Introduction
This code of conduct has been developed in order to provide children and young people with advice on the behaviour that is expected of them when attending and using the facilities of the Gantry Youth Theatre.

It is to be used in conjunction with the policy and procedures for Safeguarding Children, Young People and Vulnerable Adults.

Purpose

• To ensure children and young people are treated fairly by all adults working with them at the Gantry Youth Theatre.
• To eliminate as far as possible any behaviours which might lead children to feel unsafe or distressed.

Basic Principles

This code of behaviour for children and young people is intended to:

• Identify acceptable behaviour for children and young people
• Promote self respect and self control
• Raise young peoples’ self esteem and self confidence
• Encourage individual responsibility for behaviour and outline the consequences of poor behaviour
• Encourage young people to recognise and respect the rights of others
• Encourage co-operation at all times in all situations
• Promote the values of honesty, fairness and respect
• Anticipate and resolve any conflict that may arise
• Ensure that children and young people are aware of the point that sanctions will be put into place

Dos

Children and young people are expected to:

• Co-operate with each other
•  Be friendly
• Listen to each other
•  Be helpful
•  Follow the rules (code of conduct, equipment use etc)
• Have good manners
• Join in
• Respect each others' differences
• Treat staff and volunteers with respect
• Report concerns and worries to their tutor

Don’ts

Children and young people should not:

• Pick on or make fun of each other
• Yell and/or shout at others
• Be abusive (physically, verbally or in any other way)
• Use equipment to be abusive ( e.g. abusive text messages, Instagram, Facebook or emails, taking photos without permission)

Breach of Code of Conduct

It is the responsibility of the Gantry Youth Theatre to ensure that all children and young people attending the Gantry Youth Theatre are informed of this code of conduct and to confirm with them or their parents that they have seen, understood and agreed to follow it. Children and young people must also be made aware of the consequences should they breach the code:

1. Warning

As a warning for a minor or first time breach the child/young person will be reminded about the code of conduct and asked to comply with it.

2. Lead tutor involved

Should the child/young person continue to exhibit inappropriate behaviour they should be referred to the lead tutor who will discuss the situation and give them a formal warning. Their behaviour will also be closely monitored for a period of time.

3. Parents involved

If behaviour does not improve their parents/carers will be informed and invited in for a meeting with the tutor and child. The management committee will also be informed.

4. Suspension from Gantry

Any further persistent inappropriate behaviour will result in a more serious sanction being imposed e.g. suspension from activities at the Gantry Youth Theatre.

Note: In some extreme cases (e.g. serious bullying, threatening or violent behaviour) steps 2 or 3 may be applied immediately without a first warning.