Innovation Dance Ltd has a duty of care to safeguard all children involved in Innovation Dance classes at our studios/in schools / workshops / performances from harm. All children have a right to protection, and the needs of disabled children and others who may be particularly vulnerable must be taken into account. Innovation Dance Ltd will ensure the safety and protection of all children involved in all Innovation Dance classes / workshops / performances through adherence to the Child Protection guidelines adopted by Innovation Dance Ltd.

This policy applies to all employed and freelance staff of Innovation Dance Studios Ltd, Trustees and Volunteers.

A child is defined as a person under the age of 18 (The Children Act 1989). We follow the  Legislative framework of the Children Act 1989 and 2004.

https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1989/41

https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2004/31/contents

Policy aims
The aim of the Innovation Dance Ltd Child Protection Policy is to promote good practice:

• providing children and young people with appropriate safety and protection whilst in the care of Innovation Dance Ltd

• ●        allow all staff /volunteers to make informed and confident responses to specific child protection issues

Promoting good practice

Child abuse, particularly sexual abuse, can arouse strong emotions in those facing such a situation. It is important to understand these feelings and not allow them to interfere with your judgement about the appropriate action to take.

Abuse can occur within many situations including the home, school and the sporting environment. Some individuals will actively seek employment or voluntary work with young people in order to harm them. A coach, instructor, teacher, official or volunteer will have regular contact with young people and be an important link in identifying cases where they need protection. All suspicious cases of poor practice should be reported following the guidelines in this document.

When a child enters the club activity having been subjected to child abuse outside the sporting environment, sport can play a crucial role in improving the child’s self-esteem. In such instances the club activity organiser must work with the appropriate agencies to ensure the child receives the required support

Good practice guidelines

All personnel should be encouraged to demonstrate exemplary behaviour in order to promote children's welfare and reduce the likelihood of allegations being made. The following are common sense examples of how to create a positive culture and climate.

Good practice means:

• Always working in an open environment (e.g. avoiding private or unobserved situations and encouraging open communication with no secrets).

• Treating all young people/disabled adults equally, and with respect and dignity.

• Always putting the welfare of each young person first, before winning or achieving goals.

• Maintaining a safe and appropriate distance with players (e.g. it is not appropriate for staff or volunteers to have an intimate relationship with a child or to share a room with them).

• Building balanced relationships based on mutual trust which empowers children to share in the decision-making process.

• Making sport fun, enjoyable and promoting fair play.

• Ensuring that if any form of manual/physical support is required, it should be provided openly and according to guidelines provided by the Coach Education Programme. Care is needed, as it is difficult to maintain hand positions when the child is constantly moving. Young people and their parents should always be consulted and their agreement gained.

• Keeping up to date with technical skills, qualifications and insurance in sport.

• Involving parents/carers wherever possible. For example, encouraging them to take responsibility for their children in the changing rooms. If groups have to be supervised in the changing rooms, always ensure parents, teachers, coaches or officials work in pairs.

• Ensuring that if mixed teams are taken away, they should always be accompanied by a male and female member of staff. However, remember that same gender abuse can also occur.

• Ensuring that at tournaments or residential events, adults should not enter children’s rooms or invite children into their rooms.

• Being an excellent role model - this includes not smoking or drinking alcohol in the company of young people.

• Giving enthusiastic and constructive feedback rather than negative criticism.

• Recognising the developmental needs and capacity of young people and disabled adults - avoiding excessive training or competition and not pushing them against their will.

• Securing parental consent in writing to act in loco parentis, if the need arises to administer emergency first aid and/or other medical treatment.

• Keeping a written record of any injury that occurs, along with the details of any treatment given.

• Requesting written parental consent if club officials are required to transport young people in their cars.

