Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy

Policy Statement

At Fixation Academy of Performing Arts Limited (FAPA) we fully recognise our responsibility for safeguarding children and protecting them from harm.

Our safeguarding procedures are in accordance with:

Working Together to Safeguard Children (2023)
The Prevent Duty (2015, updated guidance)
The Early Years Foundation Stage Statutory Framework (2024/2025 where applicable)

FAPA believes it is always unacceptable for a child or young person to experience abuse of any kind and recognises its responsibility to safeguard the welfare of all children and young people.

FAPA is committed to building a culture of safety in which children are protected from abuse, harm, exploitation and radicalisation.

All staff, including volunteers, have a full and active part to play in protecting children from harm.

We provide a caring, positive, safe and stimulating environment which promotes the social, physical and moral development of each individual child.

Fixation Academy of Performing Arts will respond promptly and appropriately to all incidents or concerns regarding the safety of a child.

Our child protection procedures comply with all relevant legislation and guidance from the Barnet Safeguarding Children Partnership:
https ://thebarnetscp .org .uk /bscp

Designated Safeguarding Leads (DSL)

A Designated Safeguarding Lead is available at all times while the Academy or Holiday Club is operating.

Heads of DSL / Directors:

Laura Davitt
Carly Pryke

All Camp Managers are DSL trained.

The DSL:

Coordinates safeguarding and child protection matters
Liaises with Social Care, LADO, Ofsted and external agencies
Maintains confidential safeguarding records
Ensures referrals are made promptly

Our Aims

We aim to provide safe, participatory and creative opportunities for all children and young people.

We recognise that:

The welfare of the child is paramount.
All children, regardless of age, disability, gender, race, religion or sexual identity, have the right to equal protection.
Partnership with families and agencies is essential.

Safer Recruitment and Safe Staffing

We are committed to deterring, identifying and rejecting unsuitable candidates.

Our recruitment includes:

Clear job descriptions with safeguarding responsibilities
Full application form and declaration of convictions
Minimum two verified references
Face-to-face interview exploring safeguarding understanding

Pre-employment checks include:

Enhanced DBS with children’s barred list check (where appropriate)
Identity and right-to-work verification
Qualification verification
Health declaration
Overseas checks where required

Volunteers:

Undergo appropriate safeguarding checks
Are never left unsupervised until cleared

All staff must immediately declare new criminal convictions, cautions or safeguarding concerns.

Safeguarding Training

DSL training refreshed every 3 years
All staff receive safeguarding and Prevent training
Annual safeguarding updates
Safeguarding is a standing agenda item at staff meetings

Recognising Abuse

Abuse may be:

Emotional
Physical
Sexual
Neglect

Staff are trained to recognise indicators including:

Behavioural changes
Unexplained injuries
Disclosures
FGM risk
Domestic abuse exposure
Radicalisation indicators
Child-on-child abuse

Responding to Concerns or Disclosures

If a child discloses:

Listen calmly
Do not question
Reassure appropriately
Record using the child’s own words
Report immediately to the DSL

All concerns are recorded using a Logging a Concern form.

The DSL will:

Contact Children’s Social Care where appropriate
Follow up referrals in writing within 48 hours
Notify Ofsted of significant safeguarding events or allegations as soon as reasonably practicable and always within the statutory 14-day timeframe

If a staff member believes concerns have not been handled appropriately, they may contact Social Care directly.

Female Genital Mutilation (FGM)

FGM is illegal and a form of child abuse.

Staff receive training to recognise risk indicators.

Concerns will be referred immediately to Children’s Social Care.

Child-on-Child Abuse

Child-on-child abuse is taken seriously and never dismissed as normal behaviour.

Concerns are recorded and followed through child protection procedures.

Prevent Duty and Radicalisation

We have a legal duty to prevent children from being drawn into extremism.

Staff recognise risk indicators including:

Withdrawal or aggression
Justifying violence
Viewing or sharing extremist material

Concerns are recorded and referred to the DSL.

Serious concerns may be escalated to Police (101) or 999 in emergencies.

Allegations Against Staff

If an allegation is made:

It is recorded immediately
Reported to the LADO
Ofsted is notified within statutory timeframe
Police informed if advised
Suspension considered if required
Referral to DBS made if appropriate

Monitoring Attendance

Unexplained absences are followed up promptly.

Prolonged or concerning absences are reviewed by the DSL and may result in referral to Children’s Social Care.

Confidentiality and Record Keeping

Records stored securely (locked or password-protected)
Access restricted to DSL and senior leadership
Shared on a need-to-know basis
Retained in line with statutory guidance

Online Safety and Use of Images

Staff must not use personal devices to photograph children
Authorised devices only with parental consent
Professional boundaries maintained at all times

Key Contacts

Barnet MASH: 020 8359 4066
Emergency Duty Team: 020 8359 2000
Police: 101 / 999 (emergency)
NSPCC: 0808 800 5000
ChildLine: 0800 1111
Hertfordshire Safeguarding Children Board: 0300 123 4043