Child Protection & Safeguarding Policy
1. Introduction
Everyone who participates at Artemis Studios Performing Arts Schools/College is entitled to do so in an enjoyable and safe environment. The school has a moral and legal obligation to ensure that, when given responsibility for young people, teachers, coaches, auxiliary staff and volunteers provide them with the highest possible standard of care.
Artemis is committed to devising and implementing policies so that everyone in accepts their responsibilities to safeguard children from harm and abuse. This means to follow procedures to protect children and report any concerns about their welfare to appropriate authorities.
The aim of the policy is to promote good practice, providing children and young people with appropriate safety/protection whilst in the care of Artemis and to allow staff and volunteers to make informed and confident responses to specific child protection issues.
A child/young person is defined as a person under the age of 18 (Children’s Act 1989)
1.1. Policy Statement
Artemis Studios Ltd is committed to the following:
The welfare of the child/young person is paramount
All children, whatever their age, culture, ability, gender, SEN, language, racial origin, religious belief and/or sexual identity should be able to participate in a fun and safe and inclusive environment
Taking all reasonable steps to protect children from harm, discrimination and degrading treatment and to respect their rights, wishes and feelings
All suspicions and allegations of poor practice or abuse will be taken seriously and responded to swiftly and appropriately
All employees and volunteers who work with children will be recruited with regard to their suitability for that responsibility, and will be provided with guidance and/or training in good practice and child protection procedures. Our SLT are qualified with the NSPCC Safer Recruitment training.
Working in partnership with parents and children is essential for the protection of children.
To provide children with the best possible experience and opportunities in performing arts everyone must operate within an accepted ethical framework.
2. Promoting Good Practice
2.1. Introduction
It is not always easy to distinguish poor practice from abuse. It is therefore NOT the responsibility of employees or participants in to make judgements about whether or not abuse is taking place. It is however their responsibility to identify poor practice and possible abuse and act if they have concerns about the welfare of the child, as explained in section 4.
2.2. Good Practice
All personnel should adhere to the following principles and action:
Always work in an open environment (e.g. avoiding private or unobserved situations and encouraging open communication with no secrets)
Make the experience of learning fun and enjoyable: promote fairness, confront and deal with bullying
Treat all young people equally and with respect and dignity
Always put the welfare of the young person first, before winning competitions, exams or performance.
Maintain a safe and appropriate distance (e.g. it is not appropriate for staff or volunteers to have an intimate relationship with a child or to share a room with them during away competitions)
Avoid unnecessary physical contact with young people. Where any form of manual/ physical support is required it should be provided openly and with the consent of the young person. Physical contact can be appropriate so long as it is neither intrusive nor disturbing and the young person’s consent has been given
Involve parents/carers wherever possible. If groups have to be supervised in changing rooms always ensure parents (DBS checked), coaches etc work in pairs.
Gain written parental consent for any significant travel arrangements e.g. overnight stays
Ensure that if mixed teams/troupes/casts are taken away, they should always be accompanied by a male and female member of staff.
Ensure that at away events adults other than the official teachers or coaches should not enter a young person’s room except in prescribed circumstances such as light out checks, or as a licensed chaperone responsible for the group in the room. Young people must at no time be invited to teachers rooms. Under 16’s must be chaperoned at all times.
Be an excellent role model, this includes not smoking (including ‘vaping’) or drinking alcohol in the company of young people
Always give enthusiastic and constructive feedback rather than negative criticism
Recognising the developmental needs and capacity of the young person and do not risk sacrificing welfare in a desire for company or personal achievements. This means avoiding excessive training or competition and not pushing them against their will
Secure written parental consent for the school to act in loco parentis, to give permission for the administration of emergency first aid or other medical treatment if the need arises
Keep a written record of any injury that occurs, along with details of any treatment given. Inform a parent or guardian the same day of any injury or illness, giving them a copy of the report.
2.3. Poor Practice
The following are regarded as poor practice and should be avoided by all personnel:
Unnecessarily spending excessive amounts of time alone with young people away from others. A teacher may remove a student to speak privately in circumstances of discipline or if the child wishes to share private information. However, in both circumstances, doors should remain open and if possible a third party be present.
