Thame Youth Theatre Policy

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We are a group of actors keen to put on productions…

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We want to be able to offer people the chance to dance and act out of school in a close community where everybody’s a friend. At Thame Youth Theatre, community is a big part of who we are and combining this with theatre skills and the passion to put on regular performances for our local community and our members is what drives us forward.

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Thame Youth Theatre is a social organisation as well as an artistic one- for many it is the friendship and companionship that stems from common purposeful activity that is the chief attraction. There is no audition for a place to join us and we are open to all young people – regardless of gender, race, disability, or religion.

Thame Youth Theatre prides itself on being different from many other youth theatres, in that alongside reasonably-priced dance and drama coaching, we also

 

As an organisation working with young people we undertake to follow the child protection procedures agreed for our local area by Social Services. It is our duty to refer to Social Services any incident that may undermine the welfare of the child.

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Covid-19 Policy 

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Thame Youth Theatre recognises the importance of reducing the risk to the health and safety of our members and staff. This includes doing all that we can to reduce the added risk caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.

This policy will outline all the actions to be taken by Thame Youth Theatre, staff and members to reduce and prevent the spread of the virus. This policy will be kept current and up to date but may change as government guidelines change and as we feel necessary. During this time we will attempt to do all we can to run classes at the same quality and standard that they have always been. We will be attempting to return a sense of normality to our members, however their safety is our first priority so changes have been put in place to ensure this. All these changes are detailed below.

 

What is COVID-19?

Covid-19 is a viral infection similar to flu, spread from person to person by close contact. It typically causes fever and a dry cough, and in some cases may progress to viral pneumonia which cannot be treated by antibiotics. Symptoms of Covid-19 can include:

Dry cough

Sore throat

Fever

Tiredness

Difficulty breathing

 

 

 

The initial symptoms are not dissimilar to other colds and flu-type illnesses, but the combination of a recent onset of fever and a new continuous cough seem to be present in many cases of Covid-19.

Despite the range of symptoms that can be caused by any number of reasons, each symptom must be treated like a suspected case of Covid-19.

For more information on Covid-19 and its symptoms please visit https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/

 

What’s expected of the members

For the protection of all members and staff, all our members will now be required to follow the rules listed below. These new rules will be in addition to any government guidelines and the rules that members are already expected to follow.

• If any of our members or anyone in their household shows any symptoms of Covid-19 they must not come to any classes and must inform us immediately.

• Social distancing of 2 meters should be kept from other members whenever possible. This will be aided by markings on the studio floor.

• Members will NOT be required to wear a mask during class, as this may hinder their ability to effectively take part in class activities. If they wish to wear a mask please let us know so that we can work around this.

• Members will be expected to arrive on time for their class to reduce interaction between the classes. If members arrive early they may be asked to wait in the car or off the premises until their class starts.

• Upon arrival members will be expected to use the hand sanitiser provided or thoroughly wash their hands.

• Members are asked to arrive in appropriate clothing for class as there will be no available changing facilities. This includes appropriate footwear as we do not recommend being bare foot. Please let us know if you will be unable to change before class.

• Members will be encouraged to bring with them as little as possible as the space for bags will be limited at the current time. Bringing in a higher number of unnecessary items will also increase the likelihood of contamination in the space.

• Any items that members bring to class with them must leave with them, including both personal items and rubbish. Additionally, if items are left in the space after class they may be disposed of to reduce the risk of contamination in the space.

• No snacks or water will be provided to members, so they are required to bring their own (no nuts).

• All members must remember to cover their mouths when coughing or sneezing and must wash their hands right away.

• When leaving members will be required to use hand sanitizer once again and will be encouraged to wash when they get home

 

 

What’s expected of the teachers

All teachers will be expected to follow any current government guidelines and do their best to ensure the safety of all members and reduce the spread of Covid-19. In addition to any current rules and guidelines that our teachers are expected to follow they will now also be required to follow the policies listed below.

