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Safeguarding Policy

1. Purpose and Scope

This policy outlines how Artilly Studio ensures the safety, protection, and well-being of all children (under 18) attending our weekly art classes and holiday workshops. This policy applies to the business owner, the Lead Tutor, and any assistants, volunteers, or temporary staff working on our behalf.

2. Core Principles

We believe that:

  • The welfare of the child is paramount.
  • All children, regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation, have an equal right to protection from all types of harm or abuse.
  • Working in partnership with children, young people, their parents, carers, and other agencies is essential in promoting young people’s welfare.

3. Staffing & Recruitment (Safer Recruitment)

To ensure children are safe in our classes, we enforce the following measures:

  • DBS Checks: The Lead Tutor and all assistants must hold a valid Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, or a Scottish PVG (Protecting Vulnerable Groups) scheme membership.
  • Supervision Ratios: We maintain safe staff-to-child ratios. Standard weekly classes maintain a minimum ratio of 1 adult to 12 children. Holiday workshops maintain a minimum of 2 adults to 14 children.
  • Training: All staff and assistants are briefed on basic child safeguarding indicators and know how to report concerns.

4. Code of Conduct for Staff and Assistants

All staff and assistants must:

  • Treat all children with equal respect and dignity.
  • Avoid spending time alone with a single child out of sight of others. If a child needs help (e.g., going to the bathroom), staff will guide them to the main facilities but remain outside the cubicle.
  • Never communicate with students privately via personal social media, text message, or personal email. All communication must go through parents/guardians.

5. Identifying Abuse and Neglect

Staff are trained to remain alert to signs of abuse, which can include:

  • Physical abuse: Unexplained bruises, marks, or injuries.
  • Emotional abuse: Sudden changes in behavior, extreme distress, or severe lack of confidence.
  • Neglect: Inadequate clothing for the weather, poor hygiene, or hunger.
  • Sexual abuse: Inappropriate sexual knowledge or behavior for the child's age.

6. Procedure for Reporting Concerns

If a member of staff or an assistant has a concern about a child’s welfare, or if a child makes a disclosure:

  1. Listen & Record: Listen to the child calmly without prompting them or making promises of absolute secrecy. Record exactly what was seen or said immediately using the child's own words.
  2. Internal Escalation: The assistant must report the concern directly to the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) immediately.
    • Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL): Danielle Purkiss-Hewlett
  3. External Referral: If the DSL believes a child is at risk of significant harm, they have a legal duty to bypass parental notification if necessary and contact local children’s social care services or the police directly.
    • Local Authority Home Team: Edinburgh Social Work Practice Team
    • Daytime Phone (8:30am – 5:00pm): 0131 200 2324
    • Out of Hours / Emergency Phone: 0800 731 6969
    • Emergency Services: 999 (Police)

7. Photography and Media Sharing

  • Photos or videos of children will only be taken if the parent has ticked the opt-in consent box on the registration form.
  • Photos will focus primarily on the artwork or wide-angle group activities where individual children are not easily identifiable.
  • Full names of children will never be published alongside photos on social media, websites, or marketing materials.

8. Health, Safety, and Venue Security

  • First Aid: A fully stocked first aid kit is available at every session. Staff will manage minor issues (like providing a plaster) or call emergency services immediately for serious incidents.
  • Sign-In/Out: Childrens attendance will be registered on arrival and will only be released to the named adult specified on their registration form, unless prior written notice is given.
  • Venue Risk Assessment: The rented space is assessed weekly for hazards (e.g., sharp tools, tripping hazards, ventilation for specific art materials).

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