Practical Guidance

St Martins Karate Carnforth practical guidance explains the day-to-day procedures we follow for photography, social media, travel, collection and related club activities.

Everyday guidance for a safe and welcoming club

This page explains the practical arrangements followed across St Martins Junior Karate Club and St Martins Karate Carnforth. These arrangements help protect children and adults, support clear communication and make sure everyone knows what is expected.

The guidance should be read alongside our safeguarding policies, codes of conduct and other club procedures. Parents, carers and members should speak to an instructor if they are unsure about any arrangement or need additional support.

Download Practical Safeguarding Arrangements

Photography and video

Photographs and videos may be taken during classes, gradings, events and other club activities for appropriate club purposes, including publicity, social media, the club website and celebrating members’ achievements.

We follow these arrangements:

Consent for photography and video is collected through the membership process.
Parents and carers may photograph or record their own child, provided this does not disrupt the class or include other children inappropriately.
No photography or filming is permitted in toilets or changing areas.
Images should be appropriate, respectful and connected to legitimate club activity.
Public posts normally use first names only.
Where two members have the same first name, an initial may be added where necessary.
Personal information that could identify a child’s address, school, routine or private circumstances will not be published.
Instructors may use a personal phone to take approved club photographs, but images should be deleted from the device after they have been transferred or uploaded for the agreed purpose.
Anyone who does not wish to be photographed or filmed should tell an instructor.

Concerns about the use of an image or video should be raised promptly with the club.

Social media

The club uses social media to share news, celebrate achievements, promote events and provide general information.

When using social media:

Club posts must be suitable, respectful and connected to club activity.
Children should not be contacted privately through personal social media accounts by instructors or adult volunteers.
Communication involving children should normally take place through parents, carers or approved club channels.
Members, parents and carers should avoid posting content that could embarrass, identify or place another child at risk.
Photographs or videos involving other members should not be posted without appropriate permission.
Bullying, harassment, discriminatory comments, threats or inappropriate messages will not be accepted.
Safeguarding concerns should not be discussed publicly on social media.
Any concern should be reported directly through the club’s safeguarding arrangements.

Club social media accounts are for appropriate club communication and are not a substitute for emergency or safeguarding reporting.

Travel, arrival and collection

Parents and carers remain responsible for making suitable arrangements for children to arrive at and leave club activities safely.

The following arrangements apply:

Children should arrive in time for the start of the session.
A parent or carer should make sure the class is taking place and that an appropriate instructor is present before leaving a child.
Parents and carers are responsible for making suitable arrangements for their child to travel to and from training.
Children may leave independently where prior written permission has been provided by a parent or carer.
Members leaving independently must tell an instructor before they leave.
Where a child is being collected, they will not be released to an unfamiliar or unauthorised person until arrangements have been confirmed.
Parents and carers should tell the club about any changes to collection or travel arrangements.
Children should not be left unsupervised outside the venue before or after a session unless this forms part of an agreed independent-travel arrangement.
If travel or transport is provided by an instructor or volunteer, suitable arrangements and permissions must be in place.
For organised trips, competitions or events, separate information and consent arrangements may be provided.

Carnforth Civic Hall, home of St Martins Karate Carnforth

Changing arrangements

Members are encouraged to arrive wearing their karate uniform wherever possible.

At the club’s usual venues:

Members should avoid unnecessary changing at the venue.
Toilets should not routinely be used as shared changing areas.
The accessible toilet may be used as a private changing space by one person at a time where necessary.
Adults and children should not change together in the same space.
Parents or carers should support younger children where assistance is needed.
No photography or filming is permitted in any changing or toilet area.
Personal belongings should be kept securely and should not obstruct exits or training areas.
Any concern about privacy, dignity or changing arrangements should be raised with an instructor..

Reasonable adjustments will be considered where a member has additional needs, a disability or another individual requirement.