Safeguarding Policy

1. Our Commitment to Safeguarding

Campsie Drama Club is committed to providing a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment where all children and young people can enjoy drama, creativity, and self-expression.

We recognise our responsibility to safeguard and promote the welfare of every child in our care and are committed to ensuring that all children feel safe, valued, and respected during our sessions.

This policy applies to all facilitators, volunteers, and anyone working on behalf of Campsie Drama Club.

2. Our Safeguarding Principles

At Campsie Drama Club, we believe that:

The welfare of the child is paramount
All children have the right to feel safe and protected
All children should be listened to and taken seriously
Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility
Children have the right to participate in a safe, inclusive, and positive environment regardless of background, ability, or experience

3. Safer Working Practices

To ensure the safety of children and young people, we will:

Maintain appropriate adult-to-child ratios at all times
Ensure at least one facilitator present is First Aid trained
Ensure all facilitators hold an up-to-date PVG Scheme membership
Never allow a child to be alone with a single adult in a private or unsupervised space
Ensure all sessions are appropriately supervised and structured
Use age-appropriate activities suitable for the group

4. Collection, Drop-Off & Attendance

Children must be signed in and out of each session by a parent or authorised adult unless prior written permission has been given for independent travel
Parents/carers must inform facilitators of any changes to collection arrangements in advance
Children will not be released to anyone not named on the registration form without prior consent
If a child is not collected within 30 minutes of the class ending and no contact has been made by a parent/guardian or emergency contact, the police will be contacted in line with safeguarding procedures.

5. Behaviour & Inclusion

We aim to create a positive and inclusive environment where everyone feels safe and respected.
Clear behaviour expectations are shared with children in an age-appropriate way
Bullying, discrimination, or unsafe behaviour will not be tolerated
We use positive behaviour management strategies
Additional support needs will be accommodated wherever possible

6. Photography & Use of Images

Written consent will be obtained before any photographs or videos are taken
Images will only be used for promotional purposes where consent has been granted
Children without consent will not be included in public imagery

7. Responding to Safeguarding Concerns

If a child discloses information or a safeguarding concern is observed:
We will listen calmly and without judgement
We will not promise confidentiality
We will record the concern accurately and promptly
We will take appropriate action in line with local safeguarding procedures
If we believe a child is at immediate risk of harm, we will contact emergency services and relevant safeguarding authorities.

8. Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)

The Designated Safeguarding Lead for Campsie Drama Club is:
Name: Marnie Thomson & Erin Scanlan
Role: Facilitators & Co-Founders
Contact: campsiedramaclub@outlook.com
All safeguarding concerns should be reported to the DSL as soon as possible.

9. Confidentiality & Data Protection

All safeguarding records will be stored securely
Information will only be shared on a need-to-know basis
Personal data will be handled in line with GDPR requirements

10. Review of Policy

This safeguarding policy will be reviewed regularly and updated as required to reflect best practice and any changes in legislation or guidance.