This policy sets out the rules for children who attend Fit AS Gym with a parent, carer or responsible adult outside a dedicated children's class. It replaces the previous arrangement that allowed mobile children to remain in controlled areas of the gym floor.

The gym is primarily an adult training environment containing heavy and moving equipment. Children may only be present where the controls below are followed at all times.

Children accompanying an adult member or client must not be loose, seated, playing or moving around on the gym floor.

· Mobile children must remain in the reception area, under the direct responsibility of their parent/carer.

· Babies or young children who are unable to remain safely in reception may be secured in a suitable pushchair/pram, with straps correctly fastened, positioned in a designated safe place away from weights, machines, walkways, doors and emergency exits.

· A pushchair must never obstruct a fire route, access door, equipment area or circulation space.

· Children must not use, touch, climb on or play with gym equipment.

· Children must not enter lifting zones, machine areas, the functional training area or studio unless taking part in an organised session under the relevant class arrangements.

The parent/carer remains responsible for the child at all times. Fit AS staff, personal trainers and instructors are not providing babysitting or childcare as part of ordinary gym attendance.

· The parent/carer must maintain effective supervision and be able to respond immediately if the child needs assistance.

· A child must not be left at Fit AS while the parent/carer leaves the premises.

· If a child cannot remain safely in reception or secured in a pushchair as required, the parent/carer must stop training and remove the child from the premises.

· Parents/carers must follow any reasonable safety instruction given by staff.

· Children in reception must not be allowed to access the staircase, gym floor or studio unsupervised.

· Controlled-access doors must be kept shut as required by the gym's security procedures.

· Fire exits and escape routes must remain immediately usable and must never be obstructed by a pushchair, bag, toy or other item.

· Children must not be allowed to open external or internal access doors for other people.

Dedicated children's classes are governed by the separate Fit AS Gym Safeguarding & Children's Classes Policy. The rules in that policy take priority during organised children's sessions.

Hazard/Risk/Control

Heavy weights and machines

Crush, impact or entrapment injury

Children kept off gym floor; no equipment   access.

Moving members / functional equipment

Collision or trip injury

Children remain in reception or secured   pushchair away from activity.

Stairs / exits

Fall or child leaving premises

Direct parent responsibility;   access-controlled doors; no unsupervised movement.

Pushchairs / belongings

Blocked route or trip hazard

Position only in designated safe   location; keep escape routes clear.

Loss of supervision

Child enters unsafe area

Parent must stop training if effective   supervision cannot be maintained.

Staff have authority to intervene immediately where a child is not being kept in accordance with this policy. Staff may require the child to be moved to reception, secured safely in a pushchair, or removed from the premises. Training may be stopped where necessary to protect the child or other users.

· Any accident or near miss involving a child must be reported to management and recorded.

· First aid must be provided where appropriate and the parent/carer informed immediately.

· Any safeguarding concern must be handled under the Fit AS Gym Safeguarding & Children's Classes Policy.

· Staff will enforce this policy consistently.

· The policy will be reviewed following any relevant incident or change to the premises.

· Formal review will take place at least annually.