Saturday Music Centre

Policy 2018/19Revised September 2018

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SOLIHULL SATURDAY MUSIC CENTRE

A POLICY STATEMENT

Aims

The Centre meets on Saturdays to complement and enhance the teaching of music in all of Solihull’s schools and across the community. This is achieved primarily by creating opportunities for instrumentalists of all standards to play in varied ensembles, whatever their ability. Keyboard classes and the opportunity to study theory in a structured class environment are also offered. Dance and Drama classes are offered in addition to musical groups. We have also entered into a partnership with Theatre Train performing arts school. This is so we can offer a full range of musical activities over the Saturday morning.

Place, Dates and Times of Operation

The Centre meets at Solihull Music Service, Daylesford Road, between 9.00 a.m. and 12.15 p.m. on Saturdays in term time. There will be at least 30 meetings in each year. Exact dates for each school year will be published in advance and are available from the admin office, or on the website.

Access

The Centre is open to all who are able to benefit from the activities available. No audition is necessary to join the Centre, although this may on occasion be required to maintain the balance of certain ensembles.Pupils will be able to join SMC during the first half of each term – any students wishing to join after ½ term will have to start at the beginning of each new term.

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Membership

The following are conditions of membership of Saturday Music Centre -

a) Regular attendance, punctuality and application to the tasks given;

b) Pupils’ provision of their own instruments, books etc. for work at the Centre;

c) Good conduct at all times. In the event of a problem arising over discipline, the decision of the Head of Centre will be final.

Fees

A fee is payable with respect to each term’s attendance at the Centre. Details of the current fee structure may be obtained from the SMS Website. A policy for the remission of fees for cases of severe financial hardship is operated. Pupils sign up online www.solihullmusicservice.com

Fees will normally rise each year in line with the current rate of inflation.

Concerts

It is expected that each group at the Centre will perform in at least three concerts each year. These will normally be towards the end of each school term, and may include performance as part of the Solihull music service concert programme. In addition to this, groups are encouraged to find appropriate opportunities for performance in the wider community. Whenever possible the dates of Saturday Music Centre concerts will be published in advance on the Music service website

Centre Ensembles

The range of ensembles on offer will vary according to market forces, in conjunction with the judgement of staff at the Centre and the wishes of parents. However, it is hoped that the range of activities will complement those provided from Monday to Thursday

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by the Solihull Music Service. It is anticipated that each child should be given a clear vision of progress from one group to another. This should be the case both within the Centre and in partnership with groups organised by the Music Service.

Teaching Style

The staff will aim to adopt a friendly and professional style to bring out the best in each pupil. A range of different teaching strategies may be employed to create the atmosphere needed for pupils to enjoy making progress. Monitoring of Standards

Regular concerts will allow parents to assess the achievements of their children at the Centre. This also applies to groups working independently of a teacher. Appropriate use of festivals, examinations and competitions will also be encouraged as a means of monitoring and increasing the rate of progress of groups. Each group will aim to achieve the highest standard possible with its given membership.

The tutors in charge of each group will monitor the progress of individual pupils. Efforts will be made to ensure each pupil moves within the parts in each group, and from each group to the next, as their skills develop.

Repertoire

If appropriate the tutor in charge will choose the repertoire for each group. This is likely to vary according to the standards of the pupils involved. Great care will be taken to ensure that each pupil is given tasks that best expand their current range of skills and ability. To achieve this, pieces may often be specially arranged or written by pupils or staff at the Centre.

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Adult learners

Adult learners are welcome to attend SMC; however there are safeguarding issues that all staff need to adhere to. Adult learners must not be left alone with young pupils. All adult learners must fill out a statement of trust, before they start any sessions at SMC. This will be scanned and attached to their online registration form. Adult learners must not use the same toilets as pupils, and should instead use staff toilets located in the main corridor to the music service reception. Whilst we have an open door policy to these valuable members of the learning community staff must remain vigilante for any inappropriate behaviour at all times. These practical measures should be restated to all staff on the briefing sheet each week.

SMC Mobile Phone/MP3 Players Policy.

SMC has a separate policy banning the use of mobile phones.mp3 players unless it is being used for educational purposes e.g. lyrics or music to aid with the session. This policy is on the network or is available by request.

Parents

We gladly welcome parents to SMC, but along with the above statement, we ask all parents to wait in the dining area and not to sit in on the classes or walk around the building other than in exceptional circumstances agreed by the Head of Centre, This will make it easier to monitor anyone in the building, therefore providing a safer environment to the students in our care.

