Newcastle-under-Lyme Festival for Music, Speech and Drama

SAFEGUARDING AND CHILD PROTECTION POLICY
(updated 2021, amended 2023)

 

CHAIRPERSON                   Liz Richardson             2024 DATES     15^th and 16th  March

FESTIVALPRESIDENT       Margaret Tebby                                

TREASURER                        Jane Harrop

 

VENUE:        

Clayton Hall Academy, Clayton Lane, Newcastle under Lyme, ST5 3DN

DEFINITION: Safeguarding is the action that is taken to promote the welfare of children and protect them from harm.   Child Protection is part of the safeguarding process and focuses on protecting individual children. For the purposes of this policy a child is a person under the age of 18 years.

 

INTRODUCTORY STATEMENT:  The safety of children and members of other vulnerable groups is paramount and all, without exception, have the right to protection from abuse.   All suspicions and allegations of abuse will be taken seriously and responded to swiftly and appropriately, and all the charity’s trustees and volunteers have a responsibility to report concerns.

 

DESIGNATED SAFEGUARDING LEAD  –

Mr Daniel Keen, 29 Cranfield Drive, Alsager  ST7 2LQ  (07835 316639)

 

DESIGNATED DEPUTY SAFEGUARDING LEAD –

Mrs Elizabeth Richardson, 20 Clowes Avenue, Alsager, Stoke on Trent  ST7 2RL   (07532 008500)

 

NSPCC – 0808 800 5000

Emergency Duty Team - 0345 604 2886.

 

1. PURPOSE AND FUNCTION OF THE FESTIVAL

‘The object of the Festival shall be to advance the education of the public in the Arts, and in particular the Arts of Music, Speech and Drama in all their branches’ (Festival Constitution.  

The Festival provides a public platform for amateur performance, for soloists and groups, combined with an educational element from professional adjudicators. Teachers encourage their pupils to enter the festival as part of their teaching programme.  Parents, Carers, Family members and friends have an opportunity to see and hear a public performance and to hear expert opinions.

 

2. THE FESTIVAL ENVIRONMENT

The Festival is run by volunteers. It is the Festival’s policy to ensure, as far as it is reasonably practical, that the festival environment is safe.  The Festival takes place in a school and may sometimes be used by other organisations at the same time.  The Festival has a large number of volunteers, some of whom act as stewards, and they are all available to help as needed. All Festival Volunteers will sign in and out on the day, and they will wear badges to identify them as festival workers. There will be an Information Office on the site, sign posted and manned at all times, where help and advice can be sought in the first instance.

         

3. TO WHOM DOES THIS POLICY APPLY?

The policy relates to children under the age of 18 years, The Festival Committee and Festival Volunteers will read and understand this policy and act in accordance with it. The policy also relates to members of vulnerable groups of any age whose needs are identified to the organisers prior to their arrival at the festival.  (This should be done by contacting the address or telephone number in this document.)  In recognising the needs of children from all ethnic groups and children who are disabled, the Festival actively seeks to meet their needs.  Parents/guardians/carers and/or teachers must inform the festival, well beforehand, in order that we can either prepare support, or let you know if we are unable to help.

 

4. FESTIVAL PERSONNEL

The Festival holds an address register of every Festival volunteer who is identified by wearing a badge showing their name and festival responsibility. The Festival Trustees hold enhanced DBS disclosures.  Festival personnel are not involved in one-to-one contact with competitors. All volunteers on the Festival register are provided with a job description. In case of a serious problem, anyone wearing a badge will be able to take you to the Festival Director (Chair) in a private area.   All problems will be taken seriously and will be documented and dated.

 

5. PREPARATION FOR ATTENDANCE AT THE FESTIVAL (also BOPA)

The Festival volunteers will remain responsible for the safety of all people at the Festival.  In seeking a partnership to look after children and vulnerable adults in a safe environment, a copy of the full Festival’s SAFEGUARDING POLICY is to be published on the Festival website.  