Practices to be avoided
The following should be avoided except in emergencies. If cases arise where these situations are unavoidable it should be with the full knowledge and consent of someone in charge in the club or the child’s parents. For example, a child sustains an injury and needs to go to hospital, or a parent fails to arrive to pick a child up at the end of a session:

• avoid spending time alone with children away from others

• avoid taking or dropping off a child to an event or activity.

Practices never to be sanctioned
The following should never be sanctioned. You should never:

• engage in rough, physical or sexually provocative games, including horseplay

• share a room with a child

• allow or engage in any form of inappropriate touching

• allow children to use inappropriate language unchallenged

• make sexually suggestive comments to a child, even in fun

• reduce a child to tears as a form of control

• fail to act upon and record any allegations made by a child

• do things of a personal nature for children or disabled adults, that they can do for themselves

• invite or allow children to stay with you at your home unsupervised.

N.B. It may sometimes be necessary for staff or volunteers to do things of a personal nature for children, particularly if they are young or are disabled. These tasks should only be carried out with the full understanding and consent of parents and the players involved. There is a need to be responsive to a person’s reactions. If a person is fully dependent on you, talk with him/her about what you are doing and give choices where possible. This is particularly so if you are involved in any dressing or undressing of outer clothing, or where there is physical contact, lifting or assisting a child to carry out particular activities. Avoid taking on the responsibility for tasks for which you are not appropriately trained.

Incidents that must be reported/recorded
If any of the following occur you should report this immediately to the appropriate officer and record the incident. You should also ensure the parents of the child are informed:

• if you accidentally hurt a player

• if he/she seems distressed in any manner

• if a player appears to be sexually aroused by your actions

• if a player misunderstands or misinterprets something you have done.

Use of photographic/filming equipment at sporting events

There is evidence that some people have used sporting events as an opportunity to take inappropriate photographs or film footage of young and disabled sportspeople in vulnerable positions. All teachers should be vigilant and any concerns should to be reported to Emma Hardy / Zoe Newell.

Videoing as a coaching aid: there is no intention to prevent club coaches and teachers using video equipment as a legitimate coaching aid. However, performers and their parents/carers should be made aware that this is part of the coaching programme and their consent obtained, and such films should be stored safely.

Recruitment and training of staff and volunteers

Innovation Dance Ltd recognises that anyone may have the potential to abuse children in some way and that all reasonable steps are taken to ensure unsuitable people are prevented from working with children. Preselection checks must included the following:

• All volunteers/staff should complete an application form. The application form will elicit information about an applicant's past and a self disclosure about any criminal record.

• Consent should be obtained from an applicant to seek information from the Criminal Records Bureau.

• Two confidential references, including one regarding previous work with children. These references must be taken up and confirmed through telephone contact.

• Evidence of identity (passport or driving licence with photo).

Interview and induction
All employees (and volunteers) will be required to undergo an interview carried out to acceptable protocol and recommendations. All employees and volunteers should receive an induction, during which:

• A check should be made that the application form has been completed in full (including sections on criminal records and self-disclosures).

• Their qualifications should be substantiated.

• The job requirements and responsibilities should be clarified.

• Child protection procedures are explained and training needs are identified.

• They should sign up to Innovation Dance’s Code of Ethics and Conduct and Child Protection policy.

Training
In addition to preselection checks, the safeguarding process includes training after recruitment to help staff and volunteers to:

• Analyse their own practice against established good practice, and to ensure their practice is not likely to result in allegations being made.

• Recognise their responsibilities and report any concerns about suspected poor practice or possible abuse.

• Respond to concerns expressed by a child or young person.

• Work safely effectively with children.

Responding to allegations or suspicions

It is not the responsibility of anyone working in Innovation Dance Ltd, in a paid or unpaid capacity to decide whether or not child abuse has taken place. However there is a responsibility to act on any concerns by reporting these to the appropriate officer or the appropriate authorities.

Innovation Dance Ltd will assure all staff/volunteers that it will fully support and protect anyone, who in good faith reports his or her concern that a colleague is, or maybe, abusing a child.

