Child Protection Document

 

ARCADIAN OPERA LTD

CHILD PROTECTION AND SAFEGUARDING POLICY

 

 

STATEMENT OF POLICY FOR SAFEGUARDING OF CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE

 

Arcadian Opera Ltd believes that it is always unacceptable for a child or young person to experience abuse of any kind and recognises its responsibility and duty of care to safeguard and promote the welfare of all children and young people. It is committed to ensuring safeguarding practice reflects statutory responsibilities, government guidance and complies with best practice.

 

Arcadian Opera Ltd believes that:

  • The welfare of the children and young people is paramount in all circumstances.
  • All children and young people whatever their age, culture, disability, gender, language, racial origin, religious beliefs and/or sexual orientation or socio economic background have the right to equal protection from all types of harm or abuse.
  • Some children, including disabled children and young people 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 suspicions and allegations of abuse should be taken seriously and responded to swiftly and appropriately.
  • All Company Members should be clear on how to respond appropriately.

 

The purpose of the Child Protection and Safeguarding policy is:

  • To provide protection for the children and young people who are associated with the Production.
  • To provide all Company Members with guidance on procedures they should adopt in the event that they suspect a child or young person may be experiencing, or be at risk of, harm.
  • To ensure and make clear that it covers all individuals working at all levels – officers, directors, employees, artists, performers, musicians, stage crew, consultants, contractors, homeworkers, part-time and fixed-term employees, casual and agency Company Members, and volunteers (collectively referred to as “Company Members” in this Policy).

Arcadian Opera Ltd will endeavour to safeguard children and young people by:

  • Valuing them, listening to and respecting them.
  • Sharing information about child safeguarding and good practice with children, parents and Company Members:
    • Circulating the Company Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy and Code of Conduct to all Company Members and children’s families by email.
    • Company Child Protection & Safeguarding Policy and Code of Conduct available on Company Website.
    • Introducing the Lead Chaperone at the first rehearsal at which children are present
    • The Lead Chaperone will outline the ‘dos and don’ts’ with regard to keeping children safe at the first rehearsal at which children are present.
  • Sharing information about concerns with agencies who need to know, involving parents and children appropriately.

As part of our safeguarding policy Arcadian Opera Ltd will:

  • Promote and prioritise the safety and wellbeing of children and young people and vulnerable adults.
  • Ensure everyone understands their roles and responsibilities in respect of safeguarding.
  • Ensure appropriate action is taken in the event of incidents/concerns of abuse and support provided to the individual/s who raise or disclose the concern.
  • Ensure that confidential, detailed, and accurate records of all safeguarding concerns are maintained and securely stored.
  • Prevent the employment/deployment of unsuitable individuals.
  • Ensure robust safeguarding arrangements and procedures are in operation.

The policy and procedures will be widely promoted and are mandatory for everyone involved in Arcadian Opera Ltd. Failure to comply with the policy and procedures will be addressed without delay and may ultimately result in dismissal/exclusion from Arcadian Opera Ltd and its performances.

Arcadian Opera Ltd has a dedicated child protection officer (CPO) for the current production of “Carmen” (The Roxburgh Theatre, Stowe 13,14 July 2024) who is in charge of ensuring that the child protection policy and procedures are adhered to. That person’s name is Sarah Wise  and she can be contacted on sarahwise93@gmail.com .

CONTENTS

  1.  Safeguarding Procedures
    • Introduction
    • Definition of children and young people
    • Recognising the signs and symptoms of abuse
    • Statement of values and principles
    • Designated persons for child protection
    • Code of Conduct
    • Risk Assessment in relation to child protection
    • Photographic procedures
    • Recruitment procedures
    • Training
    • Other policies
    • Whistle-blowing and complaints procedures
  1. Response Procedures
    • Responding to a child disclosing abuse
    • Responding to signs or suspicions of abuse
    • Responding to allegations of abuse against a member of Company Members, worker or other person
    • Recording and information sharing
    • Confidentiality, retention and storage of documentation
    • Handling and safekeeping of disclosure Information
  1. Children in Performance or Rehearsal
    • Chaperones
    • Licences
    • Concerns about a child performer
    • Auditions
    • Stage rehearsals and performances
    • Scheduling of children
    • Accommodation
    • Meals
    • Tutoring

