(Reviewed September 2025 – next review September 2026)

1. Policy Statement

Dramalam Performing Arts (“Dramalam”) recognises its duty of care to safeguard and promote the welfare of all children and young people (under 18) involved in our activities. We are committed to:

Creating a safe, inclusive and positive environment.

Responding promptly and appropriately to child protection concerns.

Ensuring children’s rights, as set out in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC), are respected.

Complying fully with the National Guidance for Child Protection in Scotland 2021 (updated 2023) and Children and Young People (Scotland) Act 2014.

The welfare of every child is paramount.

2. Scope

This policy applies to:

All freelance staff, assistants, volunteers and contractors engaged by Dramalam.

All activities, classes, rehearsals, workshops, shows, trips, residentials and online platforms.

All children and young people aged 3–18 attending Dramalam.

3. Roles & Responsibilities

Designated Child Protection Lead (CPL): Lianne McHugh

Deputy CPL: Callum Potter

All staff and volunteers must familiarise themselves with this policy, attend required training, and report concerns immediately to the CPL or Deputy.

Trustees/directors are responsible for reviewing the policy annually and ensuring compliance.

4. Safer Recruitment & PVG

All employed staff are members of the PVG Scheme. Volunteers who are in regulated roles will also be enrolled.

As of April 2025, membership of the PVG Scheme is a legal requirement for all regulated roles under the Disclosure (Scotland) Act 2020. Dramalam is in the process of becoming an accredited organisation with Disclosure Scotland.

Recruitment will include: application form, references, PVG check, probationary period, and induction.

Staff and volunteers must declare any relevant criminal convictions.

5. Training

All staff and volunteers must complete Child Wellbeing & Protection in Sport (CWPS) training or equivalent within 12 months of appointment.

Refresher training will be undertaken at least every three years.

Records of training will be maintained by the CPL.

6. Code of Conduct

Respect all children and young people as individuals.

Do not use physical punishment, verbal abuse, bullying, or humiliating behaviour.

Avoid one-to-one situations out of public view; where unavoidable, ensure transparency and report to CPL.

Physical contact in teaching dance/performance must be appropriate, explained, and open to observation.

Never transport children alone without prior agreement and risk assessment.

7. Planning to Minimise Risk

Supervision ratios will be appropriate to the age group

Registers are taken at every class/event.

No staff member should be left alone with a child for extended periods.

For theatre performances, changing rooms will be supervised according to age and gender, with no photography or mobile phone use permitted.

8. Health, Safety & First Aid

A first-aid trained adult is always present on site.

Incidents, accidents or near-misses are recorded and reviewed.

Fire evacuation and health & safety procedures are in place and rehearsed.

9. Photography, Filming & Online Safety

Dramalam shares content on social media and other platforms.

Parental consent for photos/videos is managed through Class4Kids.

Consent is recorded in the parent’s online account and can be updated at any time.

Verbal consent is not sufficient unless updated in Class4Kids.

No images will be taken in changing areas.

Staff must not contact students directly on personal social media or messaging platforms. All communication must be via approved Dramalam channels.

10. Responding to Concerns

Concerns about a child’s welfare must be reported immediately to the CPL or Deputy.

Staff should not promise confidentiality if a child discloses abuse.

CPL will record concerns and, where appropriate, refer to:

South Lanarkshire Social Work Child Protection Services: 0303 123 1008

Police Scotland: 101 (or 999 in emergencies)

Childline: 0800 1111

If the allegation involves a member of staff, the CPL will follow procedures to ensure both the child is protected and due process for the adult.

11. Whistleblowing & Complaints

Staff and volunteers are encouraged to raise concerns about poor practice through the CPL or senior management.

Parents/carers may raise safeguarding concerns via the CPL; complaints will be handled transparently and in line with this policy.

12. Confidentiality & Data Protection

All safeguarding records are kept securely and shared only on a need-to-know basis.

Data protection obligations under the Data Protection Act 2018 and UK GDPR are observed.

13. Monitoring & Review

Policy will be reviewed annually or sooner if legislation changes.

Next review due: September 2026.

14. Key Contacts (to display)

CPL: Lianne McHugh – Email: hello@dramalamperformingarts.com Call: 07515 145601

Deputy CPL: Callum Potter – Email: hello@dramalamperformingarts.com Call: 07515 145601

South Lanarkshire Child Protection Services: 0303 123 1008

Police Scotland: 101 / 999 (emergency)

Childline: 0800 1111