Advice for parents

How will I know my child is safe?

On all projects we have dedicated pastoral staff who are experienced in working with young people and are on call 24 hours a day to provide practical and emotional support throughout the project. The chaperones act in loco parentis and are expected to exercise the same care and control as a good parent would with a view to securing your child’s health, comfort and kind treatment. 

All staff, both artistic and pastoral, have had Enhanced Criminal Records Bureau (CRB)/Disclosure Scotland/Access NI checks and we will be registering with the Independent Standards Authority shortly. YMT has a robust Child Protection Policy, written with one of our Trustees who was formerly with the Metropolitan Police Child Abuse Command. If you would like to read it in full, you can download it from our website. 

What if my child needs a special diet?

YMT will cater for special diets on the basis of medical and religious need or lifestyle choice. This must be clearly indicated on the Medical Form you will be asked to complete if your child is taking part in any YMT project.

What if my child is unwell?

It is your duty as a parent or guardian to fully complete and submit a Medical Form. On the Medical Form you are requested to give consent allowing Chaperones to agree to medical treatment on your behalf in the event of an emergency where you cannot be contacted. You should also indicate if you give consent for pastoral staff to administer paracetamol. If your child takes prescribed medication, the pastoral team will take responsibility for this – you should supply us with clear instructions for this. Chaperones are on call 24 hours a day and in the event of any illness you will be kept informed.

What does the YMT Insurance cover?

YMT has Employers’ and Public Liability Insurance through Zurich Insurance. The company cannot cover insurance of personal items and assumes no responsibility for damage, loss or theft of personal property on any YMT premises. It is advisable to ensure that musical instruments or any other items of value are covered by your household insurance policy. Expensive jewellery, cameras etc. are better left at home! See below for further information. 

What if my child has to cancel or withdraw from the project?

We do not offer a refund in the event that you cancel or withdraw from the project once you have signed and returned the Acceptance Form (Terms and Conditions are explained in full on the reverse of the form). We strongly recommend that you take out full insurance which includes cover against the loss of deposit or cancellation charges. Activity Holiday Insurance can be obtained from a variety of companies. Check with your own Travel/Home insurance providers to see if your current policy covers you already. Alternatively, you may wish to visit the following websites to seek a suitable quotation:

• P J Hayman Company Ltd
• Fogg Travel Insurance Services Ltd
• Endsleigh www.endsleigh.co.uk

This list is not exhaustive and we strongly recommend that you research a range of providers.

What if my child misbehaves?

All young people involved in YMT are ambassadors for the Company and are expected to act accordingly. A list of unacceptable behaviour and how this is addressed is detailed in the Guide for Young People which everyone receives when they take part in a project. The pastoral staff are on hand to provide support and will offer clear, consistent boundaries. Where behaviour endangers the safety and welfare of the young person or that of others they may be asked to leave the project. Where behaviour is potentially criminal the police will be notified. Beyond a verbal warning, you will be kept fully informed by telephone during any disciplinary process.

What if I need to contact my child?

When your child signs up for a YMT project you will be given an emergency contact number to use for the duration of the project, shown on the Information Sheet. This mobile phone is staffed by a member of the pastoral team 24 hours a day. Your child will not be allowed to have their mobile phone switched on in the rehearsal room. On arrival at the venue young people are informed of break/meal/finish times, which they can pass onto you. We would request that you do not call their personal mobiles during rehearsal times. Pastoral phones will be switched on one week in advance of the start of the course. After the project has ended, you can contact our Head Office (0844 415 4858 or .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address))

What if I have a Complaint/Compliment?

We welcome your feedback as this enables us to constantly review and improve the services that we provide to young people. 

I have another question which is not answered here.

Please give us a call on 0844 415 4858 and we’ll direct you to the most relevant member of our team for advice.