Safeguarding Policy

Policy Statement

The Young Performers Academy CIC recognises its duty to safeguard and protect children, young people, and vulnerable adults from harm and abuse. We are committed to providing a safe, nurturing environment for all and to ensuring that safeguarding is central to everything we do.

We adhere to national safeguarding legislation and guidance, ensuring that all actions prioritise the welfare, protection, and development of every individual involved in our academy.

Legislation and Guidance

This policy is underpinned by the Children Act 1989 and Children Act 2004 and is informed by:

• Working Together to Safeguard Children (2023)
• Keeping Children Safe in Education (2025) – adopted as best-practice guidance
• After-school clubs, community activities and tuition: safeguarding guidance for providers (DfE, 2025)
• Keeping Children Safe in Out-of-School Settings: Code of Practice (DfE)
• The Data Protection Act 2018 and UK GDPR
• The Equality Act 2010
• The Counter-Terrorism and Security Act 2015 (Prevent Duty)

As an extracurricular provider, The Young Performers Academy CIC has regard to the above guidance and applies relevant safeguarding frameworks for performing arts education.

Our Safeguarding Principles

We are dedicated to creating a space where:

• The welfare of children and young people is paramount, as enshrined in legislation.
• Equality and non-discrimination are upheld: all children, regardless of age, disability, gender, racial heritage, religious belief, sexual orientation, or identity, have a right to protection from harm.
• Inclusion and individual respect are central: we acknowledge that some children may be more vulnerable due to past experiences or individual circumstances.
• Collaboration with families and agencies is essential: safeguarding relies on effective partnership with children, parents, carers, and external professionals.

Our Safeguarding Objectives

To ensure the safety and well-being of every student, we commit to:

1. Providing a Secure Environment: Maintaining safe, inclusive spaces across all studios where pupils, parents, and staff feel respected and protected.
2. Recognising and Responding to Vulnerabilities: Identifying pupils who may require additional support or protection and acting swiftly and appropriately.
3. Encouraging Development and Confidence: Supporting children in ways that promote independence, self-esteem, and confidence so they feel valued and heard.
4. Maintaining Professional Record-Keeping Standards: Ensuring safeguarding concerns are recorded accurately, securely, and confidentially.
5. Appointing a Designated Safeguarding Officer (DSO): The DSO leads safeguarding practice, provides guidance to staff, and ensures appropriate action is taken when concerns arise.

Designated Safeguarding Roles

Our Commitment to Safety and Welfare

We uphold a culture of safety and vigilance through the following measures:

1. Safer Recruitment: All staff, volunteers, and contractors are subject to Enhanced DBS checks. References are verified and qualifications and identity are checked before employment.
2. Staff Training and Development: All staff receive safeguarding induction and refresher training at least every two years. The DSO completes advanced safeguarding and safer recruitment training.
3. Creating an Open Environment: Students are encouraged to speak openly about worries or concerns. Staff promote trust and respect, ensuring children feel safe to share.
4. Health, Safety, and Risk Management: Risk assessments are completed for all activities, venues, and trips.
5. Abuse Prevention and Early Help: We take every measure to prevent abuse and neglect and engage early help where concerns arise.
6. Reporting and Responding to Concerns: Any safeguarding concern must be reported immediately to the DSO. If unavailable and a child is at risk, staff must contact social care or emergency services directly.

Allegations Against Staff or Volunteers

Any allegation that a staff member or volunteer has:

• Behaved in a way that has harmed, or may harm, a child;
• Possibly committed a criminal offence against or related to a child; or
• Behaved in a way that indicates they may pose a risk to children;

…must be reported immediately to the DSO. The DSO will contact the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) without delay. All allegations are treated seriously, confidentially, and in accordance with local safeguarding partnership procedures.

Whistleblowing and Low-Level Concerns

All staff have a duty to raise concerns about poor practice or behaviour that may indicate a safeguarding risk, even if it does not meet the threshold of harm. Concerns can be raised with the DSO or directly with external authorities if necessary. Staff will not face reprisals for doing so in good faith. Low-level concerns are logged, reviewed, and monitored in line with national best practice.

Online Safety, Images and Social Media

• The use of personal mobile phones, cameras, or recording devices is prohibited during classes, rehearsals, and in changing areas.
• Parental consent is required for any photography or filming of students.
• Images are stored securely and only used for authorised academy purposes.
• Staff are not permitted to contact students via personal social media accounts.

Prevent Duty

The Young Performers Academy CIC recognises its responsibilities under the Prevent Duty to protect students from radicalisation and extremism. Staff are trained to identify and report concerns through the DSO, who will refer to local Prevent partners when appropriate.

Safeguarding Vulnerable Adults

For students aged 18 and over who may have additional support or care needs, safeguarding concerns will be referred to Adult Social Care following the Care Act 2014 and local safeguarding procedures.

Reporting Safeguarding Concerns

Anyone can report a safeguarding concern.

Further safeguarding information for Peterborough: Peterborough City Council Safeguarding