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SAFEGUARDING POLICY 

HOUSE OF TALENT 
Last updated: May 2026

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1. Policy Statement

At House Of Talent the safety, wellbeing, and welfare of all children and young people are our highest priority.

We are committed to providing a safe, positive, and inclusive environment where every student feels respected, supported, and protected from harm.

We recognise our responsibility to safeguard all children and young people attending our classes, rehearsals, performances, workshops, competitions, and events.

This policy applies to:

  • All staff

  • Teachers

  • Assistants

  • Volunteers

  • Guest teachers

  • Chaperones

  • Students and parents where relevant

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2. Our Commitment

House Of Talent is committed to:

  • Treating all children with respect and dignity

  • Providing a safe and welcoming environment

  • Promoting the welfare and wellbeing of children

  • Taking all safeguarding concerns seriously

  • Responding appropriately to concerns or disclosures

  • Ensuring staff understand safeguarding responsibilities

  • Maintaining appropriate safeguarding procedures

  • Following safer recruitment practices where applicable

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3. Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)

The Designated Safeguarding Lead for House Of Talent is:

Name: Debbie Austen
Role: Co-Owner & Principal
Email: info@houseoftalentperformingarts.co.uk
Phone: 07901383947

If the DSL is unavailable, concerns should be reported to:
Name: Chelsie Austen

Role: Co-Owner & Creative Director 

Email: info@houseoftalentperformingarts.co.uk

Phone: 07901383947

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4. Definitions

For the purposes of this policy:

  • A “child” refers to anyone under the age of 18.

  • “Safeguarding” means protecting children from abuse, harm, neglect, exploitation, and unsafe environments.

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5. Types of Abuse

We recognise that abuse can take many forms, including:

  • Physical abuse

  • Emotional abuse

  • Sexual abuse

  • Neglect

  • Bullying or cyberbullying

  • Grooming or exploitation

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Safeguarding concerns may arise from:

  • A child’s behaviour

  • Physical signs or injuries

  • Disclosures made by a child

  • Behaviour of adults or other children

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6. Staff Responsibilities

All staff, teachers, and volunteers are expected to:

  • Prioritise the welfare of children

  • Maintain professional boundaries

  • Treat students fairly and respectfully

  • Listen to children’s concerns seriously

  • Report safeguarding concerns immediately

  • Follow this policy at all times

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No member of staff should:

  • Engage in inappropriate physical contact

  • Communicate privately with children inappropriately

  • Use abusive, discriminatory, or sexualised language

  • Share personal contact details unnecessarily

  • Arrange unauthorised meetings outside dance activities

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7. Safer Recruitment & DBS Checks

Where appropriate, staff and volunteers working with children will:

  • Undergo DBS checks

  • Provide references

  • Be appropriately qualified or supervised

  • Receive safeguarding guidance

We are committed to maintaining safe recruitment practices.

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8. Photography & Social Media

Photographs and videos may occasionally be taken during classes, performances, or events for promotional or educational purposes.

We will:

  • Seek appropriate parental consent where required

  • Respect any photography opt-out requests

  • Never knowingly share inappropriate images

  • Avoid identifying children by full name alongside images publicly

Parents and visitors may be asked to follow photography rules during performances and events.

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9. Online Safety

Where online classes or digital communication are used:

  • Appropriate professional platforms will be used

  • Communication will remain professional and appropriate

  • Parents may be copied into communications where relevant

  • Staff should avoid direct private messaging with children where possible

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10. Health & Safety

We aim to provide a safe physical environment by:

  • Maintaining suitable studio spaces

  • Carrying out risk assessments where appropriate

  • Monitoring safe dance practice

  • Maintaining first aid provisions

  • Keeping emergency contact information accessible

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Students should:

  • Wear appropriate clothing and footwear

  • Inform teachers of injuries or medical conditions

  • Follow teacher instructions at all times

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11. Reporting Concerns

Any safeguarding concern, disclosure, allegation, or incident should be reported immediately to the Designated Safeguarding Lead.

Concerns may include:

  • Suspected abuse or neglect

  • Inappropriate behaviour by adults or students

  • Bullying

  • Unsafe environments

  • Welfare concerns

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All concerns will be:

  • Taken seriously

  • Recorded appropriately

  • Handled confidentially where possible

  • Reported to relevant authorities where necessary

In an emergency or where a child is at immediate risk of harm, emergency services should be contacted immediately.

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12. Confidentiality

Safeguarding information will only be shared on a need-to-know basis.

We will handle personal information in accordance with our Privacy Policy and UK data protection law.

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13. Anti-Bullying

House Of Talent does not tolerate bullying of any kind, including:

  • Physical bullying

  • Verbal abuse

  • Social exclusion

  • Online bullying

All students are expected to behave respectfully towards others.

Any bullying concerns should be reported to a teacher or the DSL.

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14. Inclusion & Equality

We are committed to creating an inclusive environment that welcomes students of all:

  • Backgrounds

  • Abilities

  • Genders

  • Ethnicities

  • Religions

  • Sexual orientations

Discrimination, harassment, or abusive behaviour will not be tolerated.

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15. Parents & Guardians

Parents and guardians are expected to:

  • Provide accurate emergency and medical information

  • Inform us of any safeguarding or welfare concerns

  • Treat staff and students respectfully

  • Follow studio rules and procedures

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16. Policy Review

This policy will be reviewed regularly and updated where necessary to reflect best practice and legal requirements.

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17. Contact Information

For safeguarding concerns or questions regarding this policy, please contact:

House Of Talent
Email Address: info@houseoftalentperformingarts.co.uk
Phone Number: 07901383947
 

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