Staff

The staff at the Centre will be either qualified teachers or professional musicians who have been assessed as to their suitability for work with children. It is anticipated that most, but not necessarily all, of the staff will also be members of the Solihull Music Service. All staff must wear their ID badges whilst on site. Staff at the Centre will be paid sessionally at the current Further Education lecturer’s rate. The number of staff will vary according to market forces. Staffs are expected to fill out a sessional claim form, when requested, and hand it to the Head of Centre. Delay in this action may result in a missed payment. All SMC staff will have carried out an advanced DBS check.

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Staff at the Centre will in the first instance report to the Head of Centre supported by assistant head of SMC, and he in turn will be accountable to the Head of Solihull Music Service. The SMC Team Leader will deputise for the Head in the event of absence, and will assist in the day to day running of the Centre.

Staff should also refer to the current Music Service staff handbook for further details of day-to-day operation.

Regular staff meetings will be held to ensure that a regular exchange of ideas and initiatives to improve the Centre takes place.

Ipads have been issued to some SMC staff for use during the morning. SMC staff will have adhered to SMS Mobile policy.

Staff Absences

If staff need to take leave of absence they must apply in writing two weeks in advance. Staff are expected to try and sort out their own cover from suitably experienced, skilled and DBS checked staff and cover work must be set for the session missed. In the event of illness please let the head of centre know at the earliest opportunity and email (if possible) cover work for tutors.

Budget

The Centre is self-financing and non-profit-making. It is anticipated that each year some planned replacement and updating of equipment and resources will take place. This is to be within the above overall context and is to ensure the continued development of the Centre.

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Interdependence with the Music Service

The Centre shares with the Music Service the combined stock of equipment and resources. The Centre will maintain a stock list of items purchased for use on Saturdays. Pupils will generally be allowed access to resources, under the supervision of a member of staff, in connection with the Centre’s activities. All electrical equipment will be tested for electrical safety at intervals specified by the Local Education Authority. Frequent combined events will take place. The Centre has access to the Music Service secretarial support and the financial services of Solihull MBC to help with its administration.

Saturday Music Centre relies heavily on the publicity given by colleagues in the Music Service to encourage pupils to attend and join ensembles at the Centre.

Administration

The Head of Centre will carry out the day-to-day administration of the Centre, (including opening and closing the venue) supported by SMC Team Leader, office support, and the Finance Department of the Council.

Pastoral Care

Staff at the Centre will take every professional step possible to ensure the health, safety and well-being of pupils in their care. (See SMS Staff Handbook)

Fire Policy

The Centre will hold an annual fire drill. Staff will be briefed as to procedure should an emergency occur during any break. The head of centre is responsible for ensuring that all escape routes are clear and open for the duration of each session. Any problems must be reported immediately to the Lyndon school site team.

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Use of personal data

a) Contact details

Data Controller: Solihull Music ServiceWeb address: www.solihullmusicservice.wordpressEmail: sms.lessons@solmus.solgrid.org.ukPhone: 0121 7432483

b) What do SMS use your personal data for?

SMS receive personal data for you and/your child/ren for the purposes of:

administering including the payment of instrumental music lessons preparation and entering into examinations hiring of instruments administering the participation of concerts personal data of children under the age of 16 is only lawful if provided by an authorised adult

c) What legal grounds are you processing my personal data?

1. Performance of, and the entering into, a contract.This allows SMS to process your personal data when you enter into a contract with us for instrumental lessons.

2. Legitimate interests.This allows SMS to process your personal data as long as it is necessary for the purposes of our legitimate interests, such as sending you information on our forthcoming concerts and fund raising purposes.

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d) What personal data do you use and who do you share it with?

SMS will only obtain the information required for the purposes stipulated in b) above. SMS will not share this personal information without your knowledge and for purposes incompatible with what it was obtained for.

e) By signing up for SMS centre lessons – subject to receiving further information, you agree to your child taking part in concerts and events organised by Solihull Music Service.

f) You also agree to receiving information from SMS about other relevant concerts and events that may be of interest, and fundraising information. Should you wish to opt out of receiving these types of information, please email sms.lessons@solmus.solgrid.org.uk.

g) Solihull Music Service is part of Solihull MBC and is covered by Solihull MBC council policy. http://www.solihull.gov.uk/About-the-Council/Data-protection-FOI/dataprotection

Marketing

The Centre will publicise itself by -

1. Posters and handbills in schools and the community

2. Raising awareness of the Centre amongst Music Service staff

3. Publishing concert dates.

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4. Using the Solihull Music Service Website.

5. Advertisements in pupils’ handbook etc.

6. ‘Roadshows’ taking centre groups into local schools

7. Letters to Music Service pupils

8. Letters to Solihull schools

9. Celebrating its achievement within Solihull MBC

10. Making appropriate use of the local radio, TV and press.

Signed .................................................................................................. (Head of Centre)

Date ......................................................................................................

