Child Protection & Safeguarding Policy

1. Policy Statement

At DJ Archie School and Agency, we are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children and young people. We believe that all children have the right to be protected from harm, abuse, and exploitation, and to have their welfare promoted, regardless of gender, race, ability, sexuality, or background.

We uphold the principles outlined in:

• Children Act 1989 & 2004
• Working Together to Safeguard Children (2018)
• Keeping Children Safe in Education (2023)
• SET Safeguarding & Child Protection Procedures (2022)
• UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (Article 19)

2. Scope

This policy applies to:

• All staff, mentors, chaperones, volunteers, and freelancers working for the DJ Archie School or Agency.
• All children and young people participating in lessons, agency opportunities, events, or workshops.
• All venues and online spaces used by the organisation.

3. Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)

Name: John Stuart Norbury

Email: school@djarchie.com

Phone: +44(0)2034418853

Deputy DSLs may be appointed in regional areas. All safeguarding concerns must be reported immediately to the DSL.

4. Principles and Legal Duties

We recognise our duty to:

• Protect children from maltreatment.
• Prevent impairment of children's health or development.
• Ensure children grow up with safe and effective care.
• Take action to enable the best outcomes for children.

All staff are expected to:

• Be alert to indicators of abuse.
• Know how to respond to concerns.
• Share information appropriately.
• Promote a child-centred, inclusive approach.

5. Types of Abuse (as defined in statutory guidance)

• Physical abuse: hitting, shaking, poisoning.
• Emotional abuse: persistent negative treatment or verbal abuse.
• Sexual abuse: any non-consensual sexual contact or exposure.
• Neglect: persistent failure to meet basic needs.
• Child exploitation (including CSE and CCE).
• Online abuse: grooming, inappropriate messaging, or image sharing.
• Adultification: treating a child as older than their years, leading to increased vulnerability.

6. Reporting and Managing Concerns

Any concern about a child must be reported immediately to the DSL. If the child is in immediate danger, call 999.

Concerns will be:

• Recorded in writing (using a safeguarding concern form).
• Acted upon within 24 hours.
• Referred to local authority children's social care if needed.

Parents/carers will be informed unless it places the child at greater risk.

7. Recruitment and Staff Conduct

• All staff and mentors are subject to Enhanced DBS checks.
• Recruitment follows Safer Recruitment guidance.
• All staff are trained in safeguarding awareness at induction and refreshed annually.
• Staff are expected to behave professionally, never work alone with a child in a private setting, and report concerns without delay.

8. Working in Licensed or Adult Environments

Where children are performing (e.g. DJing) in 18+ venues:

• A risk assessment will be completed.
• A licensed chaperone or parent must be present at all times.
• The child must be clearly identified as a performer under 18.
• No media will be shared without parental consent.

9. Online Safety

• All online lessons are supervised and recorded where appropriate.
• Children and parents must agree to online safety rules.
• No direct messaging between mentors and children unless via approved platforms with parental oversight.

10. Confidentiality & Information Sharing

Information about safeguarding concerns will only be shared with professionals who need to know, in accordance with the Data Protection Act 2018 and UK GDPR.

11. Child Performance Licensing

We comply with all local authority child performance licensing laws:

• Submitting applications for licences with sufficient notice.
• Providing birth certificates, headshots, risk assessments, and schedules.
• Ensuring chaperones are approved by the local authority.

12. Whistleblowing

Staff are encouraged to raise concerns about poor practice or abuse via our DSL.

13. Monitoring and Review

This policy will be reviewed annually or sooner if legislation or organisational needs change. Any updates will be shared with all staff and parents.

John Stuart Norbury

CEO & Founder Dj Archie School & Agency

4th June 2025