policies

Definition of terms: For the purposes of this Code of Conduct, the term 'staff' or 'member of staff' will include all artists, volunteers, trustees and paid employees who work on behalf of BAREFOOT. The term 'child', where used on its own, will include all children and young people under the age of 18.

All staff will be encouraged to demonstrate exemplary behaviour in order to protect themselves from situations which could be misinterpreted and lead to allegations being made against them. The following Code of Conduct illustrates how to create a positive culture and climate. It is based on the Independent Theatre Council's report, 'Working in Schools: A Practical Guide to Partnership', Sport England's model Child Protection policy, Arts Council England's 'Keeping arts safe', guidance from DCSF.

Your vehicle:

• Drive slowly on the school premises. Take particular care when reversing.
• If you do not know where the school entrance is, it is better to stop and go into the school on foot rather than drive around the school grounds.
• It is a good idea to switch off any music when arriving on school premises.
• Never obstruct fire exits when parking, even if only temporarily, to find out where to go or unload.
• Check with Reception where you can park. You may be allowed nearer to the school to unload.
• Keep the vehicle locked at all times.
• Never give a pupil a lift in your vehicle.

Reception:

• Go to Reception to get signed in. You will be given a Visitor badge to wear.
• Make sure you know and follow school procedures and times.
• Ask where the staff toilets are - never use the children's toilets.
• Avoid wandering around the school.

Conduct around the school:

• You should never be alone with pupils – a teacher should always be with you.
• You are an ambassador for the arts and a role model for the children. Everything you do should reflect this.
• Do not smoke anywhere on the school premises including in your vehicle.
• Alcohol and recreational drugs should never be taken onto school premises under any circumstances.
• No-one should consume alcohol before arriving at a school.
• Prescribed drugs should be kept hidden and out of reach of the children e.g. in the locked vehicle.
• Move around the school quietly. Avoid shouting, loud laughter, slamming doors, or any unnecessary noise.
• Make sure language and conversation is appropriate.
• Ensure your actions do not conflict with school rules. Some schools do not allow sweets or chewing gum.
• Take responsibility for clearing up after a workshop or performance. Take any rubbish with you.
• Report any accidents or breakages immediately.
• Wear your named visitor badge (except if in costume).

Conduct with Children:

• All artists should have an Enhanced Disclosure certificate which is less than 2 years old.
• Treat all children and young people with respect. Don't automatically laugh at something a child says to you; they may not have intended it to be funny.
• Never reprimand or shout at a child.
• Give enthusiastic and constructive feedback rather than negative criticism.
• Avoid being left alone with a single child and stay within the sight and hearing of others.
• Do not initiate any physical contact with children. It should not be necessary. If the nature of the workshop requires any physical contact this should be discussed with the teachers and children in advance.
• If a child initiates physical contact such as approaching you for a hug, deflect them if possible and offer a handshake instead.
• Do not encourage children to sit on your knee. Sit beside them.
• You are not in the school in a disciplinary capacity. Leave that to the teachers.
• Avoid getting involved in issues that arise amongst the children. For instance, don't try to break up a fight.
• If a child informs you of a problem, tell a teacher. Don't hang around while the teacher deals with the situation.
• If a child has an accident the staff are responsible for administering first aid.
• If you are exploring sensitive issues, such as bullying or drugs, children could approach you with their problems. Without being dismissive, try to avoid becoming involved. Do not agree to keep the issue secret and encourage them to tell a teacher or parent.
• If something a child tells you leads you to suspect that they are being abused you are obliged to report it to the designated child protection teacher at the school. Also report it, in brief, to Mirror Mirror Theatre Company's designated child protection officer.
• Maintain professional behaviour at all times.

The following should never be allowed. You should never:

• Engage in rough, physical or sexually provocative activities, including horseplay
• Never work or perform without the presence of a teacher/s.
• Share a bedroom with a child. If alone with a child in a room, for any reason, the door should be left open.
• Arrange to meet/have contact with a pupil outside the school.
• Invite a pupil to your home.
• Offer to give a pupil a 'lift' in your vehicle.
• Allow or engage in any form of inappropriate touching.
• Allow children to use inappropriate language unchallenged.
• Make sexually suggestive comments to a child, even in fun.
• Reduce a child to tears as a form of control.
• Allow allegations made by a child to go unchallenged, unrecorded or not acted upon.
• Do things of a personal nature for children that they can do for themselves.
• Take responsibility for a child under any circumstances.

• Staff and volunteers are expected to promote Health and Safety considerations to children and young people.
• All volunteers and staff must agree to work in accordance with Mirror Mirror Theatre Company's policy on Health and Safety and to work without causing danger to themselves, to other volunteers or to the general public.
• Risk assessment should be a part of planning any project and should take into account all aspects of the project, but particularly any risks relating to protection of children and young people. Risk management should be an ongoing part of every project.

Mirror Mirror Theatre Company recognises that anyone may have the potential to abuse children in some way. All reasonable steps are taken to ensure suitable people are recruited.
Interview and induction:

• Consent should be obtained from an applicant to seek an Enhanced Disclosure.
• Two confidential references will be required, of which one should be regarding previous work with children (for posts in which there will be direct contact with children).
• Evidence of identity (passport or driving licence with photo) will be required.
• All staff and volunteers will be required to undergo an interview carried out to acceptable protocol and recommendations.

All staff and volunteers should receive formal or informal induction, during which :

• A check will be made that qualifications can be substantiated.
• The job requirements and responsibilities will be clarified.
• They should receive a copy of and sign up to Mirror Mirror Theatre Company Code of Conduct.
• Child protection procedures are explained and training needs are identified.

Training: Staff and volunteers will receive training to:

• Analyse their own practice against established good practice and to ensure their practice is likely to protect them against situations which could be misinterpreted and lead to allegations being made against them.
• Recognise their responsibilities and report any concerns about suspected poor practice or possible abuse.
• Respond to concerns expressed by a child or young person.
• Work safely and effectively with children or young people.

Mirror Mirror Theatre Company requires staff and volunteers to attend at least one good practice and child protection awareness training workshop, to ensure their practice is exemplary and to facilitate the development of a positive culture towards good practice and child protection.

Staff and volunteers will have access to a complaints procedure.
Staff will have an annual review meeting.