Safeguarding & Child Protection Policy

---

Revolutionise Dance & Theatre Company

Revolutionise Dance & Theatre Company is committed to providing a safe, nurturing and inclusive environment for every child and young person who attends our classes, workshops, events and activities.
We recognise our responsibility to safeguard and promote the welfare of all students and expect every member of staff and every volunteer to share this commitment.

This policy ensures we:
– protect all children and young people in our care
– provide clear guidance for staff on recognising and responding to concerns
– maintain safe, responsible and professional practice
– create a culture of transparency, vigilance and accountability

This policy is guided by:
– Children Act 1989 & 2004
– Working Together to Safeguard Children (2018)
– Keeping Children Safe in Education
– GDPR & Data Protection Act
– Local Safeguarding Children Board guidance

– ensure all staff and volunteers working with children hold an enhanced DBS
– follow safe recruitment procedures
– provide safeguarding guidance and training
– maintain secure, accurate safeguarding records
– share information appropriately when necessary to protect a child
– ensure safe supervision ratios at all times

– prioritise the welfare of every child
– treat all students with dignity and respect
– maintain professional boundaries
– avoid being alone in private with a child
– avoid unnecessary physical contact
– never transport children without prior management and parental permission
– report concerns immediately to the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)

Staff must:
– use appropriate, respectful language
– model positive behaviour
– never use personal phones or devices for photos/videos
– never contact students on personal social media
– maintain professional distance at all times
– communicate clearly and fairly with all students

Physical contact may be required to support alignment, technique, safety or injury prevention.
When contact is needed, staff will:
– explain the purpose of the contact
– seek verbal consent where appropriate
– use the minimum contact necessary
– avoid sensitive areas
– respect any refusal or discomfort immediately

Parents are made aware of this approach through our welcome information.

Staff remain alert to signs of:
– physical abuse
– emotional abuse
– sexual abuse
– neglect
– bullying or cyberbullying
– self-harm or wellbeing concerns

Any suspicion or disclosure will always be taken seriously.

All safeguarding concerns must be reported immediately to the Designated Safeguarding Lead.

Staff must not:
– investigate the situation
– confront parents
– promise confidentiality to a child

Staff must:
– listen calmly and non-judgmentally
– record the child’s words exactly
– submit the concern to the DSL within 24 hours

Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL): Holly Molino
Deputy DSL: Kendra Ward
Contact: 07443793272

The DSL is responsible for leading on all safeguarding matters, contacting agencies when necessary and maintaining secure documentation.

Safeguarding records are:
– confidential
– securely stored
– only accessible to authorised safeguarding staff
– retained in line with legal and local authority guidance

Revolutionise Dance & Theatre Company will:
– use only official communication channels
– never contact children using personal accounts
– obtain photo/video consent
– supervise any group chats linked to activities

Students must not add teachers on personal social media accounts.

At shows, festivals, competitions and off-site activities:
– only approved chaperones and staff may supervise children
– staff will conduct frequent head counts
– emergency contacts must always be accessible
– students must not be left unattended in any area
– sign-in and sign-out procedures will always be followed

If a child is unaccounted for:

1. Notify senior staff or the DSL immediately
    
2. Search the area calmly, checking all rooms and exits
    
3. Contact the parent/carer
    
4. If not located within 10 minutes, contact the police
    
5. Complete a full incident report
    

– A qualified first aider will be present during classes
– First aid supplies are available at all times
– All treatment is logged in the First Aid Record
– Parents are informed of any injury, regardless of severity
– Accident/incident forms are completed when necessary

This policy is reviewed annually or sooner if changes in legislation, circumstances or incidents require it.