Child safeguarding policy

Child and young adult safeguarding policy & procedures

Who are Stagebox?

We provide world-class performing arts training to children and young performers aged 8 to 18. This involves in-person musical theatre training at a number of centres nationwide, alongside online acting training and singing training.

Separately, we also manage and mentor child and young performers.

How does Stagebox interact with children?

A large proportion of those who attend the training sessions provided by Stagebox are children. Those who are not children are young adults.

The management services that Stagebox offers are also provided to children and young adults.

What is this policy?

This policy sets out how Stagebox safeguards the children who we work with. It details our principles, how safeguarding concerns can be recognised and how concerns should be reported.

Who does this policy apply to?

The policy applies to all Stagebox Staff. 'Staff' includes managers, officers, directors, employees, consultants, contractors, freelancers, part-time and fixed-term employees and workers, casual and agency workers and volunteers.

The definition of children

For the purposes of this policy, children are individuals who are under the age of 18.

Core safeguarding principles

Stagebox believes that the welfare, dignity and safety of the children with whom we work is of paramount importance and must be our priority in all circumstances. Any and all suspicions and/or allegations of abuse or mistreatment must be taken with utmost seriousness. All Staff must know what to do in the event that they suspect that any form of child abuse has taken place, is taking place or may take place.

We must all keep in mind at all times that child abuse can happen anywhere. No organisation is immune to it. We must be vigilant.

Designated Stagebox personnel

  1. Our Designated Safeguarding Officer is Jasmine Quinlan-Gardner. Her contact details are: jasmine@stagebox.uk.
  2. The role of the Designated Safeguarding Officer is to:
  3. make sure that this policy is made available to all Staff and ensure that the procedures in this policy are followed;
  4. ensure that all Staff are aware of what they should do and who they should go to if they are concerned that a child may be the victim of abuse or neglect;
  5. receive and record information from Staff, children, parents/guardians, or carers who have child protection concerns;
  6. assess information provided to them properly and carefully, clarifying or obtaining more information about any reported matter or concern as appropriate;
  7. consult with a statutory child protection agency or other statutory agencies (if applicable) with regard to any doubts or concerns of which they become aware as soon as possible;
  8. if necessary, make a formal referral to a statutory child protection agency or other statutory agency (if applicable) without delay; and
  9. record any reported incidents in relation to child safety/wellbeing and ensure that such records are kept in a secure place in accordance with data protection legislation.
  10. Each Stagebox centre has two pastoral care leads.
  11. The pastoral care lead roles are undertaken by licensed chaperones. The role of the pastoral care lead is to oversee the welfare of children taking part in training.

How we safeguard children

  1. Stagebox safeguards children by ensuring that the guidelines and procedures set out in this policy are observed at all times. We recruit Staff in accordance with this policy and ensure that this policy is made available to all Staff. Staff will receive safeguarding training.
  2. We will provide this policy to Staff, parents and guardians and will share information about safeguarding and best practice with Staff, parents and guardians.
  3. We will ensure that children are listened to, valued and respected.
  4. We have a zero-tolerance policy to bullying. We will not tolerate bullying by Staff of children nor bullying by children of other children.
  5. Appropriate steps will be taken in the event of incidents/concerns of abuse being raised and support will be provided to any individual who raises a concern.
  6. Stagebox ensure that confidential, detailed and accurate records of all safeguarding concerns are maintained and securely stored in accordance with data protection legislation.
  7. We work to prevent the employment/engagement (at Stagebox and elsewhere) of unsuitable individuals.

