1. This policy sets out the club’s commitment to welcoming, including and safeguarding children with disabilities. The club believes that every child has the right to enjoy cricket in a safe, supportive and accessible environment, and we will take positive steps to remove barriers to participation.
2. The club will:
a. Welcome children with any disability, visible or hidden.
b. Treat every child as an individual with unique strengths, needs and preferences.
c. Work in partnership with parents, carers and the child to understand how best to support them.
d. Make reasonable adjustments to ensure inclusion in training, matches and social activities.
e. Ensure safeguarding practices fully reflect the needs of children with disabilities. f. Promote a culture where difference is respected and valued.
3. For the purposes of this policy, disability includes (but is not limited to):
a. Physical impairments.
b. Sensory impairments (eg, hearing or visual).
c. Learning disabilities.
d. Neurodivergence (eg, autism, ADHD).
e. Long-term health conditions.
f. Mental health conditions.
4. We recognise that many disabilities are not immediately visible and that children may require support that is not obvious to others.
5. The club will take practical steps to ensure children with disabilities can participate fully, including:
a. Adapting coaching methods to suit different learning styles and abilities
b. Allowing additional time for activities where needed
c. Modifying equipment (e.g., softer balls, larger balls, visual markers)
d. Adjusting training drills to ensure safe and meaningful involvement
e. Providing accessible communication formats where required
f. Ensuring facilities are as accessible as reasonably possible
6. Coaches and volunteers will be encouraged to focus on what each child can do and build from there.
7. Parents and carers are key partners in supporting their child’s involvement. The club will:
a. Invite parents/carers to share relevant information about their child’s needs.
b. Agree reasonable adjustments collaboratively.
c. Review arrangements regularly.
d. Respect confidentiality and handle personal information sensitively.
8. Where appropriate, the child will be involved in decisions about their participation and support.
9. Children with disabilities may be at increased risk of harm or exclusion. The club will:
a. Ensure all safeguarding procedures apply equally to children with disabilities.
b. Provide additional supervision where needed.
c. Ensure communication is clear, accessible and adapted to the child’s needs.
d. Be alert to signs of bullying, isolation or misunderstanding.
e. Ensure personal care (if ever required) is delivered safely, respectfully and with parental consent.
f. Ensure transport arrangements prioritise safety and dignity.
10. All coaches and volunteers will be encouraged to undertake disability-awareness and inclusive-coaching training.
11. The club recognises that some children may express frustration, anxiety or sensory overload through behaviour. We will:
a. Respond with patience, understanding and consistency.
b. Avoid punitive responses to behaviour linked to disability.
c. Agree strategies with parents/carers to support the child effectively.
d. Provide quiet spaces or breaks where needed.
12. The club will not tolerate:
a. Bullying, teasing or exclusion.
b. Discriminatory language or behaviour.
c. Any conduct that undermines a child’s dignity or confidence.
13. All concerns will be addressed promptly and sensitively.
14. Club Committee. The Club Management Committee will:
a. Ensure inclusion and safeguarding are embedded in club culture.
b. Provide training opportunities for coaches and volunteers.
c. Review accessibility and inclusion regularly.
15. Coaches and Volunteers. Club Officials, Coaches and Volunteers will:
a. Deliver inclusive coaching.
b. Make reasonable adjustments.
c. Communicate clearly and respectfully.
d. Report concerns promptly.
16. Parents, Carers and Members. The club expects Parents, Carers and Members to:
a. Support the club’s inclusive ethos.
b. Treat all children with respect.
c. Work collaboratively with coaches and volunteers.
17. Any concerns about a child’s wellbeing, safety or inclusion should be reported to the Club Safeguarding Officer. All concerns will be taken seriously and handled in line with safeguarding procedures.
18. This policy will be reviewed annually or sooner if guidance changes. Feedback from children, parents and coaches will be welcomed to help improve our approach.
19. The club aims to create a cricket environment where:
a. Every child feels welcome.
b. Every child can participate meaningfully.
c. Every child is safe, supported and valued.
20. Inclusion strengthens our club and enriches our cricket community. See also the club’s Charter and Equality Policy Statement
Chair
Wendover Cricket Club
