Anti-Bullying Policy

Anti Bullying Policy

At Capricorn Performing Arts we are completely against bullying as it opposes the standards and ethos of Capricorn Performing Arts and the values by which we choose to portray ourselves. All members of Capricorn Performing Arts have a right to learn in an encouraging, secure and attentive environment. We all also have a responsibility to help create an inviolable and safe environment for others.

Capricorn Performing Arts actively promotes positive interpersonal relationships between all members of the company; Mea-Ellease Goodwin, Flo Rowntree, individuals and the wider community.

Our Principles:

Every person has a right to acquire knowledge in an environment free from intimidation and threat;
The needs of any victim of bullying are of greatest importance of concern;
We will not allow bullying behaviour to take place in Capricorn Performing Arts;
Individuals reporting bullying will always be heard and supported; and
Reported incidents of bullying will be taken seriously and thoroughly investigated.

Definition:

Bullying is an act of hostility, causing awkwardness, pain or discomfort to someone. It is an abuse of power. It can also take a number of forms; physical, verbal, making gestures, extortion and exclusion.It can be organised, or it may be accidental . It may be performed by individuals or by groups.

Bullying could be recognised as:

Physical violence such as hitting, pushing or spitting at another individual;
Intervening with another individual’s property, by stealing, hiding or damaging it
Using insulting names when labelling or being direct with another pupil;
Mocking or spreading rumours about another individual's family;
Belittling another individual's abilities and accomplishments;
Writing degrading notes or graffiti about another individual;
Excluding another individual from a group activity;
Deriding another individual’s appearance, way of speaking or personal mannerisms;
Abusing technology (internet or mobiles) to damage or humiliate another person; or
any other behaviour that intimidates, belittles or causes a child to feel frightened or in danger. Please also see our school safeguarding policy.

Capricorn are committed to:

Foster in all of our participants self-esteem, self-respect and respect for others;
Demonstrate by example the high standards of personal and social behaviour we expect of all of those individuals within Capricorn Performing Arts and its participants;
Be alert to signs of distress and other possible indications of bullying;
Listen to those participants who have been bullied, take what they say seriously and act to support and protect them;
Report suspected cases of bullying to our designated Safeguarding Officers Flo Rowntree and Mea-Ellease Goodwin;
Follow up any complaint by a parent about bullying, and report back promptly and fully on the action which has been taken; and
Deal with observed instances of bullying promptly and effectively, in accordance with agreed procedures.

We expect all our participants to:

Refrain from becoming involved in any kind of bullying, even at the risk of incurring temporary unpopularity;
Intervene to protect someone who is being bullied, unless it is unsafe to do so;
Report to a member of staff any witnessed or suspected instances of bullying, to dispel any climate of secrecy and help to prevent further instances; and
Anyone who becomes the target of bullies should not suffer in silence, but have the courage to speak out, to put an end to their suffering and that of other potential targets.

We ask parents to support their children who participate in Capricorn Performing Arts by:

Watching for signs of distress or unusual behaviour in their children, which might be evidence of bullying;
Advising their children to report any bullying to Flo Rowntree and Mea-Ellease Goodwin and explain the implications of allowing the bullying to continue unchecked, for themselves and for other pupils;
Advising their children not to retaliate violently to any forms of bullying;
Being sympathetic and supportive towards their children, and reassuring them that appropriate action will be taken;
Keep a written record of any reported instances of bullying;
Inform Capricorn Performing Arts of any suspected bullying, even if their children are not involved;
Cooperate with Capricorn Performing Arts , if their children are accused of bullying, try to ascertain the truth; and
Point out the implications of bullying, both for the children who are bullied and for the bullies themselves.

Procedures for dealing with bullying behaviour:

Capricorn Performing Arts ensure that steps will be taken to support and answer to the needs of both bullied and bullying individuals. We will listen to them and act to best support them. Records will be kept on incident forms of all reports of or witness incidents of bullying.

Action which may be taken:

Communicating parents/carers of all individuals concerned in the bullying occurrence;
Investigation/consultation;
Feedback to those concerned;
Penalties, which may result in individuals being absent for a set amount of time, missing classes or ultimately being asked to leave the school; and
Contacting applicable professionals: In important incidents we may act to seek advice from other services or may feel the need to mention the events as stated in our safeguarding policy.

