Safeguarding

Safeguarding Children:

At Murilova Ballet School we recognise that the welfare of children is of paramount importance. We have a responsibility to protect and safeguard the welfare of all children and young people we work with and have an explicit duty to do so under the Children Act 1989 and 2004 and the Education Act 2002.

A ‘child’ is anyone who has not yet reached their 18^th birthday. The fact that a child has reached 16 years of age is living independently, in further education, or working does not change his/ her entitlement to services or protection as a child.

At Murilova Ballet School we believe that all children without exception have the right to protection from abuse regardless of gender, ethnicity, disability, sexuality or beliefs and that no child, or group of children should be treated any less favourably than others in being able to access the services and support to meet their needs.

All staff and volunteers have a strict duty never to subject a child to any form of harm or abuse. Failure to adhere to these procedures will be treated as gross misconduct.

Designated safeguarding lead:

The designated safeguarding person (DSP) within our organisation is Tina Marsh (Principal).

The Designated Safeguarding Person will advise members of staff and visitors to Murilova Ballet School on best practice and expectations. They will be responsible for the monitoring and recording of any safeguarding concerns and for ensuring that all concerns are shared with the appropriate statutory authorities.

All staff and volunteers at Murilova Ballet School should be made aware of this policy and should be able to demonstrate their roles and responsibilities for safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, including how to raise concerns with both children’s social care and the police. Staff and volunteers shall be made aware of this through team meetings.

Overview of responsibilities:

All staff and volunteers must report all concerns to the designated safeguarding lead at the nearest available opportunity.

It is the responsibility of all staff and volunteers at Murilova Ballet School to take steps to protect children, to keep them safe from hazards and to take appropriate action in the event of an accident.

It is the responsibility of all staff and volunteers to take reasonable steps to protect children and young people from harm and abuse while in contact with our organisation and our staff and to report any incident of or suspicion of abuse to the Designated Safeguarding Person or in their absence to the appropriate statutory authority.

All staff working at Murilova Ballet School who have contact with children and young people are required to hold a valid, clear DBS check.

Safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people means:

Protecting children from maltreatment, preventing impairment of a child’s health or development, ensuring that children are growing up with the provision of safe and effective care and taking action to ensure that children have the best life chances.

At Murilova Ballet School we will do this by:

Identifying and responding to concerns about a child or young person
Providing a safe and happy dance environment
Supporting development through dance in a way that fosters a sense of belonging / sense of self/ sense of community/ sense of independence
Supporting young people to communicate freely with us, supporting their communication methods
Fostering an environment of trust and positivity and building appropriate professional relationships

Consent and information sharing:

Issues of consent are essential to effective safeguarding practice. Additional consent must be sought for any activity that is out of the usual parameters of our work. Basic consents for day to day activities will be sought through enrolment process and appropriate organisational guidance shall be provided to ensure those consenting have clear and transparent information on what they are consenting to.

Significant harm is no exception to this. Before making a referral to Children’s Social Care parents or carers must be informed that you are doing so, including the reasons why and must be asked for consent to do this. It should be noted however that in cases where parents, carers or children do not agree to information being shared you are still able to refer to Children’s Social Care without consent but it is important to explain clearly to social care why consent cannot be established and to make a record of this.

Instances where you may not wish to seek consent are where:

Discussion with parents/ carers could place the child or other members of their family at increased risk
The child is in immediate danger (e.g. requires medical attention)
Having the discussion with parents may put you or another member of staff at risk.

It is often necessary to share information to provide support and prevent impairment or to protect a child from harm. Decisions to share will be appropriate, necessary and proportionate. You must record your decision and the reasons for it, whether or not you choose to share information. If you decide to share you should record what you shared and who you shared with.

Child protection:

Is part of safeguarding children and promoting welfare. It refers to activity that is undertaken to protect specific children who are suffering or likely to suffer significant harm.

