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Safeguarding Policy  

1. Introduction   

School Breathe is committed to promoting the safety, wellbeing and protection of all children and young people. As a Community Interest Company training professionals to deliver gentle, regulation-focused breathwork to children, we recognise our responsibility to uphold the highest standards of safeguarding. 

The purpose of this policy is to:

  1. Protect children and young people from harm
  2. Provide coaches in training with clear guidance
  3. Ensure legal and ethical compliance in all training and delivery
  4. Introduce a trauma-informed, child-centred practice
  5. This policy applies to all School Breathe staff, directors, coaches in training, certified coaches and volunteers

2. Guiding Principles

School Breathe follows these safeguarding principles:

  • The welfare of the child is paramount
    All children - regardless of gender, ability, culture, or background - have a right to be protected
  • All adults working with School Breathe have a responsibility to safeguard
  • Children must be treated with dignity, respect and sensitivity
  • Breathwork sessions are delivered in a calm, safe, non-triggering, trauma-aware manner
  • Concerns about a child’s welfare will always be taken seriously and signposted appropriately

3. Scope of This Policy

This policy covers safeguarding in:

  • School-based breathwork sessions
  • Online sessions with children
  • Communications, marketing and data handling
  • Any event or any other activity delivered in the name of School Breathe teaching
  • School Breathe exercises and techniques only

4. Safeguarding & Child Protection Policies in the UK

School Breathe CIC maintains a Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) responsible for training quality and safeguarding oversight. DSL responsibilities:

  • Overseeing safeguarding procedures within School Breathe CIC
  • Responding to concerns raised during training or School Breathe–led activities
  • Liaising with external agencies as appropriate
  • Conducting annual safeguarding policy reviews
  • Ensuring trainees meet all safeguarding requirements prior to teaching
    Safeguarding for Certified Coaches 

Once certified, coaches operate independently. The following policies apply:

A. Coaches Working in Schools/Educational Settings

Certified coaches must:

  1. Follow the safeguarding policies of the host school/organisation
  2. Maintain up-to-date DBS (or equivalent) checks
  3. Know local procedures for reporting safeguarding concerns
  4. Adhere to school protocols regarding behaviour, supervision and communication
  5. School Breathe CIC does not hold safeguarding responsibility once coaches are independently contracted by schools

B. Coaches Working in Non-Educational Settings

Certified coaches delivering sessions outside schools must:

  1. Ensure they comply with laws and safeguarding requirements for children
  2. Obtain appropriate background checks if working with minors
  3. Follow safeguarding procedures of the venue or organisation
  4. Have clear reporting pathways for concerns in self-organised groups

Please note:
Once School Breathe Coaches are certified and operating independently, they are responsible for their own safeguarding compliance, legal obligations and background checks. They must follow the safeguarding policies and procedures of the schools or organisations they work with, and they do not fall under the safeguarding governance of School Breathe CIC.  

5. Recruitment & Training

As a certified School Breathe Breath Coach, in certain settings, you will require:

Enhanced DBS checks for UK coaches
Criminal background checks for all international coaches
Child protection training (NSPCC or equivalent)
Read and adhere Coach Code of Ethics
Insurance for working with children
Clear induction into safeguarding procedures

6. Safe Delivery of Breathwork Sessions

  • Only gentle, child-appropriate breathwork is taught
  • No hyperventilation, intense catharsis, or emotionally provocative techniques
  • No physical touching of children. We have 'Kind Heart, No Hands' policy
  • Sessions must be conducted where another responsible adult (teacher or parent) is present
  • Coaches must consider SEN and sensory needs when teaching
  • Children are not pressured to participate or perform
  • Coaches must monitor emotional safety at all times

7. Recognising Abuse or Harm

Coaches must complete a Safeguarding Course [we recommend NSPCC Learning] understand indicators of:

  • physical abuse
  • emotional abuse
    neglect
  • sexual abuse
  • bullying/online harm
  • self-harm or emotional distress

Any concerns should be raised immediately with: a Designated Safeguarding Lead

8. Reporting Procedures

If a coach has concerns about a child:

  • Ensure immediate safety - if in immediate danger, call emergency services
  • Inform the school’s DSL immediately
    Notify School Breathe’s DSL (during training)
  • Record the incident clearly and factually
    Do not question the child, investigate or promise confidentiality
  • Failure to follow reporting procedures may result in removal from certification

9. Online Safety

For online sessions with children:

  • must include an adult present (parent/teacher/carer)
  • sessions should not be recorded unless explicit written consent is given
  • coaches must use secure platforms
  • communication with children must only occur via adults/guardian contacts

10. Data Protection & Privacy

School Breathe complies with GDPR and only collects data necessary for:

  • safeguarding
  • training administration
  • certification
  • communication with parents/teachers
  • no unauthorised child data is shared or used for marketing

11. Allegations Against Trainees or Coaches

During training or School Breathe–supervised sessions, any allegations of inappropriate conduct will be taken seriously, and the trainee may be suspended pending investigation. Appropriate authorities will be informed.

Once a coach is certified and operating independently, School Breathe is not responsible for their safeguarding compliance or for handling allegations. Certified coaches must follow the safeguarding policies of the schools or organisations they work for and comply with local laws and reporting requirements.

12. Policy Review

This policy will be reviewed annually or sooner if:

  • legislation changes
  • safeguarding guidance updates
  • organisational needs evolve

  

End of PolicyÂ