The changing rooms in the Academy building are used by academy boys aged 9-18 on Monday, Wednesday and Friday evenings and on some occasions in school holidays. Adults do not use these changing facilities at the same time.

When boys in the age group 9-13- use the changing rooms they are supervised by 2 members of the academy staff. Older boys do not necessarily need this level of supervision but we recommend that a coach should be in the vicinity of the changing room to ensure their welfare is monitored.

If the academy is aware of any boy who feels uncomfortable about changing in front of others no pressure will be placed on him to do so. Instead we encourage him to do so at home. Similarly if we are aware of any boy in care or who has a special need which means they are uncomfortable in a changing room a similar suggestion will be made.

The use of mobile phones/photographic equipment is not allowed in the changing rooms.

The EFL poster “Need Someone To Talk To” is prominent in the entrance to the changing room and includes the name, phone number and e-mail address of the Academy’s welfare and safeguarding officer.

On any occasion when changing facilities are unavailable boys are made aware of this situation beforehand and are advised to come changed and possibly take additional clothing.

On occasions when the Academy uses facilities owned by other groups/local authorities etc it follows the policy laid down by the organisation but in all cases the supervision listed above will apply relating to the age group concerned.