Where there is a complaint against a member of staff there may be three types of investigation:

• a criminal investigation

• a child protection investigation

• a disciplinary or misconduct investigation.

The results of the police and child protection investigation may well influence and inform the disciplinary investigation, but all available information will be used to reach a decision.

Safeguarding related to online teaching (also see Online abuse section)

Teachers to teach with a neutral background, with nothing personal or inappropriate on view

GDPR compliant platform to be used for classes (Microsoft Teams) and all sessions to be password protected for security.

All teachers report to Innovation Dance if they see anything worrying or any evidence of abuse whilst the child is online.

Action if there are concerns

1. Concerns about poor practice:

• If, following consideration, the allegation is clearly about poor practice; Emma Hardy / Zoe Newell will deal with it as a misconduct issue.

• If the allegation is about poor practice by the Innovation Dance Ltd Child Protection Officer, or if the matter has been handled inadequately and concerns remain, it should be reported to the relevant  Barnet SSP officer who will decide how to deal with the allegation and whether or not to initiate disciplinary proceedings.

2. Concerns about suspected abuse:

• Any suspicion that a child has been abused by either a member of staff or a volunteer should be reported to Emma Hardy / Zoe Newell, who will take such steps as considered necessary to ensure the safety of the child in question and any other child who may be at risk.

• Emma Hardy / Zoe Newell will refer the allegation to the social services department who may involve the police.

• The parents or carers of the child will be contacted as soon as possible following advice from the social services department.

• Emma Hardy / Zoe Newell should also notify the relevant Barnet SSP officer who in turn will inform the London Borough of Barnet  Child Protection Officer who will deal with any media enquiries.

• If Emma Hardy / Zoe Newell is the subject of the suspicion/allegation, the report must be made to the appropriate Manager or in his/her absence the Barnet SSP Child Protection Officer who will refer the allegation to Social Services.

Confidentiality
Every effort should be made to ensure that confidentiality is maintained for all concerned. Information should be handled and disseminated on a need to know basis only. This includes the following people:

• Emma Hardy / Zoe Newell

• the parents of the person who is alleged to have been abused

• the person making the allegation

• social services/police

Seek social services advice on who should approach the alleged abuser (or parents if the alleged abuser is a child).

Information should be stored in a secure place with limited access to designated people, in line with data protection laws (e.g. that information is accurate, regularly updated, relevant and secure).

Internal enquiries and suspension

• Emma Hardy / Zoe Newell will make an immediate decision about whether any individual accused of abuse should be temporarily suspended pending further police and social services inquiries.

• Irrespective of the findings of the social services or police inquiries the Innovation Dance Ltd Disciplinary Committee will assess all individual cases to decide whether a member of staff or volunteer can be reinstated and how this can be sensitively handled. This may be a difficult decision; particularly where there is insufficient evidence to uphold any action by the police. In such cases, the Innovation Dance Ltd Disciplinary Committee must reach a decision based upon the available information which could suggest that on a balance of probability, it is more likely than not that the allegation is true. The welfare of the child should remain of paramount importance throughout.

Support to deal with the aftermath of abuse:

• Consideration should be given to the kind of support that children, parents and members of staff may need. Use of helplines, support groups and open meetings will maintain an open culture and help the healing process. The British Association for Counselling Directory is available from The British Association for Counselling, 1 Regent Place, Rugby CV21 2PJ, Tel: 01788 550899, Fax: 01788 562189, E-mail: bac@bacp.co.uk, Internet: www.bacp.co.uk .

• Consideration should be given to what kind of support may be appropriate for the alleged perpetrator.

Allegations of previous abuse
Allegations of abuse may be made some time after the event (e.g. by an adult who was abused as a child or by a member of staff who is still currently working with children).

