Paramount to all Stage One operations is the safety and welfare of our members.

 

Stage One operates under strict practice guidelines (See Good Practice Guidelines below).

 

All our Stage One staff undergo enhanced DBS (formally CRB) checks.

 

Staff are required to complete regular courses in child protection, through our head of safeguarding.

 

Regular risk assessments and First Aid training are carried out.

 

Stage One holds full public liability insurance.

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Good Practice Guidelines

 

All personnel should be encouraged to demonstrate exemplary behaviour.

 

The following are common sense examples of how to create a positive culture and climate.

 

Working Within Good practice means:

 

• The Welfare of Children is always the primary concern.

• All children have the right to be protected from abuse regardless of their age, culture, disability, gender, language, racial origin, socio-economic status, religious belief and/or sexual identity.

• Always working in an open environment (e.g. avoiding private or unobserved situations and encouraging open communication with no secrets).

• Treating all young people with respect and dignity. 

• Keep a register of every child involved with Stage One Theatre School including relevant medical details and have a contact name and number close to hand in case of emergencies. 

• Respect confidentiality and only share information/concerns with the people who need to know in order to protect the child.

• Building relationships based on mutual trust, which empowers children to share in the decision-making process.

• Making activities fun, enjoyable and promoting fair play, without prejudice.

• Ensuring that if any form of manual/physical support is required, it should be provided openly and appropriately. Care is needed, as it is difficult to position hands appropriately in certain circumstances. Some parents are becoming increasingly sensitive about manual support and their views should always be carefully considered.

• Giving enthusiastic and constructive feedback rather than negative criticism.

• Keeping a written record of any incident or accident that occurs, along with the details of any treatment given.

• Take action to stop any inappropriate verbal or physical behaviour including bullying. 

• Take all concerns/allegations seriously and respond appropriately in line with these and Essex County Council’s Child Protection Procedures. We will refer not to investigate. 

• Encourage parents to become involved in Stage One Theatre School and, when requested, provide them with copies of all guidelines and procedures. 

 

Review

This Policy and its Procedures will be regularly monitored and reviewed: 

When there is a change in legislation or guidance on the Protection of Children or changes within Stage One Theatre School. 

Following any issues or concerns raised about the Protection of Children within Stage One Theatre School. 

In all other circumstances and at least annually. 

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Child Protection Code of Conduct:

Stage One Theatre School should: 

• Always put the care, welfare and safety needs of a child first. 

• Respect a child’s right to be involved in making choices and decisions which directly affect them. 

• Respect a child’s culture (e.g. faith and religious beliefs) and right to privacy and personal space. 

• Respond sensitively to children who seem anxious about participating in certain activities. 

• Speak to someone in charge immediately if you are worried about a child. 

• Be aware and sensitive to the vulnerabilities of some children e.g. children with disability; children from ethnic minorities, same sex families etc. 

• Avoid being alone with children out of class time. Ensure that when working with children you are at least within sight and hearing of other adults. 

• Listen carefully to any child who ‘tells you’ they are being harmed and report immediately to the person in charge. 

• Never dismiss what a child tells you as ‘lies’ or exaggeration. 

• Always set an example you would wish others to follow. 

• Always give constructive feedback and not negative criticism 

• Always ensure that first aid is administered by people who have relevant training.

 

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