PORTSMOUTH MUSIC FESTIVAL
CHILD PROTECTION POLICY
Chairman: - Gwenda Dearsley
Secretary: - Gillian Carter
Treasurer: - Vacant
Venues: - Various venues throughout the Portsmouth area
Dates: - Annually between February and April
1. The Purpose and Function of the Organisation
The Portsmouth Music Festival (PMF) provides a platform for amateur performance combined with an educational element from professional musicians, dancers and speakers.
2. The Festival Environment
The Festival is run by volunteers who are working for the PMF independently of any other organisation. In partnership with parents, guardians, carers and teachers, the Portsmouth Music Festival seeks to provide a safe environment as far as is reasonably practicable for all who attend this event.
3. To whom does this Policy apply
This policy relates to children under the age of 18 years and vulnerable adults of any age who are identified to organisers prior to their arrival at the Festival. This notification should be made by contacting the relevant Section Leaders whose telephone numbers are printed on the Performer's Entry Card. The Portsmouth Music Festival actively seeks to meet as far as is practicable any special needs notified in advance to the Committee by parents/guardians/carers and/or teachers to enable all participants to gain the most from their involvement in this event.
4. Festival Personnel
All personnel are identified by an approved PMF badge. The Festival follows the guidelines of the Protection of Children Act 1999 (implemented in April 2002) in selecting personnel and maintaining responsible records.
5. Preparation for Attendance at the Festival
The Festival is not a childcare organisation in the full meaning of the Protection of Children Act 1999. Parents, guardians, carers and teachers and those in charge of groups are reminded that they are the primary carers, and the safety and good behaviour of all children is totally their responsibility while attending the Festival. If parents or guardians are unable to attend the Festival, they must satisfy themselves that their children are properly supervised by another responsible adult acting on their behalf. Portsmouth Music Festival personnel are not permitted to take on this role.
6. Performance Areas and Changing Areas
The Festival endeavours to provide the most suitable performing and changing facilities available but draws to the attention of parents and guardians that many areas are unsupervised at each venue. No responsibility can be undertaken for loss of personal property, including instruments.
7. Photographs, Videotapes and Press photography
Unauthorised photography and recording of any kind is not allowed during performances, only at cup presentations with the agreement of the parent(s) of the person(s) being photographed. No Press photography is allowed without prior notification. Parents should always be present for any official photography.
8. The Legislation and Guidance that supports this Policy
The Children’s Act 1989, The Police Act 1997, The Data Protection Act 1998, the Human Rights Act 1998, The Protection of Children Act 1999, The Criminal Justice and Court Services Act 2000.
9. Policy Review
The Portsmouth Festival Committee undertakes to treat every problem seriously, to document it and follow it through. This Policy will constantly be reviewed to improve and enhance it as necessary. In doing this, the Festival will look to the British and International Federation of Festivals for support, and that body in turn will look to the other agencies for good practice, most notably the NSPCC and the Arts Council of England Policy guidelines.
Secretary: - Gillian Carter
Treasurer: - Vacant
Venues: - Various venues throughout the Portsmouth area
Dates: - Annually between February and April
1. The Purpose and Function of the Organisation
The Portsmouth Music Festival (PMF) provides a platform for amateur performance combined with an educational element from professional musicians, dancers and speakers.
2. The Festival Environment
The Festival is run by volunteers who are working for the PMF independently of any other organisation. In partnership with parents, guardians, carers and teachers, the Portsmouth Music Festival seeks to provide a safe environment as far as is reasonably practicable for all who attend this event.
3. To whom does this Policy apply
This policy relates to children under the age of 18 years and vulnerable adults of any age who are identified to organisers prior to their arrival at the Festival. This notification should be made by contacting the relevant Section Leaders whose telephone numbers are printed on the Performer's Entry Card. The Portsmouth Music Festival actively seeks to meet as far as is practicable any special needs notified in advance to the Committee by parents/guardians/carers and/or teachers to enable all participants to gain the most from their involvement in this event.
4. Festival Personnel
All personnel are identified by an approved PMF badge. The Festival follows the guidelines of the Protection of Children Act 1999 (implemented in April 2002) in selecting personnel and maintaining responsible records.
5. Preparation for Attendance at the Festival
The Festival is not a childcare organisation in the full meaning of the Protection of Children Act 1999. Parents, guardians, carers and teachers and those in charge of groups are reminded that they are the primary carers, and the safety and good behaviour of all children is totally their responsibility while attending the Festival. If parents or guardians are unable to attend the Festival, they must satisfy themselves that their children are properly supervised by another responsible adult acting on their behalf. Portsmouth Music Festival personnel are not permitted to take on this role.
6. Performance Areas and Changing Areas
The Festival endeavours to provide the most suitable performing and changing facilities available but draws to the attention of parents and guardians that many areas are unsupervised at each venue. No responsibility can be undertaken for loss of personal property, including instruments.
7. Photographs, Videotapes and Press photography
Unauthorised photography and recording of any kind is not allowed during performances, only at cup presentations with the agreement of the parent(s) of the person(s) being photographed. No Press photography is allowed without prior notification. Parents should always be present for any official photography.
8. The Legislation and Guidance that supports this Policy
The Children’s Act 1989, The Police Act 1997, The Data Protection Act 1998, the Human Rights Act 1998, The Protection of Children Act 1999, The Criminal Justice and Court Services Act 2000.
9. Policy Review
The Portsmouth Festival Committee undertakes to treat every problem seriously, to document it and follow it through. This Policy will constantly be reviewed to improve and enhance it as necessary. In doing this, the Festival will look to the British and International Federation of Festivals for support, and that body in turn will look to the other agencies for good practice, most notably the NSPCC and the Arts Council of England Policy guidelines.