Policy for Child Protection
‘All children and young people in Scotland have the right to be cared for and protected from harm and to grow up in a safe environment in which their rights and needs are respected. The welfare of children is paramount.’
Rationale:
The Mull of Kintyre Music and Arts Association is committed to making sure that procedures are in place to ensure the care, welfare, and protection of all children and young people who are involved in workshops and performances at events that are run by the Association.
This policy is needed to ensure that procedures are in place which support the children and young people to protect them from harm, abuse and neglect.
It will make sure that all volunteers and staff are vigilant about the student’s health and safety, are aware of their roles and responsibilities and are clear about child protection issues.
In this environment all children feel safe in approaching adults about matters of concern confident that, not only will they be listened to but also that they will be treated with respect.
All adults who work at Mull of Kintyre Music and Arts Association events and projects will act in a professional manner and have knowledge of child abuse issues. They would be sensitive to the signs shown by children who are in distress or under stress.
Principles:
This policy is based on the following principles:
- Putting the needs of the children and young people first;
- It is everyone’s responsibility to ensure that children young people are protected from harm, abuse and neglect;
- Children and young people feel safe in an environment where mutual trust, respect and confidence is evident;
- The Association works with school, other agencies and organisations promoting good practice in supporting children, young people and their families;
Responsibilities:
- The Child Protection Coordinator for Mull of Kintyre Music and Art’s CIC.
- In the event of the child protection coordinator not being able to attend workshops in Campbeltown Grammar School this will be delegated to the Campbeltown Grammar School Child Protection Officer.
The Child Protection Coordinator will:
- be conversant with the information contained in the Mull of Kintyre Music and Arts Association child protection guidelines and procedures;
- support the Association in ensuring that child protection guidelines and procedures and are brought to the attention of all volunteers and staff annually and that they have access to the guidelines.
- Speak with all personal involved in projects run by the Association to ensure that child protection is covered;
- liaise with other establishments and external agencies where required
- ensure that staff and volunteers are given appropriate advice regarding child protection at all events and workshops that the Association run and organise
- ensure that PVG checks are made on all staff appointments and adult helpers where appropriate;
- ensure that procedures are in place when other adults are in direct contact with students and young people;
All staff and volunteers will ensure that:
- they are aware of their responsibilities in relation to child protection.
- they are aware of the Association child protection guidelines
- they note all child protection concerns and pass them to the child protection coordinator immediately.
- Treat children and young people with respect
- Respect a children and young people’s right to personal privacy
- Ensure that there is another adult present or that you are within sight or hearing at all workshops and events
- Remember that someone else might misinterpret your actions, no matter how well-intended.
- Be aware of potential child protection issues relating to the use of photographic images of children and young people.
- Be an exemplary role model for children and young people.
- Immediately inform the Child Protection Officer if you have concerns that a child or young person is being abused.
All staff and volunteers must not;
- Have inappropriate physical or verbal contact with children or young people.
- Make suggestive or derogatory remarks or gestures in front of children or young people.
- Show favouritism to any individual.
- Rely on your good name of that of the Association to protect you.
- Believe “it could never happen to me”
- Exaggerate or trivialise child abuse issues.
- Jump to conclusions or make assumptions about others without checking out facts.
- Allow yourself to be drawn into inappropriate attention seeking behaviour
What to do if you have grounds for concern that a child or young person is being abused:
- ‘Immediately report your grounds for concern to the head of establishment or child protection co-ordinator.
- Offer immediate support, understanding and reassurance explaining that you must pass on the information. Explain in simple terms that you cannot promise confidentially.
- Take the allegation seriously.
- Allow the child to speak without interruption accepting what is said. Do not investigate or question.
- Alleviate feelings of guilt and isolation.
- Avoid making judgemental statements.
- ’Let the child know you are glad he or she has shared the information.
- Do wait to seek clarification, nor agree to keep the information secret, nor discuss the matter.
- Write up a record of the facts. Report these to the Child Protection Officer
- Co-operate fully with any subsequent investigations that may take place.
Monitoring & Evaluation:
The Child Protection Coordinator will, monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of the Child Protection Policy on an annual basis.
The Mull of Kintyre Music and Arts Association uses the National Framework for Child Protection learning and development in Scotland (Scottish Government 2012), Getting it right for every child practice guide