Blue Sky Flights (BSF) recognizes its duty of care with regard to children involved with its flights, classes and events. BSF recognizes that abuse can take many forms including physical abuse, emotional abuse, sexual abuse or neglect. BSF is committed to practices which protect children from harm. All members of BSF who work with children accept and recognize their responsibilities to develop awareness of the issues which cause children harm.

Definitions

For the purposes of this policy;

  • a child is any person 15 years of age or less.
  • an adult is any person 18 years of age or more.

BSF believes that

  • The welfare of children is paramount.
  • All children, whatever their age, culture, disability, gender, language, racial origins, religious beliefs or their sexual identity have the right to protection from abuse.
  • All suspicions and allegations of abuse will be taken seriously and responded to swiftly.
  • All members of BSF working with children will be clear on how to respond appropriately.

BSF will ensure that

  • All children will be treated equally and with respect and dignity
  • The duty of care to children will always be put first
  • Bullying will not be accepted or condoned
  • Action will be taken to stop any inappropriate verbal or physical behaviour
  • All members of BSF working with children shall receive Stewards of Children Certified Training offered by Stewards of Children and Revealing Secrets ( SCARS )
  • Every member of BSF working with children shall be subject to a Criminal Record Check by the Bermuda Police Service via Skyport
  • A safe and healthy environment is created, avoiding situations where abuse or allegations of abuse may occur

BSF Policies

  • BSF requires an emergency contact number for any person taking a flight, and for any child participating in a ground-based activity
    • If an event is organized by a school, the school may hold the emergency contact for each child and inform BSF the school contact for emergencies
  • Any child flying without an adult must have a signed waiver from a parent/guardian
  • Permission will be sought from a parent/guardian for any photographs or videos including children for promotional or other purposes, and is not a requirement to participate in BSF activities
  • Whenever possible, there will be two adults present with children
  • To avoid accidents, supervisors and the children will be advised of BSF procedures regarding health and safety and will be notified of areas that are out of bounds
  • Children will be advised of the clothing and footwear appropriate to the activity to be undertaken
  • If a child is injured on a BSF flight or event, a designated first aider will administer first aid and the injury will be recorded in BSF’s Safety Management System
  • Children are not to leave any BSF event location without adult supervision, unless a parent has specified to BSF that their child is allowed to take the bus on their own
  • Adults will only touch children when it is absolutely necessary in relation to a particular activity
  • Adults will seek consent of the child prior to any physical contact and the purpose of the contact shall be made clear
  • If any incidents of abuse are reported by a child to BSF personnel, they will record it and report it only to the relevant authorities