Registered charity no. 1002931
ABSOLUTE THEATRE believes that it is never acceptable for a child or young person to experience abuse of any kind and recognises its responsibility to safeguard the welfare of all children and young people.
Children can be vulnerable to different forms of abuse and harm, that can include bullying (or cyber bullying), physical or emotional abuse, neglect, grooming and exploitation, sexual abuse, exposure to domestic abuse, exposure to inappropriate content or behaviour such as violence or criminal activity
We recognise that:
- the welfare and safety of the child/young person is paramount
- all children, regardless of age, disability, gender, racial heritage, religious belief, sexual orientation or identity, have a right to equal protection from all types of harm or abuse
- working in partnership with children, young people, their parents, carers and other agencies is essential in promoting young people’s welfare
The purpose of the policy:
- To provide protection for the children and young people who receive Absolute Theatre’s services or who work with Absolute Theatre’s representatives in any capacity
- To ensure that all staff and volunteers representing Absolute Theatre remain alert and aware of possible safeguarding risks to children
- To maintain safe environments, appropriate practices and supervision when working with children
- To report any safeguarding or other concerns in line with child protection procedures
- This policy applies to all staff, including directors, associates, the board of trustees, paid staff, volunteers (including students) or anyone working on behalf of Absolute Theatre
Absolute Theatre seeks to safeguard children and young people by:
- valuing them, listening to and respecting them
- adopting child protection guidelines through procedures and a code of conduct for staff and volunteers
- ensuring safe supervision at all times for the children that the company work with
- ensuring that written permission is given by the parent/guardian of any child that is photographed or filmed as part of the company’s work
- recruiting staff and volunteers safely, ensuring all necessary checks are made
- ensuring that staff and volunteers are aware of Safeguarding policy of any host organisation that Absolute Theatre might be working with
- sharing information about child protection and good practice with children, parents, staff and volunteers
- sharing information about concerns with agencies who need to know, and involving parents and children appropriately
- ensuring that all staff have enhanced DBS checks and have received training in child protection procedures