Safeguarding

Safeguarding Children Policy

Date of Issue: 24/06/2025
Review Date: 23/06/2026
Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL): Abby Restall-Stefaniak, Principal (hello@nwamad.co.uk)

1. Policy Statement

The North Wales Academy of Music and Drama is committed to ensuring a safe and supportive environment for all children and young people who engage with our academy. We believe that the welfare of the child is paramount and that all children have the right to protection from abuse, exploitation, and harm regardless of age, ability, gender, race, religion, or background.

2. Purpose

This policy sets out our commitment to safeguarding children and outlines the procedures staff and volunteers must follow to protect those in our care.

3. Scope

This policy applies to all staff, volunteers, contractors, and anyone working on behalf of the North Wales Academy of Music and Drama who has contact with children and young people under the age of 18.

4. Legal Framework

This policy is based on and complies with the following legislation and guidance:

• Children Act 1989 and Children Act 2004

• Working Together to Safeguard Children (2018)

• Keeping Children Safe in Education (2024)

• Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act 2014

• United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child

• Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) requirements

5. Key Principles

• The welfare of the child is paramount.

• All children without exception have the right to protection from abuse.

• We will work in partnership with children, parents/carers, and external agencies to safeguard children.

• All concerns and allegations of abuse will be taken seriously and responded to appropriately.

6. Roles and Responsibilities

Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL):

• Lead responsibility for safeguarding and child protection.

• Liaison with statutory services as appropriate.

• Ensures staff are trained and aware of safeguarding procedures.

All Staff and Volunteers:

• Must read and understand this policy.

• Must report concerns to the DSL immediately.

• Must undertake safeguarding training annually.

7. Types of Abuse

• Physical abuse

• Emotional abuse

• Sexual abuse

• Neglect

• Bullying and cyberbullying

• Child sexual exploitation (CSE)

• Online abuse

8. Recognising and Responding to Concerns

Signs may include:

• Unexplained injuries or changes in behaviour

• Reluctance to go home

• Disclosure from the child or a third party

Procedure:

1. Listen carefully, do not promise confidentiality.

2. Record the disclosure using the child's own words.

3. Report the concern to the DSL immediately.

4. The DSL will decide whether to refer to Children’s Services.

9. Safer Recruitment

We follow robust recruitment procedures, including:

• Enhanced DBS checks

• Two written references

• Structured interviews

• Safeguarding induction and ongoing training

10. Code of Conduct for Staff

• Always work in an open environment.

• Treat all children equally with dignity and respect.

• Avoid physical contact unless necessary and appropriate.

• Never allow or engage in any inappropriate behaviour.

11. Online Safety

• All digital communications between staff and students must be professional.

• Parental consent must be obtained for any online classes or recordings.

• Safeguarding rules apply in online environments.

12. Whistleblowing

Staff must report concerns about the conduct of colleagues or the organisation’s practices. This can be done in confidence to the DSL or to external bodies if necessary.

13. Policy Review

This policy will be reviewed annually or following any major incident or changes in legislation.

14. Contacts

Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO): duty@conwy.gov.uk

Conwy County Social Services: 01492 575111
North Wales Safeguarding Board: regionalsafeguarding@denbighshire.gov.uk
NSPCC Helpline: 0808 800 5000
Childline: 0800 1111