Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy
 

Our Commitment

The Rollo Academy believes that every child and young person has the right to be safe from neglect, abuse, and exploitation. We are committed to promoting and safeguarding the welfare of all children and young people in our care and will take all reasonable steps to protect them from harm, regardless of race, ethnicity, age, disability, gender, sexual orientation, religion, or any other characteristic.

We are dedicated to creating a safe, inclusive, supportive, and welcoming environment in which all students can learn, develop, and thrive.

This policy applies to all staff, teachers, volunteers, and chaperones working on behalf of the Academy and covers all children under the age of 18, as well as vulnerable adults up to the age of 24.

Safeguarding Responsibilities

To protect children and young people in our care, we will:

• Treat all children and young people with respect and value their views and opinions.
• Listen carefully to any concerns raised by students.
• Work in partnership with parents, carers, and relevant agencies to support student welfare.
• Ensure that this policy is available to staff, parents, and students.
• Carry out all appropriate recruitment checks and ensure that staff working regularly with children hold a current DBS certificate where required.
• Provide appropriate safeguarding training and support for all staff.
• Accept responsibility for the safety and wellbeing of children and young people while they are participating in Academy activities.
• Obtain parental consent before taking photographs or videos of students and clearly explain how images will be used.
• Report any concerns or suspicions of neglect, abuse, or harm to the Principal and, where necessary, to the Police or Local Authority Safeguarding Team.
• Reporting Concerns of Neglect or AbuseConcerns regarding a child’s welfare may be raised by:
  • Parents or carers
  • Friends or family members
  • Teachers or staff
  • The child or young person themselves

  All safeguarding concerns and allegations will be treated seriously and handled sensitively.

  Where a concern is disclosed directly by a child or young person, staff will:

  • Listen carefully and remain calm.
  • Avoid asking leading, probing, or investigative questions.
  • Reassure the child that they have done the right thing by speaking up.
  • Explain that the information cannot be kept confidential and may need to be shared with appropriate individuals in order to keep them safe.

  All concerns will be reported immediately to the Principal and Company Director. Where appropriate, parents or guardians will be informed and involved.

  We recognise that early intervention is essential in safeguarding children and will act promptly whenever concerns arise.

• Emergency SituationsIf a child or young person is believed to be in immediate danger, the Police will be contacted by dialling 999.In all other safeguarding situations, concerns will be referred to the appropriate Local Authority Children’s Services or Safeguarding Team without delay.

  Chaperoning Students at Events

  When chaperoning students to performances, competitions, examinations, or other events, we will:

  • Provide parents and students with clear information about the purpose of the event.
  • Supply the full address and venue details.
  • Where possible, provide specific room, studio, or performance locations within larger venues.
  • Share travel arrangements and planned routes with parents, students, and chaperones.
  • Ensure students understand what to do should they become separated from the group.
  • Collect emergency contact details for all participating students.
  • Have clear arrangements in place for student supervision and welfare throughout the event.
  • Ensure that all chaperones hold any required licences, safeguarding checks, and are familiar with this policy.
  • Provide access to a qualified First Aider where appropriate.
  • Use of Photographs and Video RecordingsWe recognise that not all students or parents wish for images or recordings to be taken or shared. The Academy respects these preferences and will always seek appropriate consent.Before taking photographs or videos of students, we will:
    • Explain when and where images will be taken.
    • Identify the person responsible for capturing the images.
    • Clearly explain how the images may be used, including on social media, promotional materials, the Academy website, or within the school.
    • Obtain written parental consent where required.

    Parents and students may withdraw consent for the use of images at any time. Where consent is withdrawn, the Academy will remove images from future use as soon as reasonably practicable.

    Photography by Parents and Audience Members

    To safeguard all students, parents and audience members must seek permission before taking photographs or recording videos at Academy performances, events, or presentations.

    Permission will only be granted where all relevant parties have provided their consent and where photography or filming does not compromise the welfare, privacy, or safeguarding of any student.

    Policy Review

    The Rollo Academy is committed to maintaining the highest standards of safeguarding and child protection. This policy will be reviewed regularly to ensure it remains effective, up to date, and compliant with current safeguarding legislation and best practice guidance.