This is about abuse and maltreatment of a child. Someone may abuse or neglect a child by inflicting harm, or by failing to act to prevent harm. Children may be abused in a family or in an institutional or community setting by those known to them, or by others (for example over the internet.) They may be abused by an adult or adults or another child/ children. Abuse may be physical, emotional, sexual, neglectful or multiple types of abuse. Please see appendix A for definitions of types of abuse.

All staff and volunteers should be able to recognise, and know how to act upon evidence that a child’s health or development is being impaired or that the child is suffering or likely to suffer significant harm. All concern about harm must be recorded and shared with the Designated Safeguarding person.

Seeking medical attention:

If a child has a physical injury, and there are concerns of abuse, medical attention should be sought immediately. Any safeguarding concerns should be shared with ambulance or hospital staff and then must be reported to children’s social care.

Nothing should be allowed to delay urgent medical treatment.

Referring a concern and your DSP:

Our Designated safeguarding person will act on behalf of Murilova Ballet School in referring concerns or allegations of harm to Children’s social care or the police as appropriate. If the designated safeguarding lead is in any doubt information should be shared with children’s social care for a second opinion. It is not the role of the DSP to investigate only to collate information, clarify details of the concern and facilitate information sharing. In the absence of the DSP the individual who has the concern is responsible for contacting children’s social care and the information should be shared with the DSP retrospectively.

The contact number for children’ social care is 01305 228558/ 01202 868224.

Protection of children:

At Murilova Ballet School we will make every effort to protect children from harm when they are visiting our setting/ attending our classes. We will do this through:

Appropriate recruitment and selection procedures
Signposting of all policies on our website http://www.murilovaballetschool.co.uk
Ensuring all staff and volunteers hold clear current DBS checks
We will take all reasonable steps to ensure health safety and welfare for all those who access our organisation
We will take all practicable steps to ensure that no one working with us or for us would put a child in a situation of unreasonable risk to their health and safety
We will not harm or abuse children within our care and will take all reasonable steps to ensure no one working with us or around us within the community could harm or abuse a child in our care
We will ensure good reporting to our DSP and onward to children’s social care where ever we suspect harm and will foster an environment of good communication, transparency and trust
All involved with our organisation will follow our code of conduct

Online safety (including Keeping Children Safe in School 2023).

It is essential that children are safeguarded from potentially harmful online material and inappropriate conduct or contact.
Staff behaviour should refer to the acceptable use of technologies.
Staff should contact a parent /guardian rather than a young student.
All contact should be professional and not breach any prevention of abuse guidance in this document.
All information regarding young people is subject to GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018.
Since 2020, NATD now offer online assessment. Teachers and Examiners must refer to the latest guidance which include the retention of any video footage, sharing of links etc. info@natd.org.uk

Using School Premises/Hiring of venues (FCSIS 2023)

Since September 2023 all schools/venues for hire in the U.K. are required to have strict policies in place for hirers providing “out-of-school” activities for the safeguarding of children (under 18 years in law). All devices are now monitored on school systems. Dance teachers, and other persons in charge of an activity, are liable if children access unsuitable links/websites whilst at dancing as would be the school principal or venue owner.

On school premises, dance teachers and staff WILL NOT use personal devices but have a dedicated work phone which is used for any parental /carer contact during class times. Students personal phones need to be put away securely until they leave and must not be used until off school premises.

This new statutory prevent policy heavily focuses on children and staff not using personal devices while working with children under the age of 18. (This is now set in law)

As Dance Schools we have to comply with this guidance while on the premises.

Teachers MUST adhere to the Safeguarding Policy for any hired premises.

Allegations against staff members/ volunteers:

If any member of staff has concerns about another member of staff or volunteer at Murilova Ballet School such as

Believing they have behaved in a way that has harmed or may cause harm to a child
Having possibly committed a criminal offence against or relating to a child
Behaved toward a child in a way that indicates he/ she is unsuitable to work with children. (This could include both children within the work place, children within the community or their own children)

The allegation or concern should be reported to the NATD with responsibility for dealing with allegations immediately.

