Safeguarding & Child Protection Policy

Luke-Taylor School of Performing Arts is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children and young people. The school provides dance and performing arts training in a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment.

This policy applies to:

• The school owner
• All freelance or guest teachers engaged by the school

This policy is based on UK safeguarding legislation and guidance, including:

• Children Act 1989 & 2004
• Working Together to Safeguard Children
• Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE)
• Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006
• Data Protection Act 2018 (UK GDPR)

As the sole proprietor, I hold full responsibility for safeguarding and child protection within the school.

External support will be sought when required from:

• Local Authority Children's Social Care
• NSPCC Helpline (0808 800 5000)

In an emergency, 999 will be contacted.

The school will:

• Prioritise the safety and wellbeing of every child
• Provide a safe and inclusive environment
• Take all concerns seriously
• Act promptly on any safeguarding concerns or disclosures
• Maintain clear professional boundaries at all times

Luke-Taylor School of Performing Arts may engage freelance or guest teachers.

All teachers must:

• Hold a valid Enhanced DBS check suitable for working with children
• Provide proof of identity and relevant qualifications
• Read and agree to follow this policy
• Maintain professional conduct at all times

No teacher will work unsupervised with children without appropriate DBS clearance.

The school owner retains overall safeguarding responsibility at all times.

• Communication with students will be appropriate and, where necessary, via parents/carers
• Personal contact details will not be shared with students
• No private meetings outside scheduled classes without parental consent
• No contact with students via personal social media accounts

Due to the nature of dance training:

• Physical contact may be used where necessary for correction
• Contact will always be appropriate and explained
• Students' comfort and boundaries will be respected
• Alternatives will be offered where possible

The following types of abuse are recognised:

• Physical abuse
• Emotional abuse
• Sexual abuse
• Neglect
• Exploitation, including online abuse

All concerns will be taken seriously.

If a concern arises or a child makes a disclosure:

• The child will be listened to carefully and taken seriously
• No promises of confidentiality will be made
• A written record will be made as soon as possible
• The concern will be referred to Local Children's Social Care, or the NSPCC Helpline for advice
• If a child is in immediate danger, 999 will be called

• All concerns will be recorded clearly and accurately
• Records will be stored securely and confidentially
• Information will only be shared with appropriate authorities

• Written parental consent will be obtained
• Images will only be used for agreed purposes
• Children will not be identified by full name without consent

• Parents/carers should supervise younger children
• Appropriate arrangements will be made for older students
• The teacher will avoid entering changing areas unless necessary

The school promotes:

• Respect
• Inclusion
• A zero-tolerance approach to bullying

All students will be treated fairly and with dignity.

• Online communication will be safe and appropriate
• Parents/carers will be informed of any online activity
• No one-to-one online sessions without parental knowledge

The school owner will:

• Complete safeguarding training
• Keep knowledge up to date
• Review this policy annually

All safeguarding concerns should be reported directly to the Designated Safeguarding Lead. For any safeguarding queries, please contact: