Child Protection Policy

Wee Music School

Last Updated: 18/08/2024
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1. Introduction

Wee Music School is fully committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of all children and young people who engage with our services. This Child Protection Policy outlines our approach to safeguarding children, preventing harm, and responding appropriately to any concerns or incidents that may arise. It applies to all teachers, volunteers, and anyone involved with Wee Music School.

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2. Policy Statement

Wee Music School believes that:
● The welfare of the child is paramount.
● All children, regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation, have the right to equal protection from harm.
● We have a responsibility to promote the welfare of all children, to protect them from abuse, and to take action to protect children where concerns about their welfare arise.
We will work in partnership with children, young people, their parents, carers, and other agencies to safeguard children and protect them from harm.

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3. Definitions

Child: In Scotland, a child is defined as any person under the age of 18 years old.
Child Protection: The measures and structures in place to prevent and respond to the abuse, exploitation, and neglect of children.
Abuse: Includes physical, emotional, sexual, and neglect.

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4. Legal Framework

This policy has been drawn up on the basis of legislation, policy, and guidance that seeks to protect children in Scotland, including:
● Children and Young People (Scotland) Act 2014
● National Guidance for Child Protection in Scotland 2021
● United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC), as incorporated into Scots law
● Getting It Right For Every Child (GIRFEC)
● Protection of Vulnerable Groups (Scotland) Act 2007

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5. Roles and Responsibilities

● All Teachers and Volunteers: Are required to adhere to this policy and follow the safeguarding procedures set out. This includes reporting any concerns to the Designated Child Protection Officer (DCPO).
● Designated Child Protection Officer (DCPO): Aden Mazur (aden@weemusicschool.co.uk) is the named individual responsible for child protection within Wee Music School. They ensure the policy is implemented effectively and act as the point of contact for any concerns.

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6. Safe Recruitment

Wee Music School is committed to safer recruitment practices to ensure that all teachers and volunteers who come into contact with children are suitable for their roles:
● All teachers working directly with children will undergo a Protection of Vulnerable Groups (PVG) check before beginning their role.

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7. Code of Conduct for Teachers and Volunteers

To maintain the highest standards of safeguarding, all teachers and volunteers must:
● Act professionally and respectfully towards all children, ensuring their dignity and privacy are respected at all times.
● Never engage in inappropriate relationships with children or exploit their position of authority.
● Use appropriate language and behaviour that reflects our values of respect and inclusion.
● Maintain clear professional boundaries in communication, including online, and use only official channels (e.g., Wee Music School emails or MyMusicStaff) for communication with students.

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8. Online Safety and Remote Lessons

Wee Music School acknowledges the increasing use of online platforms for lessons and the associated risks. To ensure the safety of children during online lessons:
● All online lessons must take place on secure platforms (e.g., Google Meet) with a responsible adult aware of the session.
● Teachers must never record lessons without the explicit written consent of parents/guardians and for legitimate purposes such as safeguarding or lesson reviews.
● Any concerns about online safety must be reported immediately to the DCPO.

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9. Recognising and Responding to Concerns

All teachers and volunteers have a duty to be alert to the signs of abuse and to report any concerns about the welfare of a child. Signs of abuse may include:
● Physical indicators (e.g., unexplained bruises or injuries)
● Behavioural changes (e.g., withdrawal, anxiety, or aggression)
● Disclosures by a child about abuse or neglect If a child discloses that they are being harmed or abused:
● Listen carefully and reassure the child they are being taken seriously.
● Do not promise confidentiality; explain that the information must be shared with the appropriate person to help them.
● Record the concern in writing as soon as possible, detailing exactly what the child has said, the date and time, and the actions taken.

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10. Reporting Procedures

If a teacher or volunteer has concerns about a child’s welfare:
1. Report the concern to the DCPO immediately (within the same working day).
2. Document the concern in writing, including all relevant details (names, dates, times, observations).
3. The DCPO will assess the situation and determine whether to involve external agencies, such as Social Services or Police Scotland.
4. If the DCPO is unavailable, or if the concern involves the DCPO, the concern shouldb e escalated directly to Social Services or Police Scotland.

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Contact details for reporting:
● Social Services (Child Protection Team): 0800 731 6969
● Police Scotland: 101 (or 999 in emergencies)
● NSPCC Helpline: 0808 800 5000

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11. Record Keeping

All safeguarding concerns and actions taken will be accurately documented and securely stored in accordance with data protection regulations. This includes records of any incidents, disclosures, and referrals to external agencies. Only the DCPO and those involved in the case will have access to these records.

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12. Access to Policies and Procedures

Wee Music School ensures that all teachers and volunteers have access to our child protection policies and procedures. It is their responsibility to familiarise themselves with and adhere to these guidelines to promote a safe environment for all children in our care.

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13. Partnership with Parents and Guardians

We recognise that the involvement of parents and guardians is crucial in promoting a safe environment for children. We will:
● Share this policy with all parents and guardians upon registration.
● Maintain open lines of communication regarding child safety and any issues that arise.
● Encourage parents/guardians to raise any concerns about their child’s safety with us.

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14. Review and Updates

This Child Protection Policy will be reviewed annually, or sooner if there are significant changes in legislation or incidents that necessitate a review. Any amendments to the policy will be communicated to teachers, volunteers, and parents/guardians.
Next Review Date: 18/08/2025

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15. Contact Information

For any concerns or questions regarding child protection, please contact:
Designated Child Protection Officer (DCPO): Aden Mazur
Phone: 07405025704
Email: aden@weemusicschool.co.uk