Where a festival entry is made by a teacher, responsibility for contact with parents or guardians will be through the agency of that teacher either by personal contact or post.   Written confirmation that the Newcastle Festival’s Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy has been conveyed by the teacher to the competing child’s parents is required with the entry. A list of every individual competitor, aged 16 and under, is kept and provided to the Staffordshire County Council for their records regarding child performances. Groups will obtain their own BOPA. (The Privacy Policy 2018 is available on the website).

The first responsibility for children and young or vulnerable adults lies with the parent, guardian, carer or group leader. If a parent, guardian or carer is not able to accompany a competitor, this Policy requires them to be satisfied that their children will be accompanied to the festival and adequately supervised by responsible adults acting on their behalf.

Children must not be dropped off at the festival and left to fend for themselves.   When competitors take part in groups the ratio of teacher or responsible adult to pupils is one adult to 12 children. The Festival officers and stewards are responsible for the admission, ingress and egress of competitors, the general public and other safety issues (e.g. emergency exits, escape routes, first aid, etc.).

 

6. PERFORMANCE AREAS AND CHANGING/PRACTICE AREAS

The Festival volunteers will remain responsible for the safety of all people at the Festival. Groups that take part in the Festival will have nominated responsible adults in attendance with performing children and/or vulnerable adults. This policy requires parents/guardians/carers to be satisfied that their wards will be adequately supervised by responsible adults acting on their behalf. Changing areas and practice rooms must be supervised by those nominated responsible adults attending with performing children and/or vulnerable adults. However neither these rooms nor toilets will be supervised by festival personnel. Festival volunteers will not take responsibility for the supervision of groups but will be vigilant as regards safety and will respond to any allegations of abuse.

 

7. PHOTOGRAPHS, AUDIO AND VIDEOTAPES AND PRESS PHOTOGRAPHY

 Recording by any audio or visual equipment is TOTALLY BANNED throughout the premises in use for the Festival.

Anyone using a camera or phone to video or take photographs of children will be challenged and asked to stop and                                                                     delete. Notices will be displayed to explain this. Photographs may be taken at the festival by the official festival photographer(s) who will be identified with a badge. A Press photographer may attend who will be accompanied throughout their visit by a festival official.  Use of photographs

taken of children at the festival, be it for the organisation’s website or on any other media use, must have the express permission for that use by a parent or guardian of the child. In the case of a group including a child, the group leader or official responsible may give that permission.  In all cases the permission is granted through the signing of the festival consent form.

 

8. KEEPING CHILDREN SAFE

During the Festival children are to be cared for and supervised by their parents or carers/guardians/group leaders at all times. Festival volunteers will not have a direct responsibility of care for children attending the festival.

However all Festival volunteers will be made aware that they have a duty to provide a safe environment for all those at the festival and must report any concerns to the Chair or the Safeguarding Lead. (Procedures to be followed in the event of a concern being reported are detailed in the following pages.) A Risk Assessment for the Festival will be written each year and all volunteers will be made aware of its contents. A copy will be available on the day.

 

9. LEGISLATION SUPPORTING THE FESTIVAL’S SAFEGUARDING AND CHILD PROTECTION POLICY.

The Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974; The Children Act 1989; The Police Act 1997;

Data Protection Act 2018 (DPA 2018); The Human Rights Act 1998; The Protection of Children Act 1999; Children (Performance and Activities)(England) Regulations 2014

The Criminal Justice and Court Services Act 2000; The Protection of Vulnerable Groups Act 2006

 

10. POLICY REVIEW

The organisers will constantly review their policy, revising and enhancing it as necessary.  In this task the British and International Federation of Festivals provide support and in turn will look to other agencies for good practice, most notably the NSPCC and Arts Council of England policy guidelines.

 

Policy written – March 2020, revised October 2021, amended 2023.

