Safeguarding and Child Protection

YTAS believes that children and young people should not experience abuse of any kind. We have a responsibility to promote and safeguard the welfare of all children and we are committed to practicing in a way that protects them from harm. 

Our Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy and Procedures  apply to all YTAS staff, including freelancers and volunteers, or anyone working on behalf of the charity.  The full policy can be downloaded using the link above, with our pledge and key principles outlined below.

Age Definition of ‘Children’

The UNCRC and Children and Young People (Scotland) Act (2014) define a child as being anyone under the age of 18 which is a definition YTAS also adopts for the purposes of our work.

Our Principles

YTAS recognises the importance of encouraging children and young people to attend, enjoy and participate in the arts. Their protection should be a matter of concern for us all. We have a shared responsibility to take all reasonable steps to promote safe practice and to protect children and young people. 

Our Child Protection Principles recognise that:

• The best interests of the child must always be a primary consideration.
• All children and young people should be treated fairly and with dignity and respect.
• All children and young people have the right to protection from all forms of harm, abuse, neglect and exploitation.
• All children and young people have the right to express their views on matters that affect them. 

Our Safeguarding Pledge

This pledge is made to all children and young people YTAS engages.

All of us at YTAS promise to make sure that you have the best time possible while you are taking part in our activities. We all believe that you have a right to feel safe and comfortable while you are with us. We will do our very best to live up to the promises that we make to you.

We will…

• Make you feel welcome.
• Always think about your needs as the main consideration.
• Treat all children and young people fairly.
• Make sure that all our staff and volunteers know what they are supposed to be doing.
• Make sure our activities are as safe as possible.
• Celebrate and respect all identities.
• Listen to what you want to tell us.
• Do our best to make sure you have fun.
• Do what we say we will do.

Child Protection Officer

YTAS’s designated Child Protection Officer is our CEO, Kenny McGlashan.