Safeguarding & Child Protection Policy 2026/27

Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL): Rachel Simmons – Principal
Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (Deputy DSL): Jessica Sidoli

Policy reviewed: September 2026
Next review: September 2027, or sooner if legislation, guidance or circumstances change.

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1. Our Safeguarding Commitment

Sorelle Academy is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of every child and young person in our care.

Safeguarding is everyone's responsibility.

We believe that every child, regardless of age, disability, gender, race, religion or belief, sexual orientation, family circumstances, language, culture or background, has an equal right to protection from abuse, neglect, exploitation and harm.

The welfare and best interests of the child will always be our primary consideration.

All safeguarding concerns, disclosures and allegations will be taken seriously and responded to promptly and appropriately.

All staff, teachers, assistants, volunteers, guest teachers, cover teachers, contractors and other adults working on behalf of Sorelle Academy have a responsibility to safeguard children and report any concerns in accordance with this policy.

For the purposes of this policy, a child is anyone under the age of 18.

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2. Purpose of This Policy

The purpose of this policy is to:

• protect children and young people who attend Sorelle Academy;

• provide staff and volunteers with clear safeguarding principles and procedures;

• ensure concerns about a child's welfare are identified and responded to appropriately;

• create a safe, positive and supportive environment for all children;

• ensure everyone working with Sorelle Academy understands their safeguarding responsibilities; and

• ensure safeguarding concerns are recorded, reported and referred appropriately.

This policy applies to all Sorelle Academy classes, workshops, rehearsals, performances, productions, events, trips and other activities.

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3. Designated Safeguarding Leads

The Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) for Sorelle Academy is:

Rachel Simmons – Principal

The Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (Deputy DSL) is:

Jessica Sidoli

Any concern regarding the welfare or safety of a child must be reported to the DSL as soon as possible.

If the DSL is unavailable, the concern must be reported to the Deputy DSL.

If a concern relates directly to the DSL, it should be reported to the Deputy DSL.

Safeguarding concerns should never be ignored or delayed because a member of staff is unsure whether they are serious enough to report. Staff do not need proof that abuse has occurred before raising a concern.

Where a child is believed to be at immediate risk of serious harm, the appropriate emergency services and/or Children's Social Care should be contacted without delay.

In an emergency, call 999.

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4. Recognising Abuse and Safeguarding Concerns

Everyone working with children at Sorelle Academy should remain alert to signs that a child may need help or protection.

Safeguarding concerns may include, but are not limited to:

• physical abuse;

• emotional abuse;

• sexual abuse;

• neglect;

• bullying, including online bullying;

• grooming;

• exploitation;

• domestic abuse affecting a child;

• inappropriate sexual behaviour or harassment;

• discriminatory abuse;

• online abuse;

• child-on-child abuse;

• inappropriate relationships with adults;

• unexplained injuries or significant changes in behaviour;

• a child appearing frightened, withdrawn, distressed or unusually anxious; and

• any other circumstances that cause concern for a child's safety or wellbeing.

Staff are not expected to diagnose abuse or investigate concerns themselves.

If something does not feel right, it should be reported.

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5. Responding to a Disclosure from a Child

Children and young people may choose to disclose something concerning to an adult they trust.

If a child makes a disclosure, the adult should:

• remain calm and listen carefully;

• take the child seriously;

• allow the child to speak in their own words;

• reassure the child that they have done the right thing by speaking to someone;

• avoid expressing shock, disbelief or judgement;

• not interrogate the child or ask leading questions;

• never promise to keep the information secret;

• explain sensitively that the information may need to be shared with someone who can help keep them safe;

• make an accurate written record as soon as possible, using the child's own words wherever possible; and

• report the disclosure immediately to the DSL or Deputy DSL.

Staff must not investigate the allegation themselves or confront the person alleged to have caused harm.

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6. Reporting a Safeguarding Concern

Any member of staff who has a safeguarding concern must report it to the DSL, or Deputy DSL in their absence, as soon as possible.