Neither the member of staff who has raised the concern/ allegation nor the member of staff who is alleged against should be allowed to question children or be part of any further investigation.

If an allegation or concern arises about a member of staff, outside of their work with children, and this may present a risk or harm to a child/ren for which that member of staff is responsible, the general principles outlined in this policy will still apply.

Staff recruitment:

When recruiting paid staff and volunteers at Murilova Ballet School they are screened for their suitability to work with children and young people.

This policy will be reviewed annually.

Date of last review 21/02/24

Signed T. Marsh (Designated Safeguarding Person)

Appendix A:

Definitions of abuse:

Physical abuse: A form of abuse that may involve hitting shaking throwing poisoning burning or scalding, drowning, suffocating or otherwise causing physical harm to a child. Physical harm may also be caused when a parent or carer fabricates the symptoms of or deliberately causes illness in a child.

Emotional abuse: The persistent emotional maltreatment of a child such as to cause severe and persistent adverse effects on the child’s emotional development. It may involve conveying to children that they are worthless, unloved inadequate, or valued in so far as they meet the needs of another person only, deliberately silencing them or ‘making fun’ of what they say or how they communicate. It may feature age or developmentally inappropriate expectations being imposed on children. These may include interactions that are beyond the child’s developmental capability, as well as the over protection and limitation of exploration and learning, or preventing the child from participating in normal social interaction. It may involve seeing or hearing the Ill treatment of another. It may involve serious bullying (or cyber bullying), causing children to frequently feel frightened or in danger, or the exploitation or corruption of children. Some level of emotional abuse is involved in all types of maltreatment of a child, although it may occur alone.

Sexual abuse: Involves forcing or enticing a child or young person to take part in sexual activities, not necessarily involving a high level of violence, whether or not the child is aware of what is happening.

Neglect: The persistent failure to meet a child’s physical and/ or psychological needs, likely to result in the serious impairment of the child’s health or development.

This is not a complete list, just examples. It is essential to remember it is not the role of staff or volunteers to determine whether abuse has taken place. It is simply to identify concerns and share them first with the DSP and then the Local Authority.

Appendix B:

Harm or the potential harm to a child may come to your attention in a number of ways:

Information given to you by the child, his/ her friends a family member or close associate
The child’s behaviour may become different from the usual, be significantly different from the behaviour of their peers, be bizarre or unusual or may involve ‘acting out’ harmful situations through play.
An injury may arouse suspicion if; it does not compare with the explanation given, different individuals give different explanations, the child appears anxious when discussing the injury, a child is pre mobile or has limited mobility and is bruised.
Suspicion is raised as a picture of events is built up over time
A child or young person is known to be having contact with an individual/s that have been identified as presenting a potential risk of harm to children.
A parents behaviour before the birth of a child may indicate the likelihood of significant harm to an unborn child for example substance misuse.

Appendix C:

Managing a disclosure from a child:

Listen carefully
Do not ask leading or probing questions
Never stop an individual who is talking freely
Never promise to keep a secret
Be reassuring they have done the right thing in disclosing
Following the disclosure record the information and pass it on to your DPS.

Safeguarding Adults

At Murilova Ballet School we are committed to safeguarding adults with care and support needs and will not tolerate any form of abuse or neglect of any adult. We recognise our duty as defined in the Care Act 2014 to safeguard individuals, promote their wellbeing and where ever possible consider their views, wishes, feelings and beliefs whilst doing so. We will take appropriate steps to safeguard any adult who is believed to be at risk or experiencing abuse or neglect and will ensure all safeguarding actions we take allow adults the freedom to make their own choices and will include them in all decision making. All adults have a right to live free from harm and abuse, some may find it hard to get the help and support they need or may be unable to protect themselves from harm and abuse. We recognise our responsibility to support these individuals to receive the safeguarding support they need.

An adult is anyone of 18 years and over.

All staff and volunteers have a strict duty never to subject an individual to any form of harm or abuse. Failure to adhere to these procedures will be treated as gross misconduct.