 

APPENDICES

  1. Definitions of Abuse
  2. What to do if you have concerns about a child’s welfare
  3. What to do if you have concerns about a member of Company Members or volunteer in relation to child protection
  4. Checklist for reporting suspected abuse
  5. Declaration Form

1.     SAFEGUARDING PROCEDURES

  • Introduction

Arcadian Opera Ltd has designed these procedures to ensure the welfare and protection of children and young people who access the services provided by Arcadian Opera Ltd. The procedures recognise that child protection can be a very difficult subject to deal with to the extent that it is sometimes easier to close your eyes to what is happening or believe that it is somebody else’s problem to deal with.

  • Arcadian Opera Ltd is committed to the belief that protecting children and young people is everybody’sresponsibility and therefore the aim here is to provide guidelines that will enable all individuals working at all levels including – officers, directors, employees, artists, performers, musicians, stage crew, consultants, contractors, part-time and fixed-term employees, casual and agency Company Members, and volunteers (collectively referred to as “Company Members” in this Policy) to act appropriately to any concerns that arise in respect of any children and young people.

1.2           Definition of Children and Young People

A reference to “children and young people” means children and young people up to the age of 18 years, those over 19 years who are receiving services as care leavers (young people who have been ‘looked after’ children), and those between 19 and 25 years with learning difficulties.

1.3           Recognising the signs and symptoms

It is important that Company Members understand the different types of abuse that children and young people need to be protected from. See Appendix 1 with definitions of abuse under the headings of Physical Abuse, Sexual Abuse, Emotional Abuse, Neglect, Child Sexual Exploitation and Bullying.

1.4           Statement of Values and Principles

  • Arcadian Opera Ltd believes that:
  • All organisations have a duty of care to children and young people who use their services or take part in their activities.
  • All children and young people should be encouraged to fulfil their potential and inequalities should be challenged.
  • Everybody has a responsibility to support the care and protection of children and young people.

1.5           Designated Persons for child protection

  • Designated persons are those individuals designated by Arcadian Opera Ltd to have specific responsibility for ensuring effective safeguarding and protection procedures. All designated persons have received specialist advice and training in Child Protection.
  • Arcadian Opera Ltd has appointed a Child Protection Officer who is responsible for dealing with any child protection concerns. The named person for child protection within Arcadian Opera Ltd is:

Child Protection Officer (CPO):            Sarah Wise

Name of contact person:                     Sarah Wise

Mobile number:                                  07790 692433

E-mail:                                                sarawise93@gmail.com

The role of the designated person is to:

  • Ensure that all Company Members are aware of what they should do and who they should go to if they are concerned that a child or young person may be subject to abuse or neglect.
  • Receive and record information from Company Members, children or parents/guardians who have child protection concerns.
  • Assess the information properly and carefully, clarifying or obtaining more information about the matter as appropriate and consulting with senior colleagues if necessary.
  • Consult initially with a statutory child protection agency to test out any doubts or concerns as soon as possible.
  • If necessary, to make a formal referral to a statutory child protection agency without delay.
  • Record any reported incidents in relation to a child or young person and ensure that such records are kept in a secure place.

1.6           Code of Conduct

All Company Members must:

  • Treat all children and young people with respect.
  • Provide an example of good conduct they wish others to follow.
  • Ensure that whenever possible there is more than one adult present during activities with children and young people, or at least that they are within sight or hearing of others.
  • Respect a child’s and young person’s right to personal privacy.
  • Encourage children and young people to feel comfortable and caring enough to point out attitudes or behaviour they do not like.
  • Remember that someone else might misinterpret your actions, no matter how well intentioned.
  • Be aware that physical contact with a child or young person may be misinterpreted.
  • Recognise that special caution is required when you are discussing sensitive issues with children or young people.
  • Operate within Arcadian Opera Ltd’s specific procedures.
  • Challenge unacceptable behaviour and report all allegations/suspicions of abuse to the Child Protection Officer.
  • Company Members should give guidance and support to inexperienced helpers, for example, volunteer assistants who may be working with them temporarily.

