Last updated: 9th January 2026
Review schedule: Annually
Policy owner: Bex Hogan

1. Policy Statement

IGNITE Defence is committed to providing a safe, supportive, and empowering environment for all children who attend my sessions. I recognise my responsibility to safeguard and promote the welfare of children and young people and I follow clear policies and procedures to ensure their safety, dignity, and wellbeing at all times.

2. Scope of This Policy

This policy applies to:

- all children attending IGNITE Defence sessions

- all parents/carers

- the instructor

- any volunteers or assistants (if/when applicable)

- any individuals present in the session environment

3. Programme Overview

IGNITE Defence delivers confidence-led self-protection training to children aged 5–11. Sessions are age-appropriate and include:

- confidence and voice work

- emotional and social safety skills

- boundary setting

- body awareness

- physical self-protection techniques as a last resort

- activities aligned with PSHE curriculum themes

IGNITE Defence is not combat training and does not involve sparring, competitive fighting, or aggressive drills.

4. Legal & Regulatory Framework

We operate in line with:

- Working Together to Safeguard Children (HM Government)

- Keeping Children Safe in Education (DfE)

- Children Act 1989 & 2004

- Data Protection Act 2018 & UK GDPR

- NSPCC safeguarding guidance

- Local authority safeguarding procedures

5. Instructor Responsibilities

The lead instructor (Bex Hogan):

- holds an Enhanced DBS certificate

- holds public liability insurance covering children’s activities

- has safeguarding awareness training

- follows this safeguarding policy at all times

- maintains professional boundaries

- responds to concerns promptly and appropriately

6. Ratios & Supervision

Sessions operate at a ratio that ensures safe supervision. Parents/carers do not attend sessions unless discussed and agreed on a case-by-case basis for the wellbeing of the child.

During sessions:

- the instructor is responsible for all children present

- children remain under supervision from arrival until formal handover at dismissal

7. Arrival & Collection

IGNITE operates a drop-off and collection model.

Parents/carers must:

- escort their child to the designated session entrance

- collect their child at the end of the session

Children will only be dismissed to:

- the parent/carer listed on the consent form, or

- an authorised adult named in advance, or

- independently (older group only) if parental consent has been provided in writing

Late collection should be communicated via the contact details provided.

8. Behaviour & Boundaries

IGNITE Defence maintains a respectful, non-aggressive, inclusive environment. Children are expected to:

- treat others respectfully

- follow instructor direction

- refrain from unsafe physical behaviour

- refrain from bullying, exclusion, or harassment

If behaviour compromises safety:

- the instructor may intervene,

- parents may be contacted,

- and in cases of persistent unsafe behaviour, participation may be discontinued.

9. Physical Contact

Physical contact may be required for instructional purposes.

IGNITE Defence commits to ensuring that:

- contact is age-appropriate and explained to the child beforehand

- contact is demonstrative, not punitive

- alternatives are offered if a child is uncomfortable

- contact is limited to appropriate areas such as hands, arms, shoulders, or upper back

- children may decline physical contact without penalty

There is no sparring, striking against peers, or contact fighting.

10. Physical Safety & Risk Reduction

We take reasonable steps to reduce risk including:

- visual inspection of the training environment

- removal or mitigation of hazards

- age-appropriate teaching progressions

- structured warm-ups and controlled practice

- use of pads, not partners, for physical drills

However, minor bumps and scrapes may occur as part of physical activity and cannot be entirely eliminated.

11. Medical & Additional Needs

Parents/carers must disclose relevant:

- medical conditions

- allergies

- SEN/ASN information

- sensory sensitivities

- behavioural information

- neurodivergent needs

- medication requirements

This ensures children can be supported safely and appropriately.

12. Neurodiversity & Inclusion

IGNITE Defence welcomes neurodivergent children and aims to support diverse sensory, communication, and learning needs. Adjustments may include:

- reduced sensory input

- clear predictable instructions

- opt-out or pause options

- regulated breaks

Parents are encouraged to share any strategies that support their child’s regulation.

13. Disclosures & Safeguarding Concerns

If a child discloses harm or a safeguarding concern, the instructor will:

- listen without judgement

- record the disclosure factually

- reassure the child that they have done the right thing

- avoid making promises that cannot be kept

- escalate appropriately to safeguarding authorities if required

- inform parents unless this places the child at further risk

The instructor does not investigate safeguarding matters, appropriate agencies do.

14. Photography & Media

Photography and filming are opt-in only and require explicit consent on the registration form.

Parents may choose:

- full consent

- limited consent (non-identifiable/group only)

- no consent

Images will not be shared without consent and will not include children’s names or identifying details.

15. Data Protection & Privacy

IGNITE Defence complies with UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018.

We only collect information necessary for:

- safeguarding

- communication

- session delivery

- emergency contact

Data is:

- stored securely

- accessed only by the instructor

- not shared with third parties

- retained only for as long as necessary

- disposed of securely

16. Accident & Incident Procedure

In the event of an accident:

- first aid (if applicable) will be administered

- the incident will be documented

- parents will be informed on collection or immediately for more serious issues

- emergency services will be contacted if required

17. Complaints & Concerns

Parents may raise concerns verbally or in writing. I aim to resolve concerns promptly and professionally.

18. Policy Review

This policy is reviewed annually or earlier if:

- legislation changes

- safeguarding guidance changes

- programme delivery changes