Taking young people alone in a car on journeys.
Taking young people to your home.
Sharing a room with a young person.
Engaging in rough, physical or sexually provocative games, including horseplay allow or Engage in inappropriate touching of any form.
Allowing young people to use inappropriate language unchallenged.
Making sexually suggestive comments to a young person, even in fun.
Reducing a young person to tears as a form of control.
Allow allegations made by a young person to go unchallenged, unrecorded or not acted upon.
Do things of a personal nature that the young person can do for themselves.
When a case arises where it is impractical/impossible to avoid certain situation e.g. transporting a young person in your car, the tasks should only be carried out with the full understanding and consent of the parent/care and the young person involved, and if that teacher has the correct insurance to do so.
If during your care you accidentally hurt a young person, the young person seems distressed in any manner, appears to be sexually aroused by your actions and/or if the young person misunderstands or misinterprets something you have done, report any such incidents as soon as possible to another colleague and make a written note of it. Both are to then report to either director of Artemis. Parents should and will also be informed of the incident by a director.
Access to class
As a general rule - only students, tutors and authorised staff (including pre-cleared chaperones and volunteers) will be permitted in any class setting. Parents/guardians may be invited to observe at the end of some sessions. We have robust safeguarding in place, and to minimise the risk of cyberbullying, unsolicited pictures/filming or unhelpful comments or distraction we do restrict access. We offer frequent work-shares, social media updates on progress and shows/competitions. Parents who would like to observe a setting are very welcome to book a meeting with the department head who will show them around at a time where it will not disrupt a class or cause a risk (such as a dance class when students need to be focussing on where they are moving, and not watching a guest).
3. Defining Child Abuse
3.1. Introduction
Child abuse is any form of physical, emotional or sexual mistreatment or lack of care that leads to injury or harm, it commonly occurs within a relationship of trust or responsibility and is an abuse of power or a breach of trust. Abuse can happen to a young person regardless of their age, gender, race or ability.
There are four main types of abuse: physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional abuse and neglect. The abuser may be a family member, someone the young person encounters in residential care or in the community, including sports and leisure activities. Any individual may abuse or neglect a young person directly, or may be responsible for abuse because they fail to prevent another person harming the young person.
Abuse in all of its forms can affect a young person at any age. The effects can be so damaging that if not treated may follow the individual into adulthood.
Young people with disabilities may be at increased risk of abuse through various factors such as stereotyping, prejudice, discrimination, isolation and a powerlessness to protect themselves or adequately communicate that abuse had occurred.
3.2. Types of Abuse
Physical Abuse: where adults physically hurt or injure a young person e.g. hitting, shaking, throwing, poisoning, burning, biting, scalding, suffocating, drowning. Giving young people alcohol or inappropriate drugs would also constitute child abuse.
This category of abuse can also include when a parent/carer reports non-existent symptoms or illness deliberately causes ill health in a young person they are looking after. This is call Munchauser’s syndrome by proxy.
In a sports/dance situation, physical abuse may occur when the nature and intensity of training disregard the capacity of the child’s immature and growing body
Emotional Abuse: the persistent emotional ill treatment of a young person, likely to cause severe and lasting adverse effects on the child’s emotional development and self esteem.
It may involve telling a young person they are useless, worthless, unloved, inadequate or valued in terms of only meeting the needs of another person. It may feature expectations of young people that are not appropriate to their age or development. It may cause a young person to be frightened or in danger by being constantly shouted at, threatened or taunted which may make the young person frightened or withdrawn.
Ill treatment of children, whatever form it takes, will always feature a degree of emotional abuse.
Emotional abuse in sport may occur when the young person is constant criticised, given negative feedback, expected to perform at levels that are above their capability. Other forms of emotional abuse could take the form of name calling and bullying.
Bullying may come from another young person or an adult. Bullying is defined as deliberate hurtful behaviour, usually repeated over a period of time, where it is difficult for those bullied to defend themselves. There are three main types of bullying.
