SAFEGUARDING POLICY
Introduction
The City of Cambridge Brass Band Youth Academy (CCBBYA) believes that every child, regardless of age, has at all times and in all situations, a right to feel safe and protected from any situation or practice that results in them being physically or psychologically damaged.
The Child Protection Policy is written and prepared with the above statement in mind, and as a means of giving guidance to all in respect of how to achieve the above by providing a secure and safe environment for all young persons to flourish and feel
comfortable in. This policy should be used in conjunction with the ACPC Child Protection Procedures and the multi‐agency code of practice ‘Working Together to Safeguard Children’.
Band Commitment
CoCYBB will meet their commitment to safeguard children through the following means:
Awareness: Ensuring that all staff and volunteers are aware of the problem of child abuse and the risks to children.
Prevention: Ensuring, through awareness and good practice, that staff and others minimise the risk to children.
Reporting: Ensuring that staff and volunteers are clear what steps to take where concerns arise regarding the safety of children.
Responding: Ensuring that action is taken to support and protect children where concerns arise regarding possible abuse.
In order that the above standards of reporting and responding are met, CCBBYA will ensure that it:
● Takes seriously any concerns raised.
● Takes positive steps to ensure the protection of children who are the subject of any concerns.
● Support children, staff or other adults who raise concerns or who are the subject of concern.
● Act appropriately and effectively in instigating or co‐operating with any subsequent process of investigation.
● Listen to and take seriously the views and wishes of children.
● Work in partnership with parents/carers and/or other professionals to ensure the protection of children.
Designated Person
CCBBYA has a designated person who takes on responsibility for child protection issues. The designated person is qualified music teacher and CCBBYA Musical Director Martyn Grisdale. Through various educational establishments, he has undergone appropriate training with regard to Child Protection issues and has knowledge and skills in recognising and acting upon child protection concerns.
The role of the Designated Person is to:
● Ensure that the local authority Child Protection Procedures are followed.
● Ensure all staff and volunteers are aware of these procedures.
● Ensure that all staff know to whom they must pass on their concerns.
● Act as a source of expertise and advice within the Band.
● Co‐ordinate action with the Band and develop an effective working relationship with other agencies.
● Make referrals where child abuse is likely to occur, or is suspected or disclosed.
● Attend child protection conferences where necessary or submit reports on the band’s behalf to the conference.
Procedures
All staff are issued with a copy of the Band’s Child Protection Policy; in addition to this a handout had been produced for reference when dealing with a disclosure. Parents are informed of the Band’s duties and responsibilities under the Child Protection Policy which shall be accessible via the Band’s website. Where it is believed that a child is suffering from or is at risk of significant harm, we will follow the procedures set out by the ACPC.
● If any volunteer or member of staff is concerned about a child, he or she must inform the Designated Person immediately. In the absence of the Designated Person, a member of the City of Cambridge Band committee must be informed.
● Notes should be made about the concerns as quickly as possible.
● The Designated Person will decide whether an immediate referral is necessary. He may decide to seek advice initially from Social Services.
● After a verbal referral has been made to Social Services, the Designated Person will forward a written report confirming the telephone conversation.
● Particular attention will be paid to the physical, social and emotional development of any child who has been identified as being at risk.
Types of Abuse
The following definitions of abuse have been taken from the multi‐agency code of practice ‘Working Together to Safeguard Children’ .
Physical Abuse
Physical abuse may involve hitting, shaking, throwing, poisoning, burning or scalding, drowning, suffocating, or otherwise causing physical harm to a child.
Emotional Abuse
Emotional abuse is the persistent emotional ill‐treatment of a child such as to cause severe and persistent adverse effects on the child’s emotional development. It may involve conveying to children that they are worthless or unloved, inadequate or valued only insofar as they meet the needs of another person. It may feature age or developmentally inappropriate expectations being imposed on children. It may involve causing children frequently to feel frightened or in danger, or the exploitation or corruption of children. Some level of emotional abuse is involved in all types of ill‐treatment of a child, though it may occur alone.
