Safeguarding Policy

1. Introduction

DPTA is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children and young people involved in its activities, whether attending regular classes booked through Class Manager, or taking part in performances, productions, and showcases. This policy applies to all staff, tutors, volunteers, chaperones, and anyone working with children on DPTA's behalf.

2. Policy Statement

We believe every child has the right to be safe and protected from harm, and to feel secure, valued, and listened to. This policy sets out how we prevent abuse, respond to concerns, and create a safe environment across everything DPTA does — from weekly classes to public performances.

3. Roles and Responsibilities

3.1 A Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) oversees child protection matters and is the main point of contact for concerns.

3.2 A Deputy Safeguarding Lead supports the DSL and acts in their absence.

3.3 All staff, tutors, volunteers, and chaperones must be aware of their safeguarding responsibilities and adhere to this policy at all times, whether running a class or working on a production.

3.4 Where DPTA holds public performances involving children, it will comply with Regulation 11 and Regulations 15–29 of The Children (Performances and Activities) (England) Regulations 2014.

4. Recruitment and Training

4.1 All staff, tutors, volunteers, and chaperones working with children must undergo an enhanced DBS check before starting unsupervised work with children.

4.2 Chaperones for licensed performances must be approved by the relevant Local Authority.

4.3 All staff, tutors, volunteers, and chaperones receive training on child protection and safeguarding procedures relevant to their role.

5. Safe Working Practice and Code of Conduct

All staff, tutors, volunteers, and chaperones must:

• Treat children with respect and dignity at all times.
• Avoid any inappropriate physical contact; where physical guidance is needed for movement, dance, or stage direction, it should be appropriate, proportionate, and with the child's understanding of what is happening and why.
• Not engage in one-to-one situations with a child without another adult present or clearly visible.
• Use age-appropriate, professional language and behaviour, including in any written or app-based communication (e.g. via Class Manager).
• Not take, use, or share personal photographs or videos of children on personal devices; only DPTA-authorised recording is permitted, and only in line with the photography consent given by parents/guardians.
• Report any concerns about a child's welfare immediately to the Designated Safeguarding Lead.

6. Regular Classes: Supervision, Collection and Drop-off

6.1 Classes are supervised by DBS-checked tutors at all times; no child will be left unsupervised during a session.

6.2 Children will only be released at the end of a class to a designated parent/carer, unless alternative arrangements have been agreed with DPTA in writing in advance.

6.3 Where a venue's toilets or changing facilities are used, children will be given clear time boundaries and, where practical, checked on periodically without compromising their privacy.

6.4 Any medical conditions, allergies, or additional needs disclosed at enrolment are held on file and made available to the tutor running each session.

7. Performances and Productions

7.1 Where DPTA puts on a performance, showcase, or production involving children, it will assess whether the activity is licensable under The Children (Performances and Activities) (England) Regulations 2014, and will apply for a performance licence from the relevant Local Authority where required.

7.2 Children will be supervised by an appropriate number of Local Authority-approved chaperones and suitable adults, taking into account age and gender.

7.3 Chaperones and suitable adults are responsible for children's welfare, comfort, and behaviour management, including rest breaks and, where applicable, arrangements for continued education.

7.4 A risk assessment will be carried out for each performance venue and production.

7.5 A first aider will be present at all performances and rehearsals for a production.

8. Online Safety and Use of Class Manager

8.1 Communication with children via Class Manager or other digital tools will be professional and appropriate, and, where possible, directed to a parent/guardian's account rather than sent directly and privately to a child.

8.2 Staff and tutors must not contact children directly via personal social media or messaging accounts.

9. Reporting and Responding to Concerns

9.1 Any safeguarding concern, in a class or on a production, must be reported immediately to the Designated Safeguarding Lead (or Deputy, in their absence).

9.2 If a child discloses abuse, staff must: listen carefully and take them seriously; reassure them they have done the right thing; not ask leading questions or promise confidentiality; and record the concern factually and report it immediately.

9.3 DPTA will liaise with the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) or Social Services where necessary.

10. Whistleblowing

Any member of staff, tutor, volunteer, or chaperone who has concerns about the conduct of a colleague towards a child should report this to the Designated Safeguarding Lead, or, if the concern involves the DSL, directly to the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO).

11. Risk Assessments and Safety Measures

11.1 A risk assessment is carried out for each regular class venue and for each production/performance venue.

11.2 Emergency contact details for each child, including medical needs, are maintained and available at all times.

12. Review and Monitoring

This policy will be reviewed annually, or in response to any changes in safeguarding legislation or DPTA's activities (including a change in whether productions are being run).

13. Contact Information

Designated Safeguarding Lead: Damien Poole – damien@dpta.co.uk / 07540 479 506

Deputy Safeguarding Lead: Marie Collins – mariecollins.voice@hotmail.com / +44 7951 572163

DPTA runs classes in two local authority areas, each with its own Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO). Concerns should be reported to the LADO covering the venue where the concern arose:

• Guiseley venue (Leeds City Council): LADO duty line 0113 378 9687 (Mon–Fri), email lado@leeds.gov.uk
• Harrogate venue (North Yorkshire Council): LADO duty line 01609 798005, email lado@northyorks.gov.uk (secure mail)

If unsure which authority a concern falls under, contact either LADO service for guidance, or seek advice from the Designated Safeguarding Lead.

This policy applies to all staff, tutors, volunteers, chaperones, and anyone involved in DPTA's activities where children are present, whether in regular classes or productions.