Our Child Protection Policy

The Millgate Arts Centre Child Protection Policy September 2020                                                            

The Millgate Arts Centre recognises its 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 recognises that abuse can take many forms, whether it be physical abuse, emotional abuse, sexual abuse or neglect. It is committed to practice which protects children from harm. All members of the Millgate Art Centre accept and recognise their responsibilities to develop awareness of the issues which cause children harm. It believes that:

• The welfare of the child is paramount.
• All children, whatever their age, culture, disability, gender, language, racial origin, religious beliefs and/or sexual identity have the right to protection from abuse.
• All suspicions and allegations of abuse should be taken seriously and responded to swiftly and appropriately.
• All members and employees of the society should be clear on how to respond appropriately.

The Millgate Arts Centre will ensure that:

• All children will be treated equally and with respect and dignity.
• The duty of care to children will always be put first.
• A balanced relationship based on mutual trust will be built which empowers the children to share in the decision making process.
• Enthusiastic and constructive feedback will be given rather than negative criticism.
• Bullying will not be accepted nor condoned.
• All adult members of the society provide a positive role model for dealing with other people.
• Action will be taken to stop any inappropriate verbal or physical behaviour.
• It will keep up-to-date with health & safety legislation.
• It will keep informed of changes in legislation and policies for the protection of children.
• It will operate a strict age verification policy regarding the sale or consumption of alcohol.
• It will hold a register of every child involved with the Millgate Arts Centre and will retain a contact name and number close at hand in case of emergencies. The Millgate Arts Centre has robust child protection procedures. It 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 Sandy Dixie and she can be contacted on 07719 386796.

The role of the dedicated Child Protection Officer is to:

• Ensure that child protection procedures are in place and are updated annually.
• Report to the Management committee when required.
• Ensure that all members, volunteers and staff are aware of Child Protection Policy.
• Ensure that a copy of the Child Protection Policy is available to parents of children accessing society activities.
• Ensure that a hard copy of the child protection policy is available for inspection by licensing officers or Police.
• Co-ordinate and update records of DBS checks for all members, volunteers and staff who work regularly with children.
• Organise and co-ordinate any mandatory training requirements.
• Be available to provide advice/support to members, volunteers and staff with confidential discussions regarding child protection concerns.
• Liaise with Social Services in accordance with local OMBC guidelines.
• Keep records of any concerns/suspected cases of abuse and any referrals made.
• Co-ordinate arrangements for the monitoring of children within the Society who have been identified as being in need of protection.

The policy is reviewed annually and is approved by the Directors each September