Philosophy

Our vision for the Swineshead Village Children’s Drama Group is that all members will develop in confidence, and take part in activities to improve their skills of public speaking, empathy, pathos and general acting.  It is hoped that by becoming involved in the drama activities, the children will gain necessary social and emotional skills that will make them more well-rounded young people.

 

We believe that drama is a necessary part of a child’s development, as it enables them to practise and rehearse different ways of living.  It helps to encourage greater awareness of social and cultural inequality, promoting tolerance and understanding of differences.  By exploring personas that embody a variety of attitudes and outlooks, in the “safe” environment of a play, it is possible for the developing actor to use such experiences to guide them in the future.

 

Our hope is that children will have a great deal of fun, in a relaxed and safe atmosphere.  It is hoped that they will further develop their professional approach to drama productions under the warm and consistent care of the leaders.

 

Management

All work with children and young people will be administered by leaders under the direct supervision of the Founding Director. 

 

Appointment of Leaders

All leaders will be appointed according to a certain set of criteria:

ü      Previous experience of working with children

ü      Previous experience in the field of drama

ü      Ability to provide warm and consistent care

 

They should affirm and endorse the following guiding principles for engaging in work with young people:

ü      Be prepared to listen to young people

ü      Create an environment where young people can begin to take responsibility for their own, and other people’s lives

ü      Accept that a leader is responsible for the health and safety of the young people in their care

ü      Understand the importance of enjoyment and fun as the basis for skill progression in drama sessions

Any applications for work will be carefully considered.  It will be necessary to request:

ü      References from individuals who can vouch for the potential leaders' suitability.

ü      Police Check.

  

1. The Responsibility of the Swineshead Village Children’s Drama Group

All leaders are ultimately responsible to Social Services.  There is a legal liability when working with children.  It is understood that any work undertaken without due care and attention to Policies could result in a claim of negligence.  Therefore when approved, leaders will be asked to complete the Swineshead Village Children’s Drama Group Declaration Form for Workers with Children and Young People.  To maintain confidentiality, these forms will be seen only by the Founding Director of the Drama Group.

 

2. Numbers of Leaders

There should always be at least two adults present at each Group session.  It is vital that the ratio of adults to children is adequate to ensure safety.  In the case of children under the age of 8, the ration should be at least 1:8 of members present.

 

When both boys and girls are present at the Group, there should be at least one male and one female leader present.  If members of only one sex are present, a leader of the same sex must be in attendance.  To ensure compliance with this safeguard, a list of helpers drawn from parents must be made available to leaders so that in an emergency situation the correct balance of adults can be maintained.

 

3. Insurance

Adequate insurance cover must be provided for public liability and personal accident both on and off Church Hall premises.

 

4. Training of Leaders

Group Leaders may be asked to participate in training courses.  These may be sought from the Local Authority, or other sources.

 

Membership

All members will be required to complete a Membership Form.  This form will include reference to a code of conduct, a notice about absences, relevant subscription levels as well as any other necessary details.  Records will be kept and regularly updated of all children and young people attending any of the groups and will include home address, telephone number and name of a parent or guardian.  A copy of these records will be kept.

 

Premises

When Saint Mary’s Church Hall is used, each group leader will take responsibility for opening and closing the hall and for cleaning and tidying.  All rules of the hall will be complied with.  Written parental consent must be obtained for any off-premises activities.  A register of attendance and an accident book will be kept and maintained by each group leader for each group.

 

Funding

Parents and children attending Swineshead Village Children’s Drama Group will be advised that there will be a weekly contribution of 50p.

 

Aims

1.       Meet regularly in a safe environment.

2.       Provide opportunities for children to develop acting skills.

3.       Provide opportunities for children to begin to develop technical skills, using lighting controls.

4.       Encourage honesty and openness by example, discussion and support from leaders and each other.

5.       To foster relationships with other Community Groups.

 

Rules

1.       Respect other people and their property, as well as the Church Hall premises.

2.       If children bring any personal items with them it is done so at their sole responsibility and risk.   Group leaders will not accept or be held responsible for such items.

3.       Behave sensibly and responsibly.

4.       Be considerate to others – no bullying, teasing or unpleasantness allowed.

5.       Not to leave the Church Hall premises until the end of the group session unless authorised / accompanied by an adult.  If a child is to be collected by anyone other than the child’s parent/guardian, written or verbal consent must be given to the group leaders.

6.       All members are expected to attend every week unless there is a valid reason for not doing so.

 

NB: If children are allowed to walk to the Group sessions without parental supervision, careful monitoring of attendance must be undertaken.  After three sessions of non-attendance by such a child, the Founding Director will contact the parents / guardians to apprise them of the situation.