EASINGWOLD TOWN BAND
Child Protection Policy 2019

This policy is based on guidance from The British Federation of Brass Bands:

1. Introduction

Easingwold Town Band accepts that their Child Protection Policy will address the following points:
• Adopt a policy on safeguarding the welfare of young people (under 18), vulnerable adults and its members.
• Introduce and issue guidelines to all volunteers on how to deal with any disclosure or discovery of abuse.
• Identify any areas of training for its volunteers, relating to implementation and administration of policy procedures in the prevention of child abuse.
• Follow the Child Protection guidel ines issued by the Brass Bands England Federation.

2. Easingwold Town Band Child Protection Policy Statement:

Easingwold Town Band Management Committee and all Volunteers associated with the band, will check that we:
• make the welfare of young people paramount
• ensure opportunities for all young people, whatever their age, culture, disability, gender, language, racial origin, religious belief and/or sexual identity should be able to participate in brass banding in a enjoyable and safe environment
• safeguard the welfare and well being of the children and young people linked to our group.
• provide a safe environment where children and young people are always listened to and encouraged to talk about themselves, their family, their lives and experiences or concerns they might have.
• recognise that children and young people may suffer abuse in many forms Physical, Sexual, Emotional and/or Neglect.
• make all children and young people aware that they may talk with an independent person.
• take all reasonable step s to protect young people from harm, discrimination and degrading treatment and to respect their rights, wishes and feelings.
• take action swiftly and appropriately to all suspicions and allegations of poor practice or abuse. Introduce and apply agreed procedures for protecting young people to all volunteers associated with the bands.

3. Behaviour Statement:

Good Practice we will:

• treat children, young people and volunteers people with respect, whatever their age, culture, disability, gender, langua ge, racial origin, religious belief and/or sexual identity
• will be non judgmental and show tolerance when dealing with children and young people and respect individual rights.
• respect the ‘right to privacy’ and be vigilant when dealing with a sensitive m atter or situation.
• recognise and encourage the achievements of band members.
• remember that insults or verbal abuse from anyone will not be tolerated and need to be challenged.
• will always be aware of the possible implications of physical contact with c hildren and young people.
• make sure that all children and young people are supervised at all times by a responsible adult.
• check that reasonable precautions are taken to protect children and young people from ‘outsiders’ in particular when attendin venues for competitions or concerts.
• if 1:1 or small group tuition is required make sure a member of the Committee or parent is present.
• make sure that players will not take part in any activity if there may be a health & safety risk.
• be an excellent role model and maintain appropriate standards of behaviour at social events that young people attend
• be aware of any medical conditions, existing injuries and medicines being taken and arrange that someone with knowledge of first aid is readily available

We do not:
• allow bullying
• allow children or young people to feel “down trodden” or to be made a “fool of” by anyone.
• make suggestive remarks, gestures or detrimental comments in the presence of children.
• respond with negativity or sarcasm.
• allow ourselves to be drawn into any situation which might appear improper.
• jump to conclusions
• spend excessive amounts of time alone with children away from others
• take children alone in a car on journeys, however short
• take children to your home where they will be alone with you or share a room with a child
• engage in rough, physical or sexually provocative games, including horseplay
• allow or engage in inappropriate touching of any form
• allow children to use inappropriate language unchallenged
• make sexually suggestive comments to a child, even in fun
• reduce a child to tears as a form of control
• let allegations a child makes go unchallenged, unrecorded, or not acted upon e
• do things of a personal nature that children can do for themselves
Where cases arise where it is impractical to avoid any of the situations mentioned in this section, they should only occur with the full knowledge and consent of someone in charge in the organisation and the children’s parents.
If during your care of a child you accidentally hurt them, the child seems distressed in any manner, appears to be sexually aroused by your actions, or misunderstands or misinterprets something you have done, report any such incidents as soon as possible to another colleague and make a brie f written note of it. Parents should also be informed of the incident.

4 Abuse:

Abuse in all its forms can affect a child at any age. The effects can be so damaging that if not treated, they may follow an individual into adulthood.
Children with disabilities may be at increased risk of abuse through various factors such as stereotyping, prejudice, discrimination, isolation, and a powerlessness to protect themselves, or adequately to communicate that abuse has occurred. Children from ethnic minorities, who may also be experiencing racial discrimination, may be, or feel, doubly powerless in these respects. Abuse may take a number of forms, and may be classified under the following headings:

Neglect:
This is where adults fail to meet a child’s basic needs like food, shelter, warm clothing or medical care, or to protect them from physical harm. Children might also be constantly left alone or unsupervised. Neglect in a banding situation could include a conductor or band manager not keeping children safe , or exposing them to
unnecessary risk of injury.

Physical Abuse:
This is where someone physically hurts or injures children, for example by hitting, shaking, throwing, squeezing, burning, suffocating and biting or otherwise causing physical harm to a child. Giving children alcohol or inappropriate drugs would also constitute physical abuse.

Sexual Abuse:
Girls and boys can be abused by adults or other children, both male and female, who use children to meet their own sexual needs. This could include fu ll sexual intercourse, masturbation, or fondling. Showing children pornographic material is also a form of sexual abuse.
In banding activities which might involve physical contact with children could potentially create situations where sexual abuse may go unnoticed. Also the power of the teacher over young students if misused, may lead to abusive situations developing.

Emotional Abuse:
Persistent lack of love and affection, where children may be led to believe that they are worthless or unloved, inadequate or valued only insofar as they meet the needs of another person. It may involve the child being constantly shouted at, threatened or taunted which may make the child very nervous and withdrawn. It may also feature age or developmentally inappropriate expectations being imposed on children. Emotional abuse also occurs when there is constant overprotection, which prevents children from
socialising. Emotional abuse in banding might include situations where children are subjected by a parent or teacher to constant criticism, name calling, sarcasm, bullying, racism or unrealistic pressure in order to perform to high expectations.

Bullying:
This may be bullying of a child by an adult or another child. Bullying is defined as deliberate hurtful behaviour , usually repeated over a period if time, where it is difficult for those bullied to defend themselves.
It may be physical (e.g. hitting, kicking, theft), verbal (e.g. racist or homophobic remarks, threats, name calling, graffiti, abusive text messages transmitted by phone or on the internet), emotional (e.g. tormenting, ridiculing, humiliating, ignoring, isolating from the group), or sexual (e.g. unwanted physical contact or abusive comments).
In banding, bullying may arise when a parent pushes a child too hard to succeed, a teacher adopts a win at all costs philosophy, or an official at a contest/ festival uses bullying behaviour.

Indicators of abuse:
Even for those experienced in working with child abuse, it is not always easy to recognise a situation where abuse may occur or has already taken place. The BFBB acknowledges that most people involved in brass banding are not experts in such recognition, but indications that a child is being abused may include one or more of the following:
• Unexplained or suspicious injuries such as bruising, cuts or burns, particularly if situated on a part of the body not normally prone to such injuries
• An injury for which an explanation seems inconsistent
• The child describes what appears to be an abusive act invol ving him/her
• Someone else a child or adult, expresses concern about the welfare of a child
• Unexplained changes in a child’s behaviour e.g. becoming very quiet, withdrawn, or displaying sudden outbursts of temper or behaviour changing over time
• Inappropriate sexual awareness
• Engaging in sexually explicit behaviour in games Engaging in sexually explicit behaviour in games
• Distrust of adults, particularly those with whom a close relationship would normally be expected Distrust of adults, particularly those with whom a close relationship would normally be expected
• Difficulty in making friends Difficulty in making friends
• Being prevented from socialising with otheBeing prevented from socialising with other children r children
• Displaying variations in eating patterns including overeating or loss of appetite Displaying variations in eating patterns including overeating or loss of appetite
• Losing weight for no apparent reason Losing weight for no apparent reason
• Becoming increasingly dirty or unkempt Becoming increasingly dirty or unkempt
It must be recognised that the above list is not exhaustive, but also that the presence of one or more of the indicators is not proof that abuse is actually taking place. It is not the responsibility of those working in banding to decide that child abuse is occurring, but it is their responsibility to act on any concerns.

Signs of bullying may include:
• Behavioural changes such as reduced concentration or becoming withdrawn, clingy, depressed, tearful, emotionally up and down, reluctant to go to band rehearsals or to competitions.
• An unexplained drop off in standard of performance.
• Physical signs such as stomach aches, headaches, difficulty in sleeping, bed wetting, scratching and bruising, damaged clothes and bingeing on food, cigarettes or alcohol.
• A shortage of money or frequent loss of possessions.

5. Actions statement for suspected abuse:

We will be proactive at all times and be ready to recognise the signs and symptoms. If we suspect, or if informed that a child or young person is experiencing abuse, we never try to investigate further. We will always refer to the gu idelines as set out for reporting an allegation and seek further advice from North
Yorkshire Children’s Safeguarding Board and Children’s Services. We do not pass judgement on what is said.
We will try and reassure the child or young person. We do not ask questions about what we might suspect.
We make it clear that we are available to listen and can offer support but that we MUST pass on the information.
Responding to suspicions and allegations If a child says or indicates that he or she is being abused, or information is obtained which gives you concern that a child is being abused, you should:
• React calmly so as not to frighten the child
• Tell the child they are not to blame and that it was right to tell
• Take what the child says seriously, recognising the difficulties inherent in interpreting what is said by a child who has a speech disability and/or differences in language
• Keep questions to the absolute minimum necessary so that there is a clear and accurate understanding of w hat has been said, a nd be careful not to ask leading questions
• Reassure the child, but do not promise to keep the matter secret explain that to resolve the problem it will be necessary to inform other people as appropriate.

Recording information:
As with other forms of information arising in relation to child protection, information of this kind is highly sensitive and confidential. Accordingly, it should be held under secure conditions and only made available to those who have a definite need for it. You should make a note as soon as possible of whatever information you obtain, both for your own future reference and possibly for passing on to others, appropriate agencies such as the social services department or the police. In writing such a note, you should confine yo urself to the facts, and distinguish between what is your own personal knowledge and what you have been told by other people. You should not include your own opinions on the matter, to avoid the possibility of libel. other people. You should not include your own opinions on the matter, to avoid the possibility of libel.
Information should include the following:
• The nature of the allegation, in as much detail as possible, including times, dates, locations and other relevant information
• Details of the child involved, including name, age, address and other contact details, and identifying who has parental re sponsibility for the child
• Details of the person against whom the allegation is made, including name, relationship with the child, age and contact details (if known)
• The identity and contact details of any informants or other witnesses
• The child’s ac count, if he or she can give one, of what has happened
• A description of any visible bruising or other injuries
• Details of who else has been informed of the alleged incident
• Any other relevant information

Reporting the concern:
Any concern about th e welfare of a child should be discussed immediately with the person in charge, and subsequently to check that appropriate action has been taken. If you are working within a junior brass band, you should inform the Welfare Officer or the person in charge o f the band.
Circumstances in which other people might then need to be informed are discussed below:

Parents or carers:
There is always a commitment to work in partnership with parents or carers where there are concerns about their children. Therefore, in most situations, it would be important to talk to parents or carers to help clarify any initial concerns. For example, if a child seems withdrawn, they may have experienced bereavement in the family. However, there are circumstances in which a child mig ht be placed at even greater risk were such concerns to be shared, e.g. where a parent or carer may be responsible for the abuse or not able to respond to the situation appropriately. In these situations, or where concerns still exist, any suspicion, alleg ation, or incident of abuse must be reported to appropriate agencies as soon as possible.

Disciplinary procedures:
If the abuse is alleged to have occurred within the context of brass banding it may also require disciplinary action by the band. If the matter is being investigated by the police and/or social services, the band may decide to await the outcome of these investigations, which may well influence a disciplinary investigation, although not necessarily so.
In appropriate cases, the band will suspend the individual concerned while an investigation is taking place.
This is not intended to prejudge the outcome of the investigation, but simply to remove the individual from contact with children until the investigation is concluded.

The disciplinary sanctions available include the following:
By the band - suspension or exclusion from membership of the individual concerned, and such other sanctions which are provided for within the band’s constitution
By the BFBB - recommend to the brass band registry, suspension or withdrawal of the individual’s status as a registered player and or recommend to the Association of Brass Band Adjudicators withdrawal of accreditation as an Adjudicator, together with reprimands and such other sanctions which are provided for within the BFBB constitution and rules. Every effort will be made to maintain confidentiality for all concerned, and consideration will be given to what support may be appropriate to children, parents,members of staff and volunteers.

Allegations of previous abuse:
Allegations of abuse are sometimes made some time after the event, for example, by an adult who was
abused as a child by a member of staff who is still working with children. Where such an allegation is made,
you should follow the procedures given above and have the matter reported to the police and/or social
services department. This is because other children, either within banding or outside it, may be at risk from
this person. Anyone who has a previous criminal conviction for of fences related to abuse is automatically
excluded from working with children.

