Child Protection & Safeguarding Policy

Brooke House Academy is committed to providing a safe and supportive environment for all students.

Student safety and wellbeing are fundamental responsibilities of every employee, coach, contractor and volunteer.

BHA will:

• Maintain appropriate supervision of students.
• Require applicable background screening for personnel.
• Promote safe and professional staff-student relationships.
• Respond promptly to concerns about student welfare.
• Maintain appropriate procedures for campus and off-campus activities.
• Protect students from abuse, exploitation, harassment and intimidation.
• Cooperate with relevant safeguarding authorities.

Employees and coaches must maintain professional boundaries with students.

Private meetings, electronic communications, transportation arrangements and off-campus interactions must follow academy procedures.

Staff must not engage in inappropriate personal or sexual relationships with students.

Students and parents are encouraged to report concerns to academy leadership.

Concerns may include:

• Suspected abuse or neglect.
• Inappropriate staff behaviour.
• Threats or intimidation.
• Sexual misconduct.
• Unsafe supervision.
• Bullying or harassment.
• Other circumstances affecting student safety.

Immediate danger: Call 911.

Suspected child abuse or neglect: Contact the Florida Abuse Hotline at 1-800-962-2873 or use the appropriate Florida DCF reporting channel.

Reports to BHA do not replace mandatory reporting to external authorities.

BHA will take appropriate protective measures, document concerns, preserve confidentiality where possible and cooperate with external investigations.

Students who report safeguarding concerns in good faith will not be subjected to retaliation.

This policy applies to:

• Daily training.
• Competitive matches.
• Showcases and tournaments.
• Transportation.
• International tours.
• Residential and off-campus activities organized by BHA.

Additional activity-specific supervision and safeguarding arrangements may apply.

Safeguarding procedures will be reviewed regularly and updated when required.