Our Approach to Learning
We firmly believe that early involvement in conservatoire education benefits everyone.
Our Junior Conservatoire offers specialist and advanced training for committed and talented young people in dance, drama, music, production and film.
Our Short Courses programme is for anyone who wants to learn about or through the performing and production arts. We have nearly 300 courses for children, young people and adult learners across the disciplines of dance, drama, music, production, screen and teaching skills.
Students on both programmes have access to the same resources as RCS degree students.
Child Protection at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland
The Royal Conservatoire of Scotland is committed to the protection of children and young people, and regards the safeguarding and promoting of their interests and wellbeing to be of paramount concern.
We are determined that all young people can enjoy learning in a safe environment.
We have developed all our policies and procedures with the NSPCC.
We consider it the duty of all those employed or involved with the organisation to prevent the physical, emotional, neglectful or sexual abuse of all children and young people with whom they come into contact and to protect and promote their general welfare and wellbeing.
All staff must adhere to guidelines and respond appropriately to concerns, allegations or disclosures of abuse and harm.
The individual with protection/safeguarding responsibilities at senior management level is Lydia Demaison, Director of Human Resources. Tel 0141 270 8228 or email l.demaison@rcs.ac.uk
Our Policies
The following documents outline our policies and procedures.
They have been developed in conjunction with the NSPCC and will be regularly updated. We review them at least every two years or sooner if new legislation is enacted.
View the RCS Child Protection Policy. Please see our Online Teaching Policy and Remote Teaching Guidance too.
If you have any concerns about a young person, then please contact our Designated Child Protection Contacts.
The protocol for Dealing with Serious Allegations is available via this link.
The Conservatoires UK (CUK) Principles of Best Practice in Conservatoire Teaching (as adopted by RCS) is also available to view.
Visit our Portal to download the Child Protection Disclosure form.
Any queries about this policy and the accompanying procedures should be directed in the first instance to Lydia Demaison via email on: L.Demaison@rcs.ac.uk
Our Checks
All staff who work closely with young people and adults at risk are Protection of Vulnerable Groups (PVG) checked. Disclosure Scotland provides the information to allow us to check the records of any staff working in this area against the national database. To work in this area staff need to have a clean PVG check. We re-check status every three years.
The PVG Scheme and Disclosure Policy is attached and available via this link.
Our Training
All staff and students receive very basic awareness training via an online training package. It is a condition of employment that they undertake this every three years.
Additional Information
Please see links below for current legislation in the area of child protection:
National Guidance on Child Protection Scotland 2014
Scottish Government Updates on Child Protection
Safe Walking Routes
A copy of the safe walking route between Renfrew St and The Wallace Studios at Speirs Locks is available.
