StageDoor Studios and Academy CIC

Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy

Organisation: StageDoor Studios and Academy CIC
Policy Version: 1.0
Effective Date: [Insert Date]
Review Date: Annually (or sooner if legislation changes)

1. Policy Statement

StageDoor Studios and Academy CIC (SDSA) is fully committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children and young people who attend our classes, rehearsals, performances, workshops, and events.

We recognise that:

  • The welfare of the child is paramount.

  • All children and young people have the right to protection from abuse, neglect, exploitation, and harm.

  • Safeguarding is the responsibility of everyone working or volunteering within the organisation.

  • All concerns and allegations of abuse must be taken seriously and responded to appropriately.

This policy outlines the safeguarding measures implemented by StageDoor Studios and Academy CIC to ensure that all children, young people, staff, volunteers, and visitors operate within a safe and supportive environment.

This policy applies to:

  • All staff

  • Volunteers

  • Visiting instructors

  • Chaperones

  • Contractors

  • Students and participants

  • Parents and guardians

2. Legal Framework

This policy is written in accordance with UK safeguarding legislation and guidance, including but not limited to:

  • Children Act 1989 and 2004

  • Working Together to Safeguard Children (2018)

  • Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE)

  • The Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006

  • The Prevent Duty (Counter Terrorism and Security Act 2015)

  • Female Genital Mutilation Act 2003

  • Data Protection Act 2018 / UK GDPR

  • Children in Entertainment Regulations

3. Definition of Safeguarding

Safeguarding refers to protecting children and young people from:

  • Physical abuse

  • Emotional abuse

  • Sexual abuse

  • Neglect

  • Exploitation

  • Radicalisation

  • Grooming

  • Bullying (including online bullying)

  • Harmful practices such as Female Genital Mutilation (FGM)

Safeguarding also includes promoting children’s:

  • Physical wellbeing

  • Mental health

  • Emotional development

  • Safety within the organisation

4. Designated Safeguarding Leads

StageDoor Studios and Academy CIC has appointed Designated Safeguarding Leads (DSLs) responsible for safeguarding oversight.

Designated Safeguarding Leads:

  • Zara Bowden – Safeguarding Lead

  • Holly Williams – Deputy Safeguarding Lead

Responsibilities include:

  • Managing safeguarding concerns and disclosures

  • Liaising with external safeguarding agencies

  • Ensuring staff safeguarding training is maintained

  • Maintaining safeguarding records

  • Ensuring safeguarding policy compliance

In the absence of the DSL, safeguarding concerns should be reported to the Deputy Safeguarding Lead.

5. Safer Recruitment

StageDoor Studios and Academy CIC follows safer recruitment procedures to ensure all individuals working with children are suitable.

All staff members:

  • Must hold a valid Enhanced DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check

  • Must provide appropriate references

  • Must complete safeguarding training

  • Must comply with the safeguarding policy

DBS certificates are recorded and stored securely, and DBS numbers are kept within the organisation’s compliance folder.

Any volunteers, guest instructors, or chaperones who do not hold DBS certification must:

  • Be supervised at all times, OR

  • Apply for a licensed chaperone certificate through the Local Authority Children in Entertainment services.

6. Staff Training

All staff and volunteers working with children receive appropriate safeguarding training.

Training includes:

  • Safeguarding and Child Protection Awareness

  • Recognising signs of abuse

  • Responding to disclosures

  • Professional boundaries

  • Reporting procedures

The Designated Safeguarding Leads undertake advanced safeguarding training.

Safeguarding training is refreshed regularly and at minimum every two years.

7. Prevent Duty

StageDoor Studios and Academy CIC complies with the Prevent Duty, which requires organisations working with children to prevent individuals from being drawn into terrorism or extremism.

All staff receive Prevent awareness training and are expected to:

  • Recognise signs of radicalisation

  • Report concerns to the Designated Safeguarding Lead

  • Promote an environment of tolerance, respect, and inclusivity

Any concerns regarding radicalisation will be referred to the appropriate safeguarding authorities.

8. Female Genital Mutilation (FGM)

StageDoor Studios and Academy CIC recognises that FGM is a form of abuse and is illegal in the UK.

Staff receive FGM awareness training to help them recognise risk indicators.

Possible indicators include:

  • A child discussing a special procedure or ceremony

  • Extended trips abroad

  • Sudden changes in behaviour or attendance

If a staff member suspects that a child is at risk of FGM, they must immediately report this to the Designated Safeguarding Lead.

The DSL will follow mandatory reporting procedures where required.

9. First Aid Provision

StageDoor Studios and Academy CIC ensures that appropriate first aid provisions are always available.

