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Safety and Well-Being

Safe-Guarding, Safety and Well-Being

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Safeguarding is considered to be a ‘golden light’, running through our every filmmaking workshop and interaction, as we foster good mental and physical health in our filmmakers and ensure they feel safe, happy and confident. 

 

Our teachers have DBS clearance (Disclosure and Barring Service, formerly Criminal Records Bureau or CRB). ​At Focus Film School we provide a safe environment and culture where all are welcome and everyone feels able to speak out about safeguarding concerns.​ 

 

In the event a safe-guarding concern arises, this will be reported to the local safe-guarding officer and/or school/club liaison representative, in order that the correct procedures and protocols can be applied. All necessary insurance and fire safety procedures are adhered to. A first aid kit is available for every workshop.​ We have a clear commitment to child protection and the safeguarding of our filmmakers is of the highest priority. 

 

Clive Martin (BA Hons, PGCE with QTS) is Principle Teacher and Lead Practitioner with over 20 years classroom experience and undergoes regular Safeguarding and Prevent training.​

 

Safeguarding Children Policy

 

  • Focus Film School staff will be alert to the basic signs of abuse be it physical, emotional, sexual or neglect. They will know who they should refer concerns or suspicions to and also be aware of the procedure to follow if a child discloses information to them regarding a situation in their life.

  • Focus Film School staff will be made aware of procedures regarding confidentiality and for sharing and receiving information, including the need for clear recording of any conversations had, complete with dates and any action to be taken.

  • The Lead Practictioner will be the designated person for the co-ordination of safeguarding children procedures within the setting and with Social Services, and other agencies, e.g. Police, Health Services, Education Welfare Services and Ofsted.

  • The designated safeguard lead takes the lead responsibility for safeguarding and child protection and will ensure that all staff are aware of the safeguarding children procedures to follow. All staff have access to the procedure, essential contact numbers, and procedures for sharing and receiving information.

  • The DSL will ensure that all safeguarding policies are kept up to date and reflect on current guidance and that all members of staff receive the appropriate training on child protection and safer recruitment procedure. 

  • Staff should follow best practice at all times and should not display inappropriate behaviour which could be deemed as a safeguarding issue. All staff should be aware of any signs of inappropriate behaviour by colleagues and should continue to follow procedure.

  • All safeguarding concerns are to be reported to the Lead Practictioner. The Lead Practictioner will lead a thorough investigation. If deemed necessary the case will be referred to the Local Safeguarding Children Boards.

  • Staff, visitors, parents and children are welcome to approach the DSL if they have any concerns about the welfare of any of children in the film school.

 

Best Practice of Focus Film School staff:

 

  • Avoid shouting and do not use derogatory comments.

  • Use positive comments and feedback whenever possible.

  • Keep physical contact to a minimum unless absolutely necessary.

  • Treat all children equally and avoid favouritism.

  • Be non-judgemental when talking to or dealing with the students.

  • Empathise with the students and understand their emotions.

  • Ensure you inform students of why you are making certain decisions in order for them to learn why certain things are done in certain ways e.g. we walk across the car park with care, ensuring we check all around for cars and other vehicles.

  • Understand that it is staffs' legal responsibility to report any suspected cases of child abuse to the Lead Practictioner who in turn will determine the best course of action for that child and it initiated that action.

 

This policy is in line with The Department of Education ‘Keeping children safe in education‘ (July 2015)

 

Update issued: 01/12/24

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