CURTAIN CALL ACADEMY - POLICIES & PROCEDURES HANDBOOK

Applies to: All Curtain Call Academy classes, after-school clubs, workshops, rehearsals, performances and other activities involving children and young people.

Age range: 4–16 years

Principal: Charley Moyce

Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL): Charley Moyce

 

Policy review: Annually, or sooner where there are changes to legislation, statutory guidance, local safeguarding arrangements, organisational practice or following a significant incident. - Last Updated: 01/09/26

 

1. INTRODUCTION AND STATEMENT OF INTENT

Curtain Call Academy is committed to providing a safe, supportive, inclusive and positive environment in which children and young people can learn, perform, develop confidence and enjoy the performing arts.

The welfare of children is our highest priority.

Curtain Call Academy recognises its responsibility to safeguard and promote the welfare of every child attending our provision and to take reasonable and proportionate steps to prevent abuse, neglect, discrimination, accidents, injury and other foreseeable risks.

 

Our safeguarding practice is informed by current statutory guidance and relevant safeguarding procedures, including:

- Keeping Children Safe in Education 2026 (where applicable to our work with schools and education settings)

- Working Together to Safeguard Children 2026

- Department for Education guidance for out-of-school settings

- West Sussex safeguarding procedures and local arrangements

- Relevant legislation relating to safeguarding, health and safety, equality and data protection.

 

Curtain Call Academy will:

- put children's welfare at the centre of decision-making;

- maintain clear safeguarding and child protection procedures;

- ensure staff understand their safeguarding responsibilities;

- ensure appropriate safer-recruitment checks are undertaken;

- ensure staff receive appropriate safeguarding and first aid training;

- provide safe and suitable environments for physical activity;

- respond promptly and appropriately to concerns;

- share information with safeguarding agencies where necessary to protect a child;

- maintain appropriate confidentiality and secure records;

- listen to children and take their concerns seriously;

- promote respectful, inclusive and positive behaviour.

 

2.RESP0NSIBILITIES

Principal

The Principal, Charley Moyce, has overall responsibility for the implementation, monitoring and review of Curtain Call Academy's policies and procedures.

The Principal is also the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL).

The Principal is responsible for:

- ensuring safeguarding procedures are implemented;

- responding to safeguarding concerns;

- making referrals to Children's Social Care, the police or other agencies where appropriate;

- maintaining safeguarding records;

- ensuring staff receive appropriate training;

- ensuring staff suitability checks are completed;

- ensuring risk assessments are completed and reviewed;

- investigating and responding to incidents and complaints;

- reviewing policies annually or when circumstances change.

 

Staff

All staff are responsible for:

- following Curtain Call Academy policies and procedures;

- maintaining appropriate professional boundaries;

- supervising children appropriately;

- reporting safeguarding concerns immediately;

- reporting accidents, incidents and near misses;

- following venue and fire safety procedures;

- completing required training;

- maintaining a safe teaching environment;

- treating children with dignity and respect.

 

**All Curtain Call Academy teaching staff hold an Enhanced DBS check and appropriate First Aid and Safeguarding training.**

Where an adult who does not hold the required safeguarding checks is present, they must not be left unsupervised with children and will not undertake regulated activity unless the appropriate checks and arrangements are in place.

 

Parents and carers

Parents/carers are responsible for:

- providing accurate emergency contact and medical information;

- informing Curtain Call Academy of relevant changes;

- ensuring children arrive appropriately dressed and fit to participate;

- collecting children promptly;

- informing Curtain Call Academy of authorised alternative collection arrangements;

- supporting the Academy's behaviour and safeguarding expectations.

 

Students

Students are expected to:

- listen to staff instructions;

- behave respectfully towards others;

- use equipment safely;

- remain within designated activity areas;

- tell a member of staff if they are worried, frightened, hurt or feel unsafe;

- respect other students, staff and visitors.

- arrive to class in a timely manner

- wear clothing that is safe and comfortable to move in

 

3. SAFEGUARDING AND CHILD PROTECTION POLICY

3.1 Our commitment

Curtain Call Academy recognises that safeguarding is everyone's responsibility.

A safeguarding concern may arise because of something a child says, something a member of staff observes, information received from another person, a change in a child's behaviour or presentation, an unexplained injury, a disclosure, or information suggesting that a child may be experiencing abuse, neglect, exploitation or another form of harm.

