Legal context  

The word ‘child’ refers to anyone under the age of 18, as defined by the Children Act 2004 as well as young people and vulnerable adults. A vulnerable adult is a person who is or may be in-need of community care services by reason of mental or other disability, age, or illness and who is or may be unable to take care of themselves. A young person refers to anyone under the age of 25.   

The principles outlined in this policy apply equally to children, young people, and vulnerable adults.

Principles  

When working with ‘children’ Swindon Dance staff will adhere to the following principles, that:  

• the welfare and safety of each ‘child’ is paramount,  

• the rights, wishes and feelings of each ‘child’ will be respected, listened to, and acted upon,  

• the relationship between our staff, teachers, and the ‘children’ they work with are based on mutual trust and respect,  

• all ‘children’ whatever their age, culture, disability, gender, ethnicity, religion, and sexual orientation will receive equal protection from all types of harm or abuse, in-line with our Equal Opportunities, Harassment and Bullying Policy,  

• all staff will take responsibility to keep ‘children’ safe, and  

• any suspicions or allegations of abuse will be taken seriously and responded to at once and appropriately by our staff, managers and Board of Trustees.  

Safeguarding procedures

We will ensure that:  

• all staff have read and understand the Safeguarding Children, Young People and Vulnerable Groups policy and the procedures to follow if a safeguarding incident occurs, is witnessed or an allegation made,  

• all staff undergo the appropriate level of Safeguarding training in relation to their role and responsibilities within the organisation,  

• all staff regardless of role or if a core member of our team or guest artists will undergo informal training regarding this policy and its procedures, and  

• the Director & CEO will be responsible for overseeing the implementation of the Safeguarding Policy and Procedures.  

Bullying  

Bullying is not acceptable whether adult to adult, adult to ‘child’, or ‘child’ to ‘child’. Examples of bullying may include:  

• belittling a person publicly,  

• physical actions such as hitting and kicking,  

• name calling, humiliation, ignoring,  

• racial insults and gestures,  

• sexual comments and suggestions, and  

• unwanted physical contact.  

If a ‘child’ discloses that they are being bullied, they will be taken seriously. Similarly, the bully needs to be supported, as there may be underlying causes that have led to them bullying. Any incident of bullying will be discussed with the victim’s and bully’s parents/carers, in the case of a member of staff, this will be followed up through our disciplinary procedures. Discussion with the Swindon Dance team may take place because of the investigation.   

This applies equally to children, young people, and vulnerable adults.

If you are concerned a ‘child’ may be being abused but they have not disclosed any information to you contact the lead or deputy Safeguarding Officer via reception at Swindon Dance. If the situation is an emergency and they are not available, please contact the manager or senior staff member in the building at that time.  

Prevent Duty – the Prevention of Violent Extremism   

We recognise that we have a duty under Section 26(1) of the Counterterrorism and Security Act (2015) to have due regard to the need to prevent persons from being drawn into terrorism.   

Prevent Duty forms part of our Safeguarding duty in helping to keep children, young people, and vulnerable adults out of criminal space.   

We encourage diversity and equality in all our practises, projects, and the staff and artists we work with.

We are a non-political organisation and do not take part in or advocate a political view.   

We will provide appropriate support through our own staff or by referral to external agencies such as ‘Channel’, for any student or member of staff in danger of radicalisation.  

Good practise guideline  

This is a practical guide of various things that should be considered, addressed, and followed by all staff (employee, freelance, or volunteer) when working with ‘children’ at Swindon Dance.   

Record keeping 

Any safeguarding incidents or concerns of abuse or possible abuse, will be recorded as soon as possible and as accurately as possible, noting what was said or seen, putting the event into context, and giving the date, time, and location. 

All records relating to a ‘child’ protection concern will be kept in a secure place and will remain confidential.