Safeguarding Policy

East Staffordshire Youth Theatre has safeguarding policies and procedures to protect the welfare of everyone who takes part in our projects. We hope that no one will ever have to raise a concern, but it is important that you are aware of the procedures should anything arise during the project delivery period.

Who to contact

In the event that you have any concerns about a member of your company you should contact: 

1. Ciara Fantom– Ciara is ESYT’s Designated Safeguarding Officer or ‘DSO’ for short. The DSO is the first point of contact for the performers, parents, staff and volunteers if they are concerned about a/ another participant. A DSO’s role is essentially to promote a safe environment for children and young people and, in the event that a child protection concern arises, a DSO is responsible for making a referral to the appropriate authorities. 

2. Madison Brassington – Maddie is ESYT’s Deputy Designated Safeguarding Officer and the second point of contact for any issues. 

If you wish to raise a safeguarding concern and Ciara is unavailable, you can contact Maddie who will also be able to offer advice and support or take forward any concerns which require a referral to an appropriate authority. Their contact details are listed at the end of this document. 

Disclosures and Reporting

A disclosure is when a person reports something to another person. Whenever a child or young person reports that they are suffering or have suffered significant harm because of abuse or neglect, or have caused or are causing physical or sexual harm to others, the initial response from ESYT members should be only to listen carefully to what the child or young person says. This will help to reassure them that telling someone was the right thing to do and help you to clarify what the concerns are.

Ways that concerns might come to East Staffordshire Youth Theatre’s attention:

• a child or young person might make a direct disclosure about him or herself;

• a child or young person might make a direct disclosure about another child or young person;

• a child or young person might offer information that is worrying but not a direct disclosure;

• a ESYT member might be concerned about a child or young person’s appearance or behaviour or about the behaviour of a parent or carer towards a child or young person;

• a parent or carer might make a disclosure about abuse that a child or young person is suffering or at risk of suffering;

• a parent or carer might offer information about a child or young person that is worrying but not a direct disclosure.

Managing a disclosure by a child or young person

If the child or young person can understand the significance and consequences of making a referral to the Children’s social care department (in a local authority), he or she should be asked their view. However, it should be explained to the child or young person that although his or her view will be taken into account, the member has a responsibility to take whatever action is required to ensure the child or young person’s safety and the safety of other children and young people.

If a child or young person makes a disclosure to an ESYT member, they should:

• Stay calm – panic or anxiety will not help and it may cause the child or young person to not say anything else;

• Allow the child or young person to use his or her own words and explain things at his or her own pace; 

• Explain that you will pass the information to the DSO

• Make a full written note of what the child or young person has said as soon as possible and always within 24 hours;

• In all cases of suspected abuse and neglect, the ESYT member should report these to the DSO or deputy DSO.

Do not

• Promise to keep secrets;

• Ask in detail about the abuse as this is for Children’s social care or the Police to investigate;

• Put pressure on the child or young person if she or he is reluctant to speak;

• Ask to see injuries.

Concerns without a disclosure

It is important to recognise that many of the signs that suggest abuse may also be caused by other issues and often an investigating agency may need to build up a picture of a child's life by piecing together information held by different individuals and organisations. It is not your responsibility to investigate and ‘solve’ any safeguarding issues. If you are concerned that a member of your company may be being abused then you should follow the procedures outlined above. You will be given the full support of Ciara and Maddie who are then responsible for taking appropriate action (for instance, making a referral to an appropriate authority). 

Emergency Cases

• If the child or young person is in immediate danger and is with you, remain with him or her and call the police.

• If the child or young person is elsewhere, contact the police and explain the situation to them.

• If child or young person needs emergency medical attention, call an ambulance and, while you are waiting for it to arrive, get help from a first aider.

• If the first aider is not available, use any first aid knowledge that you may have yourself to help the child.

• You also need to contact the DSO or deputy DSO to explain what is happening.

Useful contacts 

Designated Safeguarding Officer: Ciara Fantom eaststaffsyouththeatre@gmail.com (07380 851483)

Deputy Designated Safeguarding Officer: Madison Brassington eaststaffsyouththeatre@gmail.com (07802 223929‬)