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Safeguarding and Child Protection policy

Overview

This policy applies to all THAMES staff working either as an employee or as an external provider of services (e.g. workshop leaders, volunteers, visiting artists, students) working on behalf of THAMES.

THAMES is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and we expect everyone working for THAMES to share this commitment.

We all have a responsibility to promote the welfare of all children and young people and to keep them safe and are committed to practice in a way that protects them.

The purpose of this policy is

  • to protect children and young people who receive THAMES’ services
  • to provide staff and volunteers with the overarching principles that guide our approach to safeguarding.

Legal framework

This policy has been devised using the following:

  • Children Act 1989
  • United Convention of the Rights of the Child 1991
  • Data Protection Act 1998
  • Sexual Offences Act 2003
  • Children Act 2004
  • Protection of Freedoms Act 2012

Tower Hamlets Arts and Music Education Service (THAMES) – Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy

  • Relevant government guidance on safeguarding children including Relationship Education, Relationship and Sex Education and Health Education guidance Sept 2020

It should be read alongside other council policies and procedures including:

The THAMES’ Staff Handbook

  • Advice provided by the Tower Hamlets Safeguarding Board
  • Online teaching guidance (ongoing)
  • Equal Opportunities
  • Health and Safety
  • Complaints and Whistleblowing procedures
  • Safer Recruitment

We recognise that:

  • the welfare of the child is paramount (Children Act 1989).
  • 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.
  • some children are additionally vulnerable because of the impact of previous experiences, their level of dependency communication needs or other issues.
  • working in partnership with children, young people, their parents, carers and other agencies is essential in promoting young people’s welfare.

We will seek to keep children and young people safe by:

  • valuing them, listening to and respecting them
  • adopting child protection practices through procedures and a code of conduct for staff and volunteers
  • developing and implementing an effective e-safety policy and related procedures.
  • providing effective management for staff and volunteers through supervision, support, and training
  • recruiting staff and volunteers safely, ensuring all necessary checks are made
  • sharing information about child protection and good practice with children, parents, staff, and volunteers. 

Tower Hamlets Arts and Music Education Service (THAMES) – Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy

  • sharing concerns with agencies who need to know, and by involving parents and children appropriately.

Contacts

  • Iain Wilson (Tel: 020 7364 0431), Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)
  • Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (DDSL): Jak Berry: Manager:
    • Instrumental/Vocal Music (Tel: 020 7364 0431)

  • THAMES Office Manager: Hayley Cook/Frances Cherry (Tel: 020 7364 0431) If a child is at immediate risk of harm contact the police on 999.

  • The Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) can be contacted Monday to Friday: 9-5pm on 020 7364 0677 or by email on LADO@towerhamlets.gov.uk. There is an out of hours contact number for evenings and the weekend 020 7364 4079.