CONSETT MUSIC FESTIVAL

CHILD PROTECTION POLICY - IMPLEMENTED 1ST April 2004.
Chairperson: Mrs. J. Hemmings
Hon. Secretary: Mr. M. Mutch
Hon. Treasurer: Mr. A.G. Hemmings
Festival Venue: Blackfyne Community School, Consett
Festival Dates: Friday evenings 14th & 21st May 2010.
All day Saturdays 15th & 22nd May 2010.


1. AIMS AND PURPOSES OF THE ORGANISATION

This Festival is committed to advancing, promoting and encouraging
the study and practice of the Arts of Music by providing a platform for amateur performances where there is an educational element by means of professional adjudications. Competitors of all ages are
encouraged to take part where each can learn from the other in their goal towards achieving excellence.

2. THE FESTIVAL ENVIRONMENT

The Festival committee undertake to do their utmost to ensure that the Festival takes place under the safest possible conditions, and with particular regard to the protection of children and vulnerable adults.

3. TO WHOM DOES THE POLICY APPLY

This policy applies to all children under the age of 18 years from every ethnic background. It also relates to those with special needs, disabilities and vulnerable adults. Any special requirements in this category should be discussed with the member of the Festival committee designated as the Child Protection Officer who will be identified wearing a specific badge.

4. FESTIVAL PERSONNEL

Apart from members of the committee our Festival is fortunate in
having volunteer ‘helpers’, who are recruited from the community and are well known to one or more members of the official committee. The committee and helpers will be clearly identified by the wearing of a gold with black lettering badge.
In the event of there being a problem, anyone wearing a badge may be approached, that committee member in turn will direct you to the responsible person. All problems will be sympathetically dealt with and will be documented and dated.




5. PREPARATION FOR ATTENDANCE AT THE FESTIVAL

Parents and carers should ensure that competitors under 18 years of age and also vulnerable adults are accompanied by themselves, a nominated carer or a teacher. A copy of this policy will be sent to the home addresses of such persons. Where entries are made via schools or bands, it is the responsibility of the teacher/conductor to ensure that all parents/carers receive a copy, and to confirm in writing to the Festival that this has been carried out.

6. PERFORMANCE/CHANGING AREAS

Classrooms will be available for visiting choirs and instrumental groups and should be supervised by the teachers/leaders, There are no specific areas for changing facilities. Public toilets are available. These areas will not be supervised by the Festival Committee.

PHOTOGRAPHY, VIDEO TAPES & PRESS PHOTOGRAPHY

The use of any audio or visual recording equipment is strictly forbidden. An official Festival photographer may be on site, but any photographs will only be taken at the request of the parent or carer.
If any parent objects to their child being included in a group photograph it is the responsibility of the parent to ensure that their wishes are carried out.

8. LEGISLATION SUPPORTING THIS POLICY
The Childrens’ Act 1989: The Police Act 1997: The Data Protection Act 1998: The Human Rights Act 1998: The Protection of Childrens’ Act 1999: and The Criminal Justice and Court Services Act 2000.

The Consett Music Festival Committee undertake to constantly review this Policy as necessary. In doing this they will look to other agencies for good practice, most notably the NSPCC and Arts Council of England policy guidelines.











Hon Sec: Mr M J Mutch, 24 Barley Mill Crescent, Consett, DH8 8JZ Telephone: 01207 501264