CHILD PROTECTION POLICY

LAST REVIEWED: 04 JANUARY 2026

POLICY REVIEW DATE: 04 JANUARY 2027

 

1. INTRODUCTION

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1.1. This policy outlines the commitment of P3 Performing Arts to protect children and young people from harm, abuse, and exploitation. It applies to all staff, volunteers, and partners working with or on behalf of the school.

 

1.2. The policy sets out the framework for identifying, responding to, and reporting concerns about a child’s safety or wellbeing, ensuring a proactive and consistent approach to child protection.

 

1.3. The Managing Director, or in their absence the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL), holds overall responsibility for ensuring effective child protection practices are in place and adhered to.

 

1.4. Child protection is a core element of safeguarding and is embedded in all aspects of our work. This policy complements our Safeguarding Policy and aligns with statutory guidance and local authority procedures.

 

1.5. In line with the Children Act 1989 and 2004, and ‘Working Together to Safeguard Children’, P3 Performing Arts will work collaboratively with external agencies to protect children from harm.

 

2. ETHOS

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2.1. P3 Performing Arts is committed to creating a culture where children feel safe, respected, and empowered to speak out. We promote an inclusive environment where diversity is celebrated, and every child is heard and valued.

 

2.2. We recognise that children’s voices are central to effective safeguarding. We encourage open dialogue and provide opportunities for children to express concerns and seek help.

 

2.3. Our curriculum, extracurricular activities, holiday camps and private events and lessons are designed to build resilience, self-esteem, and awareness of personal safety, including online safety and healthy relationships.

 

2.4. We actively challenge discrimination, bullying, and harmful behaviours, and promote empathy, respect, and kindness throughout our school community.

 

3. DEFINITIONS AND RECOGNITION OF ABUSE

 

3.1. Abuse is a form of maltreatment of a child. It can be physical, emotional, sexual, or neglect. Staff are trained to recognise signs and symptoms of each type of abuse and understand their duty to act.

 

3.2. All staff must be alert to indicators of abuse, including changes in behaviour, unexplained injuries, or disclosures made by the child or others.

 

3.3. Abuse may occur within the family, peer group, or through online interactions. Staff must remain vigilant and report any concerns, regardless of the source.

 

4. ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES​

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4.1. The Managing Director, Deejay Brogan, will ensure that:

• Child protection policies are implemented and reviewed regularly.

• All staff and volunteers receive appropriate training and understand their responsibilities.

• Safe recruitment practices are followed.

• Allegations against staff are managed in line with statutory guidance.

  1. The Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) will:

• Act as the main point of contact for child protection concerns.

• Liaise with external agencies and attend child protection meetings.

• Maintain accurate and confidential records.

• Ensure staff are trained and supported in child protection matters.

 

5. RESPONDING TO CONCERNS

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5.1. All concerns about a child’s welfare must be reported to the DSL immediately. Staff must not investigate but should record and report what they have seen or heard.

 

5.2. The DSL will assess the concern and decide on the appropriate course of action, which may include contacting Children’s Services or the police.

 

5.3. Concerns must be recorded using the school’s safeguarding recording system and updated as necessary.

 

6. CONFIDENTIALITY AND INFORMATION SHARING

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6.1. Information about child protection concerns will be shared on a need-to-know basis only and in line with data protection legislation.

 

6.2. Staff must never promise confidentiality to a child. If a child discloses abuse, they must be reassured that the information will be shared to help keep them safe.

 

6.3. Records will be stored securely and transferred appropriately if a child moves to another setting.

 

7. TRAINING AND AWARENESS

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7.1. All staff and volunteers will receive child protection training as part of their induction and regular refresher training thereafter.

 

7.2. Training will include recognising abuse, responding to disclosures, recording concerns, and understanding the referral process.

 

7.3. Additional training will be provided on specific safeguarding issues such as online safety, child sexual exploitation, and radicalisation.

 

8. WORKING WITH PARENTS AND CARERS

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8.1. We aim to work in partnership with parents and carers to promote the safety and wellbeing of children.

 

8.2. In most cases, concerns will be discussed with parents unless doing so would place the child at further risk.

 

8.3. Where appropriate, referrals will be made to Children’s Services without parental consent, in line with statutory guidance.

 

9. ALLEGATIONS AGAINST STAFF

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9.1. Allegations against staff or volunteers will be taken seriously and reported to the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) without delay.

 

9.2. The Managing Director or DSL will follow the procedures outlined in the school’s Safeguarding Policy and local authority guidance.

 

9.3. Staff will be supported throughout the process and treated fairly, while ensuring the safety of the child remains paramount.

 

10. MONITORING AND REVIEW

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10.1. This policy will be reviewed annually or in response to changes in legislation or guidance.

 

10.2. The effectiveness of the policy will be monitored through staff feedback, training evaluations, and safeguarding audits.

 

10.3. Updates will be shared with all staff and incorporated into ongoing training and development.

 

 

APPENDICES

Appendix A – Key Definitions

As per Working Together to Safeguard Children – Physical Abuse, Emotional Abuse, Sexual Abuse, Neglect

Appendix B – Contact Details

Designated Safeguarding Lead: Deejay Brogan

 

Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO):

MANCHESTER SAFEGUARDING PARTNERSHIP 

0161 234 1214

quality.assurance@manchester.gov.uk

 https://www.manchestersafeguardingpartnership.co.uk

 

Children’s Services:

Manchester Children’s Sevices

523 Stockport Road, Longsightm Manchester, M12 4LL

0161 225 9293

 

If somebody is in immediate danger, dial 999 and ask for the police.