Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy and Procedures

 New Sussex Opera (NSO) works with children as part of its activities. These include running opera workshops for children, both on and off school premises, and occasionally including children in its chorus and productions.

The Purpose and Scope of the Policy
The purpose of this policy statement is:

·         To protect children who take part in NSO’s activities

·         To provide teachers, parents, NSO members with the overarching principles which guide our approach to child protection

This policy statement applies to everyone who is a member of NSO or working on behalf of NSO, regardless of how long they have been members and any roles they are undertaking within the organization, both on and off stage.

 Guiding Principles
We believe that

·         Children should never experience abuse of any kind

·         We have a responsibility to promote the welfare of all children, to keep them safe and to work in a way which protects them

·         The welfare of the child is paramount

·         All children regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation have a right to equal protection from all types of harm or abuse

·         Some children are additionally vulnerable because of the impact of previous experiences, their level of dependency, communication needs or other issues

·         Working in partnership with children, parents, carers, teachers and other agencies is essential in promoting children’s welfare.

 Policy Statement
We will seek to keep children safe by:

·         Valuing, listening to and respecting them

·         Appointing a nominated Safeguarding Lead and a Deputy Safeguarding Lead

·         Using our safeguarding procedures to share concerns and relevant information with agencies who need to know, and by involving children, parents, teachers, carers, and NSO members and Trustees appropriately

·         Ensuring we provide a safe physical environment for children and NSO members by applying health and safety measures in accordance with the law

·         Implementing a Code of Conduct (Behaviour at New Sussex Opera Policy) for NSO members and those working on behalf of NSO

·         Ensuring that NSO members and those working on behalf of NSO do not work unsupervised with children unless they have an enhanced DBS check.

 Procedures

·         In the event of someone expressing concerns about the safety or welfare of a child or about the behaviour, words or actions of any member of NSO or anyone associated with NSO towards a child, the Safeguarding Lead (or Deputy) should immediately discuss these with any relevant teacher, parent, or member of NSO.

·         Under no circumstances should any member of NSO take concerns directly to any other agency without consulting the named Safeguarding Lead (or Deputy) first.

·         The Safeguarding Lead will record details of any incident, concerns or referral and keep the records safely. The specific details will be kept for a period of six years.

·         The Safeguarding Lead (or Deputy) will ensure that, as appropriate, all children, parents and teachers are told about safeguarding policies and that she/he is the person to approach if they have concerns. Similarly, she/he will ensure that all members of NSO are aware of how they can make a complaint about unacceptable and/or abusive behaviour towards children.

 Nominated Safeguarding Lead Harriet Anderson

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