Guitars in the Classroom Child Safeguarding Policy
Guitars in the Classroom (GITC) acknowledges the duty of care to safeguard and promote the welfare of children and is committed to ensuring safeguarding practice reflecting statutory responsibilities, and government guidance. GITC and complies with best practices as well as the United Nations Declaration of the Rights of the Child.
Our policy recognizes that the welfare and interests of children are paramount in all circumstances. It aims to ensure that regardless of age, ability or disability, gender identity, race, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation, socio-economic background, all children and youth
GITC acknowledges that some children, including children with special needs or those whose ethnic minority communities have been targeted for discriminatory treatment, can be particularly vulnerable to bullying, and even abuse. We are responsible for taking reasonable and appropriate steps to ensure their welfare.
As part of our safeguarding policy, GITC will;
The policy and procedures will be widely promoted and are mandatory for everyone involved in GITC. Failure to comply with the policy and procedures will be addressed without delay and may ultimately result in dismissal/exclusion from the organization.
Monitoring
The policy will be reviewed a year after development and then every three years, or in the following circumstances:
Guitars in the Classroom (GITC) acknowledges the duty of care to safeguard and promote the welfare of children and is committed to ensuring safeguarding practice reflecting statutory responsibilities, and government guidance. GITC and complies with best practices as well as the United Nations Declaration of the Rights of the Child.
Our policy recognizes that the welfare and interests of children are paramount in all circumstances. It aims to ensure that regardless of age, ability or disability, gender identity, race, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation, socio-economic background, all children and youth
- have a positive and enjoyable experience when participating in GITC activities and classrooms in a safe and child-centered environment
- are protected from danger and abuse when participating in music related activities or classes taught by members of our organization.
GITC acknowledges that some children, including children with special needs or those whose ethnic minority communities have been targeted for discriminatory treatment, can be particularly vulnerable to bullying, and even abuse. We are responsible for taking reasonable and appropriate steps to ensure their welfare.
As part of our safeguarding policy, GITC will;
- promote and prioritize the safety and wellbeing of children and young people in our classrooms. This includes making sure there is a GITC faculty member and a credentialed teacher in residency classrooms at all times, and that our instructors will not be solely responsible for students in public schools.
- ensure everyone understands their roles and responsibilities in respect of safeguarding and is provided with appropriate learning opportunities to recognize, identify, and respond to signs of abuse, neglect, and other safeguarding concerns relating to children and young people.
- ensure appropriate action is taken in the event of incidents/concerns of bullying or abuse and that we will be responsive to the individual/s who raise or disclose concern. This includes anyone in our organization taking a report immediately contacting our executive director and informing her of suspected problems so GITC can assist in getting legal and appropriate assistance/care for that child.
- ensure that confidential, detailed, and accurate records of all safeguarding concerns are maintained and securely stored.
- prevent the employment/deployment of unsuitable individuals.
- ensure robust safeguarding arrangements and procedures are in operation at all levels of the organization.
The policy and procedures will be widely promoted and are mandatory for everyone involved in GITC. Failure to comply with the policy and procedures will be addressed without delay and may ultimately result in dismissal/exclusion from the organization.
Monitoring
The policy will be reviewed a year after development and then every three years, or in the following circumstances:
- at the first board meeting when new board members join our Board of Directors.
- in response to any changes in legislation and/or government guidance related to the safety of children.