Concerns may relate to:

- physical abuse;

- emotional abuse;

- sexual abuse;

- neglect;

- domestic abuse;

- child sexual exploitation;

- criminal exploitation;

- online abuse;

- bullying or harmful behaviour;

- self-harm or serious emotional distress;

- radicalisation or extremist influence;

- abuse linked to disability;

- honour-based abuse;

- female genital mutilation;

- forced marriage;

- inappropriate behaviour by an adult working with children;

- peer-on-peer abuse or harmful sexual behaviour;

- any other circumstance in which a child may be at risk of harm.

 

A child does not have to disclose abuse for a safeguarding concern to exist.

 

4.PROCEDURE WHEN A SAFEGUARDING CONCERN ARISES

Step 1 – Listen and respond calmly

If a child makes a disclosure or tells a member of staff something concerning:

- remain calm;

- listen carefully;

- allow the child to speak without interruption;

- take the child seriously;

- reassure the child that they have done the right thing by speaking;

- explain that you may need to share the information with another adult whose job is to help keep them safe.

 

Staff must not promise confidentiality.

Staff must not investigate the allegation themselves.

Staff should not ask leading questions or attempt to establish whether an allegation is true.

 

Appropriate clarification may include:

• "Can you tell me what happened?"
• "Tell me more about that."

Avoid questions such as:

• "Did your dad do this?"

Or

• "Are you saying that your teacher hurt you?"

 

Step 2 – Record the concern

The member of staff must make a written record as soon as reasonably possible.

The record should include:

- the date and time;

- the child's name;

- what was observed or disclosed;

- the exact words used by the child wherever possible;

- relevant circumstances;

- any visible injuries or concerning behaviour;

- the names of people involved;

- action taken;

- who the concern was reported to;

- the date and time it was reported.

 

Records should be factual and objective.

Staff must distinguish between:

FACT: "The child said, 'Mum hit me.'"

and

OPINION: "I think Mum is abusive."

Records must not contain speculation, assumptions or personal opinions.

 

5. REPORTING A SAFEGUARDING CONCERN

All safeguarding concerns must be reported to the Designated Safeguarding Lead (Charley Moyce) as soon as possible and on the same day.

The DSL will consider:

- the information available;

- the child's immediate safety;

- whether there is evidence or suspicion of abuse or neglect;

- whether the concern forms part of a wider pattern;

- whether the child or another person is at immediate risk;

- whether information needs to be shared with parents/carers;

- whether an external referral is required.

 

The DSL will not delay an appropriate referral simply because further information is unavailable.

 

If the DSL is unavailable

A member of staff must not wait for the DSL to become available if:

- the child is at immediate risk;

- the concern is urgent;

- delay could increase risk;

- the concern relates to the DSL.

 

Staff may contact Children's Social Care or the police directly.

 

Staff remain responsible for escalating concerns if they believe appropriate action has not been taken.

 

6. REFERRAL TO CHILDREN'S SOCIAL CARE OR POLICE

 

If a child is believed to be at immediate risk of harm, staff should call 999.

 

For urgent safeguarding concerns in West Sussex:

West Sussex Integrated Front Door (IFD)

Telephone: 01403 229900

 

For out-of-hours emergencies:

Emergency Duty Team:0330 222 6664

 

The current West Sussex guidance confirms that the IFD is the route for safeguarding enquiries and referrals to Children's Social Care and Early Help. Immediate danger should be reported to the police on 999.

 

Curtain Call Academy will cooperate fully with Children's Social Care, the police and other safeguarding partners.

 

7. INFORMATION SHARING

• Safeguarding information will be shared on a need-to-know basis where this is necessary to protect a child.
• Curtain Call Academy understands that safeguarding confidentiality is not the same as keeping information secret.
• Information may be shared without parental consent where there is a safeguarding reason to do so.
• Staff should never allow concerns about data protection to prevent appropriate safeguarding action.
• Records will be stored securely and access will be restricted to appropriate individuals.

 

8. INFORMING PARENTS/CARERS

Parents/carers will normally be informed where a safeguarding concern relates to their child.