• If any teachers or members of their household shows any symptoms of Covid-19 they must not come to any classes and must inform us immediately!

• Teachers must keep 2 meters distance from members at all times. This will be aided by the markings on the studio floor.

• Teachers will NOT be required to wear a mask during class, as this may hinder their ability to effectively teach and run sessions.

• Teachers will be expected to arrive to class at least 15 minutes early to allow for any set up time and to have a briefing with the manager prior to the class starting.

• Upon arrival teachers will be expected to use the hand sanitiser provided or thoroughly wash their hands.

• During this time child welfare is of extra concern and so we ask our teachers to be extra vigilant and inform the designated safeguard lead (Kieran Smith) of anything they feel is of concern. For more information on child protection please speak to Kieran or follow the link to the NSPCC website: https://www.nspcc.org.uk/

• All teachers should be aware that there will be no access to the office and consequently no access to water. Teachers should bring their own water bottle and snacks if needed (no nuts).

• Teachers must use hand sanitizer or wash hands thoroughly after coming into contact with any items that do not belong to them or after sneezing or coughing.

• Teachers will be expected to remind members of the new policies that have been put in place and will monitor them to ensure that these policies are followed.

• Teachers will no longer be expected to take attendance as this will be done by Kieran and Holly. Nor will they be expected to provide scripted material for the members, to help reduce contact with possibly contaminated items.

• Teachers will NOT be expected to administer first aid or assist any members physically during class. This must be left to the designated first aiders, Kieran and Holly.

 

What’s expected of TYT

TYT will be responsible for the safety and wellbeing of all members and teachers during class time. TYT will be expected to take all necessary preventative measures to reduce the spread of Covid-19 and ensure the safety of its members and teachers. We will be working very closely with our teachers to ensure that their knowledge of Covid-19 and what safety measures will be required are up to date. This will include providing them with this Covid-19 Policy document and elaborating on it if required.

Reducing and preventing the spread of Covid-19 is the responsibility of everyone and is something that should be taken seriously. This is why we have taken preventative measures to ensure the safety and wellbeing of our members and staff. All of these measures are detailed below and will be updated as we believe necessary, so our action may differ slightly from what is outlined. If this is the case we will update this policy as soon as possible.

• TYT will provide at least 1 source of hand sanitizer for use in each studio and will make sure it is accessible at all times.

• All surfaces will be disinfected between each class by either a member of staff or one of our assistants. This will include but is not limited to; all door handles, tables, sinks, toilets, chairs, and any other objects that have been touched during the session.

• TYT will provide any additional PPE that teachers wish to use during class for their safety. No teachers will be required to wear PPE however we will not restrict their choice to wear it.

• The studios that will be used by TYT will be marked out with tape in a 2 meter by 2 meter square grid. This is to assist all members with social distancing and so they have a safe space to learn without risk of infection.

• TYT will NOT be providing tuck shop or any form of snacks or water until further notice and will be unable to refill water bottles if they run out. This is why we ask all members and teachers to bring their own water.

• Managers of TYT (Holly and Kieran) will be taking attendance for all classes as members enter the space and ensuring that they understand all new rules along with what is required of them.

• Managers of TYT will be taking temperatures of all members and teachers before they are permitted to enter the building. This will be using an infrared thermometer that simply scans the forehead from a distance to detect any signs of fever. In the event that the temperature is consistently above 37.8C after multiple scans they will not be permitted to enter the building and will be required to take a Covid-19 test before being allowed to return.

• TYT will host a fire evacuation drill for each class on the first week of term. This will be focused around keeping a safe distance from other members and ensuring that all members can follow our Covid-19 based safety guidelines in an emergency situation. This will allow us to reduce the spread of the virus even during an emergency.

• The corridor and office will be off limits to all except managers to reduce the areas that need to be cleaned and that may spread the virus.

