Health and Safety Policy (Including Covid-19 amendments)
A Little Dramatic is open to parents/carers aged 18+ and their children under 5 years of age. The object of the class is to develop the five “C” skills, communication, creativity, control, cooperation and confidence.
It is A Little Dramatic’s policy to safeguard the health, safety and welfare of all its members, by ensuring that the activities are carried out in healthy and safe conditions.
Our objectives are-
1. To promote standards of health, safety and welfare for the entire class, its supporters and others who have contact with it that comply with the requirements of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and all other relevant statutory provisions and codes of practice
2. To ensure that there are safe means of access to all places where the class takes place
3. To provide and maintain safe and healthy working environments, equipment and procedures for the choir members and others, and to provide such information, training and supervision as they need for this purpose.
4. To adhere to any specific H&S policy requirements of each individual location where the class takes place concerning Fire Procedures
Overall responsibility for health and safety of the class rests with The Director (Deborah Mears), who will ensure the effective implementation of the policy and may delegate as appropriate, provided clear roles and responsibilities are established. Health and safety is also a responsibility for everyone at all levels. To achieve a good standard of health and safety all members of the class (carers and children) must take reasonable care for the health and safety of themselves and of other class members and others who may be affected by their actions. Any member of the child or carer who breaks this code of conduct may be asked not to attend further sessions.
Where any risk is identified appropriate action will be taken to control, eliminate or reduce that risk. We must take a positive interest in our health and safety and exercise a common duty of care to others. We also have a special duty of care to those who may have particular requirements through, for example, disability or inexperience (please see separate Safeguarding Document).
In regard to Covid-19, we will follow government guidelines and amend our policy at every turn. Currently we have limited controls and are still encouraging carers to keep distanced and are limiting class sizes to help with this. We are opening windows to allow air flow and we are sanitising equipment between each class, encouraging hand washing, providing sanitiser and taking lateral flow tests regularly.
Policy review date: September 2021
Safeguarding Policy
A Little Dramatic values young people and children and aims to see them grow, mature and be challenged in a healthy and safe environment. The name of the child protection officer for the group is Deborah Mears, and a copy of this safeguarding policy will be kept with the relevant parties at each regular venue as well as being available online at www.alittledramatic.co.uk
Purpose
The purpose of A Little Dramatic is to offer children aged 3-5 a safe and welcoming environment with Drama and play-based activities, where the participants can socialise, learn and have fun.
Aims
• To provide safe and exciting Drama activities for children.
• To enable the children to communicate effectively and express themselves creatively
• To assist the children in building relationships by working on confidence, control and cooperation skills
• To help children to benefit from the positive influence of Drama.
Organisation
Each adult and child must be formally registered within the group. Attendance register: a register should be kept for each session. To ensure privacy only names and ages will be on show.
Child Protection Representative
A Little Dramatic has appointed a child protection representative; Deborah Mears. If any person has any child safety concerns, they should discuss them with her. She will take on the following responsibilities:
• Ensuring that the law is being put into practice;
• Being the first point of contact for child protection issues;
• Keeping a record of any concerns expressed about child protection issues;
• Bringing any child protection concerns to the notice of the relevant body i.e. contacting the Local Authority if appropriate;
• Ensuring that everyone involved with the organisation is aware of the identity of the Child Protection Representative.
Personal/Personnel Safety
• Any group of children or young people under sixteen will not be left unattended at any time.
• The class leader will avoid being alone with an individual child or young person. If there is a need to be alone with a child or young person (e.g. first aid or he/she is distressed) they must ensure that another adult knows where they are and why.
• At no time should an adult arrange to meet a young person away from the activity without someone else being there.
Child Safety
1. We aim to make sure that the area we are using for activities is fit for the purpose, e.g. remove furniture, which could cause injury in energetic games.
2. We will make sure that all workers and assistants know:
a. where the emergency phone is and how to operate it
b. Where the first aid kit is and how to record accidents or injuries in the incident book
c. What to do in the event of a fire or other emergency
3. We will never let a child go with another adult unless the parent has informed you that this will happen.
Equal Opportunities
All children and young people have the same protection regardless of age, disability, gender, racial heritage, religious belief, sexual orientation or identity. A Little Dramatic is committed to anti-discriminatory practice and explicitly recognises the additional needs of children from minority ethnic groups and disabled children and the barriers they may face, especially around communication (see NSPCC guidelines here https://www.nspcc.org.uk/preventing-abuse/safeguarding/deaf-disabled-children/)
What is Child Protection?