However, Curtain Call Academy will not automatically inform a parent/carer where doing so could:

- place the child at greater risk;

- compromise a police investigation;

-  compromise a Children's Social Care assessment;

- place another person at risk;

- otherwise prejudice safeguarding action.

 

Where appropriate, advice will be sought from Children's Social Care or the police before informing parents/carers.

 

9. ALLEGATIONS OR CONCERNS ABOUT A MEMBER OF STAFF

Curtain Call Academy takes allegations against adults working with children extremely seriously.

If an allegation is made that a member of staff:

- has behaved in a way that has harmed a child or may have harmed a child;

- may have committed a criminal offence against or related to a child;

- has behaved towards a child or children in a way that indicates they may pose a risk of harm;

- has behaved in a way that raises concerns about their suitability to work with children;

the concern must be reported immediately to the Principal/DSL.

 

Where the concern relates to the Principal/DSL, it must be referred directly to the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) and/or Children's Social Care as appropriate.

The Academy will not conduct its own investigation where doing so could interfere with an external safeguarding investigation.

 

The LADO provides advice and manages allegations concerning adults who work with children. West Sussex currently lists the LADO contact as 0330 222 6450

 

Staff must never attempt to investigate an allegation against another staff member themselves.

 

10.SAFEGUARDING RECORDS

Safeguarding records will be:

- factual;

- dated;

- signed/attributed to the person making the record;

- stored securely;

- kept separately from routine class information where appropriate;

- shared only with those who have a legitimate safeguarding reason to access them.

 

Records will be retained and disposed of in accordance with Curtain Call Academy's data protection and record-retention arrangements.

 

11. SAFER RECRUITMENT AND STAFF SUITABILITY

Curtain Call Academy recognises the importance of ensuring that adults working with children are suitable to do so.

All teaching staff working directly with children hold an Enhanced DBS check and appropriate Safeguarding and First Aid training.

 

Curtain Call Academy will take appropriate steps to verify staff:

- identity;

- relevant qualifications and experience;

- safeguarding knowledge;

- DBS eligibility/checks;

- references where appropriate;

- suitability to work with children.

 

The Academy will also consider any information that raises concerns about an individual's ongoing suitability.

 

12. BEHAVIOUR POLICY

Curtain Call Academy aims to create a positive environment where children feel safe, respected, included and able to participate.

We recognise that children have different needs and that behaviour can communicate distress, anxiety, unmet needs or other difficulties.

 

Our approach is therefore based on:

- clear expectations;

- positive reinforcement;

- consistency;

- calm communication;

- appropriate boundaries;

- age-appropriate consequences;

- safeguarding awareness.

 

Expected behaviour

Students are expected to:

- listen to staff;

- follow reasonable safety instructions;

- treat other students and staff respectfully;

- use appropriate language;

- keep hands, feet and objects to themselves unless part of an agreed activity;

- respect equipment and venues;

- remain within designated areas;

- allow others to participate without disruption;

- behave appropriately during performances, rehearsals and transitions.

 

Unacceptable behaviour

This includes:

- physical aggression;

- deliberately hurting another person;

- threatening behaviour;

- bullying;

- discriminatory or abusive language;

- deliberately damaging property;

- dangerous behaviour;

- persistent refusal to follow safety instructions;

- inappropriate sexualised behaviour;

- behaviour which places another child or member of staff at risk.

 

14. MANAGING BEHAVIOUR

Where behaviour becomes disruptive, staff will normally:

1. give a clear and calm instruction;
2. explain the expected behaviour;
3. give the child an opportunity to correct their behaviour;
4. use an appropriate consequence where necessary;
5. speak with the child privately where possible;
6. inform the parent/carer where behaviour is persistent or serious;
7. record significant incidents.

 

For serious incidents, including violence, deliberate dangerous behaviour or behaviour creating an immediate risk to themselves or others, the Academy may remove the child from the activity and contact the parent/carer for collection.

 

Where behaviour is persistent, Curtain Call Academy may arrange a meeting with the parent/carer to establish appropriate support and boundaries.

 

In exceptional circumstances, the Academy may suspend or withdraw a child's place where continued attendance would present an unacceptable risk to the child, other students or staff.

 

14. BULLYING, DISCRIMINATION AND PEER-ON-PEER ABUSE

Curtain Call Academy does not tolerate bullying, harassment, discriminatory behaviour or abuse between children.