 

Additional appendices can be viewed below

 

 

 

Clarification and appendices

Designated Safeguarding Lead

Mr Daniel Keen,

29 Cranfield Drive, Alsager, Stoke on Trent, ST7 2LQ (07835 316639)

 

Deputy Safeguarding Lead

Elizabeth Richardson 

20 Clowes Avenue, Alsager, Stoke on Trent  ST7 2RL   (07532 008500)

 

The Designated and Deputy Safeguarding Leads (DSL and DDSL) will carry out their roles in accordance with Keeping Children Safe in Education 2019

Keeping Children Safe in Education 2019

The DSL/DDSL will undergo appropriate Safeguarding Training to provide them with the knowledge and skills to carry out their role. This training should be updated at least every 2 years, in line with Staffordshire Safeguarding Children’s Board requirements. In addition to the formal training, their knowledge and skills should be refreshed at regular intervals, at least annually through SCC DSL Briefings, meeting other DSL’s, emails and reading statutory guidance

The DSL continually develops an understanding of the community the school serves, the risks and resilience.

DSL/Deputy DSL will refer cases of suspected abuse to the local authority children’s social care as required. They will represent School at child protection conferences and core group meetings. The DSL will be the expert within the school to support staff in liaising with other agencies, making assessments and referrals. Any staff member maybe required to be part of strategy discussions with other interagency meetings and contribute to the assessment of child/ren.

The DSL will support staff  that  make referrals to First Response.

The DSL will refer cases to the Channel programme where there is a radicalisation concern as required, and also support staff  that make referrals to the Channel programme.

The DSL will refer cases where a person is dismissed or left due to risk/harm to a child to the Disclosure and Barring Service as required.

The DSL will refer cases where a crime may have been committed to the Police as required.

 

The DSL/Deputy DSL will maintain robust systems to monitor and record training of all volunteers. Training is delivered in-line with SSSCB training strategy and KCSIE 2019 recommendations. This will include bulletins and briefings.

 

The DSL will ensure all volunteers working with children will have training on how to recognise indicators of concern, how to respond to a disclosure from a child and how to record and report this information accurately. Staff/volunteers will not make promises to any child and will not keep secrets. Every child will know what the adult will have to do with any information they have chosen to disclose to a staff member/volunteers.

 

The DSL monitors the paper/electronic case management systems set up to record cause for concerns on students to ensure the quality of information is accurate, proportionate, timely and assessment/referrals are made appropriately. The recording and storing of information is kept in-line with the General Data Protection Act.  Safeguarding and child protection records are kept separate from all other records.

 

DSL uses systems for case management which is detailed, accurate, secure written/electronic records of concerns and referrals and also a system to monitor the quality through auditing case files regularly. Systems are compliant with General Data Protection Act.

 

DSL has a clear system for Child Protection (section 47), Child in Need (section 17),

 

DSL will share risks and resilience of pupil/student proportionately with staff members/volunteers on a “need to know and in the child’s best interest” and this is recorded and monitored to ensure risks/progress of pupil/student is understood. The DSL will clearly state reasons for sharing this information and that this is carried out in strict confidentiality.

 

DSL ensures systems are in place to induct new volunteers is robust and monitored and non-compliance shared with Chair of Festival. 

 

DSL ensures each member of staff has access to and understands child protection policy and procedures, especially new volunteers.

 

DSL understands and supports the volunteers/school/college with regards to the requirements of the Prevent duty and is able to provide advice and support to volunteers on protecting children from the risk of radicalisation.

 

Designated Safeguarding Lead  encourages a culture of listening to children and taking account of their wishes and feelings, among all staff, in any measures the school/college may put in place to protect them. DSL has developed systems to record these and ensure through case reviews the child/rens voice have been heard/recorded.

 

DSL will liaise with the Group Leaders, Volunteers, Headteacher/Director or Principal of  to inform him or her of issues especially ongoing enquiries under section 47 of the Children Act 1989 and police investigations;

 

DSL as required, liaise with the “case manager” and the LADO (designated officer(s) at the local authority for child protection concerns (all cases which concern a volunteer or any other person.)

 

DSL will liaise with staff on matters of safety and safeguarding and when deciding whether to make a referral by liaising with relevant agencies. Act as a source of support, advice and expertise for staff. Risk assessments will be completed as required and should where appropriate involve other agencies.