Company Members must not:

  • Have inappropriate physical or verbal contact with children and young people.
  • Communicate with children and young people via their mobile phone – all communications via mobile should be with their parent/guardian.
  • Allow themselves to be drawn into inappropriate attention-seeking behaviour/make suggestive or derogatory remarks or gestures in front of children or young people.
  • Jump to conclusions about others without checking facts.
  • Either exaggerate or trivialise child abuse issues.
  • Show favouritism to any child or young person.
  • Rely on their good name or position or the good name of Arcadian Opera Ltd to protect them.
  • Believe “it could never happen to me”.
  • Take a chance when common sense, policy or best practice suggests another more prudent approach.

1.7           Risk Assessment in relation to child protection

The principle of risk assessment is for the Health and Safety Officer to consider:

  • The practical details of the Production.
  • Things that could go wrong with the Production.
  • The likelihood of things going wrong.
  • Impact of such things going wrong.

Once this is done:

  • You can identify measures to reduce the risk.
  • You can decide what to do if things go wrong.
  • You can allocate roles to monitor and manage child protection.
  • You should involve as wide a range of the Production’s stakeholders as possible.
  • Risk assessment and risk management should be carried out for the Production.
  • Arcadian Opera Ltd will undertake a child specific risk assessment for the Production and any concerns will be discussed with and addressed by the CPO.

1.8           Use of Child Images in Photographs/Websites

  • Avoid using children’s names in photographic captions. If a child is named, avoid using his or her photograph. If a photograph is used and the child’s name is included within the photograph caption avoid stating the child’s surname.
  • Always ensure that appropriate permission has been granted for a child to be photographed or videoed.
  • Parental permission to use an image of a child or young person must always be sought in advance.
  • Only use images for the specific purpose which has been agreed with a parent and child. Additional use without specific permission is not acceptable.
  • All images of children must be stored safely and securely. Where possible images of children should be stored in limited access files on computers.
  • Only use images of children in suitable dress to reduce the risk of inappropriate use.
  • Address the use of images of children with external agencies who use images of children in publicity material for the Production.
  • Avoid personal information about children which could be used by an individual to learn more about a child. Biographical details of children on the Production’s websites or programmes should be minimal.
  • Make clear Arcadian Opera Ltd’s expectations of professional photographers and the press who are invited to an event, in relation to child protection.
  • Do not allow photographers unsupervised access to children.
  • Do not approve photography sessions outside of Arcadian Opera Ltd’s control or at a child’s home.
  • The use of cameras or mobile phones with camera or filming capability in dressing rooms and other inappropriate environments is expressly forbidden, save in relation to chaperones who are permitted to carry their mobile phone at all times and use their mobile phone in dressing rooms and other areas, provided no photos are taken or filming carried out.

1.9           Recruitment Procedures

In recruiting for roles/positions which involve responsibility for children, Arcadian Opera Ltd will ensure:

  • That roles/positions are clearly defined and those necessitating a Disclosure and Barring Service (“DBS”) check or Chaperone Licence are clearly advertised as such.
  • The Child Safeguarding Policy Statement will be referenced within the job description and will be shared with any candidate invited to interview.
  • At interview for such roles/positions, a question pertaining to good practice in Child Protection will be asked.
  • Referees should be asked specifically about the applicant’s suitability to work with children and young people. It is acceptable to tell applicants for roles/positions involving child safeguarding that you reserve the right to approach all of their past employers.
  • Arcadian Opera Ltd will monitor the expiry date of all DBS and Chaperone Licences of their Company Members.
  • Recruitment of volunteers who with responsibility for children and young people will be subject to the same recruitment procedures as employees.
  • That any agency Company Members have been subjected to the same DBS/Licence check as employees and that appropriate documentary evidence is obtained and recorded.

1.10        Training

Arcadian Opera Ltd will ensure all Company members have suitable training t that is relevant to their particular role. This will include:

  • Ensuring all Company Members are aware of the Child Protection Policy and where to access it.
  • Only engaging those who have completed Child Safeguarding Training as designated persons.

1.11        Whistle-Blowing and Complaints Procedures

Arcadian Opera Ltd wishes to promote a culture in which Company Members may express any concerns they may have about a colleague’s behaviour in relation to child protection.

In order to achieve this, Company Members are encouraged to share any such concerns with the Child Protection Officer without delay; concerns will be treated seriously and in the strictest confidence.