Child Protection is the response to the different ways in which a young person’s or child’s physical, emotional, intellectual and spiritual health are damaged by the actions of another person. A Little Dramatic will follow the Local Safeguarding Children Board’s procedures in every aspect of Child Protection. The Department for Education published an updated version of the key statutory guidance for anyone working with children in England in March 2015 and information has been taken from such policies to complete this document. https://www.nspcc.org.uk/preventing-abuse/child-protection-system/england/legislation-policy-guidance
What those working for A Little Dramatic will do
1. Listen to the child/young person.
2. Look at them directly and do not promise to keep any secrets before you know what they are, but always let the child/young person know if, and why, you are going to tell anyone.
3. Take whatever is said to you seriously and help the child/young person to trust his/her own feelings. Take notes of exactly what is said to you avoiding assumptions and conjecture.
4. It is not the role of the worker to investigate any allegations (this would contaminate evidence if a situation went to court). Any disclosure by a child/young person must be reported to the named child protection officer.
5. Speak immediately to the Local Authority or NSPCC for further advice and guidance.
What we will not do
1. Workers should not begin investigating the matter themselves.
2. Do not discuss the matter with anyone except the correct people in authority.
3. Do not form your own opinions and decide to do nothing.
Things to say or do:
• ‘What you are telling me is very important’
• This is not your fault’
• ‘I am sorry that this has happened/is happening’
• ‘You were right to tell someone’
• What you are telling me should not be happening to you and I will find out the best way to help you’
• Make notes soon after the event. Try to write down exactly what the young person or child said. Avoid assumptions or conjecture.
Things not to say or do:
• Do not ask leading questions – Why? How? What?
• Do not say ‘Are you sure?’
• Do not show your own emotions e.g. shock/disbelief
• Do not make false promises
This policy was reviewed by A Little Dramatic on 16th September 2021 and will be reviewed annually
Standard Risk Assessments
Venue Risks
| Hazard | What could happen? | Who could be hurt? | Action taken to minimise risk |
| Hard smooth floor | Could be slippery when wet. Somebody could fall over and injure themselves. This could lead to bruises / broken bones / sprains / head injuries / back injuries. | Teacher, carers, children, siblings. | Put out a sign warning people when the floor has just been cleaned or something has been spilled. Where possible, clean the floor at the end of the day when there are fewer people around. |
| Chairs | These can cause clutter and people could trip over or bump into them. They could also fall onto people if they are stacked incorrectly. | Teacher, carers, children, siblings. | Clear chairs to the side before starting class. Ensure chairs are stacked safely before allowing people inside |
| Electrical appliances | Faulty appliances can cause electrocution, which can cause serious injury and death. | Teacher, carers, children, siblings. | The centres will ensure all appliances are checked regularly (at least once a year). Teacher to give a quick inspection to electrical equipment before each use. |
| Fire | People could become trapped during a fire, which can be fatal. | Teacher, carers, children, siblings. | The venues will have correct smoke alarms and extinguishers to hand. Teacher must know where these are and be aware of evacuation procedure. |
Equipment Risks
| Hazard | What could happen? | Who could be hurt? | Action taken to minimise risk |
| Props may contain allergy inducing materials | Someone could suffer an allergic reaction if the contact any materials that are hazardous | Children. | Any props which may contain risk (such as latex masks) will be announced before the session starts so carers can decide if their child should keep away from these props. |
| Damaged props could cause injury | Wooden materials could splinter, plastic items could become sharp if broken. Children could cut themselves | Children. | Props must be checked before the class begins and should any mishaps occur the teacher should be vigilant to check safety immediately. |
| Damage to electric power cable | Anybody who touches the damaged cable could be electrocuted. | Teacher, carers, children, siblings. | The caretakers of each venue will check the full length of the cable, plus plugs and sockets, once a week. This should be noted in the caretaker’s records. |
Activity Risks
| Hazard | What could happen? | Who could be hurt? | Action taken to minimise risk |
| Parachute | Suffocation if pulled too tightly, risk of children colliding if they feel claustrophobic | Children. | Every game will consider how the parachute is held, by whom, and children will have the opportunity to not take part if they are anxious. |
| Children behaving in dangerous ways | Toddlers may push or hit out if they disagree. The may fall to the floor and become physically hurt. | Children. | The terms and conditions will allow the teacher to prohibit children from attending the class if their behaviour becomes serious or dangerous. Due to the children’s age respect to their emotions must be paid and the teacher must look to deal with conflict, particularly in the ‘group work’ areas of the lesson plan. Teacher may ask carers to allow their child to have some time out if they see emotional anxiety occurring. |
