Young Bards Academy: Child Safeguarding Policy

1. Our Commitment At Young Bards Academy, the safety and well-being of our students is our highest priority. We believe that no child should ever experience abuse of any kind and we are committed to providing a safe, positive, and encouraging environment for musical learning.

2. Tutor Vetting & Training

  • DBS Checks: Every tutor working at the Academy is required to hold a current Enhanced DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check. We verify these certificates before any tutor is permitted to teach.

  • Professional Conduct: Our tutors adhere to a strict Code of Conduct that prohibits being alone in a closed room with a student without a clear line of sight (e.g., glass vision panels in doors) or other staff members nearby.

3. Arrival & Departure Procedures

  • The Handover: For students aged 7–12, we require a "hand-to-hand" handover. Parents/guardians must drop students off at the studio door and be present for collection at the end of the lesson.

  • Late Collection: Students will never be left unattended. If a parent is late, the student will remain inside the studio with Academy staff until they are safely collected.

  • Alternative Collection: If someone other than the usual parent/guardian is collecting a child, the Academy must be notified in advance via a phone call from the parent/guardian.

4. Digital Safety & Photography

  • We will never take photographs or videos of students for social media or marketing without the explicit written consent of a parent/guardian.

  • Tutors are prohibited from communicating with students via personal social media accounts or private messaging apps. All communication must go through the parent/guardian.

5. Reporting a Concern If a parent, student, or tutor has a concern regarding the welfare of a child at the Academy, they should immediately contact our Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL):

  • Name: Davina Valand

  • Role: Academy Director

  • Contact: Youngbardsinfo@gmail.com

All concerns will be treated with the utmost sensitivity and, where necessary, referred to the local children’s social care services or the police in accordance with UK statutory guidance.

Policy Last Updated: March 2026