Footlights Theatre Schools Safeguarding Policy

1. Introduction

Footlights Theatre Schools is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children and young people aged 3–18 who attend our classes, workshops, rehearsals, and performances.

This policy outlines the procedures and practices in place to ensure that children participating in our activities are protected from harm and that staff are equipped to respond appropriately to safeguarding concerns.

Our safeguarding procedures are guided by national legislation and statutory guidance including Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) and relevant child protection legislation in England.

Safeguarding is the responsibility of all staff, volunteers, and contractors working with Footlights Theatre Schools.

2. Ethos and Commitment

We aim to create a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment where children:

• Feel safe and respected
• Are encouraged to express themselves creatively
• Know they will be listened to
• Understand how to seek help if they feel unsafe

We believe that safeguarding is essential to the wellbeing and development of every child.

All staff share responsibility for protecting children from harm and ensuring their welfare is always prioritised.

3. Safeguarding Leadership

Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)

Joanne Fisher – Child Protection Lead
07956 423895
jfisher@footlightstheatre.co.uk

Deputy Safeguarding Lead

Jayne Doherty – Deputy Safeguarding Lead
07494 558663
jayne@footlightstheatre.co.uk

The DSL is responsible for:

• Managing safeguarding concerns
• Making referrals to external agencies
• Providing guidance to staff
• Maintaining safeguarding records
• Ensuring safeguarding policies are followed

4. Types of Abuse

Staff and volunteers must be aware that abuse can take many forms, including:

Physical Abuse

Intentional physical harm to a child.

Emotional Abuse

Persistent emotional maltreatment affecting a child’s development.

Sexual Abuse

Forcing or enticing a child to take part in sexual activities.

Neglect

Failure to meet a child’s basic physical or emotional needs.

Staff must also remain alert to other safeguarding concerns including:

• Child sexual exploitation (CSE)
• Child criminal exploitation / county lines
• Online abuse
• Bullying and cyberbullying
• Domestic abuse
• Radicalisation and extremism
• Female genital mutilation (FGM)
• Forced marriage

Any concerns must be reported immediately.

5. Roles and Responsibilities

All Staff and Volunteers Must:

• Read and follow this safeguarding policy
• Prioritise the safety and welfare of children
• Be alert to signs of abuse or neglect
• Report concerns promptly to the DSL
• Maintain professional boundaries
• Attend safeguarding training

Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility.

6. Safe Recruitment

Footlights Theatre Schools follows safer recruitment procedures in line with government guidance.

These include:

• Written applications
• Face-to-face interviews
• At least two references
• Identity verification
• Enhanced DBS checks for staff working regularly with children

Staff will not begin working unsupervised with children until appropriate checks are completed.

7. Staff Code of Conduct

All staff must maintain appropriate professional boundaries.

Staff must not:

• Develop personal relationships with children
• Communicate with children via personal social media
• Send private messages to children
• Share personal contact details

Staff should avoid situations where they are alone with a child wherever possible.

Appropriate physical contact should only occur when necessary for safety, wellbeing, or instructional purposes.

8. Attendance and Supervision

Children attending classes or activities must be signed in and out where appropriate.

Staff must maintain appropriate supervision levels to ensure children remain safe at all times.

Absences or patterns of non-attendance may be followed up if there are safeguarding concerns.

Late collection procedures are in place to ensure children are not left unsupervised.

9. Online Safety

Children may be exposed to safeguarding risks online including grooming, cyberbullying, and inappropriate content.

Footlights Theatre Schools promotes safe and responsible use of technology.

Staff must report concerns relating to online safety to the DSL.

Children must not be contacted through personal social media accounts.

10. Photography and Media

Photographs or videos of children may only be taken:

• With written parental consent
• For approved educational or promotional purposes

Images will be stored securely and used in accordance with data protection regulations.

Parents may withdraw consent at any time.

11. Anti-Bullying

Footlights Theatre Schools has a zero-tolerance approach to bullying.

Bullying may include:

• Verbal abuse
• Physical intimidation
• Social exclusion
• Cyberbullying
• Discriminatory bullying

Any reports of bullying will be taken seriously and addressed promptly.

12. First Aid and Medical Needs

At least one trained first aider will be present during activities.

Accidents or injuries will be recorded in an accident log.

Parents/carers will be informed of any significant injuries.

Medical information and allergies provided by parents will be respected and followed.

13. Recording and Reporting Concerns

Any safeguarding concern must be reported immediately to the Designated Safeguarding Lead.

Staff should:

• Listen carefully to the child
• Reassure them they have done the right thing
• Record the concern accurately
• Report it to the DSL without delay

Staff must never promise confidentiality to a child.

All safeguarding records will be stored securely.

14. Informing Parents and Carers

Footlights Theatre Schools will normally inform parents or carers if a safeguarding referral is made.

However, this may not occur if doing so could place the child at further risk.

15. Allegations Against Staff

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

Procedures will follow guidance from the Local Authority and the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO).

Staff may be suspended while investigations take place if necessary.

16. Working with External Agencies

Footlights Theatre Schools works with relevant safeguarding agencies where required.

These may include:

• Local authority children’s services
• Police
• Schools
• Health professionals

Information will be shared appropriately where it is necessary to protect a child.

17. Confidentiality and Information Sharing

Safeguarding information will be shared on a need-to-know basis to protect children.

Staff must understand that the safety of the child always takes priority over confidentiality.

Information will be handled in accordance with data protection legislation.

18. Whistleblowing

Staff are encouraged to report concerns about the behaviour of colleagues or management.

Concerns will be taken seriously and investigated appropriately.

Staff raising concerns in good faith will be protected.

19. Safeguarding During Performances and Events

Special care is taken during rehearsals, performances, and external events.

Measures include:

• Appropriate supervision ratios
• Safe changing arrangements
• Clear sign-in and sign-out procedures
• Risk assessments for trips and events

Children will not be left unsupervised at any time.

20. Policy Review

This policy will be reviewed annually or sooner if legislation or guidance changes.

All staff will be informed of any updates.

Important Contacts

Designated Safeguarding Lead

Joanne Fisher
07956 423895
jfisher@footlightstheatre.co.uk

Deputy Safeguarding Lead

Jayne Doherty
07494 558663
jayne@footlightstheatre.co.uk

NSPCC Helpline

0808 800 5000