Supervision of Children and Young People Policy
Chapter is a popular and busy venue which welcomes a wide range of individuals through its doors seven days a week. Whilst you’re here, we want you to feel safe in the informal atmosphere of our arts centre.
Every day of the week, we bring a range of activities, events, films, performances and exhibitions to our venue and offer a relaxing place for communities to gather. Children and young people are warmly welcomed.
However, as part of our offer, we’re also home to a licensed bar, which means that we have clear guidance from Cardiff Council around how we must manage behaviour and attendances relating to children and young people. If we don’t adhere to these guidelines, we’ll be in breach of our licence agreement.
The purpose of this policy is to outline this guidance to visitors about the appropriate supervision of children on our premises.
A copy of this policy is available on request at our Information Desk.
Visitors are asked to familiarise themselves with the policy and to ensure they follow the guidance as required.
Security and Safety
One of the most important factors in ensuring the safety of children on our premises is the security of our building. While we’re rightfully acknowledged as a ‘safe space’ through our provision of trained staff and CCTV, it should be acknowledged that Chapter is still a public space with a large number of people visiting daily.
In addition, we have several public access points into and out of the building. All are unlocked during opening hours and all lead onto busy areas such as streets or car parks. While all entrances and all public spaces within the building are monitored by CCTV, this is mainly for the purposes of providing evidence. Although recording 24/7, cameras are not monitored continually and should not be relied on as a preventative measure.
Inside the building, and specifically in the café bar area, all children under 14 years must be supervised by an appropriate adult at all times and wherever possible, seated at a table. With hot food and drinks being served and a busy level of footfall we must ensure the safety of all visitors and our staff. Children under 14 are welcome accompanied by an adult in the café bar until 9pm each day, at which point, you'll be asked to leave by the Duty Manager. Those aged 14 and over are welcome to stay longer, however must vacate the premises prior to 10.30pm, be in a dedicated alcohol-free space or attending an event. Attendees must produce suitable ID on request or admission will be refused.
When outside the building but still on Chapter premises, children must continue to be supervised by an appropriate adult at all times. The front of Chapter makes for an attractive play area; however, it should be remembered that it borders a busy road and noisy play may disturb our neighbours, or interrupt events taking place in nearby spaces.
Please note that due to our licencing arrangement, it’s not permitted to take alcoholic drinks outside the venue beyond 8pm.
Chapter Duty Managers and other staff are not responsible for supervising your children, this responsibility remains with the parent, guardian or responsible adult at all times.
If Duty Managers believe there’s is a risk to safety, if noise levels are causing a disruption to any of our other activities or neighbours, or any of the above requests are not followed, you will be asked to leave the area.
Chapter Staff and Instruction
Please don't be offended if our Duty Managers approach you concerning the behaviour of your children. They’re tasked with ensuring an enjoyable atmosphere and are responsible for the safety and wellbeing of everyone on the premises. If they feel it’s needed, they’ll approach you and discreetly discuss the matter. Any and all requests by the Duty Manager must be adhered to and, if requests are repeatedly ignored or they feel the situation has not improved, you may be asked to leave.
The decision of our Duty Managers is final, and they’re acting under the full authority of the Board of Trustees, Senior Management Team and delegated licence holder.
Rude or unacceptable behaviour, either verbal or physical, won't be tolerated. Please also see our Code of Conduct.
Comments or feedback in relation to this policy can be directed to the Head of Visitor Services, Chapter, Market Road, Cardiff CF5 1QE.
