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Inspire Studios – Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy

Policy Owner: Studio Directors
Policy Last Reviewed: 31/07/25
Next Review Due: 31/07/26

1. Policy Statement

Inspire Studios is committed to ensuring the welfare and safety of every child and young person who attends our classes, events, and performances. We believe that no child or young person should ever experience abuse of any kind and that we all have a responsibility to promote their welfare and safeguard them from harm.

This policy sets out how Inspire Studios safeguards children in line with:

• The Children Act 1989 and 2004
• Working Together to Safeguard Children (HM Government, 2023)
• Keeping Children Safe in Education (2023)
• The NSPCC Child Protection in Sport Unit Guidelines

2. Scope

This policy applies to:

• All Inspire Studios staff, including self-employed teachers, volunteers, assistants, and freelance choreographers
• Any individual working with or around children on behalf of the studio
• All children under 18 years old and vulnerable adults who attend or participate in Inspire Studios activities

3. Key Principles

We believe:

• The welfare of the child is paramount
• All children, regardless of age, ability, gender, race, religion, or background, have a right to protection from harm
• Children should be respected and their voices heard
• Safeguarding is the responsibility of everyone at Inspire Studios

4. Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)

The DSL is responsible for ensuring all safeguarding concerns are handled appropriately and promptly.

Name: Isobel Hair and Natasha Hair
Role: Studio Directors – Inspire Studios
Email: inspire.studios@outlook.com

 

5. Recognising Abuse

Abuse can be:

• Physical – hitting, shaking, poisoning
• Emotional – belittling, bullying, threatening
• Sexual – inappropriate touching or language, sexual exploitation
• Neglect – failing to meet a child’s basic needs

Staff will be trained to identify these signs and act appropriately.

6. Reporting Concerns

If any child discloses abuse, or if abuse is suspected:

1. Stay calm and listen carefully
2. Do not promise confidentiality – explain that you must share the concern with the DSL
3. Record details accurately 
4. Report immediately to the DSL or Deputy DSL

All concerns will be logged and acted upon following local safeguarding procedures.

7. Safer Recruitment

We are committed to safe recruitment by:

• Requiring Enhanced DBS checks for all staff and regular volunteers
• Verifying identity, qualifications, and employment history
• Conducting interviews and collecting references
• Providing safeguarding induction and training
• All members of the flats upstairs have a DBS check. 

8. Working with Children

All staff are expected to:

• Follow Inspire Studios’ Code of Conduct
• Maintain professional boundaries
• Use appropriate language at all times

9. Online Safety

Inspire Studios ensures:

• No direct one-to-one communication with children online without parental knowledge
• Children are never photographed or recorded without explicit consent

10. Use of Images and Videos

Images and recordings of students may be used for:

• Marketing (with prior consent)
• Social media (with parent/guardian permission)
• Show footage and promotional materials

Consent is obtained on registration and may be withdrawn at any time.

11. Partnerships and External Providers

All external providers (e.g., photographers, guest teachers) must agree to follow Inspire Studios’ safeguarding protocols or show evidence of their own safeguarding policy and valid DBS checks.

12. Whistleblowing

All staff and volunteers are encouraged to report concerns about poor practice or abuse. Reports can be made confidentially to the DSL or directly to:

Sunderland City Council:  0191 520 5552

13. Confidentiality and Data Protection

We store personal data securely and only share it when necessary for safeguarding purposes, in accordance with GDPR and our Data Protection Policy.

Emergency Contacts

• Local Authority Children’s Social Care:  0191 520 5552
• NSPCC Helpline: 0808 800 5000
• Police (non-emergency): 101
• In an emergency: Call 999