Child Protection Policy | Arohanui Strings+

Rationale

Arohanui Strings+ is fully committed to the safety, security, and wellbeing of all children in its care and associated community members. We recognise our responsibility to promote safe practices and to protect children and associated community members from harm and abuse while participating in our activities.

For the purposes of this policy and associated procedures, a child is defined as a person under the age of 18 years. Arohanui Strings+ complies with the Children's Act 2014.

This policy is based on the following principles:

The welfare and safety of children is the primary concern.
Child protection is everyone's responsibility.
Children should experience an environment where emotional and physical wellbeing is nurtured.
Harm, neglect, and abuse must be actively prevented and minimised.
Arohanui Strings+ will work in partnership with children, parents/carers, Partner Schools, and relevant agencies where required.
All contractors and volunteers must know what to do in the event of a disclosure or concern.
Respect for individual learning needs, including children of all abilities and disabilities, is essential to creating an inclusive and supportive environment.
Cultural responsiveness and respect for tikanga Māori, as well as for children of all backgrounds, is fundamental to our practice.

Purpose

This policy outlines Arohanui Strings+ safeguarding principles. All contractors, volunteers, and staff must also follow the procedures outlined in the accompanying document: Arohanui Strings+ Child Protection Procedures.

Key aims:

To ensure child safety is paramount.
To provide safe physical and emotional environments.
To implement effective safeguarding procedures.
To deal with concerns promptly and effectively.
To recruit, train, and support contractors and volunteers in best safeguarding practices.
To comply with relevant New Zealand legislation.

Scope

This policy applies to all persons involved in the governance, management, and delivery of Arohanui Strings+ programmes.

These procedures apply when Arohanui Strings+ is the lead educational deliverer. During in-school programmes, AS+ contractors comply with the Child Protection and Health and Safety procedures of the host school and take their lead from school staff.

Policy Principles

To ensure a safe environment for tamariki and rangatahi, Arohanui Strings+ follows these guiding principles:

Safety in numbers: Children should not be in 1-to-1 situations with adults unless visibility and supervision are assured. See Child Protection Procedures for rules around 1-to-1 teaching.
Careful engagement: Contractors and volunteers undergo thorough vetting, including NZ Police checks every three years.
Constant watchfulness: Everyone has a responsibility to be alert to concerns.

Safeguarding Practices

All contractors and adults must be visible when working with children to prevent harm and reduce the risk of false allegations.
One-on-one interactions must take place in communal areas with another adult present.
Physical discipline is strictly prohibited.
Bullying, harassment, or verbal/racial abuse will not be tolerated.
Activities must be developmentally appropriate and inclusive. Reasonable accommodations should be made for children with additional needs.
Positive behaviour management strategies must be used.
Feedback to children should be focused on their performance, not personal attributes.
Language must be positive, age-appropriate, and respectful at all times.
Police vetting of all staff, trustees, and volunteers is mandatory and renewed every three years.
Mandatory training on child protection policies and procedures will be delivered annually by the Programme Director and Manager. New contractors must attend this training before commencing work.
Appropriate physical contact is permitted only with consent, in open environments, and when necessary for music instruction, such as positioning hands or posture. Children's dignity and comfort must always be respected.

Roles and Responsibilities

The Programme Director also acts as the Designated Child Protection Officer (CPO), responsible for:

Overseeing child protection policy implementation.
Ensuring all staff and contractors are trained.
Acting as liaison with Oranga Tamariki and other agencies.
Holding responsibility for case records and safeguarding actions.

Policy Review Schedule

Reviewed annually or as required to reflect changes in legislation or operational needs.

Signed

[Chairperson Name], Board of Trustees

[Manager Name], Arohanui Strings+

[Date]

Arohanui Strings+ Child Protection Policy