Safeguarding Policy

Introduction

Arte Pura Capoeira is committed to creating a safe and inclusive environment where children, young people, and vulnerable adults can engage in Capoeira free from harm, abuse, or discrimination. Our safeguarding policy ensures that all participants are protected, and any concerns regarding their welfare are handled appropriately.

This policy follows UK safeguarding laws, including the Children Act 1989 & 2004, the Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006, and the Working Together to Safeguard Children (2023) guidance.

All Arte Pura Capoeira staff and instructors understand their responsibility to identify child welfare concerns and act accordingly.
Staff are not responsible for investigating suspected abuse but must report concerns to the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL).
The DSL oversees safeguarding and child protection, ensuring concerns are addressed following legal guidelines.
We are committed to protecting children from maltreatment, ensuring their well-being, and enabling them to thrive in a safe and supportive environment.

Recognising Abuse and Neglect

Abuse is any action or lack of action that harms a child. It can occur in different forms:

Emotional Abuse: Making a child feel worthless or unloved, leading to negative self-esteem.
Physical Abuse: Causing physical harm, such as hitting, shaking, or burning.
Sexual Abuse: Forcing or encouraging a child to engage in sexual activities.
Neglect: Failing to meet a child’s basic physical and emotional needs, such as food, shelter, or supervision.

Signs of Abuse

Possible indicators of abuse include:

✔ Significant changes in behavior

✔ Unexplained bruises or marks

✔ Comments that raise concern

✔ Signs of neglect, such as poor hygiene or malnutrition

✔ Inappropriate behavior from an adult towards a child

Peer-on-Peer Abuse

Children may also be at risk from their peers. Staff will take all instances of peer-on-peer abuse seriously, including:

Bullying or cyberbullying
Physical violence between young people
Sexual harassment or inappropriate behavior
Coercion, threats, or exploitation

Our instructors actively monitor group interactions and will intervene when necessary to prevent harm.

Preventing Radicalisation and Extremism

Arte Pura Capoeira has a legal duty to protect children from radicalisation. Some risk factors include:

✔ Feeling alienated or isolated

✔ Searching for a sense of belonging

✔ Exposure to extremist materials or individuals

Warning Signs

⚠ Sudden changes in behavior

⚠ Expressing extremist views

⚠ Viewing or sharing violent extremist content

If a child is at risk, we will follow the appropriate safeguarding procedures and report concerns to the relevant authorities.

Responding to Allegations Against Staff

If an allegation is made against a staff member:

The incident will be reported to the DSL immediately.
The DSL will record the details and inform the appropriate authorities, such as the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO).
If necessary, the staff member may be suspended pending investigation.
If required, a referral will be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).

Staff Training and Awareness

All Arte Pura Capoeira instructors and staff receive safeguarding training to ensure they:

✔ Recognize signs of abuse and neglect

✔ Understand their legal responsibilities

✔ Know how to report concerns

✔ Follow safe recruitment practices

Safeguarding is a core part of our training; all staff must refresh their knowledge regularly.

Use of Photos, Videos, and Mobile Phones

Photographs or videos of children will only be taken with parental permission.
Images will not be shared publicly without consent.
Mobile phones should only be used for emergency contact or class-related communication.

Safeguarding Procedures

If a child discloses abuse:

✔ Stay calm and listen

✔ Reassure the child and take them seriously

✔ Do not investigate—pass the information to the DSL

✔ Record the disclosure and report it immediately

If a Concern is Raised

The instructor must report the concern to the DSL immediately.
If the child is at immediate risk, call 999.
If concerns are serious but not urgent, the DSL will contact local safeguarding teams.

Action Taken

The DSL will:

✔ Review the case and monitor the child’s well-being

✔ Contact parents (if appropriate)

✔ Refer to social services if needed

All records of safeguarding concerns and decisions made will be confidentially stored.

Contact Information for Safeguarding Concerns

If you have concerns about a child’s safety, please contact:

Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL): Ingrid Santos 07379150044

Local Authority Safeguarding Team

Social Care: fsd@merton.gov.uk

LADO (Local Authority Designated Officer): Jody Khan 02085453170

Police: 101 (non-emergency) or 999 (emergency)

Anti-terrorist hotline: 0800 789 321

NSPCC: 0808 800 500

Ofsted: 0300 123 1231

At Arte Pura Capoeira, safeguarding is at the heart of everything we do. We ensure all participants can learn and grow through Capoeira by fostering a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment.