Parents can encourage their children to take part in activities at Tendring District Council's (TDC) six main leisure facilities knowing they are in safe hands.

The Council has just been awarded a national standard of accreditation for the duty of care it provides young people at the sites.

TDC's Leisure Service applied to SAFE (Safer Activities For Everyone) for the recognition and has just heard that it has been successful.

The accreditation covers Clacton Leisure Centre, Frinton and Walton Swimming Pool, Dovercourt Swimming Pool, Brightlingsea Sports Centre, Harwich Sports Centre and Manningtree Sports Centre.

SAFE - and its standards - are endorsed by the NSPCC Child Protection in Sport Unit. They are designed to help assess risk and develop sound working practices.

The standards cover areas such as child protection, recruitment and induction of all staff, Criminal Records Bureau, training, photography and filming guidance, child/adult ratios, dealing with complaints, whistle blowing and handling allegations, confidentiality and managing difficult behaviours.

The accreditation lasts for one year through until March 2009 and then has to be reapplied for.

Rosie Carter, Project Director for SAFE, said: "We are delighted that Tendring District Council has taken safeguarding children matters very seriously and has met the robust standards and put comprehensive measures in place."

Pierre Oxley, Portfolio Holder for Leisure at TDC, said it was vital that children and young people were able to get involved in sports and leisure activities away from the home in a fun, friendly and protective environment.

"This is very important to the overall well-being, safety and happiness of all our children," he added.

"TDC staff have worked exceedingly hard to achieve these standards and to make sure good working practices are in place and adhered to."

Further details for Tendring District Council's Sports Facilities