| Abduction | Unknown adults could come into the venue if it is unsecured | Children. | Doors will be kept shut except for at the beginning and end of the activity. At these times, children will be closely supervised by the carers who brought them in and the teacher. No child will be allowed to leave with an adult who is unknown to the teacher, without checking with the child’s parent/carer. |
| Collisions | Children could collide with one another when moving around, causing them to fall over and injure themselves. | Children. | Children will be supervised and teacher will ensure that they do not move too fast. Children will be reminded to watch out for those around them before every movement activity. Movement activities should not happen after bubbles have been used. |
Covid-19 Risk Assessments
| What are the hazards | Who Might be harmed | Controls Required | Additional Controls |
| Spread of Covid-19 | Staff Parents Children | BUILDING Window to be opened where possible and remain open during the class. Main doors will be shut between classes to prevent anyone wandering in, but other doors to be open for further air flow. Before each class, door will be wedged open to prevent people from touching the handles. Hand Sanitiser will be provided in many areas. Anything left at the premises must be thrown away by myself. | Chairs will be positioned at the start and wiped down after class. |
| RESOURCES Any resources used frequently can be purchased or brought from home. Resources handed and used in class will be disinfected thoroughly after class. | |||
| SOCIAL DISTANCING Parents will be encouraged to distance and chairs will be spaced out around the class. Children will not be socially distanced unless guidance changes. There will be a maximum of 16 children in Woodford Methodist Hall and 10 children in the Willingale Hall at Lopping Hall. Parents will be encouraged to come to the class on time and not early to avoid cross over of people | Parents will be asked to stay apart. | ||
| ARRIVAL Parents will arrive on time (not prior to the lesson) and wait outside socially distant if they are early. Children and parents will be asked to sanitize their hands on arrival. | Emails and reminders about the dropping off and collecting protocol. Pre email reminding families that if anyone in their household is showing signs, they should not attend. | ||
| CLEANING Frequent cleaning and disinfecting objects and surfaces that are touched regularly particularly in areas of high use such as door handles, light switches, spots to sit on and resources using appropriate cleaning products and methods. Ensure all resources are not shared and are cleaned/disinfected between use. Between each class and at the end, all handles, surfaces, baby changing table to be wiped clean. | Do not allow soft toys to be brought in from home | ||
Symptoms of Covid-19/Track and Trace
| |||
| PPE If a parent becomes unwell and needs first aid staff will put on gloves and a mask to support them in their needs. Children will be cared for by their parents. | Staff to have access to PPE if needed | ||
The risk assessments were reviewed on 16th September 2021 by Deborah Mears and will be reviewed annually and at every moment the government guidelines change.
Privacy Policy
This policy explains when and why we collect personal information about people who visit our website, how we use it, the conditions under which we may disclose it to others and how we keep it secure.
We may change this policy from time to time so please check this page occasionally to ensure that you’re happy with any changes. By using our website, you are agreeing to be bound by this policy.
Any questions regarding this policy and our privacy practices should be sent by email to hello@alittledramatic.co.uk
All personal data provided by you through our website will be held by A Little Dramatic LTD in accordance with the requirements of the General Data Protection Regulations 2018.
Who are we?
A Little Dramatic is a Drama class for 3-5 year olds. We are a new limited company who seek to run fun and engaging classes with toddlers. We help children to improve their “C” skills: Communication, Cooperation, Control, Creativity and Confidence.
How do we collect information from you?
We obtain information about you when you use our websites to enquire about or purchase our products and services, for example:
- if you enquire about attending the classes;
- if you register to attend a class;
- if you register for the waiting list
What type of information is collected from you?
The personal information we collect might include your name, email address, your child’s name, your IP address, and information regarding what pages are accessed and when. If you pay by credit, debit card or contactless payment information is not held by us, it is collected by our third party payment processors, who specialise in the secure online capture and processing of credit/debit card transactions, as explained below.
How is your information used?
We may use your information to:
- carry out our obligations arising from any contracts entered into by you and us;
- seek your views or comments on the services we provide;
- notify you of changes to our services;
Your rights:
We have summarised the rights that you have under data protection law. Some of the rights are complex, and not all of the details have been included in our summaries. Accordingly, you should read the relevant laws and guidance from the regulatory authorities for a full explanation of these rights.
The right to access:
You have the right to ask for a copy of the information A Little Dramatic LTD hold about you (a subject access request), for which we may charge a £10 fee to cover our costs in providing you with details of the information we hold about you.