 

Concerns may include:

- physical bullying;

- verbal bullying;

- cyberbullying;

- sexual harassment;

- sexualised behaviour;

- discriminatory language;

- intimidation;

- exclusion;

- threats;

- sharing inappropriate images or content.

 

Such behaviour will be taken seriously and assessed in the context of safeguarding.

Where behaviour may indicate that a child has harmed or may harm another child, safeguarding procedures will be followed.

 

15. VENUE SAFETY RISK ASSESSMENT

Before every session, staff will visually inspect the venue and activity area.

The following controls apply to school halls, community halls and other large activity spaces.

 

• Bags and personal belongings

A clearly defined designated bag and belongings area will be established before the session. Where possible, benches or another suitable barrier will be used to separate bags and personal belongings from the main activity area. Children will be instructed to leave bags, coats and personal belongings within this designated area.

 

This reduces:

- trip hazards;

- obstruction;

- clutter;

- accidental spills;

- interference with movement activities.

 

Water bottles should be placed in a designated area where they cannot be knocked over into the activity space. Any spill must be dealt with immediately.

 

• Activity area

The teaching/activity area will be clearly defined.

Before children begin physical activity, staff will check that:

- the floor is clean and dry;

- there are no loose objects;

- furniture is safely positioned;

- doors are secure where appropriate;

- the working area is sufficiently clear;

- there are no obvious hazards;

- lighting is adequate;

- the temperature is suitable.

 

• Fire exits

Fire exits, emergency routes and access points must remain completely clear. No bags, benches, equipment, coats or other belongings may be placed in front of fire exits.

Staff must know the venue's evacuation route and assembly arrangements.

• Equipment

Equipment must be checked before use. Damaged or unsuitable equipment must not be used. Equipment must be stored safely and should not create a trip or falling-object hazard. Children must not climb on furniture, benches, staging, stacked equipment or apparatus unless the activity has been specifically risk assessed and is being appropriately supervised.

 

• No unauthorised climbing or gymnastics

Curtain Call Academy performing arts sessions are not gymnastics sessions. Unless a specific activity has been risk assessed and appropriate equipment and supervision are available, children must not:

 

- climb on apparatus;

- climb on benches or furniture;

- perform cartwheels;

- perform handstands;

- perform flips;

- perform somersaults;

- attempt acrobatics;

- undertake other gymnastics-style movements.

 

Staff will stop unsafe activity immediately.

 

16. VENUE CHECK BEFORE EVERY SESSION

 

Before children enter the activity area, staff will check:

☐ Floor clean and dry

☐ No trip hazards

☐ Bags and coats in designated area

☐ Water bottles safely positioned

☐ Fire exits clear

☐ Emergency routes clear

☐ Equipment safe

☐ Furniture safely positioned

☐ Activity area clearly defined

☐ Lighting adequate

☐ Temperature suitable

☐ Doors/access points appropriately managed

☐ First aid kit available

☐ Register available

☐ Staff aware of emergency arrangements

☐ Any venue-specific hazards identified and controlled

 

17. SAFE ATTIRE AND FOOTWEAR

Whilst Curtain Call Academy does not have a set uniform, children must wear clothing suitable for movement.

Clothing should:

-  allow unrestricted movement;

- be appropriately fitted;

- not create a trip hazard;

- not contain loose items that could catch on equipment.

- Footwear must be appropriate for the activity and venue.

 

Children should not participate in movement activities wearing unsuitable footwear, including loose slippers, shoes likely to slip or footwear that restricts safe movement.

Long hair should be tied back where appropriate.

Jewelry  and other items that could cause injury should be removed or secured before physical activity.

 

18. WARM-UP AND PHYSICAL ACTIVITY

Performing arts classes involve physical movement and may include dance, choreography, stage movement and performance activities. Staff will provide an appropriate warm-up before physically demanding movement.

Activities will be adapted according to:

- Age;

- ability;

- physical capability;

- venue;

- available space;

-- individual needs;

- identified risks.

Children will be encouraged to work within their own physical ability.

Staff will not encourage children to perform movements beyond their safe capability.

Cool-down activities will be included where appropriate.

 

19. SUPERVISION AND STAFFING

Children will be supervised throughout sessions.