A written record should be made of significant safeguarding concerns or incidents. Records should be factual and should include, where appropriate:

• the child's name;

• date and time;

• what was observed or disclosed;

• the child's own words where possible;

• actions taken;

• who the concern was reported to; and

• the name of the person completing the record.

Safeguarding records will be handled securely and confidentially.

The DSL will determine the appropriate next steps, which may include seeking safeguarding advice or making a referral to Children's Social Care, the police, the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) or another appropriate agency.

A concern should not be delayed because all information is not yet available.

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7. Safer Recruitment

Sorelle Academy is committed to safer recruitment.

Appropriate checks are undertaken for adults who work with children on behalf of the Academy.

Depending on the nature and eligibility of the role, these may include:

• verification of identity;

• appropriate Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks;

• Children's Barred List checks where applicable and legally permitted;

• references;

• checking relevant employment and teaching experience;

• safeguarding declarations and documentation; and

• confirmation that the individual understands and agrees to follow Sorelle Academy's safeguarding policies and procedures.

Sorelle Academy will assess each role and obtain the appropriate level of DBS and other safeguarding checks required for that role.

If information obtained during recruitment gives Sorelle Academy reasonable concern regarding an applicant's suitability to work with children, they will not be permitted to undertake the role until those concerns have been appropriately resolved.

All recruitment and safeguarding information will be handled securely and confidentially.

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8. Safeguarding Training and Staff Responsibilities

All staff working with children must understand their safeguarding responsibilities.

Staff will receive safeguarding information and/or training appropriate to their role and will be expected to familiarise themselves with Sorelle Academy's safeguarding procedures and Staff Code of Conduct.

Safeguarding information will be refreshed as appropriate and whenever significant changes are made to procedures or guidance.

All adults working on behalf of Sorelle Academy must:

• put the welfare and safety of children first;

• treat children fairly and with respect;

• maintain appropriate professional boundaries;

• respond appropriately to safeguarding concerns;

• report concerns promptly;

• follow Sorelle Academy policies and procedures; and

• conduct themselves in a manner appropriate to their position of trust.

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9. Creating a Safe Environment

Sorelle Academy aims to provide a safe, welcoming and inclusive environment.

Staff should:

• appropriately supervise children at all times;

• ensure teaching and performance spaces are suitable and safe;

• identify and minimise foreseeable risks;

• be aware of who is responsible for children during activities;

• take reasonable steps to prevent unauthorised adults accessing children;

• follow appropriate collection and sign-out procedures;

• respond sensitively to children who appear anxious or uncomfortable;

• respect children's privacy, dignity and personal space;

• take additional care where a child may be particularly vulnerable; and

• provide constructive, age-appropriate encouragement and feedback.

Verbal humiliation, intimidation, destructive criticism, discrimination, bullying, threatening behaviour and physical punishment are not acceptable at Sorelle Academy.

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10. One-to-One Situations

Sorelle Academy activities are organised to minimise situations where an adult is unnecessarily alone with a child.

Where individual teaching or support is necessary, this should wherever possible take place:

• within sight or hearing of others;

• in an open or accessible environment; or

• with another responsible adult aware that the interaction is taking place.

Staff should not arrange private meetings with children outside Sorelle Academy activities without appropriate authorisation and parental/carer involvement.

Where an exceptional situation means an adult is temporarily alone with a child, appropriate professional boundaries must be maintained and, wherever possible, another member of staff should be made aware.

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11. Appropriate Physical Contact

Dance, drama and performing arts teaching can sometimes require appropriate physical contact, for example to demonstrate positioning, technique or movement.

Any physical contact must:

• have a clear and appropriate teaching, safety or welfare purpose;

• be appropriate to the child's age and the activity;

• be respectful and professional;

• never be unnecessary or excessive;

• take account of the child's individual needs and comfort; and

• stop if the child indicates that they are uncomfortable.

Children should be encouraged to communicate when they do not feel comfortable with physical contact.

Physical contact must never be exploitative, sexualised, punitive or open to reasonable misunderstanding.

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12. Child-on-Child Abuse and Bullying

Sorelle Academy recognises that children can harm other children.

