Safeguarding Policy

Young Musicians Club Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy

Organisation Name: Young Musicians Club
Policy Owner: Nicolas Marie
Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL): Nicolas Marie
Policy Review Date: 21/05/26
Next Review Due: 21/05/27

1. Statement of Commitment

Young Musicians Club is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children and young people who attend our music classes, workshops, rehearsals, performances, online sessions, and related activities.

We believe that:

Every child has the right to be protected from harm, abuse, neglect, and exploitation.
Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility.
Children should feel safe, respected, listened to, and supported.
All concerns and allegations will be taken seriously and responded to appropriately.
We will work in partnership with parents, carers, schools, local authorities, and relevant agencies where necessary.

This policy applies to:

Teachers and tutors
Volunteers
Contractors and visiting professionals
Students aged under 18
Parents and carers
Anyone acting on behalf of Young Musicians Club

2. Purpose of the Policy

The purpose of this policy is to:

Protect children and young people who participate in our activities.
Provide staff and volunteers with clear safeguarding procedures.
Ensure all concerns are identified, recorded, and responded to appropriately.
Create a safe and positive learning environment.
Promote best practice in face-to-face and online music teaching.

3. Legal and Regulatory Framework

This policy is guided by relevant safeguarding legislation and guidance in the United Kingdom, including:

Children Act 1989 and 2004
Working Together to Safeguard Children
Keeping Children Safe in Education (where applicable)
The Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006
Data Protection Act 2018 and UK GDPR
The Children and Social Work Act 2017

4. Definitions of Abuse

Abuse may take many forms. Staff and volunteers should be aware of the following categories:

Physical Abuse

Deliberately causing physical harm to a child.

Emotional Abuse

Persistent emotional mistreatment that affects a child’s emotional development and wellbeing.

Sexual Abuse

Forcing or enticing a child to participate in sexual activities, whether or not the child understands what is happening.

Neglect

Persistent failure to meet a child’s basic physical and/or psychological needs.

Online Abuse

Abuse occurring through digital platforms, social media, messaging services, online lessons, or internet-enabled devices.

5. Roles and Responsibilities

Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)

The DSL is responsible for:

Acting as the main safeguarding contact.
Managing safeguarding concerns and referrals.
Maintaining confidential safeguarding records.
Ensuring staff understand safeguarding responsibilities.
Reviewing and updating safeguarding procedures.
Liaising with external agencies where required.

Tutors, Staff, and Volunteers

All adults involved with the organisation must:

Read and follow this policy.
Maintain professional boundaries.
Report safeguarding concerns immediately.
Treat children with dignity and respect.
Avoid behaviour that could be misunderstood or place themselves or children at risk.
Attend safeguarding training where required.

6. Safer Recruitment

Where appropriate, Young Musicians Club will take reasonable steps to ensure suitable individuals work with children, including:

Interview and suitability checks
Identity verification
References
Enhanced DBS checks where required
Clear safeguarding expectations during recruitment and induction

No person unsuitable to work with children will knowingly be employed or permitted to volunteer.

7. Code of Conduct for Adults

All staff, tutors, and volunteers must:

Act professionally at all times.
Avoid favouritism.
Never use abusive, inappropriate, discriminatory, or sexualised language.
Never engage in inappropriate physical contact.
Avoid being alone with a child where possible.
Ensure one-to-one teaching spaces remain observable where practical.
Use appropriate communication methods.
Never exchange personal or private messages with children unless this is necessary for educational purposes and approved by parents/carers.
Never contact children through personal social media accounts.
Report any concerns, disclosures, or allegations immediately.

8. Managing One-to-One Music Lessons

Because music tuition often involves one-to-one teaching, additional safeguards are important.

Where possible:

Lessons should take place in rooms with visibility panels, open doors, or observable spaces.
Parents/carers should know lesson times and locations.
Waiting areas should be available.
Online lessons should be conducted using approved platforms.
A parent/carer should supervise younger children during online lessons.
Sessions should only take place at agreed times.

Physical guidance should only be used when educationally necessary, appropriate, and explained clearly to the student.