Safeguarding code of conduct

  1. All Staff must abide by the following principles.
  2. All Staff must:
    • treat children with respect;
    • ensure that whenever possible there is more than one other adult present during activities involving children, or at least that the activity in question is within sight or hearing of other adults;
    • respect children's right to personal privacy.
    • encourage children to feel comfortable to point out attitudes or behaviour they do not like;
    • take great care to interact appropriately with children and remember that someone else (including children, staff and third parties) might misinterpret actions, no matter how well intentioned they may be;
    • be aware that physical contact with a child may be misinterpreted and should be avoided except where necessary and appropriate;
    • recognise that special caution is required when you are discussing sensitive issues with children; and
    • challenge unacceptable behaviour and report all allegations/suspicions of abuse to the Designated Safeguarding Officer immediately.
  3. All Staff must not:
    • have unnecessary or inappropriate physical or verbal contact with children;
    • communicate directly with children outside of a professional setting or by phone, text, or other chat facilities. All such communication must be via a parent, guardian or agent;
    • allow themselves to be drawn into inappropriate attention-seeking behaviour/make suggestive or derogatory remarks or gestures in front of children;
    • jump to conclusions about other Staff or individuals;
    • exaggerate or trivialise child abuse issues;
    • show favouritism to any child over other children; or
    • travel alone with a child. If exceptional circumstances require a member of Staff to travel alone with a child (for instance in an emergency situation) the approval of the Designated Safeguarding Officer must be sought and a report prepared of the incident.
  4. Staff should avoid being alone with children. If a Staff member is ever alone with a child, this should be for the shortest period of time possible, with a parent, teacher, or appropriate member of Staff close by (within hearing and sight range) and easily accessible.
  5. Staff should only use toilets and changing rooms specifically designated for their use and (where possible) take appropriate steps to ensure that children do the same.
  6. It is not usually appropriate for Staff to touch children. However, there may be limited circumstances where touch is appropriate. Examples might include explaining a complicated dance movement, or demonstrating a singing posture. Staff should always seek the permission of the child (and their parent or guardian, if present) before touching a child.
  7. Circumstances may arise where a child touches a member of Staff. In such situations, the member of Staff should seek to minimise physical contact, but this should be done in a sensitive manner, appropriate to the circumstances of the individual child.

Recruitment of Staff and use of guests

  1. In recruiting for roles/positions which involve responsibility for children, Stagebox will ensure that:
  2. roles/positions are clearly defined and those necessitating an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check or Chaperone Licence are clearly advertised as such;
  3. where appropriate, that any child safeguarding responsibilities or requirements are referenced within the job description and shared with any candidate invited to interview;
  4. all applicants for roles/positions that will involve interaction with children will be asked to sign a declaration stating that there is no reason why they would be considered unsuitable to work with children and will be required to undergo an enhanced DBS check; and
  5. referees for applicants for such roles will be asked specifically about the applicant's suitability to work with children.
  6. Even where Staff do not undertake a 'regulated activity' (because the work they undertake with children will/may not take place on more than three days in a 30 day period), Stagebox expects that any member of Staff who will interact with or work with children be subject to a basic DBS check.
  7. Stagebox will monitor the expiry date of all DBS checks and Chaperone Licences (where applicable) of their Staff. Staff in such roles/positions will have signed a contractual agreement stating that their employment/engagement will be contingent on their DBS or Chaperone Licence continuing to be valid and renewed.
  8. Whenever Stagebox uses a guest teacher or coach, Stagebox will ensure that the individual holds a clear enhanced DBS check.
  9. Where roles/positions are based in the Republic of Ireland, Stagebox uses a third party organisation to undertake Garda Vetting of prospective employees/contractors.

Training

  1. Stagebox will provide suitable training to all Staff. Training will cover:
  2. ensuring all Staff are aware of this policy and where to access it;
  3. particular skills training for relevant Staff who have responsibility for children; and
  4. for designated persons, comprehensive safeguarding training on a regular basis.

In-person Stagebox courses

Pastoral care leads will always be on hand whenever training is taking place at our training centres. They may not attend every class, but will be generally available and will oversee the welfare of children attending our centres.

On-line Stagebox courses

An online moderator will be present on all Stagebox online courses. Online moderators will be licenced chaperones. Their role will be to oversee the welfare of children attending our online courses.

Masterclasses

Whenever a third party expert hosts or teaches a masterclass in person, Stagebox will ensure that a licenced chaperone is in attendance at the class too.

One-to-one singing sessions

One-to-one singing sessions will not usually be moderated by Stagebox. Parents and guardians are welcome to attend such sessions with their children/the children that they are responsible for.

Third party collaborations and partnerships

When Stagebox works with a third party to deliver training or a course, we will take all reasonable steps to ensure that individuals engaged by that third party to provide the relevant training hold a clear enhanced DBS check.

Contacting children

Staff must never request the personal contact details of an individual child, e.g. their personal email address or mobile number. All correspondence about or to a child will be with/through their parent/guardian.

