Safeguarding

Last updated: [May 2026]

Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy

At MAPA Stage School, the safety, wellbeing and protection of children is our highest priority.

We are committed to creating a safe, welcoming and positive environment where children can enjoy performing arts, build confidence, learn new skills and feel respected.

This policy explains how we work to protect children from harm and how concerns will be handled.

1. Who this policy applies to

This policy applies to:

• All children attending our classes, workshops, rehearsals, performances or events
• Parents and guardians
• Teachers, assistants, volunteers and helpers
• Visitors and anyone working with or on behalf of MAPA Stage School

2. Our safeguarding commitment

We believe that:

• Every child has the right to feel safe and protected
• The welfare of the child is always the most important consideration
• All children should be treated with dignity and respect
• Children should be listened to and taken seriously
• Concerns about a child’s safety must never be ignored
• Staff and volunteers must act responsibly and professionally at all times

3. Our designated safeguarding lead

Our Designated Safeguarding Lead is:

Name: Hollie Grace
Role: Principle
Email: mapa.schooladmin@gmail.com
Phone: 07481 006562

The safeguarding lead is responsible for receiving safeguarding concerns, keeping appropriate records, supporting staff and taking action where necessary.

4. Safer recruitment and checks

Where appropriate, staff, teachers, assistants and volunteers who work with children may be required to complete relevant checks, including DBS checks.

We aim to ensure that anyone working with children is suitable for their role and understands their safeguarding responsibilities.

DBS guidance explains that roles involving children may fall under child workforce or regulated activity depending on the nature, frequency and setting of the work.

5. Staff and volunteer behaviour

All staff, teachers, assistants and volunteers must:

• Treat children with respect
• Use appropriate language and behaviour
• Avoid being alone with a child where this can reasonably be avoided
• Maintain professional boundaries
• Avoid physical contact unless it is appropriate, necessary and linked to teaching, safety or support
• Never use bullying, shouting, humiliation or threatening behaviour
• Never contact children privately through personal social media or personal messaging
• Report any safeguarding concerns immediately

6. Physical contact in performing arts

Some classes may involve physical movement, dance correction, positioning, drama work or performance direction.

Any physical contact must be:

• Appropriate to the activity
• Clearly explained where needed
• Respectful and limited
• Never secretive
• Stopped immediately if a child appears uncomfortable or asks for it to stop

Where possible, verbal instruction or demonstration should be used first.

7. Photography and video

Photos and videos may occasionally be taken during classes, rehearsals, shows or events.

We will only use a child’s image for website, social media, advertising or promotional purposes where suitable parent/guardian consent has been given.

Parents/guardians can withdraw photo or video consent at any time by contacting us.

We will not knowingly publish a child’s personal contact details or sensitive personal information alongside their image.

8. Online safety

We will take reasonable steps to keep online communication appropriate and safe.

Staff should not privately message children through personal accounts. Communication about classes, rehearsals or events should normally be sent to parents/guardians.

If online classes, videos or digital groups are used, we will aim to keep them safe, appropriate and supervised.

9. Medical information and additional needs

Parents/guardians are asked to tell us about any medical conditions, allergies, injuries, medication, disabilities, additional needs or support requirements that may affect their child during classes.

This information helps us keep children safe and support them properly.

Relevant information may be shared with staff who need to know it for safety reasons.

10. What is a safeguarding concern?

A safeguarding concern may include, but is not limited to:

• A child saying something that suggests they may be at risk
• Unexplained injuries
• Signs of neglect
• Concerns about emotional, physical or sexual abuse
• Bullying or harassment
• Inappropriate behaviour by an adult or another child
• Online safety concerns
• A child appearing frightened, withdrawn or distressed
• A parent/guardian behaving in a way that raises concern

11. What we will do if we have a concern

If we are worried about a child, we will:

• Listen carefully
• Take the concern seriously
• Record relevant information clearly
• Speak to the safeguarding lead as soon as possible
• Contact parents/guardians where appropriate
• Contact children’s services, police or emergency services where necessary

If we believe a child may be at immediate risk of harm, we will contact the appropriate authorities without delay.

12. If a child makes a disclosure

If a child tells us something concerning, we will:

• Stay calm
• Listen carefully
• Reassure the child that they have done the right thing by speaking up
• Avoid asking leading questions
• Not promise to keep secrets
• Explain that we may need to share the information to keep them safe
• Write down what was said as soon as possible
• Report it to the safeguarding lead

13. Allegations against staff or volunteers

Any allegation or concern about the behaviour of a staff member, teacher, assistant, volunteer or helper will be taken seriously.

We will respond appropriately, record the concern and seek advice where necessary.

Where required, concerns may be referred to the relevant safeguarding authorities.

14. Bullying

We do not accept bullying of any kind.

Bullying may include:

• Name-calling
• Exclusion
• Intimidation
• Physical bullying
• Online bullying
• Mocking or humiliation
• Discriminatory behaviour

Any bullying concerns should be reported to a teacher or safeguarding lead.

15. Drop-off and collection

Children must be dropped off and collected by a responsible adult unless other arrangements have been agreed in advance.

Parents/guardians must provide up-to-date emergency contact details.

If someone different is collecting a child, the parent/guardian must inform us in advance.

16. Late collection

If a child is not collected on time, we will try to contact the parent/guardian using the emergency contact details provided.

Children will remain supervised until collected.

Repeated late collection may result in a discussion with the parent/guardian.

17. Emergency situations

In an emergency, we will take reasonable steps to protect the child’s health and safety.

This may include contacting parents/guardians, emergency contacts, medical professionals or emergency services.

18. Confidentiality and record keeping

Safeguarding information will be handled carefully and shared only with people who need to know.

Records will be kept securely and in line with data protection requirements.

19. Review of this policy

This safeguarding policy will be reviewed regularly and updated where necessary.

Next review date: [December 2026]