6. Reporting allegations:

If an allegation is made, or concerns about a child are raised, the person in receipt of the alleged allegation shall make a record as detailed in Appendix A and will report any allegations immediately to;
a) North Yorkshire Children’s Services By Phone: 01609 780780 Email: Children&[email protected] Outside Office Hours, Emergency Duty Team (for evenings, weekends and bank holidays): 01609 780780
b) Police 101 or 999 if there is an immediate concern

7. Photographs / Videos:

Official photographs and videos of the band may be used to publicise and promote the band for such purposes as; the Easingwold Town Band official web site, Faceboo k page, Twitter, CD covers, DVDs, brochures, newspaper articles etc. Parents will be given the opportunity to state if they do not wish their children’s photos to be used for such purposes. Individual players should not be identified by tagging on the Easingwold Town Band Facebook page without consent.

8. Administration of policy:

Easingwold Town Band recognises the importance of the implementation of a Child Protection Policy. It has therefore identified a nominated person who is not involved with music tuition.
Jenny Langley (Child Protection and Welfare Officer) will be responsible for co ordinating the Child Protection Policy and monitoring its implementation in practice. Contact details are displayed in the bandroom.
The Easingwold Town Band Child Protection Policy is available in the band room and on the band website. It will be reviewed on an annual basis.

9. Admission of new volunteers and committee members:

All new volunteers, committee members / trustee members of Easingwold Town Band must complete a Disclosure and Barring Service application which will provide the following:
• Name, address, date of birth.
• Details of any previous experience of working with children/young people.
• Details of any convictions for criminal offences against c hildren, including “spent” convictions (Rehabilitation of Offences Act (exemptions) order 1975)
• Permission to carry out a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) disclosures check.
• Signature.
Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks will be taken up on all new all new Easingwold Town Band volunteers. DBS Disclosures carried out for other organisations may be accepted, if they have been carried out within the last 5 years.

10. Private Tuition:

Musical Directors and Tutors who provide private tuition to members of Easingwold Town Band must make it clear to parents that such private arrangements are not made with Easingwold Town Band and are not covered by the Easingwold Town Band procedures or insurance.

11. Position of trust and possible abuse:

Musical Directors, Tutors and volunteers will have a “relationship of trust” with the young people attending Easingwold Town Band. A “relationship of trust” is defined in law as where an adult (18 years or older) has power or authority in a young person’s life (under 18 years) and may have a key influence on their future, by the nature of their role within an organisation. A person aged 18 or over is also said to be in a position of trust in relation to a younger person if they advise or train them.
This power or influence might be abused to persuade and encourage or intimidate a child or young person into certain behaviours or activities. All people in the organisation must recognise the responsibility they have to make sure they do not abuse their positions of trust
The Sexual Offences Act (2003) reenacts and extends the abuse of relationship / position of trust offences set out in the Sexual Offences (Amendment) Act (2000). It is a criminal offence for anyone working in an education setting to have a sexual rela tionship with a young person, even when the young person is over the age of consent but under 18 years of age.

Policy written January 2019
Review January 2020

Appendix A
CHILD PROTECTION POLICY REPORTING ALLEGATIONS
Name of child Age/date of birth

Parent/Carer’s name

Address
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
Telephone number

Are you reporting your own concerns or passing on those of someone else?

Give details of witnesses

Brief description of what has prompted concerns: include date, time, location etc of any specific incidents
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
Any physical signs?

Behavioural signs?

Indirect signs?

Have you spoken to the child? If so, what was said?
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
Have you spoken to the parent(s)? If so, what was said?
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
Has anybody been alleged to be the abuser? If so, give details, including relationship with the child.
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
Have you consulted anyone else?

Give detailsTo whom reported and date reported?

Give contact information for further reference
………………………………………………………………………

Your name ……………………………………………………………..

Position ………………………………………………..

Signature

Date

Appendix B Volunteer reference form

_____________________________ has expressed an interest in becoming a volunteer, and has given your name as a referee.

If you are happy to provide this reference all the information contained on the form will remain absolutely confidential and will only be shared with the applicant’s immed iate supervisor should they be offered a volunteer position. We would appreciate you being candid in your evaluation of this person. If you would prefer to respond by telephone, please do so contact details are set out below.
How long have you known
this person?

In what capacity?

Would this person be suitable to work with children and vulnerable adults?
Yes /No
How would you describe their personality?
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
Your name

Signed

Position

Address
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
Telephone

Date