Safeguarding Policy 

 

Safeguarding & Child Protection Policy (Schools)

 

 

The Little Bear Theatre Company

 

 

1. Statement of Intent

 

 

The Little Bear Theatre Company is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff, performers, and freelancers working on our behalf to share this commitment.

 

We recognise our responsibility to ensure that children are protected from harm while engaging in performances delivered within school settings.

 

 

 

 

2. Scope of the Policy

 

 

This policy applies to:

 

• All performances delivered in schools and educational settings
• All children and young people under the age of 18
• All company members, including performers, directors, creatives, and freelance staff

 

 

This policy operates alongside each school’s own safeguarding and child protection procedures.

 

 

 

 

3. Legal Framework

 

 

This policy is informed by:

 

• Keeping Children Safe in Education (UK)
• Working Together to Safeguard Children
• The Children Act 1989 and 2004

 

 

 

 

 

4. Safer Recruitment & DBS

 

 

The Little Bear Theatre Company ensures that:

 

• All performers hold Enhanced DBS certificates
• DBS certificates are checked prior to engagement
• Performers are briefed on safeguarding expectations before entering a school

 

 

Evidence of DBS checks is available upon request.

 

 

 

 

5. Code of Conduct

 

 

All company members must:

 

• Act professionally at all times
• Maintain appropriate boundaries with children
• Use age-appropriate language and behaviour
• Avoid being alone with a child at any time
• Never initiate physical contact unless necessary for safety and appropriate to the situation
• Follow all school rules, guidance, and instructions while on site

 

 

Audience participation is always:

 

• Voluntary
• Supervised
• Non-contact
• Appropriate to the age group

 

 

 

 

 

6. Designated Safeguarding Lead

 

 

The Designated Safeguarding Lead for The Little Bear Theatre Company is:

 

Name: Chloe Rose Fisher

Role: Director / Designated Safeguarding Lead

Email: [business email address]

 

The Safeguarding Lead is responsible for:

 

• Receiving and recording safeguarding concerns
• Liaising with the school’s Designated Safeguarding Lead
• Taking appropriate action where necessary

 

 

 

 

 

7. Responding to Safeguarding Concerns

 

 

If a safeguarding concern arises during a school visit:

 

1. The concern will be reported immediately to the company’s Designated Safeguarding Lead
2. The concern will be passed directly to the school’s Designated Safeguarding Lead
3. A factual record of the concern will be made

 

 

The Little Bear Theatre Company does not investigate safeguarding concerns and will follow the school’s safeguarding procedures at all times.

 

If a child is in immediate danger, emergency services will be contacted.

 

 

 

 

8. Confidentiality

 

 

All safeguarding concerns are treated seriously and confidentially. Information is shared only with appropriate professionals on a need-to-know basis.

 

 

 

 

9. Photography, Filming & Social Media

 

 

The Little Bear Theatre Company:

 

• Does not photograph or film children without prior written consent from the school
• Adheres to each school’s photography and media policies
• Does not share identifiable images of children on social media

 

 

 

 

 

10. Health & Safety

 

 

Risk assessments are carried out for performances and shared with schools upon request. All set, props, and staging are designed to minimise risk to children and staff.

 

 

 

 

11. Review of Policy

 

 

This policy is reviewed annually to ensure it remains current and compliant with safeguarding legislation and guidance.

 

Last reviewed: January 2026

Next review: January 2027