Safeguarding

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The purpose of this policy statement is:

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• to protect children and young people who receive Heads Up services from harm.

• to provide staff and volunteers, as well as children and young people and their families, with the overarching principles that guide our approach to child protection.

 

This policy applies to anyone working on behalf of Heads Up.

 

We believe that:

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• children and young people should never experience abuse of any kind

• we have a responsibility to promote the welfare of all children and young people, to keep them safe and to practise in a way that protects them.

• The welfare of children is paramount in all the work we do and in all the decisions we take

• working in partnership with children, young people, their parents, carers and other agencies is essential in promoting young people's welfare

• all children, regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation have an equal right to protection from all types of harm or abuse

• some children are additionally vulnerable because of he impact of previous experiences, their level of dependency, communication needs or other issues

• extra safeguards may be needed to keep children who are additionally vulnerable safe from abuse

 

We will seek to keep children and young people safe by:

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• valuing, listening to and respecting them

• appointing a nominated child protection lead for children and young people

• adopting child protection and safeguarding best practice through our procedures and code of conduct for all staff members and volunteers

• developing and implementing an effective online safety policy and related procedures

• providing effective management from staff and volunteers through supervision, support, training and quality assurance measures

• recruiting and selecting staff and volunteers safely, ensuring all necessary checks are made

• recording and storing and using information professionally and securely, in line with date protection legislation and guidance

• making sure that children, young people and their families know where to go for help if they have a concern

• using our safeguarding and child protection procedures to share concerns and relevant information with agencies who need to know, and involving children, young people, parents, families and carers appropriately

• using our procedures to manage any allegations against staff and volunteers appropriately

• creating and maintaining an anti-bullying environment and ensuring that we have a policy and procedure to help us deal effectively with any bullying that does arise

• ensuring that we have effective complaints and whistleblowing measures in place

• ensuring that we provide a safe physical environment for our children, young people, staff and volunteers, by applying health and safety measures in accordance with the law and regulatory guidance

• building a safeguarding culture where staff and volunteers, children, young people and their families, treat each other with respect and are comfortable about sharing concerns.

 

Contact details:

 

Nominated child protection leader

Name: Jo Laugharne

Tel: 077681 96260

Email:jolaugharne@headsuptheatre.com

 

Health and Safety

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Students participate at their own risk and are obliged to inform the Heads Up Theatre Group staff of any existing injuries or medical conditions.

If you are unsure whether a student should participate in any activity please consult the student's GP before enrolling in a Heads Up class.

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Any medication left on the premises must be clearly labelled and the student should, unless Heads Up has agreed in writing otherwise, be able to administer it themselves.

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Students must wear suitable footwear and clothing at all times.

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If a student is unwell or has an accident requiring emergency treatment, the parent will be contacted via the emergency contact details provided below or on the enrolment form. This number must always be contactable whilst the student is attending the class.

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Parents are solely responsible for ensuring that the emergency contact details on our records are up to date.

 

GDPR

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This is a copy of a letter which all parents need to respond to, in accordance with GDPR.

 

Dear Parent

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The Heads Up Theatre Group needs to gain your written consent to having your/your child's details stored in our records.

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This information is used solely by the Director of Heads Up (Jo Laugharne).

 

I use the information

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• to remind myself of any medical condition your child may have,

• for emergency contact details

 

From now on I will keep the information until your child leaves Heads Up. After that point I will dispose of it.

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You can withdraw your consent to my storing the information at any point.

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If I ever need to share any information regarding your child with a third party I will need to gain your permission to do so. Unlike other LAMDA teachers I ask parents to enter their own children, which avoids me having to send information about my students to the Board. The only other times are when we are taking part in a drama festival or other public event. Having gained your permission to share information I would then not be responsible for what happens to it as I have no connections with third parties.

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On my enrolment form I have asked you for your permission to use any photographs I may use for publicity. I will need to ask you again whenever this is likely to happen. Again, all Heads Up photos are kept on my computer and only published with your consent.

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I would be extremely grateful if you could send me an email with the following wording:

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I, .............................give my consent for The Heads Up Theatre Group (Jo Laugharne) to store the information I have submitted during my child's education with Jo Laugharne.

 

Name of student.......................................