This policy applies to all volunteers or anyone working on behalf of the Criterion Theatre.

The purpose of this policy:

 to protect children and young people who receive the Criterion Theatre’s services. This includes the children of adults who use our services;

 to provide volunteers with the overarching principles that guide our approach to child protection;

 The Criterion Theatre believes that a child or young person should never experience abuse of any kind. We have a responsibility to promote the welfare of all children and young people and to keep them safe. We are committed to practice in a way that protects them.

 We recognise that:

the welfare of the child/young person is paramount;

 all children, regardless of age, disability, gender, racial heritage, religious belief, sexual orientation or identity, have the right to equal protection from all types of harm or abuse;

 working in partnership with children, young people, their parents, carers and other agencies is essential in promoting young people’s welfare.

 We will seek to keep children and young people safe by:

valuing them, listening to and respecting them;

 adopting child protection practices through procedures and a code of conduct for volunteers;

 providing effective management for volunteers through supervision, support and training;

 recruiting volunteers safely, ensuring all necessary checks are made;

 sharing information about child protection and good practice with children, parents, and volunteers;

 sharing concerns with agencies who need to know, and involving parents and children appropriately.

  Named Person/People Responsible for Safeguarding Children

 Jon Elves, Chair, Criterion Theatre. Email: chair@criteriontheatre.co.uk  Telephone: 07903 428784

 We are committed to reviewing our policy and good practice annually.

 This policy was last reviewed on:

 August 2020……………………………………………………………………………….…………