It may be physical (e.g. hitting, kicking, slapping), verbal (e.g. racist or homophobic remarks, name calling, graffiti, threats, abusive text messages), emotional (e.g. tormenting, ridiculing, humiliating, ignoring, isolating form the group), or sexual (e.g. unwanted physical contact or abusive comments).
In performing arts bullying may arise when a parent or tutor pushes the young person too hard to succeed, or a rival performer or official uses bullying behaviour to intimidate.
Neglect occurs when an adult fails to meet the young person’s basic physical and/or psychological needs, to an extent that is likely to result in serious impairment of the child’s health or development. For example, failing to provide adequate food, shelter and clothing, failing to protect from physical harm or danger, or failing to ensure access to appropriate medical care or treatment.
Refusal to give love, affection and attention can also be a form of neglect.
Neglect in performing arts could occur when a tutor does not keep the young person safe, or exposing them to undue cold/heat or unnecessary risk of injury.
Sexual Abuse occurs when adults (male and female) use children to meet their own sexual needs. This could include full sexual intercourse, masturbation, oral sex, anal intercourse and fondling. Showing young people pornography or talking to them in a sexually explicit manner are also forms of sexual abuse.
In performing arts, activities which might involve physical contact with young people (such as dance tuition) could potentially create situations where sexual abuse may go unnoticed. Also the power of the coach over young dancers, if misused, may lead to abusive situations developing.
3.3. Indicators of Abuse
Even for those experienced in working with child abuse, it is not always easy to recognise a situation where abuse may occur or has already taken place. Most people are not experts in such recognition, but indications that a child is being abused may include one or more of the following:
Unexplained or suspicious injuries such as bruising, cuts or burns, particularly if situated on a part of the body not normally prone to such injuries
An injury for which an explanation seems inconsistent
The young person describes what appears to be an abusive act involving them
Another young person or adult expresses concern about the welfare of a young person
Unexplained changes in a young person’s behaviour e.g. becoming very upset, quiet, withdrawn or displaying sudden outbursts of temper
Inappropriate sexual awareness
Engaging in sexually explicit behaviour
Distrust of adult’s, particularly those whom a close relationship would normally be Expected difficulty in making friends
Being prevented from socialising with others
Displaying variations in eating patterns including over eating or loss of appetite
Losing weight for no apparent reason
Becoming increasingly dirty or unkempt
Signs of bullying include:
Behavioural changes such as reduced concentration and/or becoming withdrawn, clingy, depressed, tearful, emotionally up and down, reluctance to go training or competitions
An unexplained drop off in performance
Physical signs such as stomach aches, headaches, difficulty in sleeping, bed wetting, scratching and bruising, damaged clothes, bingeing e.g. on food, alcohol or cigarettes
A shortage of money or frequent loss of possessions
It must be recognised that the above list is not exhaustive, but also that the presence of one or more of the indications is not proof that abuse is taking place. It is NOT the responsibility of those working in Artemis Studios to decide that child abuse is occurring. It IS their responsibility to act on any concerns.
3.4. Use of Photographic/Filming Equipment at Events
There is evidence that some people have used performing arts events as an opportunity to take inappropriate photographs or film footage of young people. All tutors should be vigilant and any concerns should be reported to the directors.
All parents and performers should be made aware when tutors use video equipment as a teaching aid.
4. Responding to Suspicions and Allegations
4.1. Introduction
It is not the responsibility of anyone working in Artemis Studios in a paid or unpaid capacity to decide whether or not child abuse has taken place. However there is a responsibility to act on any concerns through contact with the appropriate authorities so that they can then make inquiries and take necessary action to protect the young person. This applies BOTH to allegations/suspicions of abuse occurring within Artemis Studios and to allegations/suspicions that abuse is taking place elsewhere.
This section explains how to respond to allegations/suspicions
4.2. Receiving Evidence of Possible Abuse
We may become aware of possible abuse in various ways. We may see it happening, we may suspect it happening because of signs such as those listed in section 3 of this document, it may be reported to us by someone else or directly by the young person affected.
