Bristol Old Vic Theatre Child Protection Policy and Youth Theatre Company Rules

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The parents or carers of children taking part in theatrical activities at the Bristol Old Vic, Britain's oldest working theatre (founded in 1766), are required to sign a form indicating that they and their children have read and understood the following documents, produced in consultation with Action on Child Exploitation, Child-Safe and the local police.

A major part of Bristol Old Vic's responsibility for young people in our care is to ensure their safety and wellbeing at all times.

To help us do this effectively we have implemented a Child Protection and Heath and Safety policy which is designed to protect your child and all the children who are members of our Youth Theatre.

In addition there is a set of Youth Theatre Company Rules which your child needs to observe while s/he is in the theatre.

The Bristol Old Vic is committed to creating and maintaining the safest possible environment for children and young people in order for them to benefit from and enjoy all the opportunities the Youth Theatre has to offer.

Child Protection Policy Statement

The Bristol Old Vic is committed to creating and maintaining the safest possible environment for children and young people involved in any of its educational activities; Youth Theatre, Summer School, Playdays, work placements etc.

We do this by:

• Recognizing that all children have the right to freedom from abuse.

• Ensuring that all our staff and volunteers are carefully selected and accept responsibility for helping to prevent the abuse of children in their care.

• Responding swiftly and appropriately to all suspicions or allegations of abuse, and providing parents and children with the opportunity to voice any concerns they may have.

• Appointing a Child Protection Officer who will take specific responsibility for child safety and act as the main point of contact for parents, children and outside agencies.

• Ensuring access to confidential information is restricted to the Child Protection Officer or the appropriate external authorities.

• Reviewing the effectiveness of our Child Protection Policy annually.

[The name, availability and contact numbers for the Theatre's Child Protection Officer are provided.]

Health and Safety Policy Statement

The Bristol Old Vic is committed to providing and maintaining a safe and healthy working environment for all its staff, guests, visitors, members of Youth Theatre and Summer School while in or working at its premises.

Our Health and Safety Policy and arrangements for health and safety are very extensive. The Health and Safety Policy Statement is posted by the Health and Safety Noticeboard at the Stage Door.

Our arrangements, which include risk assessment, safe working practices etc, can be found in the Production Office.

[The name, availability and contact numbers for the Theatre's Child Protection Officer are provided, along with contact details for the municipal authority responsible for enforcing health and safety regulations.]

Youth Theatre Company Rules

• Always register with your workshop leader or workshop assistant every time you enter or leave the building.

• Always arrive in plenty of time for each workshop and rehearsal.

• Always phone the theatre's Education Department [telephone number given] if you will be arriving late or cannot come for any unavoidable reason.

• Always consider the staff working at the theatre. Do not run or shout either backstage, front of house or in the foyer areas.

• Do not bring in any valuable items unless you absolutely have to.

• Do not leave your bike at the theatre if you cycle in. Lock it up at the bicycle racks (nearby).

• Do not bring scooters or skateboards to the theatre.

• Always clean away all of your rubbish in the bins provided.

• Always listen to staff members and respect them when they are talking. You should not talk when you have been asked to remain quiet; you may miss some important information.

• Always tell a member of staff if you are involved in an accident.

• Always tell a member of staff if you have, or witness, any problems.

• Always switch your mobile phone off at the start of each session.

• Do not take anything from the building without permission.

• Do not eat or chew gum in [the] workshop session.

• Do not smoke anywhere in or around the theatre.

• Do not swear at anytime in or around the theatre.

• Do not bully physically or emotionally any member of your course.

• Always treat others as you wish to be treated yourself.

Always follow these rules and you will create a safe and happy working environment that will allow everybody, including yourself, to have fun.

• Further information about Bristol Old Vic can be found on its website.

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