Coronavirus (COVID-19) Policy

Purpose

This policy underpins the practices of Briz Kidz Casting and the procedures put in place by the agency to protect the health of all Briz Kidz staff, appointed chaperones and tutors, parents and children along with the production cast and crew. It outlines the procedures that Briz Kidz staff, appointed chaperones and tutors, parents and children should follow during the coronavirus outbreak and the ensuing period of social distancing. We take the responsibility of protecting the health of the aforementioned very seriously and it is important that we all respond responsibly to help stop the further spread of the virus. We will liaise with each production to ensure a coherent approach to safeguarding health whilst working on set.

Bookings

Briz Kidz Casting will only send profiles for casting opportunities once we are satisfied with the Covid-19 safeguarding procedures put in place by the production. All casting opportunities will be treated on an individual basis and will be subject to additional considerations when sending the list of profiles that suit the casting brief. These include

  • Location: Preference will be given to children based within the borough of the location to minimise the need for travel. All castings will be be subject to, and cater for any local lockdowns and government guidance.
  • Health Conditions: children with underlining health conditions, as deemed at higher risk, will not be put forward for any role. Parents with any underlining health conditions will also not be permitted to accompany their child. This includes, but is not limited to, asthma, diabetes, heart and lung conditions.
  • Children classed as extremely clinically vulnerable and are shielding due to the higher risks associated with Covid 19 will not be put forward for any role. Please refer to the government guideline found here. This will also apply to children with parents/family members classed as vulnerable.
  • Breaks: children, chaperones and tutors will be required to have a minimum of 7 days break between different productions.

Briz Kidz will pass on role specific information, in advance, to the Parent/Legal Guardian. This will also include the special measures put in place to protect against the further spread of coronavirus. This will enable them to make an informed choice as to whether the role is in the best interest of the child.

Each production will be allocated a core chaperone, or team of chaperones as required, who remain on first call during the agreed dates. Any additional chaperones will be booked on an ad hoc basis as required.

Child Performance Licensing

All bookings are subject to obtaining a Child Performance License, which is issued by the Local Authority (LA). Additional checks are now required by all LAs and, as such, each application will need 21 days for processing. Applications must now include the following:

  • Application (parts 1 and 2)
  • Photos of the child
  • Copy of child’s Birth Certificate
  • School’s permission of absence letter
  • Risk Assessments – this will need to be shared with the child/parent, who will need to sign and date it. It will also need to include clear reference to the measures taken to safeguard the young person whilst working with the production, including;
      • social distancing and expected interaction with others (other children, chaperones, cast members, members of production – hair, make-up, camera crew etc)
      • the protective equipment will they be issued with e.g. gloves, handwash etc
      • what actions the production will take to ensure that the young person is able to comply with the safeguarding measures in place
      • track-and-trace procedures
      • taking account of any circumstances which relate specifically to that child, for example any underlying health concerns or vulnerabilities of other family members in the home.
  • Medical Declaration; each child and chaperone will need to complete a Covid-19 medical declaration for each production they work with.

It is essential that any changes to the medical declaration are reported immediately, including:

  • If the child or any household member are feeling ill or are displaying symptoms associated to Covid-19
  • If the child or any household member has been in close contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19
  • If a member of the production, likely to come in to contact with the child, is feeling ill or displaying symptoms associated to Covid-19 or has tested positive.

Data Protection

All information regarding your health and personal data will be shared in line with Briz Kidz Privacy Policy (2019).

General hygiene rules

  • Wash your hands regularly (follow the 20-second hand-washing rule). You can also use hand sanitizers.
  • Cough/sneeze into your sleeve, preferably into your elbow. If you use a tissue, discard it properly and clean/sanitize your hands immediately.
  • Avoid touching your face, particularly eyes, nose, and mouth with your hands to prevent from getting infected.
  • All phones and personal equipment should be regularly disinfected or, where possible, kept off set/location.

Symptoms of Covid

The current symptoms of Coronavirus are:

  • a new continuous cough
  • a high temperature
  • a loss of, or change in, your normal sense of taste or smell (anosmia)

Mental Health 

It is important that we take care of ourselves and others during these unsettling times. If you are worried about Coronavirus and how it affects you, your family and the industry, there are lots of resources available to help give you the best advice.

For children and young people who are feeling concerned or overwhelmed, there are organisations you can go to for advice. 

YoungMinds Crisis Messenger

  • Provides free, 24/7 crisis support across the UK if you are experiencing a mental health crisis
  • If you need urgent help text YM to 85258
  • All texts are answered by trained volunteers, with support from experienced clinical supervisors
  • Texts are free from EE, O2, Vodafone, 3, Virgin Mobile, BT Mobile, GiffGaff, Tesco Mobile and Telecom Plus.

Childline

The Mix

  • Information, support and listening for people under 25.
  • Phone 0808 808 4994 (24 hours)
  • Get support online

Samaritans

  • 24 hour confidential listening and support for anyone who needs it. (Adults included.)
  • jo@samaritans.org
  • Phone 116 123 (24 hours)

 

Please note this policy is subject to change to keep inline with government advice and industry guidelines.