In the last of these cases, it is particularly important to respond appropriately. If a young person says or indicates that they are being abused, you should:
Stay calm so as not to frighten the young person
Reassure the child that they are not to blame and that it was right to tell
Listen to the child, showing that you are taking them seriously
Keep questions to a minimum so that there is a clear and accurate understanding of what has been said. The law is very strict and child abuse cases have been dismissed where it is felt that the child has been led or words and ideas have been suggested during questioning. Only ask questions to clarify
Inform the child that you have to inform other people about what they have told you. Tell the child this is to help stop the abuse continuing.
Safety of the child is paramount. If the child needs urgent medical attention call an ambulance, inform the doctors of the concern and ensure they are made aware that this is a child protection issue
Record all information
Report the incident to the club/welfare officer
In all cases if you are not sure what to do you can gain help from NSPCC Wales Hour help line (Mon – Fri 10.00am – 6.00pm). Tel No: 08081002524 or the NSPCC 24 hour help line Tel No: 0800800500
4.3. Recording Information
To ensure that information is as helpful as possible, a detailed record should always be made at the time of the disclosure/concern. In recording you should confine yourself to the facts and distinguish what is your personal knowledge and what others have told you. Do not include your own opinions.
Information should include the following:
The child’s name, age and date of birth
The child’s home address and telephone number
Whether or not the person making the report is expressing their concern or someone else’s the nature of the allegation, including dates, times and any other relevant information
A description of any visible bruising or injury, location, size etc. Also any indirect signs, Such as behavioural changes
Details of witnesses to the incidents
The child’s account, if it can be given, of what has happened and how any Bruising/injuries occurred
Have the parents been contacted? If so what has been said?
Has anyone else been consulted? If so record details
Has anyone been alleged to be the abuser? Record detail
4.4. Reporting the Concern
All suspicions and allegations MUST be reported appropriately. It is recognised that strong emotions can be aroused particularly in cases where sexual abuse is suspected or where there is misplaced loyalty to a colleague. It is important to understand these feelings but not allow them to interfere with your judgement about any action to take.
Artemis expects its members and staff to discuss any concerns they may have about the welfare of a child immediately with the person in charge (general manager or director) and subsequently to check that appropriate action has been taken.
If the general manager or director is not available, or you suspect they are involved, you should take responsibility and seek advice from the NSPCC helpline, the duty officer at your local social services department or the police. Telephone numbers can be found at the end of this document.
A summary of reporting procedures is provided in Appendix 2. Where there is a complaint against an employee or volunteer, there may be three types of investigation.
Criminal in which case the police are immediately involved
Child protection in which case the social services (and possibly) the police will be involved
Disciplinary or misconduct in which case Artemis Studios will be involved.
As mentioned previously in this document Artemis Studios are not child protection experts and it is not their responsibility to determine whether or not abuse has taken place. All suspicions and allegations must be shared with professional agencies that are responsible for child protection. (SEE APPENDIX 3 & 4)
Social services have a legal responsibility under The Children Act 1989 to investigate all child protection referrals by talking to the child and family (where appropriate), gathering information from other people who know the child and making inquiries jointly with the police.
NB: If there is any doubt, you must report the incident: it may be just one of a series of other incidences which together cause concern
Any suspicion that a child has been abused by an employee or a volunteer should be reported to Artemis Studios who will take appropriate steps to ensure the safety of the child in question and any other child who may be at risk. This will include the following:
Artemis Studios will refer the matter to social services department, the parent/carer of the child will be contacted as soon as possible following advice from the social services department. Niki Robinson, director, should be notified to decide who will deal with any media inquiries and implement any immediate disciplinary proceedings if Niki Robinson (Director) is the subject of the suspicion/allegation the report must be made to the appropriate manager (Rosie Hill - Designated Safeguarding Lead) who will refer the matter to social services.
Allegations of abuse are sometimes made sometime after the event. Where such allegation is made, you should follow the same procedures and have the matter reported to social services. This is because other children in the sport or outside it may be at risk from the alleged abuser. Anyone who has a previous conviction for offences related to abuse against children is automatically excluded from working with children.
4.4. Concerns outside the immediate studio environment (e.g. a parent or carer)
Report your concerns to the DSL Rosie Hill or Director Niki Robinson.
