GALLEYWOOD  THEATRE  GROUP
CHILD PROTECTION POLICY
JANUARY 2017
 
This policy applies to all staff, including club members,  volunteers or anyone working on behalf of Galleywood Theatre Group.
 
The purpose of this policy:
 
  • To protect children and young people who receive Galleywood Theatre Group’s services;
 
  • To provide members and volunteers with the principles that  guide our approach to safeguarding and child protection.
 
Galleywood Theatre Group believes that a child or young person should never experience abuse of any kind.  We have a responsibility to promote the welfare of all children and young people and to keep them safe.  We are committed to practise in a way that protects them.
 
Legal Framework
 
This policy has been drawn up on the basis of law and guidance that seeks to protect children.
 
  • Children Act 1989
  • United Convention of the Rights of the Child 1991
  • Data Protection Act 1998
  • Human Rights Act 1998
  • Sexual Offences Act 2003
  • Children Act 2004
  • Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2012
  • Children and Familes Act 2014
  • Special educational needs and disability (SEND) code of practice, 0 to 25 years – statutory guidance for organisations which work with and support children and young people who have special educational needs or disabilities, HM Government 2014
  • Information sharing: Advice for practitioners safeguarding services to children, young people, parents and carers’ HM Government 2015
  • Working together to safeguarding children; a guide to inter-agency working to safeguard and promote the welfare of children; HM Government 2015
 
 
                                                                                                                                                                                                                              
 
 
 
 
 
The role of the safeguarding officer is to:
 
  • Protect  the children
  • Dealing with disclosures and concerns about a child or young person
  • Managing allegations against members and volunteers
 
  • Recording and information sharing
  • E-safety
  • Anti-bullying
  • Complaints
  • Health and Safety
  • Supervision and support
 
We recognise that:
 
  • The welfare of  the child is paramount, as stated in the Children Act 1989
  • All children, regardless of age, disability, gender, racial heritage, religious belief, sexual orientation or identity, have a right to equal protection from all types of harm or abuse.
  • Some children are additionally vulnerable because of the impact of previous experiences, their level of dependency, communication needs or other issues
  • Working in partnership with children, young people, their parents, carers and other agencies is essential in promoting young people’s welfare
 
We will seek to keep children and young people safe by:
 
  • Valuing them, listening to and respecting them
  • Appointing a designated Safeguarding Officer for children and young people
  • Adopting child protection and safeguarding practices through procedures and a code of conduct  for members and volunteers
  • Recording and storing information professionally and securely
  • Using our safeguarding procedures to manage any allegations against members or volunteers appropriately
  • Ensuring we provide a safe physical environment for the children, young people, members and volunteers by applying health and safety measures
 
 
 
Contact Details
 
Designated Safeguarding Officer (DSO)
Beverley J Eary
0771 269 3766
bev.eary569@btinternet.com
 
Safeguarding lead
Paul A Hambleton
0794 125 8214
pahambleton@virginmedia.com
 
 
 
We are committed to reviewing our policy and good practice annually
 
This policy was last reviewed on 16/01/19
 
Signed
               
               
 
Paul A Hambleton Safeguarding lead and club chairman