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Safeguarding Policy

The Don Valley Festival acknowledges its duty of care in accordance with the Children & Young Persons Act 1963, the Child (Performances) Regulations 2014, the Protection of Children Act 1999, and the Criminal Justice and Court Services Act 2000.

We are acutely aware that abuse can manifest in various forms, including physical abuse, emotional abuse, sexual abuse, and neglect. The Don Valley Festival is unwavering in its commitment to practices that shield children from harm. All members of the Don Valley Festival embrace their responsibility to raise awareness about issues that endanger children.

Our Core Principles

1. The paramount importance of a child's welfare.
2. Every child, irrespective of age, culture, disability, gender, language, racial origin, religious beliefs, and/or sexual identity, has the right to protection from abuse.
3. All suspicions and allegations of abuse must be treated with utmost seriousness and addressed promptly and appropriately.
4. Every member and employee of the Don Valley Festival should be well-informed about how to respond appropriately.

Our Pledge

We pledge to ensure that:

• All children will be treated with equity and respect, with their dignity upheld.
• The welfare of children will always take precedence.
• A balanced, trust-based relationship will be established to empower children to participate in decision-making processes.
• Feedback will be provided in an enthusiastic and constructive manner rather than through negative criticism.
• Bullying will not be tolerated or condoned.
• All adult members of the Don Valley Festival will serve as positive role models.
• We will remain updated on health and safety legislation.
• We will stay informed about changes in legislation and policies related to child protection.
• We will maintain a register of all individuals associated with the Don Valley Festival, including emergency contact information.
• We will ensure that all volunteers and staff members undergo thorough background checks before working with children.
• Designated safeguarding officers will be responsible for implementing and overseeing the safeguarding policy.
• Communication channels will be established for children to raise concerns or report any issues they may encounter during the festival.
• The Don Valley Festival will collaborate with local authorities and child protection agencies to enhance the safety of children involved.
• In cases where a child discloses abuse, a clear and sensitive procedure for handling disclosures will be followed.
• This policy will be communicated to all members, parents, and volunteers, and their commitment to adhering to it will be sought.

Reviewed: 08/09/2024

Safeguarding Procedures

1. Responsibilities of the Don Valley Festival

At the outset of any festival involving children, the Don Valley Festival will:

• Undertake a risk assessment and monitor risk throughout the festival.
• Identify the designated safeguarding officer.
• Ensure that children are supervised at all times.
• Know how to get in touch with local authority social services if a concern needs to be reported.

2. Parents

• The Don Valley Festival believes that it is important for there to be a partnership between parents and the Festival. Parents are encouraged to be involved in the festival activities and share responsibility for the care of children. All parents will be given a copy of the Don Valley Festival’s Safeguarding Policy and procedures.
• All parents are responsible for collecting (or arranging collection of) their children after rehearsals or performances. It is NOT the responsibility of the Don Valley Festival to take children home.

3. Unsupervised Contact

• The Don Valley Festival will attempt to ensure no adult has unsupervised contact with children.
• If possible, two adults will be present when working with children.
• If unsupervised contact is unavoidable, work will be carried out in a public area, or in a designated room with an open door.
• If an individual is likely to require unsupervised contact with children, they may be required to obtain clearance via the Disclosure & Barring Service.

4. Physical Contact

• Adults will maintain a safe and appropriate distance from children.
• Adults will only touch children when absolutely necessary for the particular activity.
• Adults will seek the child’s consent prior to any physical contact, and the purpose of the contact will be made clear.

5. Managing Sensitive Information

• The Don Valley Festival has policies and procedures for taking, using, and storing photographs or images of children.
• Permission will be sought from parents for the use of photographic material featuring children for promotional or other purposes.
• The Don Valley Festival’s web-based materials and activities will be carefully monitored to prevent inappropriate use.
• The Don Valley Festival will ensure confidentiality in handling, storing, and disposing of sensitive information such as Disclosure and Barring checks.

Reporting Abuse

If a child confides in you that abuse has taken place:

1. Stay calm and in control but do not delay taking action.
2. Listen carefully to what the child says. Let them tell you at their own pace and only ask questions for clarification. Avoid leading questions.
3. Do not promise to keep it a secret. Share the information with the designated safeguarding officer. Explain that you will need to inform others who can help.
4. Reassure the child that they have done the right thing by telling you.
5. Inform the child what your next steps will be.
6. Immediately report the conversation to the designated safeguarding officer, who will liaise with the relevant authorities (e.g., social services or the police).
7. As soon as possible, document what was said, using the child's own words. Record the date, time, names involved, and who the information was given to. Sign and date the record.

Rights & Confidentiality

• If a complaint is made against a member of the Don Valley Festival, they will be made aware of their rights under the Festival’s disciplinary procedures.
• Both the alleged abuser and the child who is thought to have been abused have the right to confidentiality under the Data Protection Act 1998. Any possible criminal investigation could be compromised through the inappropriate release of information.
• In criminal law, the Crown or other prosecuting authority must prove guilt, and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

Accidents

• To prevent accidents, all participants will be advised of relevant health and safety “house rules” and areas that are out of bounds. Participants will be advised of appropriate clothing and footwear.
• If a child is injured while in the care of the Don Valley Festival, a designated first-aider will administer first aid, and the injury will be recorded in the Festival’s accident book. This record will be countersigned by the safeguarding officer.
• If a child joins the festival with an obvious physical injury, a record of this will be made in the accident book and countersigned by the safeguarding officer. This record will serve as evidence that the child did not sustain the injury while participating in the festival.

Annual Review

This safeguarding policy will be reviewed annually by the Executive Committee to ensure it remains current and reflects changes in safeguarding law or practice.

Simplified Reporting Process

If you suspect a child is at risk, follow these steps:

1. Stay calm and listen.
2. Reassure the child they have done the right thing.
3. Report immediately to the Safeguarding Officer.
4. Record the details as soon as possible.

External Resources

If you have concerns about a child in the Doncaster area, please visit: Doncaster Children's Trust