9. Online Safety and Digital Communication

When delivering online lessons or communicating digitally:

Only approved platforms and accounts should be used.
Lessons should not be recorded without explicit written consent.
Personal phone numbers should not normally be shared with students.
Communication with under-18s should include parents/carers where appropriate.
Tutors should maintain professional standards in dress, language, and setting during online sessions.
Any concerning online behaviour must be reported.

10. Photography, Video, and Social Media

Photographs or videos of children will only be taken or used:

With written parental/carer consent.
For agreed educational, promotional, or performance purposes.
In a way that protects children’s dignity and privacy.

Full names of children will not normally be published alongside images.

Staff and volunteers must not:

Use personal devices to take unauthorised photographs.
Share images of children on personal social media accounts.
Post content that could place children at risk.

11. Recognising and Responding to Safeguarding Concerns

All safeguarding concerns must be taken seriously.

Possible signs of abuse may include:

Unexplained injuries
Sudden behavioural changes
Withdrawal or anxiety
Fear of certain individuals
Inappropriate sexual knowledge or behaviour
Neglect of hygiene or basic needs
Reluctance to attend lessons

If a child makes a disclosure:

Stay calm.
Listen carefully.
Do not promise confidentiality.
Reassure the child they have done the right thing.
Avoid asking leading questions.
Record what was said as soon as possible.
Report the concern to the DSL immediately.

12. Reporting Procedures

If a safeguarding concern arises:

Record the concern factually and promptly.
Report it immediately to the DSL.
The DSL will decide on appropriate next steps.
Emergency concerns involving immediate danger should be referred to emergency services.
Referrals may be made to children’s social care or relevant safeguarding agencies where necessary.

Confidentiality will be maintained as far as possible, but safeguarding concerns cannot be kept secret if a child may be at risk.

13. Allegations Against Staff or Volunteers

Any allegation or concern regarding inappropriate behaviour by a member of staff, tutor, or volunteer must be:

Reported immediately to the DSL or organisation lead.
Taken seriously and handled fairly.
Recorded appropriately.
Referred to external authorities where necessary.

Where the concern involves the DSL, the concern should be reported directly to:

Waltham Forest Multi Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH):

02084962310 or MASHrequests@walthamforest.gov.uk

Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub

Willow House
869 Forest Road
Walthamstow
London
E17 4UH

14. Health and Safety

We are committed to providing a safe physical environment for all students.

This includes:

Appropriate supervision
Safe equipment and instruments
Risk assessments for events and performances
Clear fire and emergency procedures
First aid arrangements
Appropriate collection and dismissal arrangements for children

15. Inclusion, Equality, and Anti-Bullying

We are committed to creating an inclusive environment where every child feels welcome and valued regardless of:

Race
Disability
Gender
Religion or belief
Sexual orientation
Socioeconomic background

Bullying, harassment, discrimination, and abusive behaviour will not be tolerated.

Concerns relating to bullying should be reported and addressed promptly.

16. Record Keeping and Confidentiality

Safeguarding records will:

Be accurate, factual, and secure.
Be shared only on a need-to-know basis.
Be stored in accordance with data protection laws.
Include dates, actions taken, and outcomes where appropriate.

17. Parents and Carers

We aim to work openly and collaboratively with parents and carers.

Parents/carers will:

Be informed of this safeguarding policy.
Be expected to support safeguarding procedures.
Be informed of concerns where appropriate and safe to do so.

However, if informing parents/carers could place a child at increased risk, appropriate safeguarding agencies may be contacted first.

18. Training

All staff and volunteers working with children should receive appropriate safeguarding guidance and training relevant to their role.

Training may include:

Recognising abuse
Responding to disclosures
Online safety
Professional boundaries
Reporting procedures

19. Policy Review

This policy will be reviewed annually or sooner if:

Legislation changes
Organisational procedures change
A safeguarding incident indicates a review is necessary

20. Contact Information

Designated Safeguarding Lead

Name: Nicolas Marie
Email: contact@youngmusiciansclub.co.uk

Phone contact available for current student parents/carers. Please contact using email above in the first instance.