Child protection Policy

Capricorn Performing Arts has a virtuous and legal obligation to ensure that, when given authority for children, all staff, chaperones, parents/legal guardians and volunteers accept their responsibilities to safeguard children from harm and misuse.Ensuring that everybody following the course of action to protect children and announcement any concerns about their welfare to appropriate authorities. Mea-Ellease Goodwin and Flo Rowntree are fully qualified, DBS checked and insured.

There are three elements to our policy:-

Prevention through awareness of each individual child’s needs.
Definitions of Child Abuse and Neglect.
Procedures for discovering and reporting cases or suspected cases of abuse.

The aim of the policy is to encourage good practice, giving children and young people with appropriate safety/protection whilst in the care of Capricorn Performing Arts and to allow Mea-Ellease Goodwin and Flo Rowntree to make informed and proactive responses to specific child protection issues.

Capricorn Performing Arts will therefore:-

Act within the Children’s Act 1989 & 2004
Act within The working together to safeguard Children 2023 Act.
Act within the Children (Performances and Activities) (England) Regulations 2014
Establish and maintain an ethos where children feel welcome and familiar with their environment and are informed of personal (toilets, dressing rooms etc) and emergency arrangements (fire exits etc) and any Health and Safety Procedures (First aid etc)
Inform each child who the appropriate person or people are to speak to if they have any questions, problems or concerns.
Ensure that all children are treated with respect and dignity and are treated as individuals and offered equality of opportunities.
Always work in an open environment (e.g. avoiding private or unobserved situations and unnecessary physical contact with children)
Recognising the individual needs of the child. Eg- recognising when a child may be tired and may need a break.
Ensure that children are supervised appropriately.
Ensure all volunteers and staff coming into close contact with children are DBS checked.
Ensure that all staff and crew who don’t necessarily have close contact with children but who are assisting in the production are aware of their conduct around children.

Definitions of Child abuse and Neglect

A child or young person up to the age of 18 years can suffer abuse or neglect and require protection. · Physical Abuse - May involve hitting, shaking, throwing, poisoning, burning or scalding, drowning or suffocating or otherwise causing physical harm to a child. Physical harm may also be caused when a parent or carer fabricates or induces illness in a child whom they are looking after.

Sexual Abuse - Forcing or enticing a child/young person to take part in sexual activities, whether or not they are aware of what is happening.
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.
Emotional Abuse - The persistent emotional ill-treatment of a child such as to cause severe and persistent adverse effects on the child’s emotional and behavioural development.

Capricorn Performing Arts will adhere to the relevant legislation when working with children and young people under the age of 18 years as outlined in the following:

Children Act 1989. Children Act 2004
Working Together to Safeguard Children 2023
If you see or suspect abuse of a child, immediately make this known to the designated individual/manager responsible for child protection. Disclosure of Abuse if a child tells you that they or another child or young person is being abused:- Always stop and listen straight away, show that you take their allegations seriously. Encourage the child to talk, but do not ask leading questions, interrupt or ask the child to repeat itself. Never promise that you will keep what is said confidential or secret – explain that if you are told something of concern that you will need to let someone know but that you will only tell the people who need to know and can help. Record what you have been told accurately and as soon as possible. Use the child‘s own words. Make a note of the time, location, whether anyone else present and of the Child’s demeanour. Ensure that your concerns are reported immediately to the designated safeguarding leads (Mea-Ellease Goodwin and Flo Rowntree). Do not confront the alleged abuser.
If a child makes an allegation against Mea-Ellease Goodwin and Flo Rowntree it must be reported as a matter of urgency to the designated Mea-Ellease Goodwin and Flo Rowntree for child protection who will refer to the Social Services department for Children’s Services.
In all situations the details of allegation or reported incident must be recorded. Make accurate notes of time, dates, incident or disclosure, people involved, what was said and done and by whom, action taken to investigate and further action taken.
DO NOT worry that you might be mistaken; you have a responsibility to pass on your concerns following a disclosure. Never think abuse is impossible, or that an accusation about a person you know well and trust is bound to be wrong.

Intruder policy

We aim to keep the door locked during our classes within our facilities provided for classes. We may use community buildings so there will be other people using the halls. This will mean that other users of the building may be present during our classes. We will make sure that all individuals are signed in and out of class. Parents/ carers need to adhere to our code of conduct on dropping off and collecting younger individuals.