Sexual Abuse
Sexual abuse involves forcing or enticing a child or young person to take part in sexual activities, whether or not the child is aware of what is happening. The activities may involve physical contact, including penetrative or non‐penetrative acts. They may include non‐contact activities, such as involving children in looking at, or in the production of, pornographic material or watching sexual activities, or encouraging children to behave in sexually inappropriate ways.
Neglect
Neglect is the persistent failure to meet a child’s basic physical and/or psychological needs, likely to result in the serious impairment of the child’s health or development. It may involve a parent or carer failing to provide adequate food, shelter and clothing, failing to protect a child from physical harm or danger, or the failure to ensure access to appropriate medical care or treatment. It may also include neglect of, or unresponsiveness to a child’s basic emotional needs.
When to be Concerned: Recognising Signs of Abuse
It is not always easy to spot when children have been abused. However, some of the more typical symptoms which should trigger suspicions would include:
Physical Abuse
● Unexplained or untreated injuries.
● Injuries on unlikely or unusual parts of the body. Cigarette burns, bites or belt marks, scalds.
● Fear of parents being contacted, going home or receiving medical attention.
● Flinching when touched, refusal to discuss injury.
● Covering arms or legs.
● Aggressive or withdrawn.
● Fear of one person.
Emotional Abuse
● Over‐reaction to mistakes.
● Sudden speech disorders.
● Extremes of emotions.
● Self mutilation.
● Poor personal hygiene.
Sexual Abuse
● Pain, itching, bruising or bleeding to genital areas.
● Stomach pains.
● Discomfort when walking.
● Unexplained source of money.
● Inappropriate sexual drawings/language/behaviour.
Abuse by Neglect
● Constantly hungry.
● Inappropriate clothing or dress.
● Constantly tired, lonely, no friends.
● Under weight.
● No parental support or interest.
● Dishevelled appearance.
Dealing with a Disclosure
If a child discloses that s/he has been abused, the member of staff should:
● Listen carefully to what the child says without displaying shock or disbelief.
● Accept what is being said.
● Allow the child to talk freely.
● Reassure the child but do not make promises which it may not be possible to keep.
● Do not promise confidentiality – it may well be necessary to inform Social Services.
● Reassure that child that it is not his or her fault.
● Stress that it is right to tell.
● Listen, do not ask direct or leading questions.
● Do not criticise the perpetrator – the child may well still love him or her.
● Explain what you have to do next.
● Thank him or her for confiding in you.
Record Keeping
When abuse is disclosed or suspected the member of staff should:
● Make brief notes as soon as possible giving quotes if they can be recalled.
● Dates and times should be recorded.
● Notes should be factual and precise.
● These notes must not be destroyed, even if a more detailed report is later written. They may be needed in court.
● Draw a diagram to indicate any marks or injuries observed.
● All Child Protection files are marked ‘Strictly Confidential’ and are kept separate from other Band records.
● Parents do not have access to Child Protection files.
Support
Dealing with child protection is always difficult and stressful. Members of staff should consider seeking support for themselves, initially from the Designated Person.
Allegations Involving a Member of Staff
● When an allegation is made against a colleague, immediate advice must be sought from the Administrator or Senior Housemaster.
● The County Child Protection Guidelines must be followed.
● The Administrator will be informed immediately and Disciplinary Procedures will be instigated.
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
The City of Cambridge Brass Band Youth Academy - Handout for Staff
What should I do if a child tells me s/he is being abused?
Always:
● Stay calm – ensure the child is safe and feels safe.
● Show and tell the child that you are taking what s/he says seriously.
● Reassure the child and stress that s/he is not to blame.
● Be honest, explain you will have to tell someone else to help stop the alleged abuse.
● Make a note of what the child has said as soon as possible after the event. Be factual in your account of what the child has said.
● Maintain confidentiality – do not tell anyone who does not need to know.
● Inform the Designated Person of the disclosure immediately. If s/he is not available, inform the Administrator.
Never:
● Rush into actions which may be inappropriate.
● Make promises you cannot keep.
● Interrogate the child.