Local Authority Children’s Services

Waltham Forest Multi Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH):

02084962310 or MASHrequests@walthamforest.gov.uk

Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub

Willow House
869 Forest Road
Walthamstow
London
E17 4UH

Emergency Services

Dial 999 in an emergency.

NSPCC Helpline: 0808 800 5000

Declaration

Young Musicians Club is committed to safeguarding children and young people and expects all staff, tutors, volunteers, students, parents, and visitors to share this commitment.

Safeguarding Policy

Young Musicians Club Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy

Organisation Name: Young Musicians Club Policy Owner: Nicolas Marie Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL): Nicolas Marie Policy Review Date: 21/05/26 Next Review Due: 21/05/27

​

1. Statement of Commitment

Young Musicians Club is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children and young people who attend our music classes, workshops, rehearsals, performances, online sessions, and related activities.

​

We believe that:

Every child has the right to be protected from harm, abuse, neglect, and exploitation.

Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility.

Children should feel safe, respected, listened to, and supported.

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

We will work in partnership with parents, carers, schools, local authorities, and relevant agencies where necessary.

This policy applies to:

Teachers and tutors

Volunteers

Contractors and visiting professionals

Students aged under 18

Parents and carers

Anyone acting on behalf of Young Musicians Club

2. Purpose of the Policy

The purpose of this policy is to:

Protect children and young people who participate in our activities.

Provide staff and volunteers with clear safeguarding procedures.

Ensure all concerns are identified, recorded, and responded to appropriately.

Create a safe and positive learning environment.

Promote best practice in face-to-face and online music teaching.

3. Legal and Regulatory Framework

This policy is guided by relevant safeguarding legislation and guidance in the United Kingdom, including:

Children Act 1989 and 2004

Working Together to Safeguard Children

Keeping Children Safe in Education (where applicable)

The Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006

Data Protection Act 2018 and UK GDPR

The Children and Social Work Act 2017

4. Definitions of Abuse

Abuse may take many forms. Staff and volunteers should be aware of the following categories:

Physical Abuse

Deliberately causing physical harm to a child.

Emotional Abuse

Persistent emotional mistreatment that affects a child’s emotional development and wellbeing.

Sexual Abuse

Forcing or enticing a child to participate in sexual activities, whether or not the child understands what is happening.

Neglect

Persistent failure to meet a child’s basic physical and/or psychological needs.

Online Abuse

Abuse occurring through digital platforms, social media, messaging services, online lessons, or internet-enabled devices.

5. Roles and Responsibilities

Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)

The DSL is responsible for:

Acting as the main safeguarding contact.

Managing safeguarding concerns and referrals.

Maintaining confidential safeguarding records.

Ensuring staff understand safeguarding responsibilities.

Reviewing and updating safeguarding procedures.

Liaising with external agencies where required.

Tutors, Staff, and Volunteers

All adults involved with the organisation must:

Read and follow this policy.

Maintain professional boundaries.

Report safeguarding concerns immediately.

Treat children with dignity and respect.

Avoid behaviour that could be misunderstood or place themselves or children at risk.

Attend safeguarding training where required.

6. Safer Recruitment

Where appropriate, Young Musicians Club will take reasonable steps to ensure suitable individuals work with children, including:

Interview and suitability checks

Identity verification

References

Enhanced DBS checks where required

Clear safeguarding expectations during recruitment and induction

No person unsuitable to work with children will knowingly be employed or permitted to volunteer.

7. Code of Conduct for Adults

All staff, tutors, and volunteers must:

Act professionally at all times.

Avoid favouritism.

Never use abusive, inappropriate, discriminatory, or sexualised language.

Never engage in inappropriate physical contact.

Avoid being alone with a child where possible.

Ensure one-to-one teaching spaces remain observable where practical.

Organisation Name: Young Musicians Club
Policy Owner: Nicolas Marie
Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL): Nicolas Marie
Policy Review Date: 21/05/26
Next Review Due: 21/05/27