Photos and videos of children

  1. Taking pictures and videos of the achievements and activities of the children we train and manage is a way of capturing a memory. Stagebox may also make use of images of children in marketing materials. However, consideration must always be given to who might have access to such images and who gives permission for them being taken and their use. The following rules must be followed with regard to the taking of pictures and videos of children:
  2. always seek written consent from the parent/guardian or carer for the relevant child BEFORE taking photographs;
  3. always be clear about how the image will be used and for how long;
  4. make clear Stagebox's expectations of professional photographers in relation to child protection and safeguarding;
  5. do not allow photographers to be with children unsupervised;
  6. do not approve photography sessions outside of Stagebox's control or at a child's home; and
  7. strictly prohibit the taking of any pictures or video in dressing rooms and other inappropriate environments.
  8. The following rules must be followed with regard to the use of pictures or video:
  9. only use images for the purpose for which they were taken and for which permission was granted;
  10. other than where appropriate and where the express written consent of the child's parent(s) or legal guardian(s) has been provided, avoid using children's names in photographic captions;
  11. only use images of children in suitable dress;
  12. store images and associated consent forms safely and securely in accordance with Stagebox's Privacy Notice and Data Protection Policy;
  13. expressly address the use of images of children with external agencies who use images of children in productions in publicity material; and
  14. never refer to the place where a child lives or the school they attend in conjunction with any photograph.

Use of social media

  1. Stagebox recognises the risks associated with social media and internet use by children, including sexual exploitation, online grooming and cyber bullying.
  2. Stagebox will:
  3. ensure that Stagebox's website and online profiles adhere to this policy's guidelines relating to the privacy of personal information and the use of images; and
  4. monitor Stagebox's use of such sites, and comments made on the sites, to ensure that they are appropriate and not abusive.
  5. Staff should be aware of the risks that social media can present for children, with specific reference to:
  6. content e.g. exposure to age-inappropriate material, inaccurate or misleading information, and unacceptable material (such as that inciting violence, hate or intolerance) and illegal material (including images of child abuse);
  7. contact with strangers and unsafe third party individuals e.g. grooming and use of communication technologies leading to inappropriate behaviour or abuse;
  8. commerce e.g. exposure to inappropriate advertising, online gambling, identity theft and financial scams; and
  9. culture e.g. bullying via websites, social media, or other communication technologies or inappropriate downloading of copyright material.
  10. If there is any indication that a child has age-inappropriate and/or unsupervised or uncensored access to the internet or is experiencing difficulties in this area -- for instance they are spending long periods of time on the internet on their own or seem unnecessarily defensive, secretive or anxious about their internet use -- this must be taken seriously and reported to the Designated Safeguarding Officer.

Reporting potential abuse

  1. If for any reason any member of Staff (or any other person with whom Stagebox works or interacts) has any reason to be concerned about the wellbeing of a child, they must report this to the Designated Safeguarding Officer without delay.
  2. All reported concerns will be taken with utmost seriousness and will be dealt with in the strictest confidence.
  3. Definitions of abuse are set out at Appendix 1.
  4. Any person who reports a concern will be supported.

Breaches of this policy

Alleged breaches of this policy will be treated with the utmost seriousness. Where appropriate, reports may be made to the police following a breach of this policy.

Responding to potential abuse

  1. Definitions and examples of abuse are set out in Appendix 1. If a child reports or alleges abuse of any kind to you, you should:
  2. stay calm;
  3. listen carefully to what is said and show that you are taking what is said seriously;
  4. find an appropriately early opportunity to explain that it is likely that the information will need to be shared with others -- do not promise to keep secrets;
  5. allow the child speak at their own pace;
  6. ask questions for clarification only, and at all times avoid asking questions that suggest a particular answer;
  7. reassure the child that they have 'done the right thing' in telling you;
  8. tell the child what you will do next and with whom the information will be shared. Inform them that the Designated Safeguarding Officer will need to know and will be able to help;
  9. as soon as possible after the disclosing conversation, make a note in writing of what was said using the child's own words. Note the date, time, any names that were involved or mentioned, and who you gave the information to. Make sure you sign and date your record. Provide the record to the Designated Safeguarding officer for confidential and secure storage;
  10. immediately contact the Designated Safeguarding Officer. Do not delay in taking action. It is the Designated Safeguarding Officer's responsibility to liaise with the relevant authorities;
  11. unless you are the Designated Safeguarding Officer, never investigate or take responsibility for a situation where a child or young person makes a disclosure to you. You MUST contact the Designated Safeguarding Officer immediately; and
  12. REMEMBER: the person who first encounters a case of alleged or suspected abuse is not responsible for deciding whether or not abuse has occurred. That is a task for the professional child protection agencies following a referral to them of concern about a child.