  

The DSL ensures the child protection policy is available publicly and parents are aware of the fact that referrals about suspected abuse or neglect may be made and the role of the school or college in this;

 

 

Any allegations of abuse must be reported to the first response service 

Phone: 0800 1313 126

 

Opening times

• Monday to Thursday 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
• Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

 

Out of hours

Outside of the hours above, or on weekends and bank holidays, please contact the Emergency Duty Team by phoning 0345 604 2886.

 

 

  

Newcastle-under-Lyme Festival for Music, Speech and Drama

 

SAFEGUARDING AND CHILD PROTECTION PROCEDURES

All concerns must be reported to the Designated Safeguarding Lead.

Volunteers at the Festival will all be advised that they should report anything they see or hear that is of concern, in particular with regard to the safety of a child.

The person making the report must provide a written account which will be dated and signed and contain their contact details. Confidentiality regarding the incident will be maintained. The Safeguarding Lead will also provide a written account and will keep all report sheets secure.

The Safeguarding Lead will refer all allegations of abuse to the NSPCC and / or county council. In the event of an emergency situation they will call 999 and report the matter to the police.

 

Appendix 1   Managing Allegations against Staff and Volunteers

 

Appendix 2  Definitions and Indicators of Abuse

 

Appendix 3    Dealing with a Disclosure of Abuse

 

Appendix 4   Allegations about a Volunteer or any other adult

 

Appendix 5   Report of Concern

 

 

 

 

 

 

Signed  _________E. Richardson___________________ Festival Chair   Date  _____30.10.2021________

 

 

Appendix 1

 

Managing Allegations against Staff and Volunteers

 

The Festival Committee ensures there are procedures in place to manage allegations of abuse against volunteers, adjudicators, peer on peer, parents, group leaders and any other person.

Our aim is to provide a safe and supportive environment which secures the wellbeing and very best outcomes for the children at Newcastle Festival. We do recognise that sometimes the behaviour of adults may lead to an allegation of abuse being made.

We will take all possible steps to safeguard our children and to ensure that the adults in our school are safe to work with children. We will always ensure that the procedures outlined in Staffordshire Safeguarding Children's Board Protocol:  Managing Allegations of abuse Against Persons who work with Children and role of LADO and Part 4 of ‘Keeping Children Safe in Education’, DfE (2019) are adhered to and will seek appropriate advice from the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO).   The LADO can be contacted on 0800 1313126

 

If an allegation is made or information is received about an adult who volunteers and helps  at Newcastle Festival   which indicates that they may be unsuitable to work with children, the member of staff receiving the information should inform the Chair or the DSL immediately . Should an allegation be made against the Chair and the  DSL then this will be reported to the Deputy Chair of the Festival Committee. In the event that neither the DSL, Chair or Deputy Chair is contactable on that day, the information must be passed to and dealt with by either the member of staff acting as 

The Chair or DSL will seek advice from the LADO within one working day. No member of the committee will undertake further investigations before receiving advice from the LADO.

 

Any member of staff or volunteer who does not feel confident to raise their concerns with the Head teacher or Chair of Governors should contact the LADO directly on 0800 1313126.

 

Appendix 2

 

Definitions and Indicators of Abuse

 

1.    Neglect

 

Neglect is the persistent failure to meet a child's basic physical and/or psychological needs, likely to result in the serious impairment of the child's health or development.  Neglect may occur during pregnancy as a result maternal substance abuse. Once a child is born, neglect may involve a parent or carer failing to:

 

•         Provide adequate food, clothing and shelter (including exclusion from home or abandonment);
•         Protect a child from physical and emotional harm or danger;
•         Ensure adequate supervision (including the use of inadequate care-givers); or
•         Ensure access to appropriate medical care or treatment.

 

It may also include neglect of, or unresponsiveness to, a child's basic emotional needs.