Staffing levels will be determined according to:

 

 - number of children;

- ages;

- needs of the group;

- venue;

- activity;

- identified risks;

- whether children have additional support needs;

- whether the activity involves increased physical risk.

Where a class contains a larger number of children, additional staff may be used where required to maintain safe and effective supervision.

 

Staff must position themselves so that they can appropriately observe the group and respond quickly to incidents.

 

Children must not be left unsupervised.

 

20. ARRIVAL, COLLECTION AND RELEASE OF CHILDREN

Parents/carers are responsible for bringing children to the agreed drop-off point and collecting them from the agreed collection point.

 

Children will only be released to:

- their parent/carer; or

- an individual authorised by the parent/carer.

 

Where an alternative collector is being used, parents/carers must notify Curtain Call Academy in advance.

Staff will not release a child to an unknown adult without appropriate confirmation.

If a parent/carer is unexpectedly late, the child will remain supervised by staff.

Staff will not leave a child unattended or permit them to leave the venue alone unless this has been specifically authorised and is appropriate to the child's age and circumstances.

Parents and carers are expected to collect children promptly at the end of each session.

 

If a child has not been collected at the agreed collection time, staff will:

• attempt to contact the parent/carer using the emergency contact details held by Curtain Call Academy;
• attempt to contact any authorised alternative collector where appropriate;
• keep the child supervised and safe at all times;
• remain calm and reassure the child;
• record the circumstances and attempts made to contact the parent/carer.

 

Curtain Call Academy staff are authorised to contact the police if a child remains uncollected for more than one hour after the agreed collection time and the parent/carer or other appropriate emergency contact cannot be contacted.

Where there is an immediate concern for the child's safety or welfare, staff will contact the police or appropriate safeguarding service without waiting for the one-hour period to expire. A child will never be left alone at the venue or permitted to leave with an unauthorised person.

 

21. MISSING CHILD PROCEDURE

If a child cannot be located:

1. The session will be stopped where necessary.
2. One member of staff will remain with the other children.
3. Other available staff will immediately search the permitted areas of the venue.
4. The venue will be checked, including toilets and nearby areas.
5. Staff will establish when and where the child was last seen.
6. Parents/carers will be contacted as appropriate.
7. If the child cannot immediately be located or there is concern that they may have left the premises, the police will be contacted.
8. The incident will be recorded and reviewed.

 

A child must never be assumed to have "gone home" without confirmation.

 

22. FIRE AND EMERGENCY PROCEDURE

The Principal/Fire Lead will ensure staff are familiar with the venue's emergency arrangements.

 

At the beginning of each session:

- the register will be available;

- staff will be aware of the fire exits;

- emergency routes will remain clear;

- staff will know the designated assembly point where provided by the venue.

 

In the event of an evacuation:

- staff will calmly instruct children to leave;

- children will be escorted using the safest available route;

- staff will take the register where practicable;

- children will be supervised at the assembly point;

- a headcount will be conducted;

- no child or staff member will re-enter the building until authorised.

 

23. FIRST AID AND ACCIDENTS

All teaching staff hold appropriate First Aid training.

A first aid kit will be available during sessions.

 

Where an accident or injury occurs:

- immediate first aid will be provided where appropriate;

- emergency services will be contacted where required;

- parents/carers will be informed where appropriate;

- the incident will be recorded;

- serious incidents will be reviewed by the Principal.

 

Any significant accident, injury or near miss will be reviewed to determine whether additional control measures are required.

 

24. MEDICAL INFORMATION

Parents/carers must provide accurate information about:

- allergies;

- medical conditions;

- medication;

- injuries;

- relevant additional needs;

- any other condition which may affect participation.

 

Parents/carers must notify Curtain Call Academy promptly of any changes.

Staff will take reasonable steps to accommodate known medical needs within the Academy's competence and agreed procedures.

Curtain Call Academy does not diagnose or provide medical treatment beyond appropriate first aid and any agreed medication arrangements.

 

25. INFECTION CONTROL AND ILLNESS

Children and staff should not attend sessions when they are unwell or where attendance presents an infection risk to others.

 

Staff will promote:

- hand hygiene;

- appropriate respiratory hygiene;

- cleaning of shared equipment;

- appropriate ventilation where possible.

 

Where a child becomes unwell during a session, parents/carers may be asked to collect them.

