Safeguarding & Child Protection Policy

Issue and review

The date of issue of this policy is April 2025. This policy will be reviewed annually.

1. Introduction

Trio Arts Academy is committed to creating a safe, understanding and encouraging environment for learners. The Academy has therefore created this policy in order to meet the requirements of the Children Act 1989, The Human Rights Act 1988, The Nations Convention on the Rights of Child (ratified by the UK government in 1991, The Protection of Children Act 2004.

Trio Arts Academy recognises that it is a privilege to work with children and young adults and with that comes great responsibility. Parents and learners trust the Academy to care for the student, give leadership and ultimately keep them safe.

Trio Arts Academy designated safeguarding lead is Jemima Solway. All other staff members hold up to date DBS checks and also carry a first aid certificate.

2. Scope

This policy applies to all staff, instructors, volunteers, students, parents/guardians, and anyone else involved in the activities of Trio Arts Academy.

Policy

The welfare of our students is paramount, regardless of age, culture, gender, race, religious beliefs and/or sexuality. To provide the student with appropriate safety during classes, extra tuition and performances it is Trio Arts Academy aim to recognise a duty of care by adopting the following guidelines:

• Creating a safe environment for children and young people through robust safeguarding practices
• Ensuring that staff members who work within the Academy (including volunteers) do not pose a risk to children
• Making sure staff are trained, know how to respond to concerns, who to report these concerns to and keep up to date with policy and practice
• Maintaining an environment where students feel confident to approach a member of staff if they have a worry or a problem.

Reporting a procedure

Should a staff member encounter a situation where there are indicators of abuse or a student feels comfortable to disclose details of abuse, the following things are to be adhered by;

Always:

• Report on as soon as you have a concern
• Record information accurately using the actual words and language of the student and noting any questions raised by the student.
• Note dates, times, who was present and anything factual about the meeting and student’s appearance
• Pass these notes confidentially to the designated safeguarding leads.

Never:

• Ask leading questions
• Take photographs of marks
• Make any arrangements for the student (medical or other)
• Tape or video record an interview

It is important, where possible, to use a silent witness when dealing with sensitive information. All concerns must be passed to the safeguarding officers using an incident form which are at the bottom of this document. The safeguarding officers will then make a judgment on how to proceed and decide whether any further action should be taken. Upon submitting an incident form, the safeguarding lead should catalogue the form, sign and date in order to prove the procedure has been followed.

Staff allegations

If a student has a concern regarding a member of staff from Trio Arts Academy, the incident must be reported to the designated Safeguarding Officer. Should the matter be concerning the Safeguarding officer, the incident needs to be reported to the Local Authority Designated Officer without informing the subject of the concern/allegation. Relevant investigation will be performed by the designated Safeguarding Officer. Disciplinary procedures and staff suspensions will be enforced if necessary.

Data protection

All information held on Trio Arts Academy database is strictly confidential. In exceptional circumstances, if we feel a student may be at risk, we would immediately inform the appropriate authorities.