 

The following may be indicators of neglect (this is not designed to be used as a checklist):

 

•         Constant hunger;
•         Stealing, scavenging and/or hoarding food;
•         Frequent tiredness or listlessness;
•         Frequently dirty or unkempt;
•         Often poorly or inappropriately clad for the weather;
•         Poor school attendance or often late for school;
•         Poor concentration;
•         Affection or attention seeking behaviour;
•         Illnesses or injuries that are left untreated;
•         Failure to achieve developmental milestones, for example growth, weight;
•         Failure to develop intellectually or socially;
•         Responsibility for activity that is not age appropriate such as cooking, ironing, caring for siblings;
•         The child is regularly not collected or received from school; or
•         The child is left at home alone or with inappropriate carers.
•         Adolescent neglect
•         Affluent neglect

 

 

2. Physical Abuse

 

Physical abuse may involve hitting, shaking, throwing, poisoning, burning or scalding, drowning, suffocating or otherwise causing physical harm to a child.  Physical harm may also be caused when a parent or carer fabricates the symptoms of, or deliberately induces, illness in a child.

 

The following may be indicators of physical abuse (this is not designed to be used as a checklist):

 

•         Multiple bruises in clusters, or of uniform shape;
•         Bruises that carry an imprint, such as a hand or a belt;
•         Bite marks;
•         Round burn marks;
•         Multiple burn marks and burns on unusual areas of the body such as the back, shoulders or buttocks;
•         An injury that is not consistent with the account given;
•         Changing or different accounts of how an injury occurred;
•         Bald patches;
•         Symptoms of drug or alcohol intoxication or poisoning;
•         Unaccountable covering of limbs, even in hot weather;
•         Fear of going home or parents being contacted;
•         Fear of medical help;
•         Fear of changing for PE;
•         Inexplicable fear of adults or over-compliance;
•         Violence or aggression towards others including bullying; or
•         Isolation from peers.

 

 

 

3. Sexual Abuse

 

Sexual abuse involves forcing or enticing a child or young person to take part in sexual activities, not necessarily involving a high level of violence, whether or not the child is aware of what is happening.  The activities may involve physical contact, including assault by penetration (for example, rape or oral sex) or non-penetrative acts such as masturbation, kissing, rubbing and touching outside of clothing.  They may also include non-contact activities, such as involving children in looking at, or in the production of, sexual images, watching sexual activities, encouraging children to behave in sexually inappropriate ways, or grooming a child in preparation for abuse (including via the internet).  Sexual abuse is not solely perpetrated by adult males.  Women can also commit acts of sexual abuse, as can other children.

 

The following may be indicators of sexual abuse (this is not designed to be used as a checklist):

 

•         Sexually explicit play or behaviour or age-inappropriate knowledge;
•         Anal or vaginal discharge, soreness or scratching;
•         Reluctance to go home;
•         Inability to concentrate, tiredness;
•         Refusal to communicate;
•         Thrush, persistent complaints of stomach disorders or pains;
•         Eating disorders, for example anorexia nervosa and bulimia;
•         Attention seeking behaviour, self-mutilation, substance abuse;
•         Aggressive behaviour including sexual harassment or molestation;
•         Unusual compliance;
•         Regressive behaviour, enuresis, soiling;
•         Frequent or open masturbation, touching others inappropriately;
•         Depression, withdrawal, isolation from peer group;
•         Reluctance to undress for PE or swimming; or
•         Bruises or scratches in the genital area.

 

 

 

4.  Exploitation

 

Child Sexual Exploitation occurs when a child or young person, or another person, receives “something” (for example food, accommodation, drugs, alcohol, cigarettes, affection, gifts, money) as a result of the child/young person performing sexual activities, or another person performing sexual activities on the child/young person. 

 

The presence of any significant indicator for sexual exploitation should trigger a referral to Staffordshire Childrens Social Care.  The significant indicators are:

 

•         Having a relationship of concern with a controlling adult or young person (this may involve physical and/or emotional abuse and/or gang activity);
•         Entering and/or leaving vehicles driven by unknown adults;
•         Possessing unexplained amounts of money, expensive clothes or other items;
•         Frequenting areas known for risky activities;
•         Being groomed or abused via the Internet and mobile technology; and
•         Having unexplained contact with hotels, taxi companies or fast food outlets.
•         Missing for periods of time (CSE and County Lines)

 

 

5. Emotional Abuse

 