 

26. MANUAL HANDLING AND PHYSICAL CONTACT

Staff will avoid unnecessary lifting of children.

Where physical assistance is required, staff will use safe and appropriate techniques.

Physical contact may be necessary during performing arts and dance instruction, particularly when demonstrating movement or preventing injury.

 

Any physical contact must be:

 

- necessary;

- proportionate;

- professional;

- appropriate to the activity;

- respectful of the child's boundaries.

 

Staff should explain physical corrections where possible and use verbal or visual demonstration instead of physical contact wherever reasonably practicable.

 

 27. PHOTOGRAPHY, FILMING AND DIGITAL SAFETY

Photography and filming will only take place where appropriate parental consent has been obtained. Images and recordings will be used only for agreed purposes.

 

Staff must not:

-use personal social media accounts to communicate privately with students;

- send inappropriate private messages to children;

- request personal photographs from children;

- store children's images unnecessarily on personal devices;

- share confidential information online.

 

Any safeguarding concern arising from online communication or digital content must be reported through the safeguarding procedure.

 

28. COMPLAINTS AND CONCERNS

Parents/carers may raise concerns with the Principal.

Complaints will be considered fairly and investigated appropriately.

Where a complaint raises a safeguarding concern, the safeguarding procedure will take priority.

Where a complaint concerns the Principal/DSL and relates to safeguarding, the concern should be referred to the appropriate external safeguarding authority.

 

29. DATA PROTECTION

Curtain Call Academy will handle personal information responsibly and securely.

Information will be collected only where reasonably necessary for the operation, safeguarding and administration of the Academy.

Personal information will not be disclosed unnecessarily.

Safeguarding information may be shared with appropriate agencies where necessary to protect a child.

 

30. PAYMENTS

All payments must be made following the online payment link attached to our invoices prior to the class. Cash or cheque payments cannot be accepted. Please do not attend a class if you have not paid your fees. All payments are non-refundable and cannot be transferred to another class/event. Payments not made in advance may result in your/your child’s place being given to someone else. Places are only secured once full payment has been made. If a class is cancelled due to teacher sickness then a replacement class will be offered where possible. If this is not possible, a credit will be applied to your account. Please retain all payment receipts. Where there is a dispute, if you cannot provide proof of payment, you must accept Curtain Call’s records.

 

31. INCIDENT AND NEAR-MISS REPORTING

All accidents, injuries, safeguarding incidents, significant behaviour incidents and relevant near misses must be recorded.

 

Records should include:

- date and time;

- location;

- people involved;

- description of what happened;

- action taken;

- whether parents/carers were informed;

- whether external agencies were contacted;

- any preventative action required.

 

The Principal will review incidents and identify whether changes to procedures, staffing, equipment or risk assessments are required.

 

32. MONITORING AND REVIEW

This handbook will be reviewed at least annually and sooner where necessary.

 

Review will take place following:

-changes to legislation or statutory guidance;

- changes to local safeguarding procedures;

- significant incidents;

- safeguarding concerns;

- changes to venues or activities;

- changes to staffing;

- changes to the age or needs of children attending.

 

Curtain Call Academy will seek to learn from incidents and continuously improve its safeguarding and safety arrangements.

 

33. KEY SAFEGUARDING CONTACTS

• Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) - Charley Moyce - Curtain Call Academy
• West Sussex Integrated Front Door (IFD) - 01403 229900
• West Sussex Emergency Duty Team – out of hours - 0330 222 6664
• Police – emergency - 999
• Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) - 0330 222 6450
• NSPCC Helpline - 0808 800 5000

 

34. POLICY STATEMENT

Curtain Call Academy is committed to creating an environment in which children can participate in performing arts safely, confidently and without fear of harm.

Every member of staff has a responsibility to safeguard children.

If in doubt, staff will act in the best interests of the child, report concerns promptly and seek appropriate safeguarding advice.

 

These terms and conditions, and any enrolment forms you have signed, constitute an agreement between you and us in connection to classes or any services superseding any prior agreement. Payment and attendance at class is deemed to be acceptance of the current Terms and Conditions. In the event that we consider you to be in breach of these terms and conditions we reserve the right to exclude your child from any activity. Curtain Call reserves the right to change these terms and conditions at any time for the benefit of the business, staff or participants.