This policy has been agreed by the Head of Solihull Music Service.

Signed ................................................................................................. (Head of Service)

Date for review ...................................................................................

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Saturday Music Centre Adult Learners (copy of statement of trust)

Thank you for registering with Saturday Music Centre (SMC)

Relationships of Trust

Your attention is drawn to the position of trust you hold in learning with children, and the power and influence you may hold within this activity. We expect this responsibility to be at the forefront of the minds of all our adult learners, to ensure that these positions of trust are never abused.

We also remind you that the law deals more severely with offences by those who are working/learning with children.

We expect our adult learners to:

Treat all children, young people and each other with respect;

Provide an example of good conduct you wish others to follow;

Ensure that whenever possible there is more than one adult present during activities with children and young people, or at least within sight or hearing;

Respect children and young people’s rights to personal privacy where appropriate;

Encourage young people and adults to feel able to point out attitudes or behaviour that make them uncomfortable;

Remember that someone else might misinterpret actions, no matter how well intentioned;

Be aware that any physical contact can very easily be misinterpreted;

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Challenge behaviour that is deemed to be unacceptable in regard to these guidelines, taking care to react appropriately to the age and distress of the person;

Report all allegations or suspicions of abuse;

Give guidance and support to inexperienced helpers.

Contact with Children

Adult learners must wherever possible avoid spending time alone with children, away from others.

They must never take children alone in a car, or on other journeys, however short, other than with the express written permission of the parents. They must never take children to their home, or to any other place which is not a designated part of a Music Service event.The adult learners at SMC must only use the staff toilets

They must not pass out their personal contact details to children, nor take personal mobile telephone numbers from children without advising the Senior Leadership Team of the Music Service.

Volunteers are advised not to become “friends” on children and young people’s private Facebook and other social networking sites.

Relationships with Children

Adult learners must: Avoid showing favouritism to any individual.

Avoid imposing any discipline or censure on pupils, apart from in matters involving actual or potential damage to persons or property, without having first checked the appropriateness of this with a member of the music service leadership team.

Adult Learners will not form new social relationships that will be continued away from SMC during their time at the centre.

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Avoid jumping to conclusions about others without stopping to think, carefully review and take advice if necessary

Avoid taking a chance when common sense, policy or practice suggests another more prudent approach

Make it clear that they expect appropriate language, by using this to children and by refusing to accept inappropriate language from pupils.making particular note of what might make a child feel uncomfortable, even when said in fun; like any type of comment about size, weight, height, ethnic origin, or any suggestive or sarcastic comments

Listen to children and make a record of any conversations that might cause concern. Any matters for concern should be reported to members of the SLT of the music service as soon as possible.

Avoid assisting a child with any matters of a personal nature unless requested to do so by the responsible adult in charge of the child, or if a child is unable to do it for him/herself.

In all these matters, do not rely on your good name or that of SMC to protect you or believe ‘it could never happen to me’.

I declare that I have existing relationships with the following FAMILY, FAMILY FRIENDS, (Please circle):

…………………………………………………………………(enter names) at SMC.

I have read these guidelines and agree to abide by them during my time with SMC

Signed …………………………………………………….. Date ………………………………

Name in capitals …………………………………………

Contact email ……………………………………………... Mobile number ……………………

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HAZARD People at risk What controls exist to reduce the risk? What action can be taken to further reduce the risk?

Commentary Staff/pupils/all Commentary Commentary

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RISK ASSESSMENT

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THE ACTIVITY: SATURDAY MUSIC CENTRE

DATE Ongoing__________

Security

Emergency evacuations

Health & safety

Child Protection

All

All

All

All

Staff working in the company of others at all time.

CCTV on site Locked entry doors other than main access

for monitored entry. Door by reception to remain closed apart from 8.50am – 9.05am at break time 10.30am -10.45am and at 12.15pm

In the event of an emergency staff and pupils to follow instructions given by emergency services or other staff on site

Staff to ensure that they are familiar with the evacuation procedures on each site

SMS staffs to ensure all potential hazards are controlled.

Independent learners supervised on random rotation basis

Many staff first Aid trained. Clear access to first aid at all times

SMS Child protection policy in place. Staff should not leave until all pupils have

been collected by parents.

SMS staff have mobile phones/handicoms to remain in contact with reception etc.

Security in line with daytime operation of school.

Internal door at Lyndon to be kept locked at all times, other than when buzzing students through.

Copies of emergency contact details held in the SMS office at all times.

Annual fire drills.

Staff vigilance at all times

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SMS Oct 2013

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