Designated safeguarding lead:

The designated safeguarding person (DSP) within our organisation is Tina Marsh

All staff and volunteers at Murilova Ballet School should be made aware of this policy and should be able to demonstrate their roles and responsibilities for safeguarding and promoting the wellbeing of individuals, including how to raise concerns with both Adult Social Care and the Police. Staff and volunteers shall be made aware of this policy through team meetings.

Safeguarding adults:

‘Safeguarding adult’s means protecting an adult’s right to live in safety, free from abuse and neglect. It is about people and organisations working together to prevent and stop both the risks and the experience of abuse or neglect, while at the same time making sure that the adults wellbeing is promoted including, where appropriate having regard for their views, wishes, feelings and beliefs in deciding on any action. This must recognise that adults sometimes have complex interpersonal relationships and may be ambivalent, unclear or unrealistic about their personal circumstances.’ (Care and Support Statutory Guidance 2017.)

All safeguarding work should be underpinned by an ethos of empowerment, prevention, proportionality, protection, partnership and accountability.

The Care Act sets out a duty for any adult who:

Has care and support needs ( whether or not these are known to the local authority where they reside)
Experiencing or is at risk of experiencing abuse or neglect and
Is unable to protect themselves due to their care and support needs.

Any safeguarding action should be person lead and outcome focuses. We should help the individual to receive the kind of help and support that is right for them.

Overview of responsibilities:

All staff and volunteers must report all concerns to the designated safeguarding lead at the nearest available opportunity.

It is the responsibility of all staff and volunteers at Murilova Ballet school to take steps to protect adults with care and support needs where they are unable to do so for themselves.

It is the responsibility of all staff and volunteers to take reasonable steps to protect people from harm and abuse while in contact with [your organisation] and our staff and to report any incident of or suspicion of abuse to the Designated Safeguarding Person or in their absence to the appropriate statutory authority.

All staff working at Murilova Ballet School who have contact with people with care and support needs are required to hold a valid, clear DBS check.

Consent and information sharing:

Issues of consent are essential to effective safeguarding practice. Additional consent must be sought for any activity that is out of the usual parameters of our work. Basic consents for day to day activities can be sought through the enrolment process, and appropriate organisational guidance shall be provided to ensure those consenting have clear and transparent information on what they are consenting to.

Significant harm is no exception to this. Before making a referral to Adult Social care consent must be sought. Adult safeguarding Process is consent based process and support cannot be provided for an individual who doesn’t want it. Conversations about consent must be recorded.

Consent need not be sought, and action should be taken, where:

There is immediate risk to that individual or others, often known as a public protection issue.
Asking for consent is at that time unsafe
The individual lacks the mental capacity to consent therefore you do so on their behalf.

Any information shared will be relevant, necessary and proportionate. You must record your decision and the reasons for it, whether or not you choose to share information. If you share you should record what you shared and who you shared with.

Staff and volunteers must be aware there are many barriers for individuals who may wish to share experience of abuse or neglect to seek help and support. Patience and reassurance are essential.

The Mental Capacity Act 2005: is a legal framework which protects people who may lack capacity to make decisions themselves. The presumption is that adults have mental capacity to make informed choices about their safety and how they live their lives. Mental Capacity and a person’s ability to give informed consent are at the heart of decisions and actions taken under this policy.

A person’s ability to make a decision may be affected by duress and undue influence. Adults with capacity would normally make their own in- formed decision as to whether they consented to be involved in the adult safeguarding process. If it is reasonably believed that the decision is being made because of threats or coercion expert advice should be sought.

Seeking medical attention:

If anyone has a physical injury, and there are concerns of abuse, medical attention should be sought immediately. Any safeguarding concerns should be shared with ambulance or hospital staff and then must be reported to Adult social care.

Nothing should be allowed to delay urgent medical treatment.

