CHILD PROTECTION POLICY
In recent years society has gained greater knowledge and understanding in protecting the children and vulnerable adults we supervise and teach. It has therefore become incumbent upon us as an Association to put Child Protection Policies in place. As an Association we have also advised all member schools to adopt their own Child Protection Policy. If you are unsure about this, please ask your teacher for a copy of their policy.
CHILD PROTECTION POLICY 2016
FESTIVAL DANCE TEACHERS ASSOCIATION (INST. 1971)
CHAIRPERSON: Shauna Caldwell
HON GENERAL SECRETARY: Denise Dobbin
TREASURER: Alice Turner
CHILD PROTECTION OFFICER: Lilias English
VENUES: General Festivals at Carryduff, Loughgiel, Portadown, Glenravel & Ballymena together with an Ulster Championship Festival.
DATES: As and when decided by the Association.
HON GENERAL SECRETARY: Denise Dobbin
TREASURER: Alice Turner
CHILD PROTECTION OFFICER: Lilias English
VENUES: General Festivals at Carryduff, Loughgiel, Portadown, Glenravel & Ballymena together with an Ulster Championship Festival.
DATES: As and when decided by the Association.
PURPOSE AND FUCNTION OF THIS FESTIVAL
The object of the Festival Dance Teachers Association hereinafter called the ‘Association’ shall be to promote, foster, encourage and regulate Irish Festival Dancing in every legitimate way by holding competitions and Championships.
CHILD PROTECTION POLICY STATEMENT
The Association, which is run by volunteers does not purport to be a child care organisation in the full meaning of the Children’s Act 1999; it is however, committed to good practice which protects children from harm and endeavours to inform and involve parents, guardians, carers and teachers to ensure as far as it is reasonably practicable, a safe environment at the Festivals. This Policy relates to children under the age of 18 years. It also applies to those vulnerable adults of any age who are identified to the organisers prior to their arrival at the Festivals by contacting the Honorary General Secretary. The Association will actively seek to meet needs notified to the Festivals by Parents, Guardians, Carers and Teachers.
ASSOCIATION PERSONNEL
The Association committee and staff are all volunteers who accept and recognise their responsibilities to be aware of those issues which may cause children harm. Please note that at each Festival a committee member will be specifically designated to deal with any problems encountered by children, vulnerable adults and those responsible for them. This committee member will be identified by the Secretary in charge. In case of difficulty any Association member may be approached and will be able to direct you to the designated committee member. Every problem raised with the Association will be taken seriously and will recorded, dated and retained for 3 years.
STAFF CODE OF PRACTICE
Staff and volunteers will adhere to a code of practice which will include:- not being unaccompanied with children wherever possible, not making unnecessary physical contact with children, not taking children alone in cars without the express permission of parents (or in an emergency the person in charge) and not doing things of a personal nature for children that they can do for themselves.
PARENTS AND TEACHERS RESPONSIBILITY
The primary responsibility for looking after a child rests with the parents, guardians and carers, all of whom will be sent a copy of this Policy via their teacher prior to their child’s attendance at the Festival. This Policy makes it clear that where parents, guardians and carers are not personally attending with their children, we expect them to satisfy themselves that their children will be supervised at the Festival by other responsible adults acting on their behalf.
FESTIVAL VENUES
The Festival provides changing areas where required and is not responsible for participants when they are in public areas outside the body of the Festival venue. It is the responsibility of parents, guardians and carers to ensure that their children and vulnerable adults are adequately supervised. Parents should note that the buildings used for Festival events may be open to the general public during the duration of the various sections.
PHOTOGRAPHS AND VIDEO RECORDINGS
No unauthorised photography of whatever nature will be permitted in the performance and changing areas. Authorised press photographers may be in attendance by prior arrangement during the course of the Festival. If parents, guardians or carers do not wish press photographs to be taken then the responsible adult attending with children or vulnerable adults must ensure that they are not included in such photographs.
THE LEGISLATION THAT SUPPORTS THIS POLICY
Protection of Children and Vulnerable Adults (NI) Order 2003; The Protection of Children Act1999; The Court Services Act 2000; The Care Standard Act 2000; Statutory Instrument No. 417 (NI); Statutory Instrument No. 439 (NI)
POLICY REVIEW
The Association will regularly review its Policy, relying on the support of other agencies for good practice and guidance; most notably the NSPCC and the Arts Council of Northern Ireland Policy Guidelines.
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To download a copy of our Child Protection Policy click on Download File:
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