Safeguarding Policy

Safeguarding Policy

Spotlight and Beyond Theatre School
Last updated: 17/11/2025

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Spotlight and Beyond Theatre School is committed to providing a safe, supportive, and nurturing environment for every child, young person, and vulnerable adult who attends our classes, workshops, and events. We follow the core principles of Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) and good safeguarding practice for out-of-school settings.

 

1. Our Commitment to Safeguarding

We believe that:

• All children and young people have the right to feel safe.

• Their welfare is our highest priority.

• Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility.

• Concerns must be responded to quickly, appropriately, and professionally.

We take a zero-tolerance approach to abuse or harm of any kind.

 

2. Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)

Designated Safeguarding Lead: Sophie Barnard
Contact: slb.theatreschool@outlook.com | 07587 205800

The DSL is responsible for:

• Handling safeguarding concerns

• Recording and reporting issues

• Liaising with local safeguarding agencies

• Ensuring staff follow safeguarding procedures

 

3. Safer Recruitment

To keep our students safe, we ensure that:

• All staff and regular volunteers have up-to-date enhanced DBS checks

• Staff are vetted for suitability to work with children

• New staff receive safeguarding induction before working with students

 

4. Staff Training

All staff receive appropriate safeguarding training, including:

• How to recognise signs of abuse

• How to respond to a disclosure

• How to record and report concerns

• Whistleblowing procedures

Training is refreshed regularly to reflect current safeguarding guidance.

 

5. Recognising Abuse

Staff are trained to recognise the four main categories of abuse outlined in KCSIE:

• Physical abuse

• Emotional abuse

• Sexual abuse

• Neglect

We also monitor for other risks, including:

• Bullying

• Online safety concerns

• Radicalisation (Prevent Duty)

• County lines exploitation

• Peer-on-peer abuse

 

6. Reporting Concerns

If a child or young person is at risk, staff must:

1. Listen calmly and without judgment

2. Reassure the child they’ve done the right thing

3. Record what was said accurately and promptly

4. Report the concern to the DSL without delay

Concerns are never ignored. We do not promise confidentiality to a child where their safety is at risk.

If a child is in immediate danger, staff will contact emergency services (999).

 

7. Working with Parents & Carers

We aim to work in partnership with parents and carers.
However, safeguarding concerns may be referred to external agencies without parental consent if the child is believed to be at risk of harm.

 

8. Photography & Filming

We obtain written consent before photographing or filming students.
Parents/students may withdraw consent at any time.

Images are stored securely and used only for agreed purposes.

 

9. Online Safety

To protect students:

• Staff do not communicate with students via personal accounts

• Photos/videos shared online follow consent rules

• Students are never identified by full name in public posts

• Online classes (if used) follow strict safeguarding procedures

 

10. Health, Safety & Supervision

We ensure:

• Safe adult-to-child supervision ratios

• Clear procedures for collection, sign-in, and sign-out

• Risk assessments for venues, activities, and events

• First aiders available during sessions

• Accessible provision for students with additional needs

 

11. Whistleblowing

Staff must report concerns about the behaviour of another staff member to the DSL.
Where the DSL is involved in the concern, staff should report to the local authority designated officer (LADO).

Whistleblowers are protected and never penalised.

 

12. Record Keeping

We keep confidential, secure safeguarding records that are:

• Accurate

• Dated

• Stored securely

• Shared only on a need-to-know basis

 

13. Review of Policy

This policy is reviewed annually or sooner if national guidance changes