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Safeguarding Policy

At Celtic Warriors: School of Combat, the safety and wellbeing of children and young people is our highest priority. We are committed to creating a safe, respectful and supportive environment and to taking appropriate action if we have concerns about a child’s welfare.

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1) Organisation details

Celtic Warrior Ltd (trading as Celtic Warriors: School of Combat)
Address: Lancaster House, Maes-Y-Coed Road, Llanishen, Cardiff, CF14 4HE
Email: team@celtic-warriors.com
Phone: 07908 897328

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2) Scope (who this applies to)

This policy applies to all staff, coaches, volunteers, sessional workers, contractors, and anyone working on behalf of Celtic Warrior Ltd, and to all children and young people under 18 participating in any of our activities (classes, camps, events, open gym where applicable). It also applies to the children of adults who use our services if they are present on site.

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3) Key safeguarding roles

Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL): Alannah
Email: team@celtic-warriors.com Phone: 07908 897328

Deputy DSL: Tom
Email: team@celtic-warriors.com Phone: 07908 897328

Safeguarding Lead (Director/Trustee): Alannah

All safeguarding concerns must be reported to the DSL (or Deputy DSL if the DSL is unavailable) without delay.

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4) Legal and guidance framework (Wales)

This policy is informed by Welsh safeguarding guidance and local procedures. For Wales-specific safeguarding guidance and links to regional safeguarding boards, see safeguarding.wales and the Cardiff and Vale Safeguarding Board.

Cardiff and Vale Safeguarding Board (general queries): cardiffandvalersb@cardiff.gov.uk / 029 2233 0880

5) What we mean by safeguarding

Safeguarding means:

  • protecting children from maltreatment

  • preventing impairment of children’s health or development

  • ensuring children grow up in safe and effective care

  • taking action to enable all children to have the best outcomes

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6) We believe that

  • children and young people should never experience abuse of any kind

  • we have a responsibility to promote welfare, keep children safe, and practise in a way that protects them

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7) Code of conduct (staff/coaches)

All staff/coaches must:

  • treat children with respect and act as positive role models

  • use clear, appropriate language and maintain professional boundaries

  • avoid being alone 1:1 with a child where possible; where unavoidable, it must be in an open/visible area and reported to the DSL

  • never take a child into private areas (e.g., changing rooms/office) alone

  • never exchange personal contact details with juniors; communications should be with parents/guardians and/or via approved club channels

  • follow club rules on appropriate physical contact (coaching demonstrations should be necessary, explained, and appropriate)

  • not transport a child alone unless formally authorised by the parent/guardian and the club (and only in exceptional circumstances)

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8) Safer recruitment and training

We will:

  • recruit staff and volunteers safely, including appropriate references

  • require enhanced DBS checks for relevant roles (where legally required/appropriate)

  • provide safeguarding induction and ongoing training

  • ensure staff understand how to recognise concerns and what to do

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9) Supervision and ratios

We maintain appropriate supervision for juniors. As a minimum, we aim to have at least two responsible adults (coaches/staff) present for any juniors session.
We also aim for reasonable supervision ratios, adjusted for age, needs, and activity risk.

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10) Photography, video and media

We may take photos/videos during sessions for coaching, safeguarding and promotional purposes.

  • promotional use is based on consent (parent/guardian consent for under-18s)

  • if a child/parent opts out, we will take reasonable steps to avoid filming them and to remove content where practical

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11) CCTV

We use CCTV within the gym premises for safety, security and crime prevention.
CCTV footage is normally retained for 7 days, unless required for an incident/investigation (in which case it may be retained for longer).

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12) Recognising safeguarding concerns

Concerns may relate to (non-exhaustive): physical abuse, emotional abuse, sexual abuse, neglect, bullying, exploitation, online harm, or domestic abuse at home.

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13) What to do if you have a concern about a child

Do not delay. Do not investigate. Do not promise confidentiality.

If a child is in immediate danger or needs urgent medical help:

  • Call 999 immediately

  • then inform the DSL as soon as possible

If you have a safeguarding concern (not immediate danger):

  1. Report it to the DSL/Deputy DSL immediately (same day).

  2. Write a factual record (what you saw/heard, date/time, names, exact words used by the child where relevant).

  3. The DSL will decide next steps, which may include referral to statutory services.

Cardiff safeguarding contacts (children):

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14) If a child discloses abuse to you

Listen calmly. Take them seriously.
Do not ask leading questions.
Reassure them they did the right thing by telling you.
Explain you must share it with the DSL to keep them safe.
Record the disclosure factually and pass it to the DSL immediately.

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15) Allegations or concerns about a staff member/coach/volunteer

Any allegation or concern about an adult working with children must be reported immediately to the DSL (or Deputy/Director if the concern is about the DSL).
We will follow local safeguarding procedures and make referrals to the relevant authorities where required.

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16) Record keeping and confidentiality

We keep safeguarding records securely with restricted access.

  • information is shared only on a need-to-know basis and where necessary to protect a child

  • safeguarding records are retained in line with our retention approach (typically until the child reaches 25 years old, or longer if required for legal/insurance reasons)

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17) Complaints and whistleblowing

If you are unhappy with how a safeguarding issue is handled, you can:

  • raise it with the DSL or Safeguarding Lead

  • contact the Cardiff and Vale Safeguarding Board for procedural information

  • contact the NSPCC Helpline

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18) Review of this policy

This policy is reviewed at least annually and after any significant safeguarding incident or change in guidance.


Last updated: 8 January 2026

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