SAFEGUARDING

Introduction

Ealing Music Service (EMS) provides music education and related activities to children and young people. Our mission is to foster a safe and nurturing environment where all participants can thrive.

Statement of Commitment

We believe that children and young people should never experience abuse of any kind. We have a responsibility to promote the welfare of all children and young people, to keep them safe, and to practise in a way that protects them. The welfare of children is paramount in all the work we do and in all the decisions we take. At EMS, we aim to create a safe environment and are committed to doing everything in our power to protect children, promote their welfare, and support their families.

Purpose of this Policy

The purpose of this policy is to:

  • Effectively safeguard children and promote their rights and welfare.
  • Provide all staff and volunteers with clear rules to follow.
  • Make all staff and volunteers aware of what is expected of them in terms of their approach, behaviours, and actions.
  • Demonstrate to EMS users, parents and carers, the local community, partner organisations, the local authority, and funding and commissioning bodies that EMS is committed to safeguarding.

Scope of this Policy

This policy applies to all EMS staff and volunteers, including sessional workers, students on work placements, and anyone working on behalf of EMS, including staff of partner organisations.

Definitions

  • Safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children: Protecting children from maltreatment, preventing impairment of children’s health or development, ensuring children grow up with safe and effective care, and taking action to enable all children to have the best life chances.
  • Child protection: Protecting individual children identified as either suffering, or at risk of suffering, significant harm as a result of abuse or neglect.

Legislative Framework

At EMS, we recognise our legal responsibility to safeguard children and promote their welfare. We act within the framework set by the Children Act 1989 and The Children Act 2004, and follow the latest guidance from Working Together to Safeguard Children 2023 and Keeping Children Safe in Education 2024. Our safeguarding procedures adopt the Ealing Safeguarding Children Guidance 2022 (the Yellow Book).

Underlying Principles and Practices

At EMS, we will safeguard children by:

  • Appointing a Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) for children and young people, and a deputy DSL for safeguarding.
  • Listening to children and young people, respecting and valuing them at all times.
  • Challenging discrimination and promoting the right to equal protection regardless of race, ethnicity, culture, religion, faith, gender, sexual orientation, disability, social or immigration status, or any other element of diversity.
  • Providing effective management to staff and volunteers through support, supervision, and training.
  • Recruiting staff and volunteers safely, ensuring all necessary checks are made and safer recruitment good practice guidelines are followed.
  • Responding to both child protection and non-child protection concerns immediately.
  • Seeking advice from ECIRS 020 8825 8000 or the Ealing Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) on 020 8825 8930 / 07890940241 or asv@ealing.gov.uk in cases of doubt, questions, or need for guidance.
  • Working in partnership with children, their parents and carers, members of the local community, and local statutory and voluntary organizations.
  • Adhering to the Code of Behaviour for staff and volunteers at all times.
  • Providing a safe physical environment for our children, young people, staff, and volunteers by applying health and safety measures in accordance with the law and regulatory guidance.

Code of Behaviour EMS Staff & Volunteers

1. Physical Contact

  • Avoid direct physical contact with pupils to prevent any risk of misconduct accusations or discomfort.
  • Never lean over or stand behind a pupil.
  • Use physical restraint only in exceptional circumstances to prevent harm.

2. Professionalism

  • Maintain a professional relationship with pupils at all times.
  • Avoid developing ‘special’ relationships or over-familiarity.
  • Do not initiate social contact with pupils outside teaching situations.
  • Do not give out personal contact details or befriend pupils on social networking sites.

3. Teaching Venue

  • Ensure the teaching room is viewable from the outside or leave the door open if no window is available.
  • Raise any concerns about the teaching venue with senior school staff and the EMS named Designated Safeguarding Lead.

4. Transport

  • Do not give lifts to pupils in EMS staff cars except in exceptional circumstances with permission from senior school staff and the child’s parents or guardians. Ensure insurance cover for business use.

5. Communication

  • Avoid calls to pupils except in emergencies.
  • Contact parents or carers instead of pupils directly.
  • Obtain permission from parents or guardians for email communication, copying them in on all emails.

6. Suspected Abuse

  • Report any suspicion of abuse immediately to the school’s Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) or headteacher and inform the EMS Designated Safeguarding Lead the same day.
  • For EMS ensembles or workshops, inform the onsite EMS Designated Safeguarding Lead.
  • If the child or young person is in immediate harm, contact Social Care (020 8825 5000) or the Police (999) and report to the EMS Designated Safeguarding Lead.

7. Pupil Disclosures

  • Listen calmly and make notes.
  • Do not ask leading questions or promise confidentiality.
  • Report the disclosure to the appropriate person immediately.

Handling Allegations Against Professionals

When an allegation is made against a professional, EMS will ensure that the matter is handled promptly and fairly, following these steps:

1. Immediate Action

  • Any allegation against a professional must be reported immediately to the EMSDesignated Safeguarding Lead (DSL).
  • The DSL will assess the situation and determine the appropriate course of action, which may include contacting the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO).

2. Investigation

  • The DSL will ensure that a thorough investigation is conducted, maintaining confidentiality and fairness throughout the process.
  • The professional involved will be informed of the allegation and given an opportunity to respond.

3. Support

  • EMS will provide support to both the individual making the allegation and the professional involved, ensuring that both parties have access to appropriate resources and guidance.

4. Outcome

  • Based on the findings of the investigation, appropriate action will be taken, which may include disciplinary measures, additional training, or referral to external authorities.
  • The outcome of the investigation will be communicated to all relevant parties, ensuring transparency and accountability.

5. Record Keeping

  • Detailed records of the allegation, investigation, and outcome will be maintained securely by the DSL.
  • These records will be reviewed regularly to identify any patterns or areas for improvement in safeguarding practices.

EMS Events

  • Ensure all staff involved in events have read, understood, and signed up to this policy.
  • All tutors, teachers, and volunteers of EMS will undertake service-specific safeguarding/child protection training.
  • Conduct risk assessments approved by the Head of Service at least 4 weeks before each event.

EMS-led School Events

  • Ensure all EMS staff involved in school events adhere to this policy.

EMS Partner Events

  • Ensure safeguarding standards by checking risk assessments and conducting spot checks.

Points of Contact

Policy Review

This policy and all safeguarding guidance are maintained by the EMS DSL and reviewed annually.

Glossary

  • Child: Any person under 18.
  • Young Person: Interchangeable with “child.”
  • Student: Any child, young person, or vulnerable adult an EMS member may work with.
  • Guardian: Includes parents and carers responsible for the student.
  • Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL): Individual responsible for safeguarding in an organisation.
  • Abuse: Maltreatment of a child or adult, including harm inflicted or failure to prevent harm.
  • Safeguarding Children: Protecting children from maltreatment and ensuring their well-being.
  • Child Protection: Activities to protect specific children or adults at risk of significant harm.
  • Safeguarding Allegation: Allegations against individuals in employment or volunteering roles involving harm or potential harm to children or vulnerable adults.