In the event of an intruder (someone who does not have permission to be in the building), Mea-Ellease Goodwin and Flo Rowntree need to assess whether this person poses a threat or just needs advice or redirection Mea-Ellease Goodwin and Flo Rowntree can identify themselves and ask their purpose to be on the premises. Depending on the situation, Mea-Ellease Goodwin and Flo Rowntree should make every effort to call the police. Do not attempt to restrain the intruder. Mea-Ellease Goodwin and Flo Rowntree should evacuate the children to safety, remaining calm and not to cause distress. In the case of needing to lock down external doors and internal doors to be locked where possible with windows and blinds closed.

Designated Safeguarding Leads -

Mea-Ellease Goodwin - 07803576918

Flo Rowntree - 07504831532

Code of conduct

This policy sets out how we as participants of Capricorn Performing Arts will respect each other and collaborate for the benefit of each other and Capricorn Performing Arts as a whole. This policy applies to everyone who takes part in Capricorn Performing Arts including but not limited to the participants, parents of the participants (where children) and the teachers.

YOU MUST:

Act with integrity and honesty at all times.
Comply with all other policies in relation to Capricorn Performing Arts.
Ensure that we are creating and maintaining an environment free from discrimination, victimization, harassment and bullying.
Ensure that we create a warm and welcoming environment.
Promote relationships that are based on openness, honesty, trust and respect.
Ensure that you are aware of and comply with the charity’s policies.
Undertake any necessary training for your role.
Listen to and respect other staff, volunteers, beneficiaries and other stakeholders.
Ensure language is appropriate and not offensive or discriminatory and always respectful.
Ensure any equipment is used safely and for its intended purpose.
Challenge any unacceptable behaviour and report any breaches of this Code of Conduct or any concerns without delay.
Report any allegations/suspicions of abuse or fraud.
Respect everyone’s right to personal privacy and ensure that any personal information is kept secure and not disclosed.
Accept the decisions of the casting committee respectfully.
Be punctual, present and fully engaged when attending rehearsals.
Always be respectful to the director and creative team.
Respect theatres/ rehearsal spaces and keep them clean, tidy and professional.
Follow the health and safety procedure of the venue and instructions from the instructor.

YOU MUST NOT:

Allow concerns or allegations to go unreported.
Develop inappropriate relationships such as contact with children or vulnerable people that is not a part of the work of the Society or agreed with the trustees.
Share your personal contact details (mobile number, email or address) or have contact with a beneficiary or vulnerable person via a personal social media account.
Make sarcastic, insensitive or derogatory comments or gestures to or in front of anyone.
Act in a way that can be perceived as threatening or intrusive.
Make inappropriate promises to young or other vulnerable people, particularly in relation to confidentiality.

Data And PrivacY Policy

Capricorn Performing Arts is committed to the privacy and security of personal information that is collected about any individuals who participate including the parents of any children who take part. This privacy notice describes how we collect and store personal data, who we share personal data with and how it complies with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).

It has been agreed that Flo Rowntree will be appointed as Data Protection Officer (DPO) and is therefore responsible for the safe storage of information processed by Capricorn Performing Arts. Capricorn Performing Arts is a data controller. This means we are responsible for deciding how we hold and use personal information about any individuals who participate including the parents of any children who take part. We are required under Data Protection Legislation to notify you of the information contained in this privacy notice.

Capricorn Performing Arts comply with Data Protection Legislation. This means information stored must be:

Used lawfully, fairly and in a transparent way;
Kept secure;
Collected only for valid purposes;
Accurate and kept up to date; and
Kept only for as long as necessary.

Personal Data or personal information means any information about an individual from which that person can be identified. We collect the following information from our participants:

Full Name
Contact details (email, telephone)
Emergency contacts
DOB
Address
Any Medical Conditions or allergies
Accident Forms
We also ask for photograph permission for advertising purposes such as social media, newspaper articles or any show photographs

How we use this information

We collect the above data in order for us to provide the services of Capricorn Performing Arts to you.
We collect the above data to use in case of emergencies.
We will use this information for Competition Entries.
We will use this information for Showcases. Emergency contact names and numbers for backstage at shows. Information will be given to the local authorities to approve children to perform in front of an audience. This is only for certain performances which all parents/carers will be informed of.

Who we share this information with (Third Parties)

Local Authorities- when applying for a BOPA. Licensing when children are performing in a theatre. This is for safeguarding and child protection policies. This will be the local authority of your address.
Bookwhen - When booking through our website you are required to add your personal details.

All third party service providers and other entities in the group are required to take appropriate security measures to protect your personal information in line with our policies. We do not allow our third party service providers to use your personal data for their own purposes. We only permit them to process your personal data for specified purposes and in accordance with our instructions.