2.     RESPONSE PROCEDURES

Arcadian Opera Ltd recognises the importance of having clear procedures to enable Company Members to handle situations where an appropriate response is needed to a child protection concern.

Please see Appendix 1 for Definitions of Abuse.

2.1    Responding to a child or young person disclosing abuse

  • Stay calm.
  • Listen carefully to what is said.
  • Find an appropriately early opportunity to explain that it is likely that the information will need to be shared with others – do not promise to keep secrets.
  • Allow the child to continue at his/her own pace.
  • Ask questions for clarification only, and at all times avoid asking questions that suggest a particular answer.
  • Reassure the child that they have ‘done the right thing’ in telling you.
  • Do not promise to keep it a secret. Use the first opportunity you have to share the information with the Child Protection Officer (CPO).
  • Tell them what you will do next and with whom the information will be shared with the CPO who is the person who needs to know and who should be able to help.
  • As soon as possible after the disclosing conversation, make a note in writing of what was said using the child’s own words. Note the date, time, any names that were involved or mentioned, and who you gave the information to. Make sure you sign and date your record.
  • Contact immediately the Child Protection Officer. Do not delay in taking action. It is the CPO’s responsibility to liaise with the relevant authorities, usually Children’s Social care or the Police.
  • Unless you are the CPO, never investigate or take sole responsibility for a situation where a child or young person makes a disclosure. You MUST contact the CPO immediately.
  • REMEMBER: It is important that everyone at Arcadian Opera Ltd is aware that the person who first encounters a case of alleged or suspected abuse is not responsible for deciding whether or not abuse has occurred. That is a task for the professional child protection agencies following a referral to them of concern about a child.

2.2   Responding to signs or suspicions of abuse

 Please see Appendix 2 for a flow chart on what to do in this situation.

2.3    Responding to allegations of abuse against a member of Company Members, worker or other adult

 Please see Appendix 3 for a flow chart on what to do in this situation.

2.4     Response by Child Protection Officer following report of allegation of abuse or concern for the welfare of a child or young person

  • The CPO will consider the incident report and take steps, as considered necessary, to ensure the safety of the child/young person in question and any other child who may be at risk. The CPO will refer the matter to the Council Child Licensing Officer and a director of the production company before consideration of a worker being suspended.
  • The CPO will consider whether any external action needs to take place. If it is or becomes a Child Protection matter of an on-going concern the CPO will refer the allegation to the Social Service Department who may involve the police or go directly to the police out of hours and will discuss suspension of the alleged abuser with investigating agencies.
  • The CPO will inform the Company Members member who submitted the report, that the relevant investigating agency (if applicable) has been contacted. The CPO will not discuss the incident any further other than for the purpose of clarification.
  • The CPO will keep all sensitive information secure in accordance with the Data Protection Act 1988.
  • The parents or guardians will be contacted by the CPO, as soon as possible, according to advice from the Social Service Department.

2.5    Recording and Information Sharing

In all situations, including those in which the cause of concern arises from a disclosure made in confidence, it is vitally important to record the details of an allegation or reported incident, regardless of whether or not the concerns are shared with a statutory child protection agency.

An accurate note should be made of:

  • Name, age, date of birth.
  • Home address and telephone number.
  • Whether the person making the report is expressing their own concerns or those of someone else.
  • A description of any visible bruising/injuries.
  • The nature of alleged incident including dates, times and any special factors or relevant information.
  • Parties who were allegedly involved.
  • Details of witnesses to the incident/s.
  • What was allegedly said or done and by whom.
  • The dates and time of the disclosure by the child/young person.
  • Names of persons reporting and to whom reported.
  • Any action taken by CPO to investigate the matter.
  • Any further action by Arcadian Opera Ltd e.g. suspension of worker.
  • Where relevant, reasons why there is no referral to a statutory agency.

The record should be clear and factual as it may be needed by child protection agencies investigating the incident and may, in the future, be used as evidence in court. Keeping such a record may also help protect Arcadian Opera Ltd.

Please see Appendix 4 for an example checklist for reporting suspected abuse.

2.6           Confidentiality, and Retention and Storage of documentation

Records of an allegation of abuse will be stored securely and shared only with those who need to know about the incident or allegation.