Where such an allegation is made, the club should follow the procedures as detailed above and report the matter to the social services or the police. This is because other children, either within or outside sport, may be at risk from this person. Anyone who has a previous criminal conviction for offences related to abuse is automatically excluded from working with children. This is reinforced by the details of the Protection of Children Act 1999.

Action if bullying is suspected
If bullying is suspected, the same procedure should be followed as set out in 'Responding to suspicions or allegations' above.

Action to help the victim and prevent bullying in sport:

• Take all signs of bullying very seriously.

• Encourage all children to speak and share their concerns (It is believed that up to 12 children per year commit suicide as a result of bullying, so if anyone talks about or threatens suicide, seek professional help immediately). Help the victim to speak out and tell the person in charge or someone in authority. Create an open environment.

• Investigate all allegations and take action to ensure the victim is safe. Speak with the victim and the bully(ies) separately.

• Reassure the victim that you can be trusted and will help them, although you cannot promise to tell no one else.

• Keep records of what is said (what happened, by whom, when).

• Report any concerns to the Club Child Protection Officer or the school (wherever the bullying is occurring).

Action towards the bully(ies):

• Talk with the bully(ies), explain the situation, and try to get the bully (ies) to understand the consequences of their behaviour. Seek an apology to the victim(s).

• Inform the bully’s parents.

• Insist on the return of 'borrowed' items and that the bully(ies) compensate the victim.

• Provide support for the victim's coach.

• Impose sanctions as necessary.

• Encourage and support the bully(ies) to change behaviour.

• Hold meetings with the families to report on progress.

• Inform all organisation members of action taken.

• Keep a written record of action taken.

• Most 'low level' incidents will be dealt with at the time by coaches and volunteers. However, if the bullying is severe (e.g. a serious assault), or if it persists despite efforts to deal with it, incidents should be referred to the designated/Club Child Protection Officer as in "responding to suspicions or allegations" above.

3. Concerns outside the immediate sporting environment (e.g. a parent or carer):

• Report your concerns to the Club Child Protection Officer, who should contact social services or the police as soon as possible. See 4. below for the information social services or the police will need :

• If the Club Child Protection Officer is not available, the person being told of or discovering the abuse should contact social services or the police immediately.

• Social Services and the Club Child Protection Officer will decide how to involve the parents/carers.

• Maintain confidentiality on a need to know basis only.

• See 4 below regarding information needed for social services.

4. Information for social services or the police about suspected abuse

To ensure that this information is as helpful as possible, a detailed record should always be made at the time of the disclosure/concern, which should include the following:

• The child's name, age and date of birth of the child.

• The child's home address and telephone number.

• Whether or not the person making the report is expressing their own concerns or those of someone else.

• The nature of the allegation. Include dates, times, any special factors and other relevant information.

• Make a clear distinction between what is fact, opinion or hearsay.

• A description of any visible bruising or other injuries. Also any indirect signs, such as behavioural changes.

• Details of witnesses to the incidents.

• The child’s account, if it can be given, of what has happened and how any bruising or other injuries occurred.

• Have the parents been contacted?

• If so, what has been said?

• Has anyone else been consulted? If so, record details.

• If the child was not the person who reported the incident, has the child been spoken to? If so, what was said?

• Has anyone been alleged to be the abuser? Record details.

• Where possible, referral to the police or social services should be confirmed in writing within 24 hours and the name of the contact who took the referral should be recorded.

If you are worried about sharing concerns about abuse with a senior colleague, you can contact social services or the police direct, or the NSPCC Helpline on 0808 800 5000, or Childline on 0800 1111.

We follow guidance from the Out of Schools Alliance that recommends that out of school clubs continue to operate at a ratio of around 1:8 for children up to the age of eight and a ratio of around 1:10 for children over the age of eight. We also ensure there is one member of staff on reception duty and one on corridor duty in each building. We consider all our staffing requirements, which will be dictated by the number of children in our care, their ages, their maturity, the space available, the layout of our premises, and the type of activities that we are offering.

