Please read this information very carefully before signing up with us:

GENERAL

Please sanitise your hands when entering any of our buildings.

All classes are payable half termly in advance. Classes are non transferrable between venue, day, class time or child.

Please ensure we have up to date contact details for you. If any details change, please advise admin@lindylous.co.uk.

PAYMENTS

All payment is required in advance. You will not be able to book a class without payment being made. Please do not hesitate to contact the office with any problems relating to your payment. Call Admin on 07757 616150 or email us at admin@lindylous.co.uk.

No refunds will be given for any missed classes due to holidays, illness, appointments, isolation etc. Should face to face classes be unable to run due to Government Guidelines, your class will be delivered on the same day at the same time and with the same teacher via our Facebook LIVE! page, with the exception of Glow Babies.

HEALTH & SAFETY and FIRST AID

While Lindy Lou’s staff and management endeavour to ensure the safety of all our customers, it remains the responsibility of accompanying adults and guardians to supervise the children in their care whilst attending the sessions.

All children must be accompanied by a responsible adult and remain the responsibility of said adult at all times. Parents and guardians must:-

·      Remain on the premises at all times.

·      Monitor their child to ensure their safety.

·      Know where their child is and ensure that the child is able to locate them at all times.

Although Lindy Lou’s staff strive to maintain a safe environment. Should accidents occur please report any incidents immediately to a member of staff. Lindy Lou’s is under no legal obligation to provide first aiders, and in the event first aid is needed we urge you to seek medical attention for your child.

Whilst Lindy Lou’s staff will carry out regular maintenance checks on all equipment and ensure daily risk assessments are undertaken, we do request that we are informed if an item has become damaged or appears faulty in any way. Please do not bring anything into the room which could be a potential choking hazard. If you should you see any such item, please hand it to a member of staff immediately.

ILLNESS

If you or your child are feeling unwell please do not come to class. It is not fair on you, your teachers or your classmates. We want fit and healthy children and adults in class.

PROPS & EQUIPMENT

During Lindy Lou Glow sessions we will use UV lighting and by taking part in the class, you permit the use of this light. At the start of each session, any potential hazards will be pointed out. We request your attention during this time to ensure the safety of all members of the group. FLASHING LIGHTS, MOVING IMAGES AND LIGHTS will be used during the session. This could trigger a seizure in people with photosensitive epilepsy. Please monitor your child at all times for any signs of this. Should your child be showing any signs of distress during the session, please know that you can leave the room at any time to suit your child’s needs.

FIRE

In the event of a fire alarm activation, please leave the building immediately from the nearest fire exit and move away from the building. Do not re-enter the building.

SIBLINGS

Siblings have to be accounted for in our numbers, so please advise us in advance if you will have more than the registered child with you at a session. Siblings 18 months and over will be charged a reduced fee.

FOOD & DRINK

Food and drink is NOT permitted in the room with the exception of milk for babies.

PHOTOGRAPHY

During your class we make take photographs for use on our social media and in advertising. By agreeing to our Terms & Conditions you agree to the unlimited use of any such photographs. Please let us know if you do not want us to use photographs of your child.

If you do not wish your child to be photographed, please update your preferences in your Class4Kids account.

BAD WEATHER POLICY

No refunds will be given for any missed classes unless the class has been cancelled by us. Please take care when travelling to classes in adverse weather conditions.

SAFEGUARDING POLICY

Statement of Purpose

1.        Lindy Lous Adventures in Music (the Organisation, we, our or us) is committed to preventing and responding to risks of harm to and promoting the welfare of all children that we work with (i.e. as Lindy Lous Adventures in Music's clients). These individuals are referred to as the 'Beneficiaries' of this Safeguarding Policy.

2.        We recognise the importance of this commitment to safety and welfare and, further, are committed to safeguarding all Beneficiaries without discrimination due to an individual's age, disability, race, religion or belief, sex, gender reassignment, pregnancy or maternity leave status, marriage or civil partnership status, or sexual orientation.

3.        This Safeguarding Policy is based on the safeguarding laws of England, Wales, and Scotland, including related guidance issued by the UK Government and relevant governmental departments, agencies, and public bodies. If this Policy is at any time inconsistent with this body of law, Lindy Lous Adventures in Music will act to meet the requirements of up-to-date safeguarding laws in priority to the requirements set out in this Policy.

4.        Lindy Lous Adventures in Music has implemented this Safeguarding Policy in order to meet its obligations as an organisation working with children.

5.        Any questions in relation to this Policy should be referred to Lynne MacLaughlan in the first instance, by emailing Lindylousmusic@gmail.com or by contacting 07776 158923.

Scope of this Safeguarding Policy

6.        This Policy explains key aspects of how Lindy Lous Adventures in Music prevents harm in relation to its Beneficiaries via its practices and its Staff Members' conduct.

7.       This Safeguarding Policy covers the organisation and operation of all of Lindy Lous Adventures in Music's activities involving children (i.e. our Relevant Activities). These primarily include:

a.   Provide Music and Movement Classes to Pre School Children

8.        This Policy's guidelines and obligations apply to all individuals working for or acting on behalf of Lindy Lous Adventures in Music in the UK at all levels, including senior managers, officers, employees, consultants, trainees, homeworkers, part-time and fixed-term workers, casual workers, agency workers, volunteers, and interns (collectively 'Staff Members').