As a general rule, all personal information that is acquired or held in the course of working with children and young people should be treated as confidential and stored securely. Particular care should be taken with sensitive information. Arcadian Opera Ltd and its Company Members will never request the personal contact details of an individual child or young person, e.g. their personal email address or mobile number, all correspondence regarding or with a child will be with their parent/guardian, agent or chaperone.

Consideration shall also be given to the Data Protection Act 1998 which requires that information is obtained and processed fairly and lawfully; that it is accurate, relevant and not held for longer than is necessary; and kept securely.

3.     CHILDREN IN PERFORMANCE OR REHEARSAL

Chaperones

  • All children performing in the Production should at all times, be accompanied by a licensed and local authority approved chaperone, their delegated assistant with Enhanced DBS clearance, or the child’s own parent or carer, including but not limited to during fittings, rehearsals, performances and press or publicity engagements.
  • It is important to be aware of and follow the local council guidance for licence holders and chaperones available from local authorities.
  • The role of the approved chaperone is to ensure that proper provision is made to secure a child’s health, comfort and wellbeing. The person approved by the local authority will be in charge of the child at all times for the duration of the licence except when the child is in the charge of their parent/guardian/tutor or is performing.
  • Each chaperone can legally be responsible for twelve children and for five where they are on tour. More than one chaperone will be provided where appropriate e.g. when the group needs to be split into different rehearsals or onto opposite sides of the stage/building.
  • Chaperones will ensure that children are only collected either by official school transport or by their parent or guardian. Should a child’s parent or guardian wish for someone else to collect the child, notification must be given to the Lead Chaperone in advance detailing the name of the individual. The Lead Chaperone can drive children if needed, when express permission is given by the parent/carer. No child will be permitted to leave alone at the end of a rehearsal or performance.

3.2           Licences

The legislation requires that all children, from babies until they cease to be of compulsory school age, be licensed by the local authority in which they live, prior to taking part in a performance. The definition of compulsory school age is: a child whose 16th birthday falls between 1st September and 31st August remains of compulsory school age until the last Friday in June of the academic year of their 16th birthday. Each child has to be licensed to perform with Arcadian Opera Ltd by the appropriate local authority; the licences are acquired by Arcadian Opera Ltd or a Children’s Administrator engaged by Arcadian Opera Ltd for the Production. The licence holder (usually Arcadian Opera Ltd) is responsible for observing the conditions of the licence and should be familiar with all the responsibilities of this role.

3.3           Concerns about a child performer

It is the licence holder and all chaperones’ responsibility as well as any other Company Members member to report any concerns they become aware of about a child’s welfare. Any concerns would need to be discussed with the Child Protection Officer who would decide if the concern necessitates a referral to the local children’s services department. The referral should be made by the CPO and followed up if no response has been received from children’s services within 3 days. (Please see Appendix 2 for a flow chart on what to do in this situation.)

If there are concerns about the behaviour of a chaperone, then the licence holder will need to report these concerns to the CPO and the CPO will determine if a referral should be made to the relevant child employment officer within the local authority and to the children’s services department. Records of such a referral will be kept as per 2.5 of this guidance. (Please see Appendix 3 for a flow chart on what to do in this situation)

Parents will be informed of who they can speak with should they have concerns about the behaviour of a chaperone or anyone else involved in the Production towards their child and they will also be provided with the name and contact details of the CPO and Company Producer. If the chaperone identifies concerns about a child, they should discuss these with the CPO. Arcadian Opera Ltd will ensure that all chaperones have the contact details of the CPO. Chaperones will be informed by Arcadian Opera Ltd who to contact out of office hours and at the weekends. If the chaperone has concerns about a child or the behaviour of another adult towards a child and is unable to speak with the relevant individuals within Arcadian Opera Ltd s/he should contact the child employment officer and/or the local children’s services department for advice. The NSPCC Helpline can also provide advice and is a 24 hour service: Tel 0808 800 5000.

3.4           Auditions

Children arriving for an audition will be met by a representative of Arcadian Opera Ltd, usually the Child Casting Director or a member of their team. There should always be more than one adult present during auditions.

3.5           Stage Rehearsals and Performances

While on stage all children are the responsibility of the stage manager; chaperones/Company Members should check that it is safe and appropriate before bringing them on stage.

