Safeguarding

Active Starz is committed to creating a safe, welcoming environment where every child can enjoy sport and grow in confidence.

Our safeguarding commitment

Active Starz follows UK safeguarding guidance for children’s sport and out-of-school clubs, working closely with schools and parents. All coaches are Enhanced DBS-checked, trained in Safeguarding and Emergency First Aid, and sessions run with clear supervision, sign-in/out and reporting procedures.

Safer recruitment

Enhanced DBS checks for all coaching staff, reference checks, role-specific induction and a probation period for new coaches before they lead sessions independently.

Training & standards

Safeguarding and First Aid kept in date, clear Codes of Conduct for coaches, children and parents, and behaviour expectations shared at the start of each programme or camp.

Session safety & venues

Age-appropriate supervision ratios, safe use of equipment and pitches, risk assessments for school and camp venues, and controlled handover between Active Starz, school staff and parents or wraparound providers.

Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)

Name: Dee Afia
Role: Founder & Designated Safeguarding Lead for Active Starz
Email: activestarz@gmail.com

If a child is at immediate risk of harm, call 999 and then notify the DSL as soon as possible.

Key procedures

How to raise a concern
  1. Record what you have seen or heard as soon as possible (date/time, location, people present, exact words or actions). Do not promise confidentiality and do not investigate yourself.
  2. Contact the Active Starz DSL using the email above or via the contact details shared in your joining information.
  3. If you cannot reach the DSL and you believe a child is at risk, contact Police (999) or Local Authority Children's Services.
Supervision, collection & wraparound care
Children remain under the supervision of an Active Starz coach or agreed school staff member at all times during sessions. Registers are taken at the start of each session and children are only released to a parent/carer or approved club/wraparound provider. Persistent late collection is logged and followed up with parents and, where relevant, the school.
Medical, injury & first aid
Parents and schools must inform us of any medical needs, allergies or additional support requirements before a child takes part. Coaches carry a first aid kit, log all incidents, and will contact parents or emergency services where required. We follow sensible return-to-play guidance for injuries, including head injuries and suspected concussion.
Photography, filming & social media
Photos or short clips may be used for coaching feedback or carefully selected promotional material. We only use images in line with school and parental consent, never share full names alongside images, and parents can opt out of photography/filming at any time by contacting the DSL.
Behaviour, bullying & inclusion
Active Starz operates a zero-tolerance approach to bullying, harassment or discrimination. We promote respect between children, coaches and parents and adapt activities where possible so that all children can take part, regardless of ability, background or experience.
Communication & online safety
We do not use 1-to-1 direct messaging between coaches and children. Session updates are shared via schools, group channels or parent contact details provided at booking. Any social media use is managed through official Active Starz channels only.

Consent & data protection

We collect parental consent, emergency contacts and relevant medical information via our booking system or school forms before children take part. Information is stored securely and used only for safeguarding, welfare and delivery of Active Starz programmes, in line with our Data Protection and Privacy Policy.

Independent advice & support

If you would like independent guidance on keeping children safe in sport and out-of-school clubs, you can visit the NSPCC Child Protection in Sport pages or the The FA safeguarding information for parents and carers.

Policies & documents

Full safeguarding, Codes of Conduct, Anti-Bullying and Data Protection information will be shared with partner schools and parents before programmes start. You can also read related documents on our Policies page.