How the designated safeguarding officer will respond to allegations of abuse or concerns about the welfare of a child

  1. The Designated Safeguarding Officer will consider any concern raised to them and any incident report and take steps, as necessary, to ensure the safety of the child in question and any other child who may be at risk.
  2. The Designated Safeguarding Officer will consider whether any external action needs to take place. If it is or becomes a child protection matter or safeguarding concern, the Designated Safeguarding Officer will refer the allegation to the Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH) or (if out of MASH hours) go directly to the police and will discuss suspension of any alleged abuser with investigating agencies.
  3. The Designated Safeguarding Officer will inform the Staff member who submitted the report that the relevant investigating agency (if applicable) has been contacted. The Designated Safeguarding Officer will not discuss the incident any further with the Staff member or any other Staff member other than as is strictly necessary for clarification.
  4. In conducting their duties, the Designated Safeguarding Officer will abide by Stagebox's Privacy Notice and Data Protection Policy.
  5. The relevant parents/guardian/carers will be contacted by the Designated Safeguarding Officer as soon as possible, subject to advice from the MASH or other statutory agency.

Confidentiality and document retention

  1. Records of any safeguarding allegation or concern will be stored securely and shared only with those who need to know about the incident or allegation.
  2. As a general rule, all personal information that is acquired or held in the course of working with children should be treated as confidential and stored securely. Particular care should be taken with any sensitive information.

Appendix 1: Definitions of abuse

What is abuse?

Different categories of abuse include:

  • Physical abuse
  • Sexual abuse
  • Emotional abuse
  • Neglect
  • Child sexual exploitation
  • Bullying

What is physical abuse?

Physical abuse includes hitting, shaking, throwing, poisoning or misuse of medications, burning or scalding, drowning, suffocating or otherwise causing physical harm. Physical harm may also be caused when a parent or guardian feigns the symptoms or deliberately causes ill health to a child whom they are looking after.

What is sexual abuse?

Sexual abuse involves forcing or enticing a child or young person to take part in sexual activities, whether or not the child or young person is aware of, or consents to, what is happening. The activities may involve physical contact, including penetrative or non-penetrative acts. Sexual abuse also includes non-contact activities such as involving children or young people in looking at, or in the production of, pornographic material or watching sexual activities, or encouraging them to behave in sexually inappropriate ways. Sexual abuse may be same sex or opposite sex, may be by other children, young people or adults. People from all walks of life may be sexual abusers.

What is emotional abuse?

Emotional abuse is the persistent emotional ill-treatment of a person such as to cause severe and persistent adverse effects on that person's emotional development. It may involve making the individual feel or believe that they are worthless, unloved or inadequate. It may also involve causing the person to feel often frightened or in danger. It may involve exploitation or corruption.

What is neglect?

Neglect is the persistent failure to meet a child's or young person's basic physical and or/psychological needs, likely to result in the severe impairment of the person's health or development. It may involve a parent or guardian failing to provide adequate food, shelter and clothing, failure to protect a child or young person from physical harm or danger, or the failure to ensure access to appropriate medical care or treatment.

What is child sexual exploitation?

Child sexual exploitation (CSE) is a type of sexual abuse in which children are sexually exploited for money, drugs, alcohol, accommodation or gifts as a result of them performing, and/or others performing on them, sexual activities. Child sexual exploitation can occur through the use of technology without the child's immediate recognition; for example being persuaded to post sexual images on the internet or mobile phones without immediate payment or gain. Children or young people may be tricked into believing they are in a loving, consensual relationship. Child sexual exploitation is often a hidden crime. Young people often trust their abuser and do not understand that they are being abused. They may depend on their abuser or be too scared to tell anyone what is happening. Children who work in entertainment may be sexually exploited in return for offers of TV, film or modelling/photographic work and roles in professional stage productions.

What is bullying?

Bullying is behaviour that hurts someone else -- such as name calling, hitting, pushing, spreading rumours, threatening or undermining someone. It can happen anywhere -- at school, at home or online. It is usually repeated over a long period of time and can hurt a child both physically and emotionally. Bullying that happens online, using social networks and mobile phones, is often called cyber bullying. A child can feel that there is no escape because it can happen wherever they are, at any time of day or night.

Potential indicators of abuse

The following are potential indicators of the above forms of abuse:

  • Unexplained bruising, marks or injuries on any part of the body
  • Bruises which reflect hand marks or fingertips (from slapping or pinching)
  • Bite marks
  • Broken bones
  • Scalds
  • Sudden or unexplained changes in behaviour e.g. becoming aggressive or withdrawn
  • Sexual knowledge which is beyond their age or development level
  • Sexual drawings or language
  • Saying they have secrets they cannot tell anyone about
  • Substance or drug abuse
  • Suddenly having unexplained sources of money
  • Acting in a sexually explicit way towards adults
  • Constant hunger or stealing food from other children
  • Constantly dirty or 'smelly'
  • Inappropriate dress for the conditions
  • Complaining of being tired all the time
  • Having few friends
  • Mentioning their being left alone or unsupervised