All guidelines for rehearsals in studios should be followed while on stage. Separate dressing rooms for children shall be provided. If possible these dressing rooms should have their own toilet facilities, and if this is not possible toilets within the theatre should be assigned for children’s use only. It is recognised that facilities will differ across venues and that it may not be possible to follow this best practice at all times.

3.6           Scheduling of children

Arcadian Opera Ltd recognises that advanced planning and scheduling of children’s activities is of paramount importance to ensuring that children’s licencing legislation is adhered to and that appropriate levels of supervision are in place for all rehearsals and performances.

Arcadian Opera Ltd will ensure that:

  • A suitable performance schedule will accompany the application for a child’s performance licence.
  • The local authority issuing a child performance licence will be informed of any changes to the performance schedule for the child.
  • Arcadian Opera Ltd Manager will prepare a detailed weekly schedule of all production activities and it will be clearly noted where children are required and where children will be present within this schedule. The production creative team agree to only vary this schedule as a last resort. This schedule will be shared with the children’s parents or guardians by the Lead Chaperone or Company Producer.
  • The Company Members responsible for any session where children are present should plan and prepare a detailed programme for the children involved in this session.
  • Appropriate chaperone levels will be put in place for all sessions where children are present.
  • The chaperone and Company Manager will be responsible for ensuring that all children have suitable breaks in line with legislation and are not present at a place or rehearsal or performance for more hours than the legislation permits.
  • Where a child is not required but is present at the place or performance or rehearsal the chaperone will ensure suitable activities are arranged to engage the children.

3.7           Accommodation

Where a child is resident further than a reasonable commuting distance to the place of performance Arcadian Opera Ltd will  recommend appropriate accommodation, supervision and tutoring in line with the terms of the child’s licence.

A child may only stay in a place approved by the local authority for the area in which they are to perform. The chaperone will have a separate bedroom to the children within the accommodation and all children will be aware which bedroom is the chaperone’s bedroom. Up to four children of the same gender may be expected to share a room. The chaperone will be responsible for the welfare of the children at all times while resident in the Production’s accommodation and they will be appropriately supervised, in line with their age and understanding.

Children required to travel with Arcadian Opera Ltd for performances will travel with their parent, their parent’s appointed representative, school or Arcadian approved transport or a registered chaperone at all times.

3.8           Meals

Arcadian Opera Ltd understands the importance of children eating suitable meals while undertaking rehearsals or performances. Children will either be asked to bring suitable packed meals from home or Arcadian Opera Ltd will provide meals which may be catered for by a chaperone. Arrangements for meals will be made clear to parents in advance to ensure children have sufficient food for rehearsal and performances.

3.9           Tutoring

Arcadian Opera Ltd will ensure that all children receive sufficient tutoring in line with the legislation. If it is not possible for a child to attend their own school for sufficient tutoring hours Arcadian Opera Ltd will employ a tutor to teach the children. The tutor will be a qualified teacher and will hold a Chaperone Licence. A tutor who is also acting as a chaperone is legally permitted to tutor up to 6 children, if there are more children an additional tutor will be employed per 6 children. If a tutor does not have a Chaperone Licence a chaperone will be employed to chaperone the children during tutoring hours.

APPENDICIES 

 

APPENDIX 1 – DEFINITIONS OF ABUSE

What Is Abuse?

The different categories of abuse are:

  • Physical abuse
  • Sexual abuse
  • Emotional abuse
  • Neglect
  • Child sexual exploitation
  • Bullying

What is physical abuse?

Physical abuse includes hitting, shaking, throwing, poisoning or misuse of medications, burning or scalding, drowning, suffocating or otherwise causing physical harm. Physical harm may also be caused when a parent or guardian feigns the symptoms or deliberately causes ill health to a child whom they are looking after.

What is sexual abuse?

Sexual abuse involves forcing or enticing a child or young person to take part in sexual activities, whether or not the child or young person is aware of, or consents to (where they can consent under the law), what is happening. The activities  may involve physical contact, including penetrative or non-penetrative acts. Sexual abuse also includes non-contact activities such as involving children or young people in looking at, or in the production of, pornographic material or watching sexual activities, or encouraging them to behave in sexually inappropriate ways. Sexual abuse may be same sex or opposite sex, may be by other children, young people or adults. People from all walks of life may be sexual abusers.