This can include:

• bullying;

• physical abuse;

• sexual harassment;

• inappropriate or unwanted touching;

• threatening or intimidating behaviour;

• discriminatory behaviour;

• online abuse;

• sharing inappropriate or intimate images; and

• other harmful behaviour.

All concerns regarding child-on-child abuse will be taken seriously.

Abusive or harmful behaviour will never be dismissed as "banter", "just having a laugh", "part of growing up" or similar.

Appropriate action will be taken to safeguard all children involved.

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13. Allegations or Concerns About Staff

Any allegation or safeguarding concern involving a member of staff, teacher, assistant, volunteer, contractor or another adult working on behalf of Sorelle Academy must be taken seriously.

This includes serious allegations as well as behaviour that causes concern about an adult's professional boundaries or suitability to work with children.

Examples of concerning behaviour may include:

• becoming overly familiar with a child;

• inappropriate favouritism;

• unnecessary one-to-one contact;

• inappropriate physical contact;

• privately contacting a child;

• taking or keeping unauthorised photographs or videos;

• inappropriate comments or jokes;

• humiliating or intimidating a child; or

• behaving in a way that is inconsistent with Sorelle Academy's professional standards.

Concerns about a member of staff should be reported to the DSL.

Concerns relating to the DSL, Rachel Simmons, should be reported to the Deputy DSL, Jessica Sidoli.

Where appropriate, Sorelle Academy will seek advice from or make a referral to the relevant Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO), Children's Social Care, police, DBS or other appropriate authority.

Staff must not attempt to investigate allegations themselves.

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14. Low-Level Concerns

Sorelle Academy promotes a culture in which staff feel able to raise concerns about behaviour that may not meet the threshold of a safeguarding allegation but nevertheless appears inappropriate or inconsistent with our Staff Code of Conduct.

Low-level concerns should be shared with the DSL.

Reporting a low-level concern does not automatically mean that misconduct has occurred. Concerns will be considered fairly, proportionately and confidentially, while ensuring the safety of children remains the priority.

Patterns of concerning behaviour will be monitored and appropriate action taken where necessary.

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15. Online Safety, Social Media and Communication

Adults working on behalf of Sorelle Academy must maintain appropriate professional boundaries online as well as in person.

Staff must not use personal social-media accounts to establish inappropriate contact or relationships with students.

Staff should not privately message children through personal accounts or communication channels unless specifically authorised for an appropriate professional purpose and in accordance with Sorelle Academy procedures.

Where possible and appropriate, communication concerning children should take place through Sorelle Academy-approved channels and/or through the child's parent or carer.

Staff must not:

• share confidential information about students online;

• post photographs or videos of Sorelle Academy students to personal social-media accounts;

• engage in inappropriate private communication with students; or

• publish content relating to a child that could compromise their privacy, dignity or safety.

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16. Photography and Filming

As a performing arts school, photography and filming may form part of Sorelle Academy's classes, performances, productions and promotional activities.

Photographs and video will only be captured, stored and used in accordance with Sorelle Academy's consent procedures and applicable data protection requirements.

Staff must follow Sorelle Academy procedures when taking or handling images of children.

Images or recordings of students must not be retained for personal use or published on personal social-media accounts.

Parents and carers will be informed where appropriate about photography and filming arrangements.

The safety, dignity and privacy of children will always take priority over obtaining promotional content.

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17. Confidentiality and Information Sharing

Information relating to children will be treated respectfully and confidentially.

However, safeguarding information cannot always remain confidential.

Information may be shared with appropriate individuals or agencies where this is necessary and lawful to safeguard a child.

Information should only be shared with those who need it for safeguarding purposes and should be proportionate to the concern.

Staff must never promise a child complete confidentiality following a safeguarding disclosure.

The safety and welfare of the child will take priority.

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18. Safeguarding Records

Safeguarding concerns, disclosures and significant incidents will be recorded appropriately.

Records will be:

• factual and accurate;

• dated;

• stored securely;

• treated confidentially; and

• accessible only to those who have a legitimate safeguarding reason to access them.

