Safeguarding Policy

Art is for Everyone

Art S’Cool takes the safeguarding of children and vulnerable persons very seriously. Art S’Cool believes that children and young people should never experience any form of abuse. Therefore, Art S’Cool has a responsibility to promote the welfare of all children and young people, to keep them safe, and to practise in a way that protects them.

1. Purpose of the Policy

The purpose of this policy is to:

Safeguard and protect all children, young people, and vulnerable individuals who participate in Art S’Cool activities.
Provide staff, parents, guardians, visitors, and partner organisations with clear guidance on our approach to safeguarding and child protection.
Ensure consistent and safe practice across our weekly term-time sessions, holiday workshops, outdoor arts events, school-based activities, and all community pop-up engagements.

This policy applies to all individuals representing Art S’Cool, including the owner, paid staff, volunteers, students, visiting facilitators, and partner practitioners.

2. Legal and Policy Framework

This policy has been developed in accordance with legislation, policy, and guidance that seek to protect children in England.

A summary of key legislation and guidance is available from nspcc.org.uk/childprotection, including (but not limited to):

Children Act 1989 & 2004
Children and Social Work Act 2017

Guidance is aligned with the principles recommended by the NSPCC and local child protection procedures.

We believe that:

Children and young people should never experience abuse of any kind.
Art S’Cool has a responsibility to promote the welfare of all children and young people, keep them safe, and practise in a way that protects them.

We recognise that:

The welfare of children is paramount in all our work and decision-making.
Working in partnership with children, young people, parents, carers, and other agencies is essential.
All children, regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation, have an equal right to protection.
Some children are additionally vulnerable due to previous experiences, dependency, communication needs, or other factors.
Additional safeguards may be needed to keep vulnerable children safe from harm.

We will seek to keep children and young people safe by:

Valuing, listening to, and respecting them.
Appointing a designated child protection lead.
Adopting safeguarding best practice through policies, procedures, and codes of conduct.
Providing effective management, supervision, training, and support so staff and volunteers understand and follow safeguarding procedures confidently.
Safely recruiting and selecting staff and volunteers, ensuring all necessary checks are completed.
Recording, storing, and using information professionally and securely in line with data protection legislation.
Sharing safeguarding information and good practice with children and families via appropriate materials.
Ensuring children and families know where to go for help if they have concerns.
Using safeguarding procedures to report concerns and share relevant information with appropriate agencies.
Managing allegations against staff or volunteers appropriately.
Maintaining an anti-bullying environment and effective procedures.
Implementing complaints and whistleblowing procedures.
Providing a safe physical environment by following health and safety regulations.
Promoting a safeguarding culture where everyone feels respected and able to raise concerns.

3. Our Commitment

At Art S’Cool, we believe that:

All children and young people have the right to feel safe, valued, respected, and protected from harm.
The welfare of the child is paramount in every decision and action.
Children, young people, and families, particularly those with SEND, must have equitable access to creative opportunities in safe environments.
Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility, and strong partnership working is essential.

We recognise that:

Some children may be more vulnerable, including those with disabilities, additional needs, communication differences, trauma histories, or high dependency.
Inclusive practice is central to safety, belonging, and participation.
Transparent communication with parents, carers, and professionals strengthens safeguarding outcomes.

4. Our Content and Delivery Model (Adult Ratios)

Art S’Cool operates as a sole trader and currently delivers:

Weekly sessions for:

Ages 5–7: 1 adult to 6 children
Ages 7–9: 1 adult to 8 children
Ages 9–12: 1 adult to 8 children

Art S’Cool also delivers holiday programmes and weekend family sessions.

5. Safeguarding Measures

Art S’Cool is committed to the following:

5.1 Listening, Respecting and Valuing Children

Upholding children’s rights to be heard and treated with dignity.
Adapting communication for children with SEND.

5.2 Leadership and Accountability

Appointing a trained Designated Safeguarding Officer (DSO).
Ensuring all staff and volunteers understand their responsibilities.

5.3 Safer Recruitment

Conducting enhanced DBS checks.
Obtaining references and assessing suitability.

5.4 Training and Supervision

Providing safeguarding training and induction.
Offering supervision and clear role expectations.

5.5 Safe Practice on the Premises

Maintaining professional boundaries at all times.
Informing families that Art S’Cool cannot assist with toileting.
Implementing secure sign-in/sign-out procedures.
Ensuring children remain under parental/guardian responsibility unless attending a booked session with consent.
Ensuring children do not leave without a parent or guardian.

5.6 Health and Safety

Administering first aid where required, recording incidents, and informing parents/guardians of injuries.

5.7 Data Protection

Handling personal data securely in line with GDPR.
Using images or recordings only with permission.

5.8 Record Keeping

Recording concerns, disclosures, and actions taken.
Storing records securely and confidentially.

5.9 Managing Concerns and Disclosures

Responding calmly and appropriately.
Recording disclosures as soon as possible.
Reporting concerns to relevant authorities when required.
Informing parents/guardians unless doing so increases risk.
Contacting emergency services (999) if a child is in immediate danger.

5.10 Allegations Against Staff or Volunteers

Following statutory guidance and reporting to LADO where necessary.

5.11 Anti-Bullying Commitment

Promoting an inclusive, respectful environment.
Addressing bullying promptly.

5.12 Whistleblowing

Enabling staff and volunteers to raise concerns safely.

6. Roles and Responsibilities

The following role is currently in training (to be confirmed by December 2026):

Designated Safeguarding Officer (DSO)

Name: Stacy Hollands (Owner and Art Educator)
Email: hello@artscool.org.uk

Responsibilities include:

Managing safeguarding concerns and referrals.
Advising staff and volunteers.
Maintaining compliance with policy and training requirements.
Liaising with external agencies.

7. Key Safeguarding Contacts

NSPCC Helpline: 0808 800 5000
Childline: 0800 1111
Police (non-emergency): 101
Newark & Sherwood District Council: 01636 650 000
Nottinghamshire County Council Children’s Services
LADO: 0115 977 3921 | LADO@nottscc.gov.uk
MASH Team: 0300 500 8090 | mash.safeguarding@nottscc.gov.uk
Emergency Duty Team: 0300 456 4546

We are committed to reviewing this policy and our safeguarding practices annually.