Guitars in the Classroom Child Safeguarding Policy
Updated: January 26, 2019
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, government guidance 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 be 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 well-being 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 problem 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 a 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.
Updated: January 26, 2019
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, government guidance 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 be 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 well-being 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 problem 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 a 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.