Safeguarding & Child Protection Policy

Policy Number: 2
Principals: Miriam Rushworth & Rebecca Chalklin
Address: Station House, Station Approach, East Horsley, Leatherhead KT24 6QX
Review Cycle: Annual
Next Review: 2027

Redbridge Ballet School recognises that we have an explicit duty to safeguard and protect children
(including babies, children and young people up to the age of 18), young people and vulnerable adults
from abuse as defined in the Children Act 2004 and the Education Act 2002. All children have a right to
protection from harm and abuse regardless of age, ability, gender, racial heritage, religious belief, sexual
orientation, identity or additional vulnerabilities.

  •  Provide a safe environment in which students can learn.
  • Identify and respond to children, young people and adults at risk, or those in need of support and protection. 
  • Support children’s development by fostering self-esteem and independence in a safe learning
    environment where students feel confident and secure.
    Safeguarding children is the action taken to promote the welfare and wellbeing of children and protect
    them from harm. Child protection forms part of the safeguarding process and focuses on protecting
    individual children who are identified as suffering or likely to suffer significant harm.

Safeguarding Commitment

  • Providing a safe environment in which students can learn.
  • Identifying and responding to children, young people and adults at risk who require support or protection.
  • Supporting children’s development in ways that foster self-esteem and independence.
  • Ensuring every student feels valued and able to express their wishes and feelings in an atmosphere of trust and acceptance.
  • Ensuring students, volunteers, parents and carers understand how to raise a concern and seek help when required.
  • Taking all reasonable steps to ensure the health, safety and welfare of any child or adult at risk.
  • Preventing staff, contractors or members of the public from placing children or adults at risk in unsafe situations.
  • Preventing any form of physical, emotional or sexual abuse.

Scope of this Policy

This policy explains how Redbridge Ballet School fulfils its responsibilities to safeguard and promote the welfare of children attending the school. The policy applies to all staff, both paid and unpaid, including teachers, teaching assistants, office staff, backstage helpers, chaperones and volunteers involved in events or performances. Parents and carers may also contact the school with safeguarding concerns. 

Creating a safe and protective environment for children also supports a respectful and secure environment for young adults and adults at risk. 

Designated Safeguarding Leads

The school has a Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) responsible for maintaining and reviewing this policy, ensuring compliance with safeguarding legislation and ensuring staff are aware of safeguarding procedures. DSL: Miriam Rushworth Deputy DSL: Rebecca Chalklin The Deputy DSL supports the DSL and assumes safeguarding responsibilities if the DSL is unavailable. 

Reporting a Safeguarding Concern
Anyone — including students, parents, carers, teachers, staff members or volunteers — may report a concern. All concerns will be taken seriously and treated sensitively. Concerns should be reported as soon as possible to the DSL, Deputy DSL or a member of staff present. Reports may be made in person, by phone or in writing. If a child is believed to be at immediate risk of harm, the concern should be reported immediately to the police or to children’s social care services.

  • Redbridge Safeguarding Children Partnership
  • Website: www.redbridgescp.org.uk
  • Email: rscp@redbridge.gov.uk
  • Telephone: 020 8708 3885

Staff Responsibilities 

Take all reasonable steps to protect students and carers from harm or hazards.

Take appropriate action in the event of an accident and provide first aid where necessary.

Code of Conduct

  • All accidents must be recorded in the accident book located in the office.
  • Staff should familiarise themselves with building safety procedures including fire exits and first aid equipment.
  • Staff must report suspected cases of abuse to the designated safeguarding lead.
  • Parents or guardians must be contacted if a child becomes distressed or injured during class.
  • Activities should begin and end on time to ensure appropriate supervision.
  • Staff must demonstrate respect, trust and professional conduct at all times.
  • Staff should ensure they have appropriate insurance cover where required.

Photography and Social Media

Photographs or video recordings of students should only be taken where consent has been obtained. Students should never feel pressured to participate in filming or photography. Images may occasionally be used for promotional purposes within the studio, printed materials, the website or social media, but only with appropriate consent.

Use of Personal Devices

Teachers may use phones or tablets for music playback, registers or emergency contact details. Students may carry phones for safety reasons but should not use them to take photographs or videos on the premises during timetabled classes.

Changing and Student Welfare

Where young children require assistance with toileting during class, staff should ensure the child’s dignity and privacy are respected at all times. If assistance is required, another adult should be nearby where possible and parents should be informed of any incidents. 

Appropriate Physical Interaction

  • If a child seeks comfort after a minor accident or fright, appropriate reassurance may be given.
  • Physical contact must always be appropriate to the student’s age and stage of development.
  • Contact should be explained clearly and carried out openly.
  • Touch may be used to guide alignment or prevent injury during dance instruction.
  • Physical contact must never be used as punishment.

Policy Version 1 | Next Review 2027