What is emotional abuse?

Emotional abuse is the persistent emotional ill-treatment of a person such as to cause severe and persistent adverse effects on that person’s emotional development. It may involve making the individual feel or believe that they are worthless, unloved or inadequate. It may also involve causing the person to feel often frightened or in danger. It may involve exploitation or corruption.

What is neglect?

Neglect is the persistent failure to meet a child’s or young person’s basic physical and or/psychological needs, likely to result in the severe impairment of the person’s health or development. It may involve a parent or guardian failing to provide adequate food, shelter and clothing, failure to protect a child or young person from physical harm or danger, or the failure to ensure access to appropriate medical care or treatment.

What is child sexual exploitation?

Child sexual exploitation (CSE) is a type of sexual abuse in which children are sexually exploited for money, drugs, alcohol, accommodation or gifts as a result of them performing, and/or others performing on them, sexual activities. Child sexual exploitation can occur through the use of technology without the child’s immediate recognition; for example being persuaded to post sexual images on the internet or mobile phones without immediate payment or gain. Children or young people may be tricked into believing they are in a loving, consensual relationship. Child sexual exploitation is a hidden crime. Young people often trust their abuser and do not understand that they are being abused. They may depend on their abuser or be too scared to tell anyone what is happening. Children who work in entertainment may be sexually exploited in return for offers of TV, film or modelling/photographic work and roles in professional stage productions.

What is bullying?

Bullying is behaviour that hurts someone else – such as name calling, hitting, pushing, spreading rumours, threatening or undermining someone. It can happen anywhere – at school, at home or online. It is usually repeated over a long period of time and can hurt a child both physically and emotionally. Bullying that happens online, using social networks and mobile phones, is often called cyber bullying. A child can feel that there is no escape because it can happen wherever they are, at any time of day or night.

APPENDIX 2 – WHAT TO DO IF YOU HAVE CONCERNS ABOUT A CHILD’S WELFARE

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

APPENDIX 3 – WHAT TO DO IF YOU HAVE CONCERNS ABOUT A MEMBER OF COMPANY MEMBERS OR OTHER ADULT IN RELATION TO CHILD PROTECTION  

 

 

APPENDIX 4 – CHECKLIST FOR REPORTING SUSPECTED ABUSE

Name of child:

Age and date of birth:

Religion:

Ethnicity:

First language:

Any disability:

Any special factors:

Parents/guardians name(s):

Home address and phone number (if available):

 

 

Are you reporting your own concerns or passing on those of somebody else:

 

Brief description of what has prompted the concerns (include dates, times etc of any specific incidents):

 

 

 

 

Detail any physical signs, behavioural signs or indirect signs:

 

 

 

 

Have you spoken to the child? If so, what was said:

 

 

 

 

Have you spoken to the parent(s)? If so, what was said:

 

 

 

 

Has anybody been alleged to be the abuser? If so, give details: Have you consulted anybody else? If so, give details:

 

 

 

Your name and position:

 

To whom reported and date of reporting: Signature:

Today’s date:

 

APPENDIX 5 – CHILD PROTECTION AND SAFEGUARDING DECLARATION FORM

 

 

 

Company  
Role  

 

 

I declare that I have never been convicted of any offence involving any type of harm to a child or children, nor have I ever been warned or cautioned in relation to such a matter. I also declare that there are no civil or criminal proceedings of any nature pending against me at the date of this declaration relating to any allegation concerning any type of harm to a child or children.

I authorise Arcadian Opera Ltd (referred to above) to seek references or approach previous employers for information to verify information on disciplinary offences relating to children.

I give my permission to Arcadian Opera Ltd to check the above-mentioned criminal records periodically.

I understand that if I withhold any relevant information, or present false or inaccurate information, that the contract for services for the above mentioned project will be terminated with immediate effect.

I will adhere to Arcadian Opera Ltd’s Child Protection Policy. I confirm that I have received and read these

documents at the time of signing this declaration.

In accordance with the UK’s Data Protection Act (1998) and any other relevant privacy law which applies in the country of engagement, this declaration is confidential and is extended solely in order to accredit my suitability to work with children whilst providing services to Arcadian Opera Ltd; this declaration may not be used totally or partially for any other purpose save that for which it is expressly made.

Name  
Signed  
Date