● Show shock or disbelief.
The City of Cambridge Brass Band Youth Academy (CCBBYA) believes that every child, regardless of age, has at all times and in all situations, a right to feel safe and protected from any situation or practice that results in them being physically or psychologically damaged.
The Child Protection Policy is written and prepared with the above statement in mind, and as a means of giving guidance to all in respect of how to achieve the above by providing a secure and safe environment for all young persons to flourish and feel
comfortable in. This policy should be used in conjunction with the ACPC Child Protection Procedures and the multi‐agency code of practice ‘Working Together to Safeguard Children’.
Band Commitment
CoCYBB will meet their commitment to safeguard children through the following means:
Awareness: Ensuring that all staff and volunteers are aware of the problem of child abuse and the risks to children.
Prevention: Ensuring, through awareness and good practice, that staff and others minimise the risk to children.
Reporting: Ensuring that staff and volunteers are clear what steps to take where concerns arise regarding the safety of children.
Responding: Ensuring that action is taken to support and protect children where concerns arise regarding possible abuse.
In order that the above standards of reporting and responding are met, CCBBYA will ensure that it:
● Takes seriously any concerns raised.
● Takes positive steps to ensure the protection of children who are the subject of any concerns.
● Support children, staff or other adults who raise concerns or who are the subject of concern.
● Act appropriately and effectively in instigating or co‐operating with any subsequent process of investigation.
● Listen to and take seriously the views and wishes of children.
● Work in partnership with parents/carers and/or other professionals to ensure the protection of children.
Designated Person
CCBBYA has a designated person who takes on responsibility for child protection issues. The designated person is qualified music teacher and CCBBYA Musical Director Martyn Grisdale. Through various educational establishments, he has undergone appropriate training with regard to Child Protection issues and has knowledge and skills in recognising and acting upon child protection concerns.
The role of the Designated Person is to:
● Ensure that the local authority Child Protection Procedures are followed.
● Ensure all staff and volunteers are aware of these procedures.
● Ensure that all staff know to whom they must pass on their concerns.
● Act as a source of expertise and advice within the Band.
● Co‐ordinate action with the Band and develop an effective working relationship with other agencies.
● Make referrals where child abuse is likely to occur, or is suspected or disclosed.
● Attend child protection conferences where necessary or submit reports on the band’s behalf to the conference.
Procedures
All staff are issued with a copy of the Band’s Child Protection Policy; in addition to this a handout had been produced for reference when dealing with a disclosure. Parents are informed of the Band’s duties and responsibilities under the Child Protection Policy which shall be accessible via the Band’s website. Where it is believed that a child is suffering from or is at risk of significant harm, we will follow the procedures set out by the ACPC.
● If any volunteer or member of staff is concerned about a child, he or she must inform the Designated Person immediately. In the absence of the Designated Person, a member of the City of Cambridge Band committee must be informed.
● Notes should be made about the concerns as quickly as possible.
● The Designated Person will decide whether an immediate referral is necessary. He may decide to seek advice initially from Social Services.
● After a verbal referral has been made to Social Services, the Designated Person will forward a written report confirming the telephone conversation.
● Particular attention will be paid to the physical, social and emotional development of any child who has been identified as being at risk.
Types of Abuse
The following definitions of abuse have been taken from the multi‐agency code of practice ‘Working Together to Safeguard Children’ .
Physical Abuse
Physical abuse may involve hitting, shaking, throwing, poisoning, burning or scalding, drowning, suffocating, or otherwise causing physical harm to a child.
Emotional Abuse
Emotional abuse is the persistent emotional ill‐treatment of a child such as to cause severe and persistent adverse effects on the child’s emotional development. It may involve conveying to children that they are worthless or unloved, inadequate or valued only insofar as they meet the needs of another person. It may feature age or developmentally inappropriate expectations being imposed on children. It may involve causing children frequently to feel frightened or in danger, or the exploitation or corruption of children. Some level of emotional abuse is involved in all types of ill‐treatment of a child, though it may occur alone.
