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Child Protection Policy
Dance Northumberand Limited recognises its duty of care under the Children and Young Person Act 1963, the Child (Performances) Regulations 1968, The Protection of Children Act 1999 and the Criminal Justice and Court Services Act 2000.Dance Northumberland Limited recognises that abuse can take many forms, whether it is physical abuse, emotional abuse, sexual abuse or neglect. Dance Northumberland Limited is committed to practice, which protects children from harm. All members of Dance northumberland limited accept and recognise their responsibilities to develop awareness of the issues, which cause children harm.Dance Northumberland Limited believe that: - The welfare of the child is paramount- All children, whatever their age, culture, disability, gender, language, racial origin, religious beliefs and/or sexual identity have the right to protection from abuse- All suspicions and allegations of abuse should be taken seriously and responded to swiftly and appropriately- All members and employees of the school should be clear on how to respondappropriatelyDance Northumberland Limitedwill ensure that:- All children will be treated equally with respect and dignity- The welfare of each child will always be put first- A balanced relationship based on mutual trust will be built which empowers the children to share in the decision process- Enthusiastic and constructive feedback will be given, rather than negative criticism- Bullying will not be accepted nor condoned- All adult members of the society provide a positive role model for dealing with other people- Action will be taken to stop and inappropriate verbal or physical behaviour - It will keep up to date with health and safety legislation- It will keep informed of changes in legislation and policies for the protection of children- It will hold a register of every child involved with the society and will retain a contact name and number close at hand in case of emergencies Dance Northumberland Limited has child protection procedures which accompany this policy. This policy will be regularly monitored by the proprietors ofDance Northumberland Limited and will be subject to annual review.Our Policy Statement Dance Northumberland Limited has a duty of care to safeguard all children involved in their dance activites from harm.All children have a right to protection, and the needs of disabled children and others who may be particularly vulnerable must be taken into account.Dance Northumberland Limited will ensure the safety and protection of all children involved in the dance school through adherence to the Child Protection guidelines adopted by Dance Northumberland LimitedA child is defined as a person under the age of 18 (The Children Act 1989)Policy Aims The aim of Dance Northumberland Limited Child Protection Policy is to promote good practice:- Providing children and young people with appropriate safety and protection whilst in the care of Kirsti McDonagh and other teaching staff of Dance Northumberland Limited;Allow Staff/Volunteers to make informed and confident responses to child protection issues.Promoting Good PracticeChild abuse, particularly sexual abuse, can arouse strong emotions in those facing such a situation. It is important to understand these feelings and not allow them to interfere with your judgement about the appropriate action to take.Abuse can occur within many situations including the home, school and the sporting environment. Some individuals will actively seek employment or voluntary work with young people in order to harm them. A coach, instructor, teacher, official or volunteer will have regular contact with young people and be an important link in identifying cases where they need protection. All suspicious cases of poor practice should be reported following the guidelines in this document.When a child enters the club activity having been subjected to abuse outside of the sporting environment, sport can play a crucial role in improving a child's self- esteem. In such instances the club activity organiser must work with the appropriate agencies to ensure the child receives the required support.Good practice guidelines All personnel should be encouraged to demonstrate exemplary behaviour in order to promote children's welfare and reduce the likelihood of allegations being made. The following are common sense examples of how to create a positive culture and climate.Good Practice means: - Always working in an open environment (e.g. avoiding private or unobserved situations and encouraging open communication with no secrets).- Treating all young people/disabled adults equally, and with respect and dignity.- Always putting the welfare of each young person first, before winning or achieving goals.- Maintaining a safe and appropriate distance with pupils (e.g. it is not appropriate for staff/volunteers to have an intimate relationship with a child or to share a room with them) - Building balanced relationships based on mutual trust which empowers children to share in the decision-making process.- Making sport fun, enjoyable and promoting fair play.- Ensuring that if any form of manual/physical support is required, it should be provided openly according to guidelines provided by the Coaching Education Programme. Care is needed, as it is difficult to maintain hand positions when the child is constantly moving. Young people and their parents should always be consulted and agreement gained.- Keeping up to date with technical skills, qualifications and insurance in sport.- Involving parents/carers whenever possible. For example, encouraging parents to take responsibility for their children in the changing rooms. If groups have to be supervised in changing rooms, always ensure parents, teachers, coaches or officials work in pairs.- Ensuring that if mixed teams are taken away, they should always be accompanied by a male and female member of staff. However, remember that same gender abuse can also occur.- Ensuring that at competitions or residential events, adults should not enter children's rooms or invite children into their rooms.- Being an excellent role model - This includes not smoking or drinking alcohol in the company of young people. - Giving enthusiastic, constructive feedback rather than negative criticism.- Recognising the developmental needs and capacity of young people and disabled adults - avoiding excessive training or competition and not pushing them against their will.- Securing parental consent in writing to act in loco parentis, if the need arises to administer emergency first aid and/or other medical treatment.- Keeping a written record of any injury that occurs, along with the details of any treatment given.- Requesting written parental consent if club officials are required to transport young people in their cars.
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