• Classes will no longer have assistants that are also a member in another class to avoid any cross contamination between classes and to reduce the number of people per class as an added effort to reduce the spread of Covid-19. Classes may have an assistant that is not a current TYT member however classes will be restricted to only one and they must adhere to all policies and rules that teachers and members are expected to follow. This may affect the running of classes marginally but we will all do our utmost to keep the classes running smoothly.

• The designated first aiders (Holly and Kieran) will be the only members of staff to administer any form of first aid or physically interact with our members if required. In the event of any injury, first aiders will be required to use PPE (gloves and face shield) before interacting with any member to ensure the safety of both parties. 

• If any parents wish to discuss anything with one of the managers they may do so after class before the next class starts. Managers will wear face coverings and keep a distance of 2 meters when talking to parents or members.

 

Infection or suspected infection

This section of the policy will cover the response that TYT will take in the event that one of our members or teachers is suspected of carrying Covid-19

 

 

-19. The response to the situation may differ slightly from what is outlined on this policy as the situation may differ from what is expected, however we will make sure to do all within our power to prevent any further spread of Covid-19 if the situation arises. This policy will be used as guidelines to advise managers on a response based on the situation that may occur.

1. In the event that a member or anyone in their household presents or has presented in the last 2 weeks with symptoms of Covid-19 prior to attending a class they will not be allowed in, regardless of how well they are feeling. They and any suspected members of their household will be required to take a test, and if it comes back negative they will be allowed to attend class.

2. If any of our members or teachers show any symptoms during class time at TYT they will be removed immediately to the corridor (this is the area that will be used for isolating any potentially infected persons). They must be collected or sent home right away to avoid any spread of the virus. All other members of that class will also be sent home as soon as possible to reduce the chances of them catching the virus as the area will then be considered potentially contaminated. The member that presented the symptoms will be asked to take a Covid-19 test with the class returning to the space upon a negative result. In the event of a positive result all members of the class including the teacher must isolate for 2 weeks or isolate for 1 week and take a Covid-19 test. Additionally, any other classes with the same teacher will be cancelled until a test is taken or until a cover teacher is found.

3.  If TYT is informed that any members are showing symptoms any time after a class with TYT they will be required to take a Covid-19 test and all parents will be updated on the situation as the virus may have unknowingly been passed on to their child in a previous class. Teachers will also be informed and no classes will go ahead that involve the teacher or any of those members until a negative test is received. If a positive test is received then all classes that the member was a part of including any classes that have been taught by the teacher for those classes, will be shut down and must isolate for 2 weeks. Due to the nature of the virus and how easily it spreads this may result in the whole youth theatre shutting down for 2 weeks.

In the event that classes cannot go ahead at the theatre they will be run online until classes can once again return in person. These classes will be run at their usual time and will consist of a very similar structure to the classes in person, however there may be some changes due to the nature of running classes online.

 

 

Refunds will not be given in the event that a member cannot attend a class or in the event that classes in person are cancelled, whether it is due to Covid-19 related reasons or otherwise, except for the following reasons:

• Replacement classes cannot be made up either in person or online.

• If agreed previously by the YADM, treasurer.

• Due to extenuating circumstances that the YADM agrees is reason enough for a refund, in full or in part.

If for any reason members or parents are not happy with the policies and precautions we have put in place then we urge them to discuss this with us either after class or via email at admin@thameyouththeatre.co.uk

Members are under no obligation to return to class if they don’t feel safe or well. Please let us know right away if you and anyone you have been in contact with has tested positive or is showing symptoms of Covid-19. Thame Youth Theatre will keep all members, parents and staff up to date with any relevant information that we receive, either specific to the youth theatre or general updated to the government guidance.

