Child Protection Policy

Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy

1. Introduction

North Cornwall Festival C.I.C is committed to providing a safe and supportive environment for all children and young people participating in our festival. We recognise our duty of care under child protection legislation and guidance, and we believe that it is always unacceptable for a child or young person to experience abuse of any kind.

This policy sets out the safeguarding principles, responsibilities and procedures which underpin our approach. It has been developed in line with the British and International Federation of Festivals for Music, Dance and Speech (BIFF) Safeguarding Policy.

2. Scope

This policy applies to:

  • All children and young people participating in North Cornwall Dance Festival.
  • Children of festival members and visiting schools/dance groups.
  • Festival staff, adjudicators, volunteers, students, contractors, and anyone working on behalf of the festival.

3. Our Commitment

We recognise that:

  • The welfare of the child/young person is paramount.
  • All children, regardless of age, disability, gender, racial heritage, religious belief, sexual orientation or identity, have the right to equal protection from all forms of harm or abuse.
  • Working in partnership with children, young people, parents, carers, schools, groups, and statutory agencies is essential in promoting young people’s welfare.

4. Purpose of the Policy

  • To provide protection for all children and young people who participate in our festival.
  • To provide staff and volunteers with clear guidance on the procedures they must follow if they suspect a child or young person may be experiencing, or be at risk of, harm.

5. Safeguarding Arrangements

We will safeguard children and young people by:

  • Valuing, listening to and respecting them.
  • Appointing a Festival Safeguarding Officer who is responsible for overseeing safeguarding practice at the festival and acting as the first point of contact for concerns.
  • Following child protection guidelines and safe working practices for all staff and volunteers.
  • Working within the legislation and guidance that addresses the needs of young performers, specifically:
    • The Children and Young People Acts 1933 and 1963
    • The Children (Performance and Activities) (England) Regulations 2014
  • Adopting a safe and balanced approach to creating and using images/recordings of children at the festival and in promotional material.
  • Recruiting staff and volunteers safely, ensuring all necessary checks (including enhanced DBS where appropriate) are carried out.
  • Sharing safeguarding information with children, parents, staff and volunteers as appropriate.
  • Reporting and sharing concerns with statutory agencies who need to know, while involving parents and children where appropriate.
  • Providing effective management for staff and volunteers through supervision, support, training, and ongoing safeguarding awareness.

6. Festival Safeguarding Officer

The Festival Safeguarding Officer for [Festival Name] is:

  • Name: Jessica Harrison-Chu
  • Contact details: 07974 701 716
  • This officer is responsible for ensuring safeguarding compliance, recording and responding to concerns, and liaising with statutory services where necessary.

7. Procedures for Reporting Concerns

  • Any safeguarding concern must be reported immediately to the Festival Safeguarding Officer.
  • Concerns will be recorded factually and dealt with promptly and sensitively.
  • If a child is at immediate risk of harm, the relevant local authority children’s services and/or the police will be contacted without delay.
  • All safeguarding records will be kept securely and confidentially.

8. Photography and Filming

  • A safe and balanced approach will be adopted regarding photography, filming and recording of children.
  • Explicit consent will be obtained from parents/carers for photography or filming.
  • Images will only be used for festival purposes and in line with GDPR and safeguarding principles.

9. Review

This policy will be reviewed annually, or sooner if there are changes to relevant legislation or BIFF safeguarding requirements.