Sexual Abuse
Sexual abuse involves forcing or enticing a child or young person to take part in sexual activities, whether or not the child is aware of what is happening. The activities may involve physical contact, including penetrative or non‐penetrative acts. They may include non‐contact activities, such as involving children in looking at, or in the production of, pornographic material or watching sexual activities, or encouraging children to behave in sexually inappropriate ways.
Neglect
Neglect is the persistent failure to meet a child’s basic physical and/or psychological needs, likely to result in the serious impairment of the child’s health or development. It may involve a parent or carer failing to provide adequate food, shelter and clothing, failing to protect a child from physical harm or danger, or the failure to ensure access to appropriate medical care or treatment. It may also include neglect of, or unresponsiveness to a child’s basic emotional needs.
When to be Concerned: Recognising Signs of Abuse
It is not always easy to spot when children have been abused. However, some of the more typical symptoms which should trigger suspicions would include:
Physical Abuse
● Unexplained or untreated injuries.
● Injuries on unlikely or unusual parts of the body. Cigarette burns, bites or belt marks, scalds.
● Fear of parents being contacted, going home or receiving medical attention.
● Flinching when touched, refusal to discuss injury.
● Covering arms or legs.
● Aggressive or withdrawn.
● Fear of one person.
Emotional Abuse
● Over‐reaction to mistakes.
● Sudden speech disorders.
● Extremes of emotions.
● Self mutilation.
● Poor personal hygiene.
Sexual Abuse
● Pain, itching, bruising or bleeding to genital areas.
● Stomach pains.
● Discomfort when walking.
● Unexplained source of money.
● Inappropriate sexual drawings/language/behaviour.
Abuse by Neglect
● Constantly hungry.
● Inappropriate clothing or dress.
● Constantly tired, lonely, no friends.
● Under weight.
● No parental support or interest.
● Dishevelled appearance.
Dealing with a Disclosure
If a child discloses that s/he has been abused, the member of staff should:
● Listen carefully to what the child says without displaying shock or disbelief.
● Accept what is being said.
● Allow the child to talk freely.
● Reassure the child but do not make promises which it may not be possible to keep.
● Do not promise confidentiality – it may well be necessary to inform Social Services.
● Reassure that child that it is not his or her fault.
● Stress that it is right to tell.
● Listen, do not ask direct or leading questions.
● Do not criticise the perpetrator – the child may well still love him or her.
● Explain what you have to do next.
● Thank him or her for confiding in you.
Record Keeping
When abuse is disclosed or suspected the member of staff should:
● Make brief notes as soon as possible giving quotes if they can be recalled.
● Dates and times should be recorded.
● Notes should be factual and precise.
● These notes must not be destroyed, even if a more detailed report is later written. They may be needed in court.
● Draw a diagram to indicate any marks or injuries observed.
● All Child Protection files are marked ‘Strictly Confidential’ and are kept separate from other Band records.
● Parents do not have access to Child Protection files.
Support
Dealing with child protection is always difficult and stressful. Members of staff should consider seeking support for themselves, initially from the Designated Person.
Allegations Involving a Member of Staff
● When an allegation is made against a colleague, immediate advice must be sought from the Administrator or Senior Housemaster.
● The County Child Protection Guidelines must be followed.
● The Administrator will be informed immediately and Disciplinary Procedures will be instigated.
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
The City of Cambridge Brass Band Youth Academy - Handout for Staff
What should I do if a child tells me s/he is being abused?
Always:
● Stay calm – ensure the child is safe and feels safe.
● Show and tell the child that you are taking what s/he says seriously.
● Reassure the child and stress that s/he is not to blame.
● Be honest, explain you will have to tell someone else to help stop the alleged abuse.
● Make a note of what the child has said as soon as possible after the event. Be factual in your account of what the child has said.
● Maintain confidentiality – do not tell anyone who does not need to know.
● Inform the Designated Person of the disclosure immediately. If s/he is not available, inform the Administrator.
Never:
● Rush into actions which may be inappropriate.
● Make promises you cannot keep.
● Interrogate the child.
● Show shock or disbelief.