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Safeguarding Policy Statement | The Hutch Studios LTD

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Policy Version: 1.0


Effective From: January 2027
Review Date: January 2028


Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL): Seanna Hutchinson
Deputy DSL: Jay Hutchinson

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1. Our Commitment
The Hutch Studios Ltd is fully committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all
children and young people attending our theatre studio. We believe that every child has
the right to:

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  • Feel safe and secure

  • Be protected from harm, abuse, and neglect
    The welfare of the child is paramount in all our activities and decisions.

  • Be treated with dignity and respect

  • Be listened to and taken seriously

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2. Scope of this policy
This policy applies to:

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  • All staff (paid and voluntary)

  • Freelance workshop leaders

  • Camp assistants and helpers

  • Trustees/Directors (if applicable)

  • External contractors working with children

  • Anyone representing The Hutch Studios Ltd

  • This policy applies during all drama camps, rehearsals, performances, trips, and any related activities, including online sessions if applicable.

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3. Legal Framework


This policy has been drawn up on the basis of legislation, policy and guidance that


seeks to protect children in Northern Ireland. A summary of the key legislation and guidance

is available from nspcc.org.uk/childprotection.


4. Definitions of Abuse


We recognise that abuse may take the following forms:

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  • Physical Abuse – causing physical harm

  • Emotional Abuse – persistent emotional maltreatment

  • Sexual Abuse – forcing or enticing a child to take part in sexual activities

  • Neglect – failure to meet a child’s basic physical and/or psychological needs

  • We also recognise risks including peer-on-peer abuse, bullying (including online), grooming, and exploitation.

 

5. We will seek to keep children and young people safe by:

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  • Valuing, listening to and respecting them

  • Appointing a nominated child protection lead for children and young people, a deputy and a lead trustee/board member for safeguarding.

  • Adopting child protection and safeguarding best practice through our policies, procedures and code of conduct for staff and volunteers

  • Developing and implementing an effective online safety policy and related procedures

  • Providing effective management for staff and volunteers through supervision, support, training and quality assurance measures so that all staff and volunteers know about and follow our policies, procedures and behaviour codes confidently and competently.

  • Recruiting and selecting staff and volunteers safely, ensuring all necessary checks are made.

  • Recording and storing and using information professionally and securely, in line with data protection legislation and guidance [more information about this is available from the Information Commissioner’s Office: ico.org.uk/fororganisations]

  • Sharing information about safeguarding and good practice with children and their families via leaflets, posters, group work and one-to-one discussions.

  • Making sure that children, young people and their families know where to go for help if they have a concern

  • Using our safeguarding and child protection procedures to share concerns and relevant information with agencies who need to know, and involving children, young people, parents, families and carers appropriately.

  • Using our procedures to manage any allegations against staff and volunteers appropriately.

  • Creating and maintaining an anti-bullying environment and ensuring that we have a policy and procedure to help us deal effectively with any bullying that does arise

  • Ensuring that we have effective complaints and whistleblowing measures in place

  • Ensuring that we provide a safe physical environment for our children, young people, staff and volunteers, by applying health and safety measures in accordance with the law and regulatory guidance.

  • Building a safeguarding culture where staff and volunteers, children, young people and their families, treat each other with respect and are comfortable about sharing concerns.

 

6. Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)

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The Hutch Studios Ltd has appointed a Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) who is responsible for:

 

  • Receiving and responding to safeguarding concerns

  • Making referrals to children’s social care or relevant authorities

  • Maintaining secure safeguarding records

  • Ensuring staff safeguarding training is up to date

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Acting as the main contact for safeguarding issues

 

DSL Contact Details:


Name: Seanna Hutchinson


Phone: 07933 582874


Email: hello@thehutchstudio.co.uk

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In the absence of the DSL, concerns should be reported to the Deputy DSL.


7. Safer Recruitment


The Hutch Studios Ltd is committed to safer recruitment practices, including:

  • Enhanced DBS checks (or relevant equivalent) for all staff working with children

  • Verification of identity and right to work

  • Taking up references

  • Clear role descriptions

  • Interview processes that assess safeguarding suitability

  • No adult will be permitted to work unsupervised with children without appropriate vetting.

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8. Code of Conduct for Staff


All staff must:

  • Treat children with respect and professionalism

  • Maintain appropriate boundaries at all times

  • Avoid being alone with a child in a closed or unsupervised space

  • Not engage in inappropriate physical contact

  • Not communicate with children via personal social media or private messaging

  • Challenge inappropriate behaviour

  • Report any safeguarding concerns immediately

  • Any breach of this code may result in disciplinary action.


9. Health, Safety & Supervision


The Hutch Studios Ltd will:


● Maintain appropriate adult-to-child ratios

● Conduct risk assessments for all activities

● Keep registers and accurate attendance records

● Obtain parental consent and emergency contact details

● Ensure first aid provision is in place

● Have clear procedures for collection of children

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Children will only be released to authorised adults.


10. Training


All staff and volunteers will:

 

  • Receive safeguarding training appropriate to their role

  • Receive this policy before working with children

  • Understand reporting procedures 

  • Have regular safeguarding updates

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11. Confidentiality & Record Keeping


Safeguarding records will be:

  • Accurate and factual

  • Stored securely

  • Shared only on a need-to-know basis

  • Retained in accordance with data protection laws

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12. Policy Review


This safeguarding policy will be reviewed annually or sooner if:

 

  • There are changes in legislation

  • There is a safeguarding incident

  • Best practice guidance changes

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Declaration


The Hutch Studios Ltd recognises its moral and legal responsibility to safeguard children and


is committed to creating a safe, inclusive and nurturing environment in which all children can thrive creatively and personally.

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Signed: Seanna Hutchinson


Name: SEANNA HUTCHINSON


Position: Lead Staff Member and DSL

Date: 27/10/26

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