Abuse and Neglect: Our duty to safeguard adult’s means:

Stop abuse and neglect where possible
Prevent harm and reduce the risk of abuse or neglect to adults with care and support needs
Safeguarding adults in a way that supports them in making choices and having control about how they want to live
Promote an approach that concentrates on improving life for the adults concerned
Raise public awareness so that communities as a whole, alongside professionals, play their part in preventing, identifying and responding to abuse and neglect
Provide information and support in accessible ways to help people understand the different types of abuse, how to stay safe and what to do to raise a concern about the safety or well- being of an adult and
Address what has caused the abuse or neglect

(14.11: Department for Health Care and Support Statutory guidance, issued under the Care Act 2014)

Staff and volunteer responsibility:

All staff and volunteers at Murilova Ballet School have a duty to:

Take action: This might involve;

contacting the police or phoning an ambulance or taking some other form of emergency safety measure,
Offering support, information and reassurance to the individual
Collect details about what has happened where possible being mindful not to be disruptive of potential evidence (don’t ask leading questions)
Gain consent to share information where possible or act in the individuals best interests where they are unable to consent.

Tell:

Our designated safeguarding lead or in their absence adult social care or the police

Record:

As much detail as possible as soon as possible with accurate information.

Raise your concern:

With Adult social care where an individual requests this support or in their best interests under the MCA if they are unable. Share with the police where appropriate.

Confidentiality:

At Murilova Ballet School we expect all members of staff and volunteers to maintain confidentiality at all times and to act in line with the General Data Protection Regulations and to there for share only that which is necessary, proportionate and relevant.

Referring a concern and your DSP:

Our Designated safeguarding person will act on behalf of Murilova Ballet School in referring concerns or allegations of harm to Adult Social care or the police as appropriate. If the designated safeguarding lead is in any doubt information should be shared with Adult Social care for a second opinion. It is not the role of the DSP to investigate only to collate information, clarify details of the concern and facilitate information sharing. In the absence of the DSP the individual who has the concern is responsible for contacting Adult Social care and the information should be shared with the DSP retrospectively.

The contact number for Adult social care is 01305 221016.

Allegations against staff members/ volunteers:

If any member of staff has concerns about another member of staff or volunteer at Murilova Ballet School such as;

Believing they have behaved in a way that has harmed or may cause harm to an individual
Having possibly committed a criminal offence against or relating to an adult with care and support needs
Behaved toward an adult with care and support needs in a way that indicates he/ she is unsuitable to work with people. (This could be within the work place within the community or their own families).

The allegation or concern should be reported to the manager with responsibility for dealing with allegations immediately. This is Tina Marsh.

Neither the member of staff who has raised the concern/ allegation nor the member of staff who is alleged against should be allowed to question individuals or be part of any further investigation.

The designated manager for Murilova Ballet School will report the matter to the Local Authority safeguarding Adults Team.

If an allegation or concern arises about a member of staff, outside of their work at our organisation, and this may present a risk of harm to others for whom that member of staff is responsible, the general principles outlined in this policy will still apply.

Staff recruitment:

When recruiting paid staff and volunteers at Murilova Ballet School they are screened for their suitability to work with children and young people.

This Safeguarding policy will be reviewed annually.

Date of last review: 21/02/24

Signed: T.Marsh (Designated Safeguarding Person)

Appendix A:

care and support needs could include:

An older person
Someone with sensory impairment
Someone with a mental health condition, personality disorder or dementia
Someone with a physical disability
Someone who misuses substances or alcohol to the extent if effects their ability to manage day to day living
A carer, providing unpaid care for a family member or friend.
(This is not a comprehensive list, it is purely examples.)

Appendix B:

Illustrative guide to abuse and neglect:

physical abuse
sexual abuse
psychological abuse
financial abuse
modern
discriminatory abuse
organisational
neglect and acts of omission
self-neglect

Appendix c:

Sample suggested signs, symptoms and indicators to abuse and neglect:

Depression
Self-harm
Suicide attempts
Fear or anxiety
Being dirty, smelly, unkempt
Lacking proper clothing for the time of year
Lacking money to meet their basic needs
Injury
Sleeplessness
Changes in mood, behaviour or appearance

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