Child Protection Policy

The Stratford & East London Music Festival is committed to ensuring a safe environment for children and young people. We believe that it is always unacceptable for a child or young person to experience abuse of any kind.

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We recognise our responsibility to safeguard the welfare of all children and young people, by a commitment to recommend best practice which protects them.

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This policy applies to our trustees, committee, adjudicators, students or anyone volunteering on behalf of our festival.

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We recognise that:

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• 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.

The purpose of the policy:

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• to provide protection for the children and young people who participate in our festival

• to provide volunteers with guidance on procedures they should adopt in the event that they suspect a child or young person may be experiencing, or be at risk of, harm

We will seek to safeguard children and young people by:

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• valuing them, listening to and respecting them

• adopting child protection guidelines through procedures and safe working practice for volunteers

• recruiting volunteers safely, ensuring all necessary checks are made

• sharing information about child protection and safe working practice with children, parents and volunteers

• sharing information about concerns with agencies who need to know, and involving parents and children appropriately

• providing effective management for volunteers through supervision, support and training.

We will review this policy each year in line with NSPCC guidance or sooner in light of any changes in legislation or guidance.

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July 2022