Safeguarding policy

Last updated: 23 August 2025

1. Purpose

This safeguarding policy explains how I protect the welfare of children, young people, and vulnerable adults during:

• One-to-one private lessons

• Group workshops, rehearsals, courses, or after-school clubs run under my own business name

• Music activities for schools, home-education groups, or community organisations

• Both in-person and online delivery

2. Commitment to Safeguarding

I am committed to providing a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment where all students can enjoy music-making free from harm.

I will always act in the best interests of my students and take prompt, appropriate action if I have any safeguarding concerns.

3. My Safeguarding Credentials

• Enhanced DBS certificate – available to view on request

• Member of the Incorporated Society of Musicians (ISM)

• Annual safeguarding training relevant to working with children in schools

• Emergency First Aid Certificate – most recent training completed November, 2024

• Follows ISM Safeguarding & Child Protection Guidelines as best practice in my independent work

4. Scope

This policy applies to all tuition and music activities I deliver under my own business name, including:

• One-to-one lessons

• Group workshops, after-school clubs, and courses

• Ensemble coaching and rehearsals arranged independently

It covers activities at my home, in schools, in community venues, and online via Zoom.

When I work in a school or venue under my own name, I will follow both this policy and the safeguarding procedures of the host venue.

When engaged by another organisation, their safeguarding policy will take precedence.

5. Roles and Responsibilities

As a sole trader, I am responsible for:

• Keeping my safeguarding and first aid training up to date, including safeguarding training relevant to working with children in schools

• Ensuring the safety and wellbeing of students during all lessons and activities

• Taking appropriate action if I suspect a student is at risk of harm

• Keeping safeguarding records secure and confidential

6. Code of Conduct

For in-person private lessons:

• Parents/guardians of under-18 students are welcome to sit in on lessons.

• Lessons will take place in a safe, quiet, and professional environment.

• I will not give lifts to students unless agreed in writing with a parent/guardian.

For online lessons (Zoom):

• Students under 18 must have a parent/guardian aware of the lesson taking place.

• Parents/guardians are encouraged to be nearby during lessons.

• Waiting room and password protection will be used for all Zoom calls.

• No recording of lessons will take place without prior consent.

For group workshops, school clubs & community activities:

• I will comply with the safeguarding procedures of the host school or venue.

• I will ensure appropriate supervision ratios.

• I will avoid being alone with a student in a private area such as a changing room or isolated corridor.

• A risk assessment will be carried out for each venue or event I run.

• I will ensure that a responsible adult is present during breaks or non-instructional periods.

Professional boundaries:

• All communication with students will be lesson – or activity-related.

• For under-18s, arrangements will be made through the parent/guardian unless agreed otherwise.

• I will not connect with under-18 students on personal social media accounts.

7. Responding to Safeguarding Concerns

If I believe a student is at risk of harm, I will:

1. Listen carefully and take concerns seriously.

2. Record the facts as reported (without judgment or assumption).

3. Contact the relevant safeguarding authority without delay:

• Local Authority Safeguarding Team

• NSPCC Helpline (0808 800 5000)

• Police (999 in an emergency)

I will not promise confidentiality if a student discloses something that puts them at risk.

8. Recording and Storing Safeguarding Information

• Safeguarding records will be stored securely and separately from lesson or activity notes.

• Only I will have access to these records.

9. Review of Policy

This policy will be reviewed annually or sooner if safeguarding guidance changes.

Alex Thomas-French Music

Address available on request