Safe Guarding

 

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Good Practice Guidelines

 

1. Introduction

Stage One is committed to providing a safe and welcoming environment for all children participating in our programs. This policy outlines our responsibilities in safeguarding the welfare of children, promoting their well-being, and ensuring that all staff, volunteers, and stakeholders are aware of their roles in protecting children from harm.

 

2. Purpose of the Policy

The purpose of this policy is to:

• Protect children and young people who attend our theatre school from harm, abuse, or exploitation.

• Provide staff and volunteers with clear guidance on the expectations and procedures to ensure children’s safety.

• Ensure compliance with current legislation and best practices for safeguarding children.

 

3. Scope of the Policy

This policy applies to all staff, volunteers, contractors, parents, guardians, and children involved in activities at Stage One. It covers all aspects of safeguarding and child protection both on and off the premises, including rehearsals, performances, trips, and other related activities.

 

4. Definitions

• Child/Children: Any individual under the age of 18.

• Safeguarding: The actions taken to promote the welfare of children and protect them from harm, abuse, or exploitation.

• Abuse: Includes physical, emotional, sexual abuse, neglect, and exploitation.

 

5. Legislative Framework

This policy has been developed with reference to:

• The Children Act 1989 & 2004

• The Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006

• The Children and Social Work Act 2017

• Working Together to Safeguard Children 2018

• Keeping Children Safe in Education 2023

 

6. Key Principles

The following principles guide this safeguarding policy:

• The welfare of the child is paramount.

• All children, regardless of age, disability, gender, racial heritage, religious belief, sexual orientation, or identity, have the right to equal protection from harm.

• We take a child-centered approach, considering the needs and wishes of children.

• Staff and volunteers are trained to recognise and respond to signs of abuse or neglect.

• Any concerns or allegations of abuse will be taken seriously, reported appropriately, and acted upon swiftly.

 

7. Roles and Responsibilities

7.1. Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)

• The DSL is responsible for overseeing the implementation of this policy.

• The DSL is the point of contact for any safeguarding concerns and will liaise with appropriate external agencies if needed.

• The DSL ensures that safeguarding procedures are kept up to date and that staff receive regular training.

 

7.2. Staff and Volunteers

• All staff and volunteers are required to attend safeguarding training.

• They are responsible for promoting the welfare of children and taking action if they have concerns about a child’s safety or well-being.

• Any concerns should be reported immediately to the DSL.

 

7.3. Parents and Guardians

• Parents and guardians are encouraged to share any concerns about their child's well-being with the theatre school.

• They are expected to cooperate with the safeguarding policies to ensure their child's safety.

 

7.4. Children

• Children are encouraged to express their concerns and are assured they will be listened to in a safe and respectful manner.

 

8. Recognising Signs of Abuse

All staff and volunteers should be aware of the possible signs of abuse, which can include:

• Physical Abuse: Unexplained injuries, bruising, or behaviour indicating physical harm.

• Emotional Abuse: Excessive shyness, withdrawn behaviour, or self-harm.

• Sexual Abuse: Inappropriate sexual behaviour or language, or an understanding of sex beyond their age.

• Neglect: Poor hygiene, malnutrition, or consistent lack of supervision.

 

9. Responding to Concerns

9.1. What to Do if You Suspect Abuse

• If a child makes a disclosure, stay calm, listen carefully, and offer reassurance.

• Do not make promises you cannot keep, such as promising confidentiality.  Explain that you will need to report the matter to the DSL.

• Record the child’s words as soon as possible and report the disclosure to the DSL immediately.

 

9.2. Reporting Procedures

• Any safeguarding concerns must be reported to the DSL using the safeguarding concern form within 24 hours.

• The DSL will assess the concern and decide on further action, including contacting local child protection services if necessary.

 

10. Confidentiality and Information Sharing

All concerns will be treated confidentially and shared only with relevant personnel and authorities. Information will be shared on a need-to-know basis and in line with current legislation regarding data protection and safeguarding.

 

11. Allegations Against Staff or Volunteers

If an allegation of abuse is made against a staff member or volunteer:

• The DSL will be informed immediately, and the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) will be contacted.

• The staff member or volunteer may be suspended pending an investigation.

• Appropriate disciplinary action will be taken based on the outcome of the investigation.

 

12. Safer Recruitment Practices

Stage One is committed to ensuring that all staff and volunteers who work with children are suitable and safe to do so. The recruitment process will include:

• A thorough vetting process including interviews, reference checks, and enhanced DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) checks.

• Ensuring that all staff and volunteers have received the appropriate safeguarding training.

 

13. Training

All staff, volunteers, and trustees will receive:

• Induction training that includes this safeguarding policy.

• Annual safeguarding refresher training to keep their knowledge current.

• Training on how to recognise and report the signs of abuse.

 

14. Code of Conduct

To ensure the safety of children, staff, and volunteers must:

• Always work in an open and transparent manner.

• Avoid being alone with a child in a private space where others cannot observe.

• Refrain from using inappropriate language, behaviour, or physical contact with a child.

• Report any breaches of this policy to the DSL.

 

15. Online Safety

As part of Stage One’s commitment to child safety, online interactions during classes or performances will be closely monitored. Children’s personal information and media will be kept confidential, and parental consent will be obtained before any online content featuring children is shared.

 

16. Review of Policy

This policy will be reviewed annually or in response to any major incidents, changes in legislation, or guidance from safeguarding authorities.

 

Contact Information:

• Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL): Mario Frendo : 07976 751 504

• Deputy DSL: Michelle Wilson : 07711 035 391

• Local Authority Children’s Services: Essex County Council

• NSPCC Helpline: 0808 800 5000

 

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Approved by: Mario Frendo, Teacher and Safeguarding Officer
Date: September 2024
Next Review Date: August 2025

 

This safeguarding policy is a key document in ensuring the protection of children at Stage One, and it is the responsibility of all staff and volunteers to uphold its principles and procedures.

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