WILMSLOW GREENROOM SOCIETY

Child Protection Policyrevised October 2015

Revised edition - May 2017

A young person is defined as a child if they are under the age of 17 and of compulsory school age until the last Friday in June following their 16th birthday.

POLICY STATEMENT

  • WGRS recognises that it has a duty through its staff members, executive committee, directorial and production teams and volunteers to protect from abuse children with whom they come into contact.
  • WGRS recognises that abuse can take many forms and acknowledges the four categories of abuse as identified in the 1989 Children Act:

Physical Abuse

Sexual Abuse

Emotional Abuse

Neglect

  • WGRS Child Protection Policy is based on the understanding and recognition that all children involved in the activities of WGRS have the right to be protected from abuse or harm.
  • Children will be treated with respect at all times.
  • Children have the right to express their views on any issues or decisions that affect them.
  • Members of WGRS and non-members using the theatre have the responsibility to be aware of, and adhere to, the Child Protection Policy and Procedure of WGRS.
  • WGRS will appoint a Child Protection Officer from its membership who will have responsibility for child protection policies and their implementation.
  • WGRS will ensure that every member of staff and volunteer knows the name of the designated members responsible for child protection and their roles.

Appendix 1

Child Protection Policy:

  • A copy of this Policy will be displayed on the members’ notice board.
  • The director and stage manager working on plays with children in the cast will be given a copy of the Policy.
  • Officers of the Society will be given a copy of the Policy.
  • All adults working with children in the theatre should have a copy of the Policy and be made aware of the identity of the Child Protection Officer.
  • It is the duty of the Child Protection Officerand theExecutiveCommittee of WGRS to update and, if necessary, amend the Policy annually.

Appendix 2

It is the responsibility of the Child Protection Officer:

  • To ensure that all adult volunteer chaperones have up to date DBS statements;
  • To organise the correct number of volunteer chaperones for all productions involving children. The correct ratio is 1:12;
  • To provide guidelines for volunteer chaperones;
  • To keep written records of concerns about children, even where there is no need to refer the matter immediately;
  • To develop and then follow procedures where an allegation is made against a member of staff or volunteer.

Appendix 3

To support this Policy, records of the following information should be kept:

  • Times and duration of rehearsals and performances.
  • Contact numbers, more than one, names and addresses of emergency contacts for each child.
  • Confidential recording of any relevant medical information regarding allergies or other health issues.
  • An accident book.
  • Register and recording of time of arrival and departure of each child to and from the theatre.
  • Name of adult collecting child from theatre at the end of rehearsals and performances.
  • Parents should be informed in writing of the names of the chaperones for each performance.

Appendix 4

Protecting children is everybody’s responsibility.

  • Be prepared to think the unthinkable
  • Share your concerns
  • Challenge inappropriate behaviour.
  • Get a satisfactory response.
  • Don’t let matters rest.
  • You can make a difference.

What to do if you suspect abuse.

  • Any person who has knowledge or suspicion that a child is being abused or is at risk of abuse has a duty to refer their own concerns to one or more of the agencies with statutory duties and/or powers to investigate or intervene. This can be done by informing the Child Protection Officer as soon as possible, within 24 hours at the very latest.
  • These Agencies are: The Cheshire East Social Services, NSPCC, or the Police.
  • Don’t ask a child leading questions or prompt the child in any way. It is vital that you do not influence the child.
  • Suspected neglect of a child is similar in procedure to those of suspected physical abuse. Consideration of the child’s health and welfare is paramount. Record factuallyyour observations and communicate your concerns to the social services.
  • In cases of emotional abuse record objectively what you have seen or heard, where, when and how the incidents occurred.
  • The child should not be given an absolute guarantee of confidentiality, even if this is demanded as a precondition of disclosure. It should be explained to the child that telling certain other people may be necessary in order to protect him/her. The child should be reassured that any subsequent actions taken will be discussed with him/her at each stage of the process.

It is recommended that any early discussion with the child should, as far as possible, adhere to the following basic principles:

  1. Listen to the child rather than directly question him or her.
  2. Never stop a child who is freely recalling significant events.
  3. Make a note of the discussion taking care to record the timing, setting and personnel present as well as what was said

Appendix 5

Good practice guidelines :

  • Be very aware of the tone of your voice and body language when giving instructions or advice.
  • Never use physical or aggressively vocal forms of discipline.
  • Be very clear about the motivation and purpose of physical contact.
  • Ensure that another adult is present when working with children.
  • Recognise that all children have a right to privacy. Do not disturb them when washing or toileting.
  • Beware of causing embarrassment in the dressing room. Do not leave your designated dressing area in a state of undress.
  • Designated chaperones will be appointed to be responsible for specific children.
  • Each child should be aware of who their nominated person is and that they can speak in confidence should the need arise.
  • Do not touch inappropriately or intrusively any young person or be sexually suggestive or provocative, even in fun.
  • Be aware that your actions or words, however well-intentioned, may be misinterpreted by children.
  • Do not ridicule, reject or mock a young person in any way.
  • Do not show favouritism to one child in particular and do not allow children to involve you in excessive attention seeking that is overtly physical or sexual in nature.

Appendix 6

Guidelines for Chaperones.

Your FIRST responsibility is to the child or children in your care. While you arechaperoning you should not be performing any other duties. Chaperones act in “loco parentis” and should exercise the care that a good parent might be reasonable expected to give to that child or children.

Responsibilities of a WGRS Chaperone

  • Make sure that you have read the WGRS Child Protection Policy, paying particular attention to Appendix 5 and Appendix 6.
  • You should be with the child at all times in the stage area or dressing room and duringbreaks. You are the key person to whom the child looks for protection, clarification and support.
  • The law states that the maximum number of children in your care should not exceed 12.
  • You should keep records of any injuries and/or accidents to the child while they are in your care.
  • At no time should a child perform when unwell, if a child falls ill while in your care, medical assistance should be gained and the parent/guardian informed immediately. Always have the contact number for parents available. Be aware of any relevant medical background and any allergies.
  • Keep a record of the child’s arrival and departure time to and from the theatre. In the case of matinee and subsequent evening performances a record of break times should be kept.
  • At the end of each performance, make sure that appropriate collection arrangements have been set in place and do not allow any child to leave the premises alone unless sanctioned in writing by the parent/guardian. Liaise with the Stage Manager for a check in/out list.
  • If in doubt contact the Child Protection Officer, Diana Boswell on 01565 873481.

Appendix 7

Parental Involvement.

  • It is important that there should be a partnership between parents or guardians and WGRS.
  • All parents/guardians will be informed of this policy and will be supplied with a copy if requested.
  • Parents/Guardians are responsible for arranging transportation for their children to and from rehearsals and performances.
  • A written confirmation will be obtained from the parent or guardian that the child is in good health and is fit to take part in the production.

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