children, regardless of age, disability, gender, race, or religion, have a right to protection from all types of harm or abuse.
2. Our Approach
As an independent martial arts school, we take direct responsibility for our safeguarding standards. To keep our students safe, we ensure that:
- DBS Checks: All instructors hold an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.
- Safe Instruction: We follow best-practice martial arts instruction methods, ensuring that any physical contact is strictly limited to what is necessary for training and is always age-appropriate.
- Digital Safety: All formal communication is conducted with parents or guardians via our official email or student portal. We do not engage in private digital communication with minor students.
- Photography: We only take photographs or videos of students for promotional purposes with the explicit consent of a parent or guardian.
3. Age-Specific Requirements for Parents & Guardians
To support our instructors and ensure the safety of all students, we have the following requirements based on the student's age:
- Ages 5–11 (Primary School Age): A parent or guardian must remain in the training hall for the duration of the session. They are responsible for all personal care (e.g., toilet breaks) and must be immediately available in the event of an injury or if the child becomes distressed.
- Ages 12–15: Parents may choose to "drop and go," provided the student is mature enough to use the venue’s public facilities independently. However, the parent must be contactable by phone at all times during the session and must arrive 5 minutes before the class ends for collection.
- Ages 16–17: These students may attend and depart the venue independently with parental consent. Parents remain the primary point of contact for all administrative and safeguarding matters.
4. First Aid, Personal Care, and Incident Reporting
Just Karate operates within professional sports and community centres.
- First Aid: Primary first aid cover is provided by the venue management. In the event of an injury, the instructor should be notified immediately. Support will then be sought from the venue staff, who are normally available at the reception desk.
- Personal Care & Toilets: Instructors are not responsible for taking children to the toilet or assisting with changing clothes. For students aged 11 and under, the parent must be present to escort them to the venue’s facilities.
- Incident Reporting: Any safeguarding concerns, accidents, or injuries must be reported to the instructor at the time or sent via email to office@justkarate.co.uk.
5. Arrival and Collection
- Punctuality: Our responsibility for the student begins at the start of the scheduled class and ends promptly at the class finish time.
- Uncollected Children: Instructors are not permitted to wait alone with a child. If a parent is late, the instructor will attempt to contact them. If the instructor must leave the training hall, the child will be escorted to the venue’s main reception desk to wait in a staffed, public area.
- Escalation: Persistent lateness may result in a review of membership. In extreme cases where a parent cannot be contacted, we follow standard safeguarding protocols by contacting local Social Services or the Police.
6. Reporting Concerns
If you have any concerns regarding the safety or wellbeing of a student, please contact our Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL):
If a child is in immediate danger, contact the police by dialling 999 or the NSPCC Helpline on 0808 800 5000.
7. Review
This policy is reviewed periodically to ensure it remains compliant with UK legislation and reflects the current operations of our school.