Child Protection Policy

WELFARE OF ORCHESTRA MEMBERS

The CVYO is a registered charity (number 1028647) with a constituted Support Team of Musical Directors, parents and Student Representatives, who are all aware of the need to ensure the welfare of the children in the Orchestra. This includes the need to protect children from abuse and to inform Social Services of any suspected abuse, from whatever source it may originate.

During Orchestra activities it is unlikely that any one person would have access to an individual child in circumstances where abusive behaviour could occur. A rota of parent members of the Support Team is present at all rehearsals. One of these parent will be designated Registration Coordinator with overall responsibility for welfare matters, including ensuring that all orchestra members are signed in on arrival and that no child is left in a vulnerable situation during or at the end of rehearsals. On residential training courses and overseas tours there are always the legally required number of adult helpers in attendance. There will always be at least one adult female member of the Support Team on duty at rehearsals, residential courses and tours.

Orchestra members are informed that they may speak in confidence about any welfare concerns they may have to any of the Musical Directors, the Child Protection Officers named below, the student representatives or any other member of the Support Team. All adult members of the Support Team are required to obtain approval by the Criminal Records Bureau (CRB). See CRB Checking

PARENTS’ RESPONSIBILITIES

Parents of children under 12 must bring them to the door for rehearsals and concerts, and collect them afterwards. Parents of children over 12 may give them permission to sign in and out and to travel home alone or with another parent or helper.

CHILD PROTECTION OFFICERS

Child Protection Officers to contact in relation to welfare matters are the current Musical Directors, Committee Chair, Secretary and Membership Secretary. The Senior Child Protection Officer with overall responsibility for welfare is the Musical Director of the Main Orchestra, who will appoint a Deputy when not present in person.

See the Contacts Page of the CVYO web site: www.cvyo.net

Note. This statement is in line with the Colchester Leisure World Child Protection Policy, which requires all regular users of the Leisure World facilities to provide a copy of their Child Protection Policy outlining procedures for ensuring the safety and welfare of children under sixteen in their care. It applies to all activities of the Colne Valley Youth Orchestra (Main Orchestra and Training Orchestra). For general information on CVYO see our web site www.cvyo.net The Committee will review this policy from time to time. Suggestions from Orchestra Members and parents are welcome.

PJB November 2007