Location: Wimbledon, London
Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL): Emma Hutchings
Deputy DSL (if applicable):
1. Policy Statement
Children and young people have the right to protection from abuse, neglect, exploitation, and harm
(United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, Article 19).
At Discover Artists: Professional Performance Training, we are committed to providing a safe,
inclusive environment for all children aged 8–18 to explore and enjoy performing arts. While most
injuries or challenges in our activities are accidental or part of normal development, we recognise
that some children may face safeguarding concerns. Our first duty is always to the safety and
welfare of the child.
We will act promptly on any safeguarding concern, liaising with the Wandsworth Multi-Agency
Safeguarding Hub (MASH), the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO), and other
statutory agencies as required.
2. Legal Framework
This policy is guided by:
• Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE, 2025 edition, effective September 2025)
• Working Together to Safeguard Children (2023 edition)
• Children Act 1989 & 2004
• London Child Protection Procedures
• Prevent Duty (2015, updated guidance)
3. Roles & Responsibilities
• DSL: Manages safeguarding concerns, liaises with statutory agencies, ensures staff training,
maintains secure records.
• Directors & Freelancers: Must follow this policy, report concerns immediately, and
maintain professional boundaries.
• Parents/Carers: Are partners in safeguarding. We will communicate openly, unless doing so
would place a child at risk.
4. Recognising Abuse & Harm
Staff and freelancers will remain alert to:
• Physical abuse (e.g., injuries inconsistent with explanations).
• Emotional abuse (e.g., humiliation, pressure, unrealistic expectations in performance).
• Sexual abuse and exploitation, including online abuse.
• Neglect, including failure to meet basic needs.
• Domestic abuse (impacting wellbeing even if the child is not directly harmed).
• Other safeguarding issues, including:
◦ Bullying and cyberbullying.
◦ Radicalisation (Prevent duty).
◦ Exposure to misinformation, disinformation, and harmful online content (KCSIE
2025 update).
◦ Female genital mutilation (FGM), forced marriage, fabricated or induced illness
(FII).
5. Procedures for Responding to Concerns
If a child arrives with injuries:
• Ensure medical attention if needed.
• Ask the parent/carer how the injury occurred - record their explanation without judgement.
• Record using an Incident/Concern Form, including diagrams if appropriate.
• Report to DSL. DSL will decide whether to contact Wandsworth MASH (020 8871 6622,
out of hours: 020 8871 6000).
If a child discloses abuse:
• Stay calm, listen carefully, be supportive.
• Do not lead, suggest, or investigate.
• Record their words exactly, with time/date/signature.
• Reassure them it is not their fault.
• Report to DSL immediately.
If abuse is suspected (not disclosed):
• Observe, record factually, and report to DSL.
• DSL decides whether to escalate to MASH/LADO.
6. Allegations Against Staff or Freelancers
• Any allegation must be reported immediately to the DSL (or Deputy DSL if DSL is
implicated).
• DSL will notify the LADO (Wandsworth: 020 8871 7440).
• Staff/freelancers may be suspended pending investigation.
• If allegation concerns the DSL, report directly to LADO.
• Whistleblowers are protected under the Public Interest Disclosure Act.
7. Safe Practice in Performing Arts
• Physical contact: Used only when essential (e.g., dance corrections), explained clearly, and
with consent.
• Acting material: No sexualised or harmful scripts/scenarios will be used.
• Filming & photography: Only with signed parental consent. Parents may not record
sessions without permission.
• Online teaching: Only through approved platforms, with parental knowledge, and never in
unsupervised 1:1 situations.
• Trips & performances: Risk assessments will be completed, with staff/child ratios
maintained.
8. Mobile Phones, Cameras & Social Media
• Staff/freelancers must not use personal phones to photograph or film children.
• Any authorised filming/photography will be done with business-owned devices.
• Staff must not connect with students via personal social media accounts.
9. Confidentiality & Information Sharing
• Safeguarding records will be stored securely and only shared on a need-to-know basis.
• We will work in partnership with parents/carers unless it places a child at risk.
• Statutory agencies may be informed without parental consent where necessary.
10. Training & Supervision
• DSL to complete accredited safeguarding training every 2 years.
• All staff/freelancers to receive safeguarding induction and refresher training.
• Safeguarding discussed regularly in supervision/meetings.
11. Escalation & Contact Numbers (Wimbledon / Wandsworth)
• Wandsworth MASH: 020 8871 6622
• Out of hours (Emergency Duty Team): 020 8871 6000
• Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO, Wandsworth): 020 8871 7440
• NSPCC Helpline: 0808 800 5000
• Police (emergency): 999
12. Review
This policy will be reviewed annually, or sooner if statutory guidance changes.