Core Expectations
Cathedrals must foster an environment where choristers and their parents/carers feel safe to talk about the things that may be undermining their wellbeing, and specifically choristers must know who they can speak to. The message must be explicit that raising concerns will not impact on their chorister role or funding for education places.
Music departments must have in place a number of forums to address chorister well-being and pastoral needs at an appropriate level, ranging from confidential discussions with schools about individual children to open meetings involving the cathedral, school and parent/carer representatives to discuss wider issues.
Music departments should have in place regular, formal reviews of chorister vocal health led by a suitably qualified vocal practitioner and should be responsive to additional issues arising between review periods.
A written policy and procedure should outline how the cathedral will approach assessments and discussions about vocal health, including aspects of voice change and transition, particularly for boys. Thought needs to be given to their role and support needs in the transition as well as the impact on the transition on their identity, schooling and well-being.
Good practice
Key staff within music departments, e.g. chaperones and safeguarding leads, should have a basic understanding of child development (physical, cognitive, emotional and social) throughout the relevant age range and this should guide practice. They should also have an understanding of how to work well with children from a range of backgrounds and contexts and be able to respond effectively to the specific needs of the children in their care, e.g. understanding how to support children with disabilities or those who may not present as neurotypical.
Cathedrals should have in place a system whereby choristers can take a periodic rest break without justification but with specified notice periods.
Music departments should normalise discussions and raising concerns about well-being and pastoral needs amongst choristers, parents/carers and staff/volunteers.
Resources
NSPCC Promoting mental health and wellbeing
NSPCC Child health and development
Young Minds – resources for young people, parents/carers and professionals.