Creative Coliseum Limited Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy

1. Introduction

• 1.1 Purpose: This policy outlines Creative Coliseum's
  commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children (under 18 years) participating in our performing arts workshops and activities.

• 1.2 Scope: This policy applies to all staff, volunteers, contractors, and anyone working on behalf of Creative Coliseum Limited.

• 1.3 Legal Framework: This policy is based on relevant UK legislation, including:

  The Children Act 1989 and 2004
  Working Together to Safeguard Children
  Keeping Children Safe in Education (where applicable)
  The Protection of Freedoms Act 2012
  General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and Data Protection Act 2018
  Ofsted guidelines
  NSPCC best practice.

  2. Principles

• The welfare and interests of children are paramount in all circumstances.

• All children, regardless of age, ability or disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation, socio-economic background, have

  the right to equal protection from harm.

• We acknowledge that some children, including disabled children or those from

  ethnic minority communities, can be particularly vulnerable to abuse and we accept the responsibility to take reasonable and appropriate steps to ensure their welfare.

• All children have the right to a positive and enjoyable experience of performing arts in a safe and child-centred environment.

• Children are protected from abuse whilst participating in acting, crafts, games, free play and outside of the activities.

• We value, listen to, and respect children. 3. Roles and Responsibilities

• 3.1 Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL): [Luke Dunford, luke@creativecoliseum.com].

• 3.2 Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (Deputy DSL): [Amy Millns, amy@creativecoliseum.com].

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Providing advice and support to staff on safeguarding matters. Liaising with local safeguarding boards and other agencies. Maintaining accurate records of safeguarding concerns. Ensuring staff receive appropriate safeguarding training.

The DSL and Deputy DSL are responsible for:

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• 3.4 Staff and Volunteers: All staff and volunteers are responsible for:

  Following this policy and associated procedures. Recognising and reporting signs of abuse or neglect. Creating a safe and supportive environment for children. Maintaining appropriate professional boundaries.

• 3.5 Management: They are responsible for:

  Ensuring the policy is implemented and reviewed regularly. Providing adequate resources for safeguarding.
  Overseeing the recruitment and training of staff and volunteers.

  4. Procedures

• 4.1 Recruitment and Selection:

  All staff and volunteers working with children will undergo appropriate background checks, including Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks.
  Safer recruitment practices will be followed.

• 4.2 Reporting Concerns:

  Any concerns about a child's safety or welfare must be reported to the DSL immediately.
  Staff should record the details of the concern, including dates, times, and observations.

  The DSL will assess the information and decide on appropriate action, which may include contacting the local safeguarding board or the police.
  Information recorded must include: The nature of the allegation, background information of the parties involved, the period which the allegation relates to and the degree to which the information is known to be fact rather than opinion or hearsay.

• 4.3 Responding to Allegations:

  Any allegations of abuse against a member of staff or volunteer will be taken seriously and investigated promptly.
  The DSL will follow the procedures outlined in "Working Together to Safeguard Children."

  Staff are not to discuss an allegation or suspicion with another person, other than the police, before the Child Protection Officer has been contacted.

• 4.4 Online Safety:

  An effective online safety policy and related procedures are implemented.

• 4.5 Physical Contact:

  Physical contact with children should be minimised and only used when necessary for their safety or well-being.

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Any physical contact must be appropriate and respectful.
If physically handling a child, perhaps to develop a technique or skill such as physicality for a character, explain to the child what they will be shown.

• 4.6 Photography and Filming:

  Parental/carer consent must be obtained before any photographs or videos of children are taken.
  Images will be stored securely and used only for agreed purposes.

• 4.7 Safe Environment:

  Appropriate ratios of staff to children will be maintained (1:8 for children up to the age of 8 and 1:10 for children over the age of 8).
  Conduct all dealings with children in a public environment in full view of others, in order for all behaviour to be observed.

• 4.8 Behaviour Management:

  Positive behaviour management strategies will be used. Any disciplinary action will be proportionate and fair. Physical punishment is prohibited.

• 4.9 Data Protection:

  All personal data will be handled in accordance with GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018.
  Data will be stored securely and only used for agreed purposes.
  Record and store information securely, in line with data protection legislation and guidance (more information about this is available from the Information Commissioner’s Office - https://ico.org.uk/for- organisations/)

  5. Training and Awareness

• All staff and volunteers will receive regular safeguarding training appropriate to their role.

• This policy will be widely promoted and is mandatory for everyone involved in Creative Coliseum.

• Information about safeguarding and good practice will be shared with children and their parents via leaflets, posters, group work, and one-to-one discussions.

• All qualifications and certificates of applicable training are available upon request.

• Children, young people and their parents know where to go for help if they have a concern.

  6. Code of Conduct

• Those working with children in the performing arts should:

Be professional and maintain the highest standards of personal behaviour at all times.

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Be aware of situations which can be misconstrued by others.
Be vigilant and aware of how actions can be misinterpreted.
Not appear to favour or show interest in one child more than another. Be aware of your language at all times and never use inappropriate language.
Design and use methods and techniques which are wholly appropriate for children.
Ensure that, you are not alone when working with children on an individual basis. If this is unavoidable then the parents should be made aware of the situation for the sake of the workshop leader.
Report any concerns within the area of child protection (physical, emotional, sexual or neglect) in confidence and without delay, to the Child Protection Officer.
Operate at the recommended staff/child ratios.

• This policy will be reviewed a year after development and then every three years, or in the following circumstances:

  Changes in legislation and/or government guidance.
  As required by the local safeguarding partnership, Ofsted, and the NSPCC.
  As a result of any other significant change or event.

• Failure to comply with the policy and procedures will be addressed without delay and may ultimately result in dismissal or exclusion from the organisation.

  8. Contact Information

• Creative Coliseum Limited Contact Details: [44 Balfour Street, York, YO26 4YU, 07814339138]

• Local Safeguarding Children Board Contact Details: Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH):

  It is crucial to find the correct MASH contact details for your local council. As an example here is the City of york MASH contact details. Telephone: 01904 551900
  Email: mash@york.gov.uk

  Outside office hours, contact the Emergency Duty Team: 0300 131 2131.

  If there is an immediate risk of harm call 999.

• NSPCC Helpline: 0808 800 5000

• Childline: 0800 1111