For Families & Carers

Drama Geeks believes that:

• The welfare and safety 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.

Drama Geeks 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 children to share ideas and speak out if concerned about anything.
• Children are listened to.
• Enthusiastic and constructive feedback will be given rather than negative criticism.
• Bullying will not be accepted or condoned.
• All adult staff members provide a positive role model for social interaction.
• Action will be taken to stop any inappropriate verbal or physical behaviour.
• Drama Geeks will keep up-to-date with health & safety legislation and changes in child protection policy.
• A register of every child will be held, with a contact name and number kept close at hand. Registers are taken at the start of each session.
• At The Customs House, a staff member will always chaperone children between rooms and to the toilet. At The Westovian Theatre and Cleadon Methodist Church, the front door will be locked during rehearsals and the key held by a designated staff member.

At the outset of any term or production, Drama Geeks will:

• Undertake a risk assessment and monitor risk throughout the term and production process.
• Identify the person with designated responsibility for child protection.
• Engage in effective recruitment of chaperones and other individuals with responsibility for children, including appropriate vetting.
• Ensure that children are supervised at all times.
• Know how to get in touch with the local authority social services if needed.

Drama Geeks believes in a strong partnership between families and the school. Families are encouraged to be involved in activities and to share responsibility for the care of children.

• All families can access Drama Geeks' Child Protection Policy and procedures upon request.
• Families are responsible for collecting (or arranging collection of) their children after classes, rehearsals or performances.
• Children who are permitted to leave independently must have written parental permission in place.
• Families must inform Drama Geeks of any potential risk factors surrounding the collection of their children.

Unacceptable behaviours: the following will not be tolerated and may result in a child's place at the school being withdrawn:

• Raised voice or shouting, in person or by telephone
• Inappropriate posting on social media deemed as bullying
• Speaking in an aggressive or threatening tone
• Aggressive or threatening messages or emails
• Gossiping about staff or pupils

• All staff and volunteers hold an up-to-date Enhanced DBS disclosure.
• Staff, volunteers and chaperones will seek the consent of the child prior to any physical contact.
• Staff will prioritise the welfare of children at all times, modelling good behaviour and challenging any inappropriate conduct.
• If a child requests individual time with a staff member, other staff must be informed of the location.
• Any concerns about a child's welfare must be reported to the Child Protection Lead and kept confidential.
• Staff may assist with personal care only where parental permission has been granted or in an emergency, with more than one adult present where possible.

Staff must not:

• Allow concerns or allegations to go unreported
• Take unnecessary risks
• Smoke, consume alcohol or use illegal substances
• Develop inappropriate relationships with children and young people
• Act in a way that can be perceived as threatening or intrusive
• Patronise or belittle children and young people

• Drama Geeks has a policy for the taking, using and storage of photographs or images of children.
• Permission will be sought from families for use of photographic material for promotional or other purposes.
• Drama Geeks' web-based materials and activities will be carefully monitored for inappropriate use.

• Staff and children will be advised of house rules regarding health and safety and notified of areas that are out of bounds.
• Children will be advised of appropriate clothing and footwear for each session.
• If a child is injured, a first aider will administer first aid and the injury will be recorded in the accident book, countersigned by the Child Protection lead.
• If a child arrives with an obvious physical injury, this will also be recorded in the accident book.
• Children will be made aware of first aiders in the building.

• Where possible, Drama Geeks staff will act as chaperones for productions.
• Additional chaperones must provide photographic proof of identity and an Enhanced DBS.
• The maximum number of children per chaperone shall not exceed 12.
• Chaperones will be made aware of the Child Protection Policy and Procedures.
• If a chaperone considers a child unwell or too tired to continue, they must inform the producer.
• During performances, chaperones will meet children at the theatre door and sign them in.
• Children will be kept together at all times except when using separate dressing rooms.
• Children are not to leave the theatre unsupervised unless in the company of their family.
• Chaperones will ensure any accidents are reported and recorded.
• Children will be signed out when leaving, with a record made of the person collecting.
• A register will be taken each week.