Music Lessons: Child Protection Policy

Good practice includes valuing and respecting children as individuals; this will always exclude bullying, racism, sectarianism or sexism.

DBS and Child Protection – I have clear records with the UK’s Disclosure and Barring Service, at enhanced level, demonstrating that I have no criminal past. As part of my work in schools, I have to keep up to date with current guidance on child protection, such as Keeping Children Safe In Education.

I will respect the confidentiality of all personal information imparted to me, except where this affects the right of children to be protected from harm.

Any physical contact with pupils is open to misinterpretation. I am extremely aware of the boundaries of appropriate and inappropriate touch and avoid using any physical contact unless absolutely necessary (eg if a child is taken ill during a lesson, or to demonstrate good vibrato practice on the violin). 

Parents are always encouraged to sit in on their child’s lesson, and a sofa is provided for them to do so. I teach in a room at the front of my house and keep blinds and curtains open at all times. Parents are provided with information on who else might be in the house while lessons are taking place, but children will never be left alone. Toilet facilities are provided for children and adults alike; but I will never accompany a child to the toilet.

I will not take pupils alone in a car on journeys, however short, without the parent’s prior agreement. I do not communicate with pupils via Facebook or using other informal communication tools.

I will always ask permission if I wish to take pictures of children. I will not use those pictures on my website or business social media pages without the express permission of both parents and pupils.

Parents and carers are asked to supply emergency contact details and to fill in a form on any health needs and allergies the pupil may have that may require physical attention. They will be asked about any special educational needs the child may have. This is only so I can adjust my teaching methods if required. They are also asked to be clear about who is collecting pupils. I will not allow pupils to leave by themselves without the written permission of a parent or carer. All information supplied will be treated as strictly confidential.

• A Contact & Child Protection Form can be downloaded here.

(Compiled in accordance with guidelines supplied by the Incorporated Society of Musicians)

The purpose and scope of this policy statement
I aim to deliver the highest quality music instruction so that children can reach their full potential. All of this is delivered in a relaxing environment designed to put children at ease.

The purpose of this policy statement is:
to protect children and young people who receive my piano, violin and theory lessons from harm. 

Legal framework

This policy has been drawn up on the basis of legislation, policy and guidance that seeks to protect children in England, where I teach. A summary of the key legislation is available from https://learning.nspcc.org.uk/

I believe that:

Children and young people should never experience abuse of any kind
We have a responsibility to promote the welfare of all children and young people, to keep them safe and to practise in a way that protects them.

I recognise that:
the welfare of children is paramount in all the work I do and in all the decisions I take all children, regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation have an equal right to protection from all types of harm or abuse
some children are additionally vulnerable because of the impact of previous experiences, their level of dependency, communication needs or other issues
working in partnership with children, young people, their parents, carers and other agencies is essential in promoting young people’s welfare.

I will seek to keep children and young people safe by:
valuing, listening to and respecting them
Always putting the welfare of each young person first and above striving for the most advancement on the instrument possible.
Allowing for an open door policy. Where parents can choose to observe lessons where possible (see above).
Giving enthusiastic and constructive feedback rather than negative criticism.
Avoiding touch unless absolutely necessary. In the lessons, occasionally this is only ever required in order to correct a child’s hand position.

recording, storing and using information professionally and securely, in line with data protection legislation and guidance sharing information about safeguarding and good practice with children and their families 

making sure that children, young people and their families can approach me if they have a concern

How a parent can make a complaint

If a parent has a child protection concern they should talk to me in the first instance

Contact details

Nominated child protection lead
Name: Simon Jordan
Phone/email: 07403 232517

This policy was last reviewed on: 26/11/23