Our number one priority is the safety and well-being of our students.

Good Stead Theatre School is committed to the safety and well-being of all students, providing a fun and safe environment where students can express themselves with confidence.

Aims of the Policy

• To support students’ development in ways that foster security, confidence, and independence.

• To raise awareness among our teaching staff of the need to safeguard students and their responsibilities in identifying and reporting possible cases of abuse or risk of abuse.

• To provide and emphasise the need for strong communication levels between all staff members.

• To ensure that every member of staff who has access to students or student information is appropriately checked and vetted via their references and the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).

Equality Statement

• All children, regardless of age, disability, gender, racial heritage, religious belief, sexual orientation, or identity, have a right to equal protection from all types of harm or abuse.

Our Commitment

We will ensure that:

• We have a designated Safeguarding Lead – Lindsey Wise (Principal) – who undertakes regular training and stays updated on safeguarding documentation.

• We have a deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead – Seb Singh – who will act in the Safeguarding Lead’s absence.

• All staff members know how to respond to a student who makes an allegation or appears vulnerable or at risk.

Staff/Teacher Conduct

• All staff are DBS-checked through Good Stead Theatre School and are fully aware of their role and responsibilities in safeguarding, which we consider the most important aspect of the training we provide.

• Every member of staff must take reasonable care of students under their supervision to ensure their safety and welfare.

• Staff follow the Good Stead Theatre School Code of Conduct, which is reviewed and updated annually.

• All staff must comply with the policies and procedures of Good Stead Theatre School, which support the well-being and development of students.

• Staff are encouraged to listen with compassion and understanding to any concerns raised by children and, if necessary, report back to the Principal.

• Weekly communication between staff and the Principal ensures any concerns about children’s progress or well-being are addressed promptly.

• We recognise that good self-esteem, confidence, supportive friends, and open communication with a trusted adult are essential for safeguarding children.

• We maintain an ethos where students feel secure, are encouraged to talk, and are listened to.

• Students are assured that all teachers are approachable if they are worried or in difficulty.

• Teachers will demonstrate behaviour that promotes the welfare and safety of students at all times.

Confidentiality

• Good Stead Theatre School recognises that all matters relating to child protection and safeguarding are confidential. However, there is a balance between child protection and the right to privacy.

• The Safeguarding Lead will disclose information about a student to other staff members on a need-to-know basis only.

• Staff must understand that they cannot promise a child to keep secrets if doing so compromises the child’s safety or well-being.

Keeping Students Safe

We strive to keep students safe by:

• Administering first aid only when necessary and, wherever possible, asking the student’s permission before initiating treatment (except in emergencies or if the student is unresponsive).

• Ensuring that all first aid treatment takes place in the presence of another staff member, where possible.

• Logging all first aid incidents in the ‘Accident Book’, maintained by the Head First Aider.

• Informing parents or guardians if a student becomes unwell during class time.

• Keeping emergency contact details and medical information for each student readily accessible to staff members.

• Conducting risk assessments as needed.

• Adopting child protection practices through established procedures and a code of conduct for all staff.

• Recruiting staff safely, ensuring all necessary checks are completed.

• Taking a register at the start of every session.

• Supervising children under school-leaving age during breaks with a DBS-checked assistant.

• Enforcing a strict signing-out procedure for students under 16, which requires staff to meet the parent or guardian before allowing the child to leave unless prior written permission has been provided. Parents/guardians must always sign out along with their child.

This policy reflects the commitment of Good Stead Theatre School to creating a safe and supportive environment for every student.