The Jazz Factory Child Safety & Risk Management Policy

Organisational Culture

The Jazz Factory is committed to fostering a child-safe culture that prioritises the safety and wellbeing of all children in its care. This is achieved through:

  • Embedding child-safe practices in all activities and decision-making.

  • Open communication with stakeholders, including children, parents, and staff, encouraging feedback on the organisation’s safety and culture.

  • Upholding values of honesty, fairness, and inclusivity, respecting the diversity and rights of all children.

  • Providing a fun, safe environment where children can grow, learn, and have their voices heard.

Risk Management

The Jazz Factory applies a proactive approach to identifying, managing, and mitigating risks to ensure a safe environment for children. This includes:

  • Regularly reviewing and updating policies and procedures to address emerging risks and align with best practices.

  • Training staff to identify grooming behaviours, bullying, and other forms of abuse, and equipping them to take appropriate preventative measures.

  • Implementing strict supervision protocols, ensuring no adult is left alone with a child in unsupervised conditions.

  • Establishing clear behaviour guidelines and disciplinary policies for breaches of conduct.

Policies and Procedures

The Jazz Factory has developed comprehensive policies and procedures to safeguard children, including:

  • A Code of Conduct that outlines appropriate behaviours and interactions between adults and children.

  • Policies prohibiting unprofessional behaviours.

  • Guidelines for ensuring no unsupervised one-on-one interactions and maintaining open-door policies wherever possible.

  • Procedures for the safe collection of children, ensuring no child is left unattended.

  • Protocols for handling allegations of abuse or misconduct, emphasising timely and transparent reporting.

Situational Prevention

To minimise opportunities for harm, The Jazz Factory implements the following measures:

  • Maintaining multiple staff members in studios during activities.

  • Restricting access to internal toilets to prevent children from leaving the premises.

  • Prohibiting external adults from entering the studio without authorisation.

  • Enforcing a uniform policy to ensure safety and modesty, such as requiring girls to wear leotards under their t-shirts to prevent any potential situations of indecent exposure that could make a child or teacher uncomfortable.

  • Requiring staff to wear uniforms for easy identification.

  • Ensuring all children are supervised until collected by a parent or guardian.

Reporting Allegations

The Jazz Factory has a clear and accessible reporting system for allegations of abuse or misconduct:

  • Staff are trained to remain calm, listen without interruption, and reassure children who report abuse.

  • Detailed notes are taken to document disclosures.

  • Staff are required to follow the internal complaints and allegations policy and report concerns to designated child protection officers.

  • Mandatory reporters are obligated to report cases involving unmet physical or psychological needs, abuse, domestic violence, or neglect to appropriate authorities.



Reporting Allegations

The Jazz Factory has a clear and accessible reporting system for allegations of abuse or misconduct:

  • Staff are trained to remain calm, listen without interruption, and reassure children who report abuse.

  • Detailed notes are taken to document disclosures.

  • Staff are required to follow the internal complaints and allegations policy and report concerns to designated child protection officers.

  • Mandatory reporters are obligated to report cases involving unmet physical or psychological needs, abuse, domestic violence, or neglect to appropriate authorities.

Working With Children Check (WWCC)

All staff and volunteers at The Jazz Factory must undergo and maintain a current Working With Children Check (WWCC). This ensures:

  • Only individuals suitable for working with children are employed.

  • Regular audits are conducted to confirm compliance with WWCC requirements.

Recruitment Processes

The Jazz Factory follows rigorous recruitment processes to deter unsuitable individuals from gaining access to children:

  • Face-to-Face interviews and reference checks are mandatory for all applicants.

  • Child-related workers must provide a valid WWCC before commencing employment.

  • Recruitment practices are designed to prioritise the safety and wellbeing of children.

Training and Professional Development

To ensure staff are equipped to maintain a child-safe environment:

  • Regular, comprehensive training on child protection, grooming identification, and appropriate professional conduct is provided.

  • Ongoing mentoring, support, and performance appraisals are conducted to uphold standards.

  • Staff are encouraged to provide feedback and participate in continuous improvement initiatives.

Monitoring and Governance

The Jazz Factory’s commitment to child safety includes:

  • Regularly reviewing and updating child-safe policies.

  • Ensuring strong leadership and structured supervision for all staff.

  • Encouraging children to have a voice in the organisation and actively incorporating their feedback.

Conclusion

The Jazz Factory prioritises the safety, wellbeing, and development of children. By fostering a strong child-safe culture, implementing robust risk management strategies, and maintaining clear policies and procedures, The Jazz Factory ensures a secure environment where children can thrive.