9.        This Policy does not form part of any contract of employment or similar and Lindy Lous Adventures in Music may amend it at any time at our absolute discretion.

Defining Safeguarding

10.     'Safeguarding' is an umbrella term that refers to work refers to work (e.g. practices and procedures) aimed at preventing or responding to harm or risks of harm posed to vulnerable individuals, and at promoting these individuals' wider welfare. Safeguarding is particularly important for children and adults at risk. Most safeguarding legal obligations relate to the care of these groups. This Safeguarding Policy specifically deals with safeguarding children. For safeguarding purposes, children are individuals younger than 18 years old.

11.     The commitments and practices contained in this Safeguarding Policy apply to the safeguarding of Lindy Lous Adventures in Music's Beneficiaries from harm caused by either:

a.  The activities and practices of Lindy Lous Adventures in Music and any conduct of its Staff Members, or

b.  People and situations outside of Lindy Lous Adventures in Music's and its Staff Members' control, where Lindy Lous Adventures in Music's Staff Members are aware of, ought to be aware of, or reasonably suspect the risks posed by a situation.

12.     For the purposes of this Policy, a 'Safeguarding Concern' is any conduct or situation that is known or reasonably suspected by a Staff Member or another party that risks violating the safeguarding commitments set out above.

Key Measures that Lindy Lous Adventures in Music is Committed to Implementing and Maintaining to Safeguard its Beneficiaries

13. 

14.     Ensuring that Staff Members are trained to, and encouraged to, report any Safeguarding Concerns that they identify. Staff Members will be encouraged to follow Lindy Lous Adventures in Music's safeguarding reporting procedures as closely as possible when reporting concerns (set out below under the heading 'Procedures: Reporting').

15.     Ensuring that all Staff Members listen to all safeguarding-related queries and concerns raised by other Staff Members, Beneficiaries, or relevant other parties, with respect and professionalism. Staff Members should be trained

how to, and encouraged to, then assist with reporting any such concerns via Lindy Lous Adventures in Music's regular reporting procedures.

16.     Ensuring that all reported Safeguarding Concerns are dealt with by appropriate individuals and teams and in accordance with Lindy Lous Adventures in Music's relevant procedures (set out below under the heading ' Procedures: Investigation and Response').

17.     Implementing and maintaining comprehensive, accessible, fair, and efficient procedures for Staff Members to use when reporting and dealing with Safeguarding Concerns. These procedures will be made known and easily accessible to all Staff Members.

a.  Procedures will be designed to ensure all safeguarding issues are dealt with fairly and objectively even when allegations are made against one of Lindy Lous Adventures in Music's Staff Members. Any such allegations will be treated in a manner that takes into account the gravity of the accusations, but which does not vilify or presume the guilt of an accused individual without a fair investigation.

b.  Any reports that qualify as protected disclosures under whistleblowing law will be treated securely and in a protected manner in line with whistleblowing law.

18.     Appointing Lynne MacLaughlan to hold responsibility for managing safeguarding policies and procedures within Lindy Lous Adventures in Music.

19.     Following appropriate recruitment processes when recruiting new Staff Members, including volunteers. This includes:

a.   Conducting all appropriate pre-employment checks (e.g. Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) criminal record checks).

b.  Ensuring new Staff Members take part in, and understand the content of, all necessary safeguarding training before having any contact with Lindy Lous Adventures in Music's Beneficiaries.

c.  Following Lindy Lous Adventures in Music's policies and procedures on hiring and recruitment.

20.     Providing appropriate safeguarding training for all relevant Staff Members. Every Staff Member should be provided with, and required to undertake, training that is appropriate to their role, responsibilities, and degree and type of contact with Beneficiaries. This should, where appropriate, include training on:

a.  How to define and identify potential signs of different types of abuse, including physical abuse, emotional abuse, sexual abuse and exploitation, neglect, and others.

b.  How to listen to and respond to concerns or disclosures about safeguarding issues during an initial conversation (e.g. how to explain when information can and cannot be kept confidential).

c.  How to use Lindy Lous Adventures in Music's safeguarding reporting procedures and when doing so is appropriate.

d.  Which additional resources (e.g. policies, other supporting documents, or external educational resources) are available to ensure Staff Members remain informed about safeguarding.

e.  Identifying potential safeguarding concerns (eg by understanding and knowing the potential signs of different types of abuse).

f.  Responding to safeguarding concerns that are disclosed to them.

g.  Reporting safeguarding concerns, and accessing additional resources on safeguarding

21.     Ensuring that all information related to Safeguarding Concerns, including the content of reported concerns as well as the personal data of anybody involved, is handled safely and securely. This involves:

a.  Following the requirements set out by the UK's data protection laws, including The UK General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018.

b.  Following Lindy Lous Adventures in Music's data protection policies and procedures.

c.  Providing Staff Members with training on data protection and privacy, where appropriate.

d.  Ensuring Staff Members always have an identifiable point of contact for questions or concerns about data protection and privacy. This is currently Lynne MacLaughlan, who can be contacted by emailing Lindylousmusic@gmail.com or at 07776 158923.

e.  Only sharing information about a Safeguarding Concern internally as far as is necessary to manage the concern for the relevant Beneficiary's benefit.

