Child Protection Policy


The Halifax Light Opera Society Juniors Child Protection Policy 2020-2021

The Halifax Light Opera Society Juniors recognises that it has a duty of care under the Children and Young Persons Act 1963, the Child (Performances) Regulations 1968, the Protection of Children Act 1999 and the Criminal Justice and Court Services Act 2000.

It is fully recognised by the Society that abuse can take a variety of forms, whether it be physical, emotional, sexual abuse or neglect. All members of the committee accept and recognise their responsibilities to develop awareness of the issues which cause children harm and are committed to practice which will enforce protection for children.

The Society believes that:

The Society will ensure that:

The Society has a dedicated Child Protection Officer, who is in charge of ensuring that the child protection policy and procedures are adhered to. That person’s name is Kate Machon and he/she can be contacted on 07925207576

The policy will be regularly monitored by the committee of the Society and will be subject to annual review.

Child Protection Procedures

Responsibilities of the Society

At the outset of any production involving children the Society will:

Parents

Unsupervised Contact

Physical Contact

Managing sensitive information

Suspicion of abuse

Disclosure of abuse

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

Rights and Confidentiality

Accidents

Chaperones

Communication Book - Safeguarding Activity

This is a notebook that will be present at all rehearsals. It will be record of incidents that happen during a rehearsal. This will include a report of any physical or emotional harm caused to a member of the society. The book will also be used if any committee member, chaperone or production team member has any concerns or comments on any incidents that take place during the rehearsals.

Social Media

The society use social media including Twitter, Instagram and Facebook as a device for notifying members of important information and advertising the society. A method of advertising used is photographs of the children rehearsing, performing, fundraising or attending workshops. This list is non-exhaustive. Any photographs of the children, faces or otherwise, are used with the permission the parent/guardian. Photographs are not posted without prior consent to do so. The permission extends to the use of photographs by the Halifax Light Opera Society Juniors and not be any member, committee member or parent personally.


Last updated: September 2020