The right to rectification:
The accuracy of your information is important to us. If you change your contact details, or any of the information we hold is inaccurate or out of date, please contact us directly.
The right to erasure:
In some circumstances you have the right to the erasure of your personal data without undue delay. Those circumstances include:
- the personal data is no longer necessary in relation to the purposes for which they were collected or otherwise processed;
- you withdraw consent to consent-based processing;
- the processing is for direct marketing purposes;
- the personal data have been unlawfully processed.
However, there are certain general exclusions of the right to erasure. Those general exclusions include where processing is necessary:
- for exercising the right of freedom of expression and information;
- for compliance with a legal obligation;
- for the establishment, exercise or defence of legal claims.
The right to restrict processing:
In some circumstances you have the right to restrict the processing of your personal data. Those circumstances are:
- you contest the accuracy of the personal data;
- processing is unlawful, but you oppose erasure;
- we no longer need the personal data for the purposes of our processing, but you require personal data for the establishment, exercise or defence of legal claims;
- you have objected to processing, pending the verification of that objection.
Where processing has been restricted on this basis, we may continue to store your personal data. However, we will only otherwise process it:
- with your consent;
- for the establishment, exercise or defence of legal claims;
- for the protection of the rights of another natural or legal person;
- for reasons of important public interest.
The right to object to processing:
You have the right to object to our processing of your personal data on grounds relating to your particular situation, but only to the extent that the legal basis for the processing is that the processing is necessary for:
- the performance of a task carried out in the public interest or in the exercise of any official authority vested in us;
- the purposes of the legitimate interests pursued by us or by a third party.
If you make such an objection, we will cease to process the personal information unless we can demonstrate compelling legitimate grounds for the processing which override your interests, rights and freedoms, or the processing is for the establishment, exercise or defence of legal claims.
The right to data portability:
To the extent that the legal basis for our processing of your personal data is consent, and such processing is carried out by automated means, you have the right to receive your personal data from us in a structured, commonly used and machine-readable format. However, this right does not apply where it would adversely affect the rights and freedoms of others.
The right to complain to a supervisory authority:
If you consider that our processing of your personal information infringes data protection laws, you have a legal right to lodge a complaint with a supervisory authority responsible for data protection. You may do so in the EU member state of your habitual residence, your place of work or the place of the alleged infringement.
The right to withdraw consent:
To the extent that the legal basis for our processing of your personal information is consent, you have the right to withdraw that consent at any time. Withdrawal will not affect the lawfulness of processing before the withdrawal.
You may exercise any of your rights in relation to your personal data by contacting us by email at hello@alittledramatic.co.uk
Who has access to your information?
We will not sell or rent your information to third parties. We will not share your information with third parties for marketing purposes.
Third Party Product Providers we work in association with: We may sometimes work closely with a selected group of third party product and service providers to bring you a range of quality and reliable products and services which we believe may be relevant to your needs (e.g. offers on Drama performances and café products at the Redbridge Drama Centre.) Any offers from third parties, will be sent from A Little Dramatic LTD and not the third party.
When you enquire about or purchase one or more of these products, the relevant third party product or service provider will act in accordance with their own Privacy Policies separately to our own. Please refer to their privacy policy if you are concerned.
When you are using our secure online payment pages, your payment is processed by a third party payment processor (currently SUM UP), who specialises in the secure online capture and processing of credit/debit card transactions. If you have any questions regarding secure transactions, please contact us and feel free to look up their policies online.
Security precautions in place to protect the loss, misuse or alteration of your information:
When you give us personal information, we take steps to ensure that it is treated securely. Any sensitive information (such as credit or debit card details) is encrypted and protected through SUM UP. Please see their policy for more information.
Non-sensitive details (your email address, etc.) are transmitted normally over the Internet, and this can never be guaranteed to be 100% secure. As a result, while we strive to protect your personal information, we cannot guarantee the security of any information you transmit to us, and you do so at your own risk. Once we receive your information, we make our best effort to ensure its security on our systems.
Links to other websites:
Our website may contain links to other websites run by other organisations. This Privacy Policy applies only to our website‚ so we encourage you to read the privacy statements on the other websites you visit. We cannot be responsible for the privacy policies and practices of other sites even if you access them using links from our website.
In addition, if you linked to our website from a third party site, we cannot be responsible for the privacy policies and practices of the owners and operators of that third party site and recommend that you check the policy of that third party site.
Review of this policy:
We keep this policy under regular review. This policy was last updated in September 2021