At all sessions:

  • At least two qualified first aiders are present

  • First aiders hold Paediatric First Aid certification

  • Staff are trained in EpiPen administration

A fully stocked first aid kit is available at all times.

All accidents or injuries are recorded in the Accident Book and parents or guardians are informed when necessary.

10. Mental Health and Wellbeing

StageDoor Studios and Academy CIC recognises the importance of supporting the mental health and emotional wellbeing of children and young people.

Staff are encouraged to:

  • Promote a safe and supportive environment

  • Be attentive to changes in behaviour

  • Support students experiencing emotional difficulties

Staff undertake Mental Health Awareness training where appropriate.

If a student displays signs of distress, anxiety, or emotional harm, staff should:

  1. Listen to the student respectfully

  2. Avoid making promises of confidentiality

  3. Report concerns to the Designated Safeguarding Lead

11. Responding to Safeguarding Concerns

If a child discloses abuse or a safeguarding concern is identified:

Staff must:

  1. Remain calm and listen carefully

  2. Reassure the child they have done the right thing

  3. Avoid leading questions

  4. Do not promise confidentiality

  5. Record the disclosure accurately

  6. Report immediately to the Designated Safeguarding Lead

Staff must never investigate allegations themselves.

12. Recording and Reporting

All safeguarding concerns must be recorded in writing, including:

  • Date and time of concern

  • Details of the child involved

  • Description of the concern

  • Actions taken

Records are stored securely in accordance with GDPR and data protection regulations.

13. Supervision and Safe Practice

To ensure safe practice:

  • Students must sign in and out of sessions

  • A register is maintained at all sessions

  • Appropriate staff-to-student ratios are maintained

  • Changing areas are monitored appropriately

  • Staff must maintain professional boundaries at all times

A compliance folder is kept on site containing:

  • Safeguarding policy

  • Staff DBS records

  • Training certifications

  • Attendance registers

  • Incident records

14. Photography and Media

Photographs or videos of students will only be taken with parental consent.

Images will be used responsibly for:

  • Promotional materials

  • Social media

  • Marketing

Students will never be identified by full name without parental permission.

15. Online Safety

StageDoor Studios and Academy CIC recognises the importance of online safety.

Staff must:

  • Use professional communication channels

  • Avoid private communication with students

  • Report any concerns regarding online behaviour

16. Allegations Against Staff

Any allegations made against staff or volunteers will be taken seriously.

The organisation will:

  • Report concerns to the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) where appropriate

  • Suspend staff if necessary during investigation

  • Follow safeguarding procedures in full

17. Policy Review

This safeguarding policy will be reviewed:

  • Annually

  • Following changes in safeguarding legislation

  • Following safeguarding incidents if necessary

18. Contact Information

Designated Safeguarding Lead:
Zara Bowden

Deputy Safeguarding Lead:
Holly Williams

Emergency safeguarding concerns should be reported to:

  • Local Safeguarding Partnership

  • Children’s Social Care

  • Police (999 in an emergency)

Inclusivity Policy

We recognise that participation in creative training can have a significant and positive impact on the lives of children and young people. This commitment to inclusion and access is a core value of The StageDoor Studios and Academy CICand is highly valued by the families we work with.

Our aim is to provide every child with the best possible experience, regardless of personal circumstances, background, or ability.

The StageDoor Studios and Academy CIC is an inclusive organisation with an equal opportunities policy that applies to both staff recruitment and student enrolment. All children and young people are offered the same opportunity, support, and encouragement to participate, whether for education, personal development, enjoyment, or future career pathways.

We welcome applications from all prospective students regardless of social, political, religious, or cultural background, sexual orientation, gender identity, or ability. We do not operate auditions for entry into our scheduled classes, except in limited cases such as specialist performance groups designed to showcase and develop specific talents. Not all performance groups require auditions.

All applications are considered equally, and prospective students are offered a minimum two-week trial period to assess their ability to participate fully in the programme. We are committed to providing a high-quality artistic and professional experience across performing and digital arts, using a diverse range of teaching approaches.

We recognise that some children and young people may have individual needs, including SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) or more complex behavioural needs. Where possible and where resources allow, our teaching team will make reasonable adjustments to support participation.

However, it must also be acknowledged that not all students will thrive within an ensemble-based learning environment. The trial period allows both families and the academy to assess suitability, and in some cases, it may not be possible to continue participation if a student is unable to engage with learning or if their behaviour significantly disrupts the learning experience of others.

Our priority is always the safety, wellbeing, and learning experience of all students within our care.