Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy

Safeguarding and

Child Protection Policy

Purpose and Scope of this Policy

The purpose of this policy is to outline Simply Drama’s commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children and young people who engage with our activities, productions, classes, and events. Simply Drama provides inclusive, creative drama and theatre experiences for children and young people. We believe that everyone involved in our activities has the right to feel safe, supported, and protected from harm.

This policy aims to:

Protect children and young people who take part in Simply Drama’s sessions, workshops, and performances from harm or abuse, including the children of adults who engage with our services.
Provide staff, volunteers, participants, and families with clear guidance and principles that shape our approach to safeguarding and child protection.

This policy applies to everyone working on behalf of Simply Drama, including staff, volunteers, agency workers, and participants.

Legal Framework

This policy has been developed in accordance with current UK legislation, statutory guidance, and national safeguarding frameworks designed to protect children in England. A summary of key legislation and guidance is available from the NSPCC at nspcc.org.uk/childprotection.

Our Commitment and Beliefs

Simply Drama believes that:

Children and young people should never experience any form of abuse.
We have a duty to promote the welfare of all children and young people and to act in a way that protects them from harm.

We recognise that:

The welfare of children is paramount in every decision we make.
Working in partnership with children, young people, parents, carers, and other agencies is vital in promoting welfare and safety.
All children, regardless of age, disability, gender identity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation, have an equal right to protection from harm.
Some children may be more vulnerable due to previous experiences, level of dependency, or communication needs.

Additional safeguards may be necessary to protect children who are particularly vulnerable.

Our Safeguarding Approach

Simply Drama will seek to keep all children and young people safe by:

Valuing, listening to, and respecting their voices.
Appointing a Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL), and a Deputy Safeguarding Lead
Adopting best practice in child protection and safeguarding through policies, procedures, and codes of conduct.
Implementing an effective Online Safety Policy.
Providing training, supervision, and support for all staff and volunteers.
Recruiting safely, with appropriate background checks.
Recording and storing information securely and professionally in line with data protection law.
Sharing information about safeguarding with children and families.
Ensuring all participants and families know who to contact if they have a concern.
Sharing safeguarding concerns with relevant agencies appropriately.
Managing allegations against staff or volunteers responsibly.
Maintaining an anti-bullying environment.
Ensuring effective complaints and whistleblowing procedures.
Providing a safe physical environment compliant with health and safety standards.
Promoting a culture of respect, openness, and accountability.