Conference 2009
Jenny Ballentyne, Team Leader, Children's Targeted Protection Team, Child Protection Division, Safeguarding Group
Jenny welcomed the invitation of DCSF staff attending conference and the strong working relationship with the NNCEE. She explained the review commissioned by Ministers of the 1968 Child Performance Regulations and the public consultation process which will hopefully be during the summer; giving a real opportunity to improve the law and practice around children who take part in performances. Although child employment is not currently being reviewed the DCSF are looking at potential solutions.
Matthew Purves & Gerald Stains of the DCSF, Safeguarding Group
The areas Matthew and Gerald covered included:- Proposals submitted to the DCSF Minister to update the outdated1968 performance regulations; complexity and ambiguity leading to differing practices, and so to differing opportunities for children to perform; and, safeguarding concerns. The area of factual and reality programmes were also covered along with child employment guidance. Matthew and Gerald spent two days with us, attending our workshops and discussion sessions.
Melanie Gill, Child Forensic Psychologist – Organisation Psycho-Politics
Melanie gave a fascinating speech in relation to TV programmes such as - ‘Boys & Girls Alone’ & School of Comedy, Channel 4 TV and public service broadcasting in relation to the emotional needs of children.
Stephen Shore, Chief Executive, Doncaster Chamber of Commerce
Stephen gave delegates a brief history of the Chamber of Commerce; people's perceptions of the Chamber of Commerce; its business model and what they offer. Also offering help for delegates to contact their own Chamber of Commerce.
Mick Moran, Regional HR Manager - One Stop Shops
Mick gave us an insight into:who they are, number of shops/employees; Newspaper rounds; training; 'delivering safely'; and compliance with Child Employment Legislation.
Wincey Knight and Natasha, Nickelodeon
An interesting insight into how Nickelodeon work with child performers; how they chaperone; how their 'checks and balances' are put into place to ensure they meet the 1968 Regulations. But, most of all, how they make performing an enjoyable experience for all their children.
John Sheridan, Independent Safeguarding Authority (ISA)
John explained how the agency works; what's new; time-lines; procedures and how the ISA adds to the CRB checks.
Question Time Panel – David Martin Production Guild, Producer of Primeval, Ali Morris & Janet Willis Warner Bros., Terry Drury & Ian Hart
Information and discussions took place covering areas such as: Tutoring child performers - how the Industry meets the Regulation requirements for education; Updating of the Children in Performance Regulations 1968; How productions work with child performers and the difficulties surrounding the Regulations; and much, much more. A thought provoking and interesting session all round
Production Question Time Panel - David Martin (Production Guild) - Rebecca Keeley (Eurokids Ltd.) - Matthew Purves (DCSF) and Terry Drury, Ian Hart NNCEE.
This session covered questions such as: National Licensing body for the UK as opposed to individual local authorities? Licensing bodies for Producers, Amateur Groups and the like? Will Child Employment Officers have the same powers as other professionals within local authorities? In the new legislation for children performing abroad do you feel it is appropriate to go to court? Can local authorities have copies of licenses for their children working outside the UK?
and a huge thank you to all our speakers and panels
WORKSHOPSThis year we ran four workshops (twice) to enable delegates to attend two subject areas. All the workshops were designed to cover topics which members felt would be beneficial to their working practices, giving them the opportunity to not only gain but also to share their knowledge and experiences. Thanks to all our workshop facilitators.
Importing & Exporting – Child performers
Gwen Medd Buckinghamshire County Council; Wendy Smith East Sussex County Council & Pamela Gagliardi City of Westminster Magistrates Court. This practical workshop, presented through role-play (additional thanks to Val White & Fiona Osborne for stepping in at the last moment), information giving and discussion, aimed to give an insight into the often confusing legal requirements involved for productions and Local Authorities when UK children perform abroad; and when non-UK children perform in the UK (UK Border Agency)
Safeguarding in Child E mployment
Steve Stubbs, Safeguarding Manager for Doncaster LA - What is safeguarding; Linking employment with safeguarding children; circumstances where the type of employment might warrant investigation and contacting Safeguarding.
Back to Basics Child Employment
Paul Kirkman, Cornwall LA - Employment regulations; type, hours of work; local authority byelaws; prohibited employment and employer insurance.
Matron/Chaperone Training Made Easy
Ian Hart Surrey LA gave ideas and resources to help workshop members design their own training sessions along with the opportunity to experience them for themselves. The workshop covered practical exercises and situations chaperones may face when caring for child performers . .
OTHER AREAS COVERED Child Employment Week 2010 - Plans and future dates Discussion Groups Web Editor discusses the site and future plans
