Child Protection Policy

At Acting Out Drama School, we are committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of every child and young person in our care. We believe that every individual, regardless of race, age, disability, gender, sexual orientation, religious belief, or any other form of identity or creed, deserves to be protected from neglectful or abusive behaviour. Our aim is to create a safe and welcoming environment where all students can thrive.

This policy applies to all staff and volunteers involved in our drama school and covers children under the age of 18 and/or vulnerable adults under the age of 25.

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

  • Respect and value the opinions of children, listening attentively to what they have to say.

  • Collaborate with children, parents, and relevant organisations to ensure their welfare.

  • Disseminate our policy to all staff, parents, and students, ensuring everyone is aware of our commitment to child protection.

  • Conduct necessary checks when hiring staff, ensuring individuals in regular contact with children possess current PVG checks (or non-UK equivalent).

  • Provide appropriate training and support to all staff members.

  • Assume responsibility for the safety of children and young people during their time at our drama school.

  • Clearly communicate how and where these images will be used.

  • Promptly report any suspected neglect or abuse to the designated member of staff, relevant organisation, or authorities.

  • Regularly review and update this policy in conjunction with additional documents.

Further guidance is provided below for:

  • Reporting Suspected Neglect or Abuse

  • Appropriate Physical Contact in Drama Classes

  • Use of Photography and Film of Children

Reporting Suspected Neglect or Abuse

Concerns regarding a child’s welfare can be reported by:

  • Parents

  • Teachers

  • Friends

  • The child or young person themselves

All allegations of neglect or abuse will be treated with utmost seriousness. If a concern is disclosed by the child or young person directly, we will refrain from asking leading questions or taking actions that may discourage them. It will be made clear that reported concerns cannot be kept confidential and will need to be shared with a designated staff member or external organisation. Parents or guardians will be involved in the process if deemed appropriate.

Recognising the importance of early intervention, any concerns will be reported immediately to the police or child welfare services. If a child or young person is in immediate danger, we will contact the local police station. Otherwise, concerns will be reported to the local Protection Team.

Appropriate Physical Contact in Drama Classes

Physical contact in drama classes may sometimes be necessary for instructional purposes, such as correcting posture or positioning. While engaging in physical activities, our teachers may need to make contact with students to demonstrate ideas or adjust their positions.

This may involve:

  • Guiding movements

  • Adjusting posture or positioning

  • Assisting in scene blocking

We remain sensitive to the wishes of the students and prioritise their welfare at all times. Before making any physical contact, we will explain the purpose and manner of correction to the student. We encourage students to voice any concerns they may have regarding physical contact.

Use of Photography and Film

As outlined in our privacy policy,  we will from time to time take photographs of students during class time and during show time. Selected photographs may be uploaded to the AODS website and media channels to provide a visual representation of the courses. 

AODS will from time to time take film footage of students during certain classes, which is then used as a feedback mechanism to enable the students to observe their performance. Selected footage may be uploaded to the AODS website and media channels to provide a visual representation of the courses. 

Additionally, it is normal for AODS to hire an external professional photographer / videographer to take photographs and/or film footage of students during show time. These are then made available for students (or their parents) to procure. 

AODS record all online sessions and performances and these can be shared and made available to other students or members of Acting Out.

By enrolling your child,  you are presumed to agree to the above conditions which are intrinsic to the running of a Performing Arts school and so there is no “opt out”.

We acknowledge that some children and parents may have reservations. Therefore, parents and students have the right to withdraw their permission for an image of video use at any time. In such cases, images will be promptly removed from display or online platforms upon request.

We do not permit parents taking photographs or film at our events.

At Acting Out Drama School, we are dedicated to upholding the highest standards of child protection and ensuring a safe and nurturing environment for all our students.