Child Protection Policy

1. Statement of Commitment

At Acting Out Drama School (AODS), we are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of every child and young person in our care. We believe that all children, regardless of age, disability, gender identity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation, have a right to protection from harm, abuse, neglect, and exploitation.

We aim to create a welcoming and inclusive environment where children can learn, perform, and grow safely.

2. Scope

This policy applies to:

  • All AODS staff, volunteers, contractors, and visitors

  • All children and young people under 18

  • Vulnerable adults under 25 who may require additional protection

3. Our Safeguarding Commitments

To uphold the highest standards of safeguarding, we will:

  • Respect and value the voice of every child, encouraging open communication.

  • Work in partnership with parents/carers and relevant agencies to promote welfare.

  • Appoint a Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) and deputy, trained in child protection procedures.

  • Ensure all staff and volunteers are subject to enhanced DBS checks (or PVG in Scotland) and safer recruitment practices.

  • Deliver regular safeguarding training to staff appropriate to their role.

  • Maintain clear procedures for reporting concerns or allegations.

  • Handle personal information securely and in line with GDPR and UK Data Protection laws.

  • Regularly review and update our policy to reflect changes in legislation and best practice.

4. Reporting Concerns

Concerns about a child may arise from:

  • The child directly

  • Staff observations

  • Parents, carers, or family members

  • Other children or external professionals

If a child discloses abuse:

  • We will stay calm, listen, and reassure the child they’ve done the right thing.

  • We will not promise confidentiality; explain that we may need to share the information with the DSL.

  • Record the concern factually, using the child's own words where possible.

  • Report immediately to the DSL.

If a child is in immediate danger, we will call 999 or contact the local authority’s Children’s Social Care Team.

5. Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)

The DSL is responsible for:

  • Managing concerns and referrals

  • Liaising with local safeguarding partners

  • Keeping detailed records

  • Ensuring staff training is up to date

6. Appropriate Physical Contact

Physical contact may be required in drama instruction (e.g., correcting posture or guiding movement). All contact will:

  • Be necessary and proportionate

  • Be explained clearly to the student beforehand

  • Be respectful of personal boundaries

  • Be documented if repeated or potentially sensitive

Students are encouraged to raise any discomfort or concerns.

7. Use of Photography and Filming

AODS occasionally uses photography and video to:

  • Provide performance feedback to students

  • Promote our activities on websites and media platforms

  • Document shows for sale to parents/students

Consent:

  • It is normal for AODS to hire an external professional photographer / videographer to take photographs and/or film footage of students during show time. These are then made available for students (or their parents) to procure. 

    By enrolling your child,  you are presumed to agree to the above conditions which are intrinsic to the running of a Performing Arts school and so there is no “opt out”. By enrolling, you agree to standard use of images/footage for educational and promotional purposes.

  • Parents and students may withdraw consent at any time by notifying the DSL or school office. We will remove images promptly from online platforms and refrain from further use.

  • No images will be used without legitimate purpose or shared with third parties unrelated to AODS.

Parent Filming:

  • Parents are not permitted to photograph or film during any AODS event, class, or performance to protect all students' privacy.

Recording Online Sessions:

  • Online sessions may be recorded for internal educational purposes. These may be shared only with other enrolled students and are stored securely.

8. Policy Review

This policy will be reviewed annually, or sooner if legislation or best practice changes. All updates will be shared with staff, parents, and relevant stakeholders.

Last reviewed: [July 2025]

Next review due: [July 2026 ]

At Acting Out Drama School, we are dedicated to upholding the highest standards of child protection and ensuring a safe and nurturing environment for all our students.