Minwood Lane has a duty of care and is fully committed to safeguarding the welfare of all children in our care. We recognise the responsibility to promote safe practice and to protect children from harm, abuse and exploitation. 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.
Minwood Lane will ensure the safety and protection of all children involved in our acting sessions through adherence to the Child Protection guidelines adopted by us.
Minwood Lane requires all teachers, assistants and visiting practitioners to apply for enhanced clearance via the DBS - Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly CRB) and its structure is often used as an example of Best Practice when Child Protection issues are discussed.
A child is defined as a person under the age of 18 years old (The Children Act 1989).
This document outlines Minwood Lane’s commitment to protecting children.
Policy Aims
The aim of the Minwood Lane Child protection policy is to promote good practice by:
* Providing children and young people with appropriate safety and protection whilst in the care of Minwood Lane.
* Allowing all practitioners /volunteers to make informed and confident responses to specific child protection issues.
* Adhering to the Child Protection procedures whilst in the care of Minwood Lane.
* Keeping records and reporting any responses made specificually to child protection issues.
* Promoting health and welfare of children by providing opportunities for them to take part In perforin arts activities safely.
* Respecting and promote the rights, wishes and feeling of the children.
* Recruiting, training and supporting its practitioners/ volunteers to adopt best practice to safeguard and protect children from abuse and to reduce risk to themselves.
* Requiring that practitioners/ volunteers to adopt and abide by this Child Protection Policy and the Procedures.
* Responding to any allegations of misconduct or abuse of children in line with this Policy and the procedures well as implementing, where appropriate, the relevant disciplinary and appeals procedure.
* Regularly monitor and evaluate the implementation of this policy and these procedures.
These guidelines are based on the following principles:
* The welfare of children is the primary concern.
* All children, whatever their age, culture, disability, gender, language, racial origin, socio-economic status, religious belief and/or sexual identity have the right to protection from all forms of harm and abuse.
* Child protection is everyones responsibility.
* Children have the right to express views on all matters which affect them, should they wish to do so.
* Minwood Lane shall work in partnership together with children and parents/guardians to promote the welfare, health and development of children.
This policy and these procedures will be regularly reviewed:
* In accordance with changes in legislation and guidance on the protection of children or following any changes within Minwood Lane.
* Following any issues or concerns raised about the protection of children at Minwood Lane.
* In all other circumstances, at least every three years.