Managing allegations of abuse made against a child

All allegations that meet the following criteria must be reported to the NSP.

Where it is alleged that someone has:

• Behaved in a way that has harmed or may have harmed a child

• Possibly committed a criminal offence against or related to a child 2

• Behaved towards a child in a way that indicates they are unsuitable to work with children

Allegations may relate to concerns about neglect, physical, sexual or emotional abuse or the use of restraint that is not permitted by law or guidance.

All statutory partner agencies are required to report all allegations to the NSP within one working day. The NSP can also be contacted for advice regarding concerns or suspicions about behaviour towards children by staff or volunteers within Islington’s children’s workforce.

What happens when I contact the NSP?

The NSP will complete an initial evaluation and provide advice regarding the pathway to be followed to resolve the allegation.

What are the possible options for following up an allegation?

The NSP will decide whether the allegation is a potential criminal offence. In this case a referral will be made to the police. If the allegation indicates a child or children may be at risk of significant harm then a child protection investigation will be undertaken by Ealing/Barnet’s Children’s Social Care. In these circumstances a strategy meeting is likely to be convened to share information about the allegation, and plan the investigation and actions needed to protect children. The police, social workers and senior representatives from the organisation concerned, including representatives from human resources (HR), will attend this meeting. The subject of the allegation is not invited to attend but will have some feedback after the meeting takes place, subject to this not compromising any investigation. The chair of the strategy meeting will decide who will provide this feedback to the subject of the allegation. This could be the employer, the NSP or the police. If the allegation does not indicate a potential criminal offence or child protection issue the matter may be passed back to the organisation managing the subject of the allegation for them to resolve under their staffing, disciplinary or standards, process or as a complaint.

Who makes allegations against staff?

Allegations may be made by children, their parents/carers, colleagues or others.

What information will parents/carers be told?

Parents/carers should be told at the earliest opportunity if their child has made an allegation, or there is a concern that they may have been harmed by someone working with them. Parents should be kept informed during the investigation process and be told the outcome. It is best for a senior member of staff to speak to the parents/carers.

How will children/young people be assisted during the process?

Children/young people should be given the opportunity to share any concerns they have about their care and should be supported by the organisation throughout the investigation process. They should also be told the outcome and provided with further support if required.

3 Can parents/carers and children/young people refer directly to the NSP?

If an allegation relates to a possible criminal offence or child protection issue then parents/carers or children/young people can report their concerns directly to the NSP. In general issues should be raised with a senior member of staff within the organisation, not the person who is the subject of the allegation.

All staff have the name and contact details of our NSP, and know to contact the Deputy in their absence. Anyone working with children are subject to the appropriate checks and are provided with clear expectations about what is expected from them in their contact with children.

Radicalisation

We follow the guidance of the NSPCC to spot any of the following warning signs of radicalisation:

• isolating themselves from family and friends

• talking as if from a scripted speech

• unwillingness or inability to discuss their views

• a sudden disrespectful attitude towards others

• increased levels of anger

• ●     increased secretiveness, especially around internet use.

If there are any concerns, staff/volunteers should contact the NSP who will in turn contact the NSPCC helpline for further information.

Online Abuse

We follow the guidelines of the NSPCC in regards to recognizing, responding and reporting online abuse:

https://learning.nspcc.org.uk/child-abuse-and-neglect/online-abuse

Staff/volunteers must consult the NSP with any concerns who will assess the level of danger:

• If you think a child is in immediate danger, contact the police on 999.

• Contact the NSPCC Helpline on 0808 800 5000 or by emailing help@nspcc.org.uk. Our trained professionals will talk through your concerns with you and give you expert advice.

• Contact your local child protection services. Their contact details can be found on the website for the local authority the child lives in.

• Contact the police.

• ●     If your concern is about online sexual abuse, you can make a report to the Child Exploitation and Online Protection (CEOP) command.