If Rosie Hill or Niki Robinson are not available, the person being told or discovering the abuse should contact their local social services department or the police immediately Social Services and Niki Robinson will decide how to inform the parents/carers.
Maintain confidentiality on a need to know basis.
4.5 Confidentiality
Every effort should be made to ensure that confidentiality is maintained for all concerned. Information should be handled and disseminated on a need to know basis only. This includes the following people:
The directors and general manager The parents of the child
The person making the allegation Social Services/police
The alleged abuser (and parents if the alleged abuser is a child) Seek social services advice on who should approach the alleged abuser.
All information should be stored in a secure place with limited access to designated people, in line with data protection laws.
4.6. Internal Inquiries and Suspension
The DSL officer will make an immediate decision about whether any individual accused of abuse should be temporarily suspended pending further police and social services inquiries
Irrespective of the findings of the social services or police inquiries the Studios Disciplinary Committee will assess all individual cases to decide whether a member of staff or volunteer can be reinstated and how this can be sensitively handled. This may be a difficult decision; especially where there is insufficient evidence to uphold any action by the police. In such cases the Studios Disciplinary Committee must reach a decision based upon the available information which could suggest that on the balance of probability, it is more likely than not that the allegation is true. The welfare of the child should remain of paramount importance throughout.
5. Recruiting and Selecting Personnel with Children
5.1. Introduction
It is important that all reasonable steps are taken to prevent unsuitable people from working with children. This applies equally to paid staff and volunteers, both full and part time. To ensure unsuitable people are prevented from working with children the following steps should be taken when recruiting.
5.2. Controlling Access to Children
Consent should be obtained from the applicant to seek information from the Criminal Records Bureau (DBS).
Two confidential references, including one regarding previous work with children should be obtained.
Evidence of identity (passport or driving licence with photo)
Evidence of qualifications (PGCE etc)
Permission to obtain a chaperones licence from the local authority
5.3. Interview and Induction
All employees and volunteers will be required to undertake an interview carried out to acceptable protocol and recommendations. All employees and volunteers should receive formal or informal induction during which:
A check should be made that the application form has been completed in full, including sections on criminal records and self disclosures
Their qualifications should be substantiated
The job requirements and responsibilities should be clarified
Child Protection Procedures are explained and training needs identified e.g. Safeguarding, Anti Radicalisation, Mental Health First Aid, creating and understanding risk assessments.
A signed dated contract must be returned.
5.4. Training
In addition to pre-selection checks, the safeguarding process includes training after recruitment to help staff and volunteers to:
Analyse their own practice against what is deemed good practice, and to ensure their practice is likely to protect them from false allegations
Recognise their responsibilities and report any concerns about suspected poor practice and/or abuse
Respond to concerns expressed by a child Work safely and effectively with children
Artemis Studios requires:
All staff and volunteers who have access to children to undergo a DBS check
All staff and volunteers to receive advisory information outlining good/bad practice and informing them what to do if they have concerns about the behaviour of an adult towards a young person.
All staff and volunteers receive safeguarding training pertinent to their job.
All dance coaches, trainee coaches and leaders should have an up to date first aid qualification
All dance teachers/coaches must have their own supplemental liability insurance.
EMERGENCY NUMBERS FOR CHILD WELFARE
If you feel you can’t speak to Designated Safeguarding Lead (qualified) Rosie Hill, please use one of the services below.
Artemis main school OFFICE address for reference is:
South Hill Park, Bracknell, RG12 7PA
01344 429403
Education Welfare Bracknell Council (office hours): 01344 464722
Police (non urgent): 101
Police (urgent): 999
NSPCC: 0808 800 5000
Childline (to refer a child) : 0800 11 11
Referrals to the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) should be made where there are concerns that someone who works (in a paid or unpaid capacity) with children may have:
behaved in a way which has harmed a child, or may have harmed a child
possibly committed a criminal offence against or related to a child
behaved towards a child or children in a way that indicates that he or she would pose a risk of harm if they worked regularly or closely with children
LADO@bracknell-forest.gov.uk or call 01344 351572 for an initial discussion.