Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy
Peterborough Music Hub & Peterborough Centre for Young Musicians
Designated Safeguard Lead:
Kirsten Goldthorp
kirsten.goldthorp@peterborough.gov.uk
07920160035
Assistant Designated Safeguard Lead
Morag Richardson
morag.richardson@peterborough.gov.uk
07908 223670
Policy
Under the Education Act 2002 (section 175/157), schools and educational establishments such as PCYM must “make arrangements to safeguard and promote the welfare of children”.
We will endeavour to provide a safe and welcoming environment where children are respected and valued.
PCYM staff and tutors will therefore be alert to signs of abuse and neglect and will follow the Local Safeguarding Children Board (LSCB) procedures to ensure that children receive appropriate and effective support and protection.
The law requires all PCYM staff to pass on information which gives rise to a concern about a child’s welfare, including risk from neglect, physical, emotional or sexual abuse. PCYM will make parents/carers aware that records of welfare concerns may be kept about their child. They should be informed that PCYM staff will seek, in general, to discuss any concerns with them including referrals to other agencies including the child’s school. However, in situations where the child is suspected to be at risk of harm, the law says that schools may take advice from other agencies without informing parents/carers. In accordance with local Information Sharing protocols, we will ensure that information is shared securely and sensitively. Information will only be shared with other services where it is deemed necessary and proportionate to ensure that children and young people are safe and receive the right service.
PCYM will seek advice from Social Care when they have reasonable cause to suspect a child may be suffering or likely to suffer significant harm. Occasionally, concerns are passed on which are later shown to be unfounded. Parents/carers will appreciate that the member of staff in PCYM with responsibility for child protection (known as the Designated Safeguarding Lead) was carrying out their responsibilities in accordance with the law and acting in the best interests of all children. Under Section 3 (5) of the Children Act 1989, schools or any person who has care of a child “may….do what is reasonable in all the circumstances of the case for the purpose of safeguarding or promoting the child’s welfare”. This means that on rare occasions, we may need to “hold” a child at PCYM whilst Social Care and the police investigate any concerns further.
Our Full Policy can be downloaded here: Safeguarding Policy 2022 & PMH and PCYM Safeguarding Policy – Covid-19 Arrangements
As a close partner of The Guildhall School of Music and Drama, we closely align our policies, practices and procedures.
For members of the public with a safeguarding concern: https://safeguardingcambspeterborough.org.uk/concerned/