Safeguarding information will not be casually discussed or shared with staff, parents or other individuals who do not need to know.

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19. Children Who May Be More Vulnerable

Sorelle Academy recognises that some children may face additional barriers to seeking help or may be more vulnerable to abuse, neglect or exploitation.

This may include, but is not limited to, children with disabilities or additional needs, children with communication difficulties, children experiencing difficulties at home, and children who may experience discrimination.

Staff should be sensitive to individual circumstances and ensure that safeguarding procedures are accessible and inclusive.

No assumption should ever be made that a child's disability, communication needs or personal circumstances explain an injury, behaviour or disclosure that could indicate a safeguarding concern.

 

20. Productions, Performances and Chaperones

Sorelle Academy takes additional safeguarding precautions during performances, productions, rehearsals and events.

Where children taking part in performances require licensed chaperones, Sorelle Academy will ensure that appropriate arrangements are made in accordance with the relevant local authority requirements.

Appropriate supervision, dressing-room arrangements, collection procedures and access controls will be considered when organising productions.

Only authorised adults should have access to children in backstage or restricted areas.

 

21. Collection and Responsibility for Children

Parents and carers are responsible for ensuring that children arrive and are collected in accordance with Sorelle Academy's procedures.

Children will only be released in accordance with the Academy's agreed collection arrangements.

If a child is not collected, staff will follow Sorelle Academy's procedures and make reasonable attempts to contact the child's parent/carer or emergency contacts.

A child should not be left unsupervised while awaiting collection.

Any safeguarding concern arising during collection should be reported to the DSL.

 

22. Medical Information and Personal Data

Information collected about children, including contact details, medical conditions, allergies, additional needs and emergency information, will be treated confidentially and handled appropriately.

Relevant information may be shared with staff on a need-to-know basis where necessary to ensure a child's safety and wellbeing.

Safeguarding information will be handled separately and with particular care.

 

23. Whistleblowing

Sorelle Academy encourages staff to raise concerns about unsafe practice, inappropriate behaviour or failures in safeguarding procedures.

No member of staff should feel prevented from raising a genuine safeguarding concern because of their position, the position of the person involved or fear of repercussions.

Concerns will be taken seriously and handled appropriately.

The welfare of children must always come before concerns about the reputation of an individual or Sorelle Academy.

 

24. Parents and Carers

Sorelle Academy aims to work openly and positively with parents and carers to promote children's welfare.

Where appropriate, concerns will be discussed with parents/carers.

There may, however, be circumstances where Sorelle Academy needs to seek safeguarding advice or make a referral before informing a parent or carer, particularly where doing so could increase the risk to a child, interfere with an investigation or place another person at risk.

The child's welfare will remain the primary consideration.

 

25. External Agencies

Sorelle Academy recognises that safeguarding children requires effective partnership working.

Where appropriate, we will work with and/or seek advice from organisations including:

• Children's Social Care;

• the relevant Local Authority safeguarding services;

• the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO);

• the police;

• the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS);

• the NSPCC; and

• other appropriate safeguarding professionals or agencies.

If a child is in immediate danger or at immediate risk of significant harm, call 999.

Children and young people can also contact Childline on 0800 1111 for confidential support.

 

26. Policy Compliance

Everyone working on behalf of Sorelle Academy is expected to comply with this policy.

Failure to follow safeguarding procedures or maintain appropriate professional boundaries may result in the individual's involvement with Sorelle Academy being suspended or terminated and, where appropriate, concerns being referred to external safeguarding authorities.

Safeguarding children is a shared responsibility and Sorelle Academy expects everyone involved in our organisation to contribute to creating an environment in which children feel safe, respected, valued and able to speak up.

 

27. Policy Review

This policy will be reviewed at least annually and sooner where:

• safeguarding legislation or statutory guidance changes;

• Sorelle Academy's activities or procedures change;

• a safeguarding incident identifies a need for improvement; or

• new safeguarding risks are identified.

Designated Safeguarding Lead: Rachel Simmons
Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead: Jessica Sidoli

Reviewed: September 2026
Next review due: September 2027