Emotional abuse is the persistent emotional maltreatment of a child such as to cause severe and persistent adverse effects on the child's emotional development.  It may involve conveying to children that they are worthless or unloved, inadequate, or valued only insofar as they meet the needs of another person.  It may include not giving the child opportunities to express their views, deliberately silencing them or 'making fun' of what they say or how they communicate.  It may feature age or developmentally inappropriate expectations being imposed on children.  These may include interactions that are beyond the child's developmental capability, as well as overprotection and limitation of exploration and learning, or preventing the child participating in normal social interaction.  It may also involve seeing or hearing the ill-treatment of another person.  It may involve serious bullying (including cyber bullying), causing children frequently to feel frightened or in danger, or the exploitation or corruption of children.  Some level of emotional abuse is involved in all types of maltreatment.

 

The following may be indicators of emotional abuse (this is not designed to be used as a checklist):

 

• The child consistently describes him/herself in very negative ways – as stupid, naughty, hopeless, ugly;
• Over-reaction to mistakes;
• Delayed physical, mental or emotional development;
• Sudden speech or sensory disorders;
• Inappropriate emotional responses, fantasies;
• Neurotic behaviour: rocking, banging head, regression, tics and twitches;
• Self-harming, drug or solvent abuse;
• Fear of parents being contacted;
• Running away;
• Compulsive stealing;
• Appetite disorders - anorexia nervosa, bulimia; or
• Soiling, smearing faeces, enuresis.

 

N.B.: Some situations where children stop communicating suddenly (known as “traumatic mutism”) can indicate maltreatment.

 

6. Responses from Parents/Carers

 

Research and experience indicates that the following responses from parents may suggest a cause for concern across all five categories:

 

•         Delay in seeking treatment that is obviously needed;
•         Unawareness or denial of any injury, pain or loss of function (for example, a fractured limb);
•         Incompatible explanations offered, several different explanations or the child is said to have acted in a way that is inappropriate to her/his age and development;
•         Reluctance to give information or failure to mention other known relevant injuries;
•         Frequent presentation of minor injuries;
•         A persistently negative attitude towards the child;
•         Unrealistic expectations or constant complaints about the child;
•         Alcohol misuse or other drug/substance misuse;
•         Parents request removal of the child from home; or
•         Violence between adults in the household;
•         Evidence of coercion and control.

 

7. Disabled Children

 

When working with children with disabilities, practitioners need to be aware that additional possible indicators of abuse and/or neglect may also include:

 

•         A bruise in a site that may not be of concern on an ambulant child such as the shin, maybe of concern on a non-mobile child;
•         Not getting enough help with feeding leading to malnourishment;
•         Poor toileting arrangements;
•         Lack of stimulation;
•         Unjustified and/or excessive use of restraint ;
•         Rough handling, extreme behaviour modification such as deprivation of medication, food or clothing, disabling wheelchair batteries;
•         Unwillingness to try to learn a child’s means of communication;
•         Ill-fitting equipment, for example, callipers, sleep boards, inappropriate splinting;
•         Misappropriation of a child’s finances; or
•         Inappropriate invasive procedures.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Appendix 3

 

 

Dealing with a Disclosure of Abuse

 

When a pupil tells me about abuse they have suffered, what should I remember?

 

•      Stay calm
•      Do not communicate shock, anger or embarrassment
•      Reassure the child. Tell her/him you are pleased that s/he is speaking to you
•      Never agree or promise to keep it a secret.  Assure her/him that you will try to help

     but let the child know that you will have to tell other people in order to do this. 

    State who this will be and why

•      Tell her/him that you believe them. Children very rarely lie about abuse; but s/he

     may have tried to tell others and not been heard or believed

•      Tell the child that it is not her/his fault
•      Encourage the child to talk but do not ask "leading questions" or press for

     information

•      Use the acronym T.E.D : Tell me. Explain. Describe
•      Listen and remember
•      Check that you have understood correctly what the child is trying to tell you
•      Communicate that s/he has a right to be safe and protected
•      It is inappropriate to make any comments about the alleged offender
•      Be aware that the child may retract what s/he has told you.  It is essential to record

                 in writing, all you have heard, though not necessarily at the time of disclosure.

