Child Protection and Safeguarding Procedures
BKD Performers have the following procedures in place to unsure the highest standard of child safeguarding and protection is up held at all times:
BKD Performers ensure that all the staff have been enhanced DBS checked, qualified in their particular expertise, first aid trained and have completed a minimum of Level 1 safeguarding training and ongoing training at regular intervals.
BKD Performers staff are encouraged to become licensed chaperones for Surrey County Council to enhance their safeguarding training. All the staff are briefed on what to do in the event of a disclosure of information or if they suspect abuse or an issue with a childs safety or well being. They will report any concerns to Ms Catherine Carday – Principal of BKD Performers the designated Child Protection Officer for the school who will report information directly to Surrey County Council and the Safeguarding team.
All volunteers or assistants (over the age of 16 years) at BKD Performers are DBS checked as standard.
All Child Protection information is available on our website for parents and students to access.
BKD Performers have private changing areas at each of the venues we hire and ensure parents of children 8 years and under do not leave their children unattended with in the building or in the areas directly outside the venues.
BKD Performers staff take registers at each class and make sure all the children go back to a parent/guardian after each class. BKD Performers always follow up a students’ absence to ensure students attend regularly. This contributes to the creation of an environment in which student safety is paramount.
Parents must write a letter to BKD Performers to give permission for their child to leave the building unattended and this is regularly checked to ensure the child is safe going home or being collected outside the building. This only applies to children over the age of 9 years.
Parents are informed about the nature of corrections in dance training as a ‘hands on’ approach is necessary at times to ensure safe technique. Parents are invited to write to BKD Performers if they are not happy for this to occur.
All the students know to return to the class/studio in the event of a parent/carer being late.
Every teacher has a contact number and emergency contact number to call the parent/carer should an accident occur within class or a parent is late collecting a student. Parents must ensure this information is updated when necessary.
The teachers follow a common sense approach to safety along with their knowledge in their field of expertise. Students must ensure they have the appropriate clothing and footwear for class and that all the students clearly understand the instructions given in class.
Students are given regular drinks/snack breaks during class and escorted to the toilet if necessary by a DBS checked assistant or parent/carer.
All the teachers have their own Public Liability Insurance and First Aid Training for Infants, Children and Adults. Accident reports are filled out for students who are involved in an accident during class and parents/guardians are always informed and sign the accident form to document the incident.
BKD Performers have provision for their student’s health and safety and do not neglect their dignity and privacy either, for example by taking particular care to protect those with medical care needs. Arrangements for the storage of medicines or toxic substances are well understood by staff. Staff are trained in first aid and emergency aid.
During shows and concerts we ensure the children perform material, songs and wear costumes that are age appropriate at all times.
Photography and videoing of the shows or concerts by the audience is restricted where possible and measures are taken to protect vulnerable students by mutual agreement with the parent/carer to opt out of these events should their safety be compromised.
Permission is given in writing for the use of students photographic image or video footage to be used on social media and the internet.
BKD Performers hold a watching week every term where parents and family can observe the classes. An announcement is always made at the beginning of each class to ensure photographs are for personal use only and no other childs image should be shown on social media or the internet without prior parental permission.
BKD Performers Facebook, Twitter and website are regularly monitored to ensure no one uses any offensive language or images which would be inappropriate for a child to view. Any misconduct would be immediately removed and reported to the site regulator.
BKD Performers prides itself on the desire and success in including all students in all aspects of theatre and dance training regardless of their needs and difficulties. Participation is always encouraged for all students, with steps taken where necessary to minimise the risks involved.
BKD Performers understand that safeguarding is as much about students’ emotional and mental well being as it is about their physical well being.
BKD Performers promotes and maintains to the highest standard a safe and nurturing environment for all its students and staff.