 

This Policy was last updated on 21/08/2020

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Privacy Policy

Thame Youth Theatre Privacy Policy

The following documents outline all of the current and up to date policies and procedures of Thame Youth Theatre. 
Here at Thame Youth Theatre our priority is always the safety and well-being of our students and that is why we work meticulously to keep our policies, safeguarding certificates and first aid training up to date! 
If you would like to know any information that isn't covered on our website then please email us at admin@thameyouththeatre.co.uk

 

 

We ensure that any information given to us will not be shared on social media or our website. The information we collect are the students name, the parent/guardians name, address, students date of birth, email and telephone/mobile number and any medical/allergies and mental or physical disabilities. We keep the information to contact you in case of emergency, to inform you of any changes to our classes, shows, festivals, or workshops. 

There will be no pictures of the students on social media without the expressed permission from the parent/guardian. 

At Thame Youth Theatre we do not pass any of your information to third parties. If a student wishes to take an exam, in LAMDA. The necessary details will be sent with the parent’s permission.

 

Your Data

This section of the policy sets out how Thame Youth Theatre uses and protects any personal information that you give when you join the school or during your time with us.

Thame Youth Theatre is committed to ensuring that your Data is protected. Should we ask you to provide certain information by which you can be identified, then you can be assured that it will only be used in accordance with our Privacy Policy.

This website does not collect or hold any personal details of parents or pupils, only general information about the school. Any images or videos of pupils or parents are only placed on the website with express consent and will contain no names or personal information.

What we collect

• Parent’s/ guardian’s and student’s name

• Student’s date of birth

• Contact information including home address, email address and phone numbers

• We may occasionally require parent’s/ guardian’s bank details if refunds are required

• Other information relevant to medical conditions and allergies

 

 

What we do with the information we gather

We require this information to keep in contact with you and for the safety of the student. Specific reason for keeping this information are listed below:

• Internal record keeping

• To contact you in the event of an emergency

• To inform you of changes to class times, exams and to give show information

• To ensure the safety of our students

 

Security

We are committed to ensuring that your information is secure. In order to prevent unauthorised access or disclosure, we have put in place suitable procedures to safeguard and secure the information we collect.  Data will be kept secure on a password-protected computer, phone or hard drive, and any paper records will be kept in a locked filing cabinet.

We do not pass any personal information to any other third party companies or individuals unless we have asked for and received express permission from the parent or pupil concerned. If a student wishes to take an examination or enter for a competition, permission will be asked for some of your information to be passed on to LAMDA or other examination bodies. This may include additional information and evidence of this information such as a passport if required. These organisations will have their own policies and procedures in place so please contact them if you have any additional queries.

Controlling your information

Any and all personal information may be kept by Thame Youth Theatre for a reasonable period after any student has left the school. Legally this information may be kept for up to three years however it may be deleted at the request of the parent or guardian. You are entitled to see the information held about you. You may review, correct, update or change your personal data at any time. If you have previously agreed to us using your personal information for marketing purposes, you may change your mind at any time by emailing us. If you have any other questions about this policy or your personal data, please contact us at 

 

 

Digital Images

At Thame Youth Theatre we take child protection very seriously, and so will never allow the filming or photography of any students without express permission from their parents or guardians. Photos or videos of any students will be stored safely in the same manner as all other personal information. Additionally any photos or videos of students will only be used for advertising, on social media or the website with express permission from the student’s parents or guardians. If you have previously agreed to us using any videos or images, you may at any time change your mind by emailing us.

 

 

Cookies

Cookies are small pieces of code which are downloaded to your computer or mobile device when you visit a website, allowing us to recognise your device on subsequent visits. This information is used to track visitor use on the website and to compile statistical reports on website activity. Cookies are anonymous and are not linked to any personal information.

For further information visit www.aboutcookies.org or www.allaboutcookies.org

You can set your browser not to accept cookies and the above websites tell you how to remove cookies from your browser. However, in a few cases some of our website features may not function as a result.

 

Changes to our privacy policy

If our privacy policy changes in any way, we will place an updated version on this page. Regularly reviewing this page ensures that you are always aware of what information we collect, how we use it and under what circumstances.

This policy was last updated on 20/008/2020

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