1. Policy Statement
CultureMix Arts is fully committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children and young people who participate in its carnival music and arts education programmes. We recognise our duty of care to protect children from harm and to provide a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment in which they can learn, create, and thrive.
The welfare of the child is paramount and takes precedence over all other considerations.
2. Scope
This policy applies to all individuals involved in CultureMix Arts activities, including permanent and freelance staff, volunteers, visiting artists, and anyone working on behalf of the organisation. It applies in all settings where activities take place, including schools, community venues, public events and at the CultureMix Arts & Music Centre.
3. Principles
CultureMix Arts is guided by the following principles:
- Every child has the right to protection from abuse, regardless of age, culture, disability, gender, language, racial origin, religious belief, or sexual identity.
- Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility.
- All concerns and allegations of abuse or poor practice will be taken seriously and addressed promptly.
- We will work in partnership with schools, parents, carers, and relevant agencies to safeguard children effectively.
4. Duty of Care
CultureMix Arts will:
- Provide a safe environment for all participants.
- Ensure appropriate supervision and risk assessment for all activities.
- Promote a culture of respect, inclusion, and wellbeing.
- Take all reasonable steps to prevent harm, abuse, or exploitation.
5. Safer Recruitment & Training
CultureMix Arts is committed to safe recruitment and ongoing training:
- All staff and volunteers working with children will be appropriately vetted, including enhanced DBS checks where required.
- All staff must complete safeguarding and child protection training every three years and keep their knowledge up to date.
- New staff and volunteers will receive safeguarding induction and guidance on their responsibilities.
- Records of recruitment checks and training will be maintained.
6. Roles & Responsibilities
Designated Safeguarding Officer (DSO)
A named Designated Safeguarding Officer is responsible for:
- Receiving, recording, and managing safeguarding concerns.
- Acting as the main point of contact for safeguarding matters.
- Liaising with schools, local authorities, and safeguarding agencies where necessary.
- Ensuring this policy is implemented, monitored, and reviewed.
Staff and Volunteers
All staff and volunteers must:
- Prioritise the safety and welfare of children.
- Be familiar with and adhere to this policy and related procedures.
- Follow safeguarding guidance provided by both CultureMix Arts and the host school or venue.
- Maintain appropriate professional boundaries at all times.
- Report any concerns, suspicions, or disclosures immediately to the DSO.
7. Recognising and Reporting Concerns
Concerns may arise from:
- A child’s disclosure
- Observed injuries or behaviour
- Changes in a child’s presentation or wellbeing
- Inappropriate behaviour by staff or others
Procedure:
1. Listen carefully and take all concerns seriously.
2. Record information accurately, using the child’s own words where possible.
3. Report the concern immediately to the DSO.
4. Do not investigate or ask leading questions.
5. Maintain confidentiality and only share information on a need-to-know basis.
If a child is in immediate danger or at risk of significant harm, emergency services must be contacted without delay.
8. Responding to Disclosure
If a child discloses abuse:
- Remain calm and listen without judgement.
- Reassure the child that they have done the right thing.
- Do not promise confidentiality.
- Avoid asking leading questions.
- Record the disclosure as soon as possible.
- Report immediately to the DSO.
9. Code of Conduct
All staff and volunteers are expected to:
- Treat all children with respect, dignity, and fairness.
- Use appropriate language and behaviour at all times.
- Avoid situations where they are alone with a child unless necessary and appropriate.
- Ensure any physical contact is appropriate, minimal, and with consent.
- Never engage in inappropriate relationships, communication, or behaviour with children.
10. Working with Schools and Partners
CultureMix Arts will:
- Adhere to safeguarding and child protection procedures of host schools and venues.
- Clarify roles, responsibilities, and reporting procedures before activities begin.
- Cooperate fully with any safeguarding investigations or referrals.
11. Equality, Diversity & Inclusion
CultureMix Arts is committed to inclusive practice. Safeguarding measures will take into account the diverse needs of all children, including those with disabilities or additional support needs, ensuring equal access to protection and support.
12. Confidentiality & Information Sharing
Safeguarding information will be:
- Recorded clearly and stored securely.
- Shared only with appropriate individuals and agencies on a need-to-know basis.
- Managed in line with data protection legislation.
13. Monitoring & Review
This policy will be reviewed annually, or sooner if required due to changes in legislation, guidance, or organisational needs.
Designated Safeguarding Officers: Mary Genis and Nathifa Jordan
Policy Review Date: April 2026
Next Review Due: April 2027
Commitment Statement
CultureMix Arts expects all staff, volunteers, and partners to share this commitment to safeguarding and to uphold this policy at all times, ensuring that children remain safe, respected, and supported in every activity.
