Child Protection Policy

The British Theatre Academy (BTA) is fully committed to safeguarding the welfare of all children and young people associated with BTA. It recognises its responsibility to take all reasonable steps to promote safe practice and to protect children from harm, abuse and exploitation. BTA acknowledges its duty to act appropriately to any allegations, reports or suspicions of abuse. Paid staff and volunteers will work together to encourage an ethos which embraces difference and diversity and respects the rights of children, young people and adults.

BTA recognises its duty of care under the Children and Young Persons Act 1963, the Children (Performances and Activities) (England) Regulations 2014, the Children Act 1989 and the Criminal Justice and Court Services Act 2000 (in Scotland, Protection of Children (Scotland) Act 2003); Working Together to Safeguard Children 2013.

BTA believes that

• The welfare of the child is paramount.
• All children, whatever their age, culture, disability, gender, language, racial origin, religious beliefs and/or sexual identity, have the right to protection from abuse.
• All suspicions and allegations of abuse should be taken seriously and responded to swiftly and appropriately.
• All members and employees should be clear on how to respond appropriately.

BTA will ensure that

• All children are treated equally and with respect and dignity.
• The welfare of each child is always put first.
• A balanced relationship based on mutual trust is built, empowering children to share in decision-making.
• Enthusiastic, constructive feedback is given rather than negative criticism.
• Bullying is not accepted or condoned.
• All adult members provide a positive role model.
• Action is taken to stop any inappropriate verbal or physical behaviour.
• It keeps up to date with health & safety legislation and with changes in child-protection legislation and policy.
• It undertakes relevant development and training.
• It holds a register of every child involved, with an emergency contact name and number close at hand.

Our safeguarding officer

BTA has a dedicated Child Protection / Welfare Officer who oversees this policy and ensures safeguarding procedures are followed. Mrs Heard (safeguarding officer) can be contacted at safeguarding@btamail.co.uk. A Safeguarding procedures document and an Equal Opportunities Policy are available on request from the same address.

In implementing this policy BTA will

• Communicate to all workers and members their legal and moral responsibility to protect children and young people from harm, abuse and exploitation.
• Communicate their responsibility to work to the standards of the Surrey Safeguarding Children Board and maintain high standards in child protection.
• Ensure all workers and members understand their duty to report concerns about a child, or a worker's conduct toward a child, to the organisation's named person for child protection.
• Ensure the named person understands their responsibility to refer concerns to statutory agencies (Police and/or Children's Social Care).
• Ensure procedures on worker and member conduct are implemented consistently and equitably.
• Facilitate opportunities for children to express their views, with access to the Complaints Procedure.
• Involve parents and carers and make safeguarding procedures available to them.
• Monitor this policy via the Executive Committee, subject to annual review.

Contact: info@btamail.co.uk · Safeguarding: safeguarding@btamail.co.uk. Last reviewed: 11 August 2024.