Data Retention

We will only retain your information for as long as necessary to fulfil the purposes we collected it for.

Individual Rights

All participants are entitled to the following rights under GDPR;

The right to be informed of how we use your personal data;
The right to request access to your personal data. This enables you to have a copy of the personal information we hold about you;
The right to request correction of the personal information we hold about you;
The right to request erasure of your personal information;
The right to restrict processing of your personal data;
The right to data portability; and
The right to object.

You have the right to review your personal data and request any of the above. If you wish to do so please contact the DPO as stated above. We reserve the right to update the privacy notice at any time and we will provide you with a new updated privacy notice.

equal opportunities Policy

Each participant at Capricorn Performing Arts is regarded as of equal importance and worth. This is irrespective of their race, gender, religion or disability. We are committed to promoting an environment where all individuals feel welcome and can achieve their full potential. We strive to celebrate diversity in all aspects and treat all students and staff with dignity and respect. We have a responsibility to comply with the Equality Act 2010.

No child, staff member, parent or volunteer will be discriminated by us on the grounds of

· Age

· Gender

· Race

· Disability

· Sexual Orientation

· Beliefs/ Religion

Our aim is to…

· Ensure that all participants/staff/volunteers of Capricorn Performing Arts recognise that discrimination is not acceptable. All participants are to be given equal opportunities in class and at performances.

· Provide a welcome environment where all participants feel safe to express themselves, input their ideas and ask questions.

· Use inclusive language at classes.

· Set aims and goals that are achievable for all participants.

· Not tolerate any bullying within Capricorn Performing Arts.

· Take any reports of discrimination and/or bullying seriously.

· Build positive relationships with all participants and parents/ carers of participants and provide opportunity communication with instructors about progress and any concerns.

Health and safety Policy

This policy will seek to provide and motivate:

A shielded place to work and a safe environment, with secure access to and from it.
Provide up-to-date content, directions, training and supervision to ensure that Mea-Ellease and Flo Rowntree are well equipped to avoid hazards and contribute positively to effective Health & Safety at work.

The policy will be kept up to date to ensure that our responsibilities are met in relation to: Health & Safety at Work Act (1974), Management Regulations (1999) and any other relevant current legislation.

Capricorn Performing Arts has the responsibility to make sure that:

All participants and/or parents/ carers of participants have signed a contact form with emergency contact details, any medical conditions/ photography permission.
Complete all necessary risk assessments for each venue.
Training for staff is up to date.
All instructors/staff are fully qualified and insured.
A first aider is always present at any class/ event.
A first aid box is in sight and any accidents will be reported in an accident book.
All equipment is safely stored.
All electrical equipment is regularly tested.
All instructors/staff working with children are enhanced DBS checked/ Any volunteers and chaperones to be DBS checked.
A safeguarding policy is in place and all instructors/staff have up to date safeguarding training.
Dress code is followed – uniform, correct footwear and hair tied up.

Accidents and First Aid

All accidents should be recorded in the accident book. Treatment should be given only by a trained First Aider. Medication should not be offered to any participants/staff, this includes antiseptics or pills of any kind. If in doubt with any minor injury or illness phone 111 and parents/carers of participants should be informed. For any emergency call 999.

Safety Checks

Equipment - Correct storage of equipment is vital to minimising risks. Any equipment not being used is a potential risk. Every piece of equipment that is being used must be checked before commencing any classes / shows to ensure its safety for use. Check there are no faults with equipment.
Venue - Ensure floors are clean. Ensure no trip hazards (wires/equipment) Check plug sockets are safe with no wires showing. Ensure doors and exits are secure and there is nothing blocking emergency exits.
Participants - Ensure that all participants are wearing appropriate clothing and footwear to minimise accidents or risk. Ensure photograph permission is clearly stated for each child. Ensure all instructors/staff/volunteers are aware of any medical conditions/ allergies. Participants are to bring inhalers if asthmatic.
Theatre – For shows, make sure a risk assessment is in place. Approval from local authorities (BOPA) and Chaperones/ DBS checked helpers backstage.

Fire safety

Before any class/show make sure fire exits are clear and a meeting point is known to participants dancers and any instructors/staff. For the theatre- audience to follow stewards. Backstage staff/students to follow chaperones to meeting point. Headcount to take place. Chaperones will already have a list of students in their care. Make sure personal belongings are left and this is done quickly and efficiently.

Security