22.      Ensuring transparency and awareness regarding safeguarding information and procedures. For example, by:

a.  Providing information to Beneficiaries about our safeguarding procedures so that they are aware of how to raise any concerns.

b.  Ensuring all Staff Members are aware of safeguarding laws, Lindy Lous Adventures in Music's safeguarding commitments and procedures, and Staff Members' responsibilities in relation to these.

23.     Regularly reviewing all safeguarding policies and procedures to ensure that they are up-to-date with safeguarding law and that they remain suitable for Lindy Lous Adventures in Music's Relevant Activities and workforce, and meeting any review and evaluation requirements specific to Lindy Lous Adventures in Music's industry and organisation type.

Staff Members' Responsibilities

24.     All Staff Members have a responsibility to promote the safety and wellbeing of all of Lindy Lous Adventures in Music's Beneficiaries. This means that all of Lindy Lous Adventures in Music's policies and procedures relevant to safeguarding and all UK laws relevant to safeguarding must be followed at all times. Specifically:

25.     All Staff Members must contribute to upholding the key measures that Lindy Lous Adventures in Music has committed to taking to safeguard its Beneficiaries (set out above) to an extent that is appropriate for their role, responsibilities, and degree and type of contact with Beneficiaries. Specific ways that Staff Members should do this will be clarified during training. If a Staff Member is uncertain as to their responsibilities, it is their responsibility to raise this with Lynne MacLaughlan.

26.     Staff Members must actively participate in all safeguarding training they are assigned and, if they do not understand any aspects of their training, must raise this with Lynne MacLaughlan.

27.     Staff Members must never do anything to actively risk the safety or wellbeing of any of Lindy Lous Adventures in Music's Beneficiaries. This includes, but is not limited to:

a.  Subjecting them to or facilitating abuse of any sort.

b.  Engaging in any sexual activity with children (i.e. anybody under the age of 18).

c.  Participating in or facilitating any activities that may commercially exploit Beneficiaries. For example, failing to report suspected child labour or trafficking.

28.     Staff Members must report all Safeguarding Concerns that they have regarding Beneficiaries, regardless of whether the concerns relate to potential wrongdoing of other Staff Members, other Beneficiaries, or external parties (e.g. parents, teachers, other organisations, or members of the public).

Procedures: Reporting

29.     Staff Members will receive safeguarding training that should enable them to identify Safeguarding Concerns (e.g. suspected abuse, neglect, or threats to wellbeing) relevant to Lindy Lous Adventures in Music's Beneficiaries.

30.      If a Staff Member identifies a Safeguarding Concern, to report it they should:

a.  Speaking to a named individual.

31.     If a Staff Member feels unable to follow the above steps, they should report their Safeguarding Concern in a reasonable alternative manner. This may the case if, for example:

a.  Following the above procedure would require disclosing the concern to somebody who is implicated in the Safeguarding Concern or who the Staff Member is otherwise uncomfortable contacting about this concern, or

b.  The matter is time sensitive and involves a risk of serious harm to somebody, in which case contacting an external agency (e.g. the police, the ambulance service, or a mental health crisis line) or a more senior member of Lindy Lous Adventures in Music's staff first may be more appropriate.

Procedures: Investigation and Response

32.      Reported Safeguarding Concerns will be dealt with promptly according to the following process:

a.   Individuals who report concerns will be kept informed about their progress to an appropriate degree.

b.   Any staff members found to have breached safeguarding commitments will be treated fairly (eg in accordance with your organisation's Disciplinary procedure), and

referrals will only be made to external organisations (eg the police or a local authority) when appropriate.

33.     Staff Members who report a Safeguarding Concern will be kept informed about the progression of the matter they reported to an appropriate degree. Note that, depending on the nature of the concern and consequent investigations, some information about matters may be kept confidential and not shared with the reporter.

34.     If a Staff Member is found to be in breach of this Safeguarding Policy or safeguarding law in general, they will be treated fairly and will only be dismissed if appropriate in the circumstances and in accordance with employment law.

35.     Referrals or notifications to external organisations (e.g. police services, local authorities, or regulatory bodies) will be made when, and only when, this is appropriate, and will always be made in accordance with the law (e.g. data protection law).

Supporting Documents and Other Protections

36.     Lindy Lous Adventures in Music has various other documents in place that support this Safeguarding Policy. These include:

a.  Detailed safeguarding investigation and response procedures.

37.     This Safeguarding Policy does not cover all of Lindy Lous Adventures in Music's commitments relevant to protecting its Beneficiaries. We also have other policies in place that protect our Beneficiaries, Staff Members, and/or others. These include:

a.   A Health and Safety Policy.

38.     All of the policies, procedures, and other documents set out above are available on request from the person within the Organisation responsible for HR matters or via Staff Members' line managers.