•      At the end of the conversation, tell the child again who you are going to tell an

     why that person or those people need to know

•      As soon as you can afterwards, make a detailed record of the conversation using

     the child’s own language.  Include any questions you may have asked.  Do not

     add any opinions or interpretations. (dates, times, names mentioned and to whom

     the information was passed need to be clearly recorded)

•      Use the written recording forms – Appendix 5
•      If the disclosure relates to a physical injury do not photograph the injury, but

     record in writing as much detail as possible

 

 

The information should then be passed, in a timely way, to the DSL/DDSL. Immediately if the child discloses any abuse they have suffered, or may be at risk of suffering.

 

If DSL/DDSL not available, it is the Chair or Vice Chair’s responsibility to make a referral to First Response, and then inform the DSL at the earliest opportunity. (First Response, 0800 13 13 126) or email www.staffordshire.gov.uk/reportconcern

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Appendix 4

 

Allegations about a Member of Staff, Governor or Volunteer

 

1.         Inappropriate behaviour by staff/volunteers could take the following forms:

 

•         Physical

For example, the intentional use of force as a punishment, slapping, use of objects to hit with, throwing objects, or rough physical handling.

•         Emotional

For example, intimidation, belittling, scapegoating, sarcasm, lack of respect for children’s rights, and attitudes that discriminate on the grounds of race, gender, disability or sexuality.

•         Sexual

For example, sexualisedbehaviour towards pupils, sexual harassment, inappropriate phone calls and texts, images via social media, sexual assault and rape.

•         Neglect

For example failing to act to protect a child or children, failing to seek medical attention or failure to carry out an appropriate risk assessment.

•         Spiritual Abuse

For example using undue influence or pressure to control individuals or ensure obedience, follow religious practices that are harmful such as beatings or starvation.

 

2.         If a child makes an allegation about a volunteer or other adult the Chair and DSL must be informed immediately.  The Chair or DSL must carry out an urgent initial consideration in order to establish whether there is substance to the allegation.  The Chair or DSL should not carry out the investigation him/herself or interview anoyone. 

 

3.         The Chair  or DSL should exercise and be accountable for their professional judgement on the action to be taken as follows:

 

•         If the actions of the member ofvolunteers or other persons, and the consequences of the actions, raise credible Child Protection concerns the Chair / DSL will notify the Staffordshire Designated Officer (LADO) (0800 1313126).  The LADO will liaise with the Chair and advise about action to be taken, and may initiate internal referrals within Staffordshire Childrens Social Care to address the needs of children likely to have been affected.
•         If the actions of the Volunteer or other person, and the consequences of the actions, do not raise credible child protection concerns, but do raise other issues in relation to the conduct of the member of staff or the pupil. These should be addressed through the Fetival’s own internal procedures.
•         If the Chair and DSL decide  that the allegation is withoutfoundation and no further formal action is necessary, all those involved should be informed of this conclusion, and the reasons for the decision should be recorded on the child safeguardingfile.

 

4.         Where an allegation has been made against the Chair or DSL, then the Deputy Chair of the Festival Committee takes on the role of liaising with the LADO in determining the appropriate way forward.

 

           They should also refer to SSCB guidance:-

           Managing Allegations of Abuse against a Person who works with Children  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Appendix 5

Newcastle-under-Lyme Festival for Music, Speech and Drama

 

SAFEGUARDING AND CHILD PROTECTION

 

Report of Concern

 

Your name   _______________________________________________

 

Your contact details (address, postcode, phone number)  __________

 

 

 

 

Name of child  ______________________________________

 

Contact details for child    _____________________________

 

Date ____________________    Time  ___________________

 

Sequence of events, actual words used, observations (continue overleaf if necessary) –

 

 

 

 

 

 

Action taken  -

 

 

 

Name of person contacted _______________________________

 

Date ____________________    Time  ___________________

 

Other notes -

 

Signed  __________________________         Date _______________

 

 

Print Name  ________________________