Safeguarding

Introduction

Ignite the Stage UK is committed to ensuring the safety and wellbeing of all children and young people who participate in our dance and vocal competitions. We recognize our legal and moral duty to safeguard children from harm and to create an environment in which they feel safe, supported and able to thrive.

This policy aligns fully with:

- Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) 2025

- Working Together to Safeguard Children (2023)

- After-school clubs, community activities & tuition: safeguarding guidance for providers (DfE, 2023)

- Children Act 1989 and 2004

- Equality Act 2010

- Surrey Local Authority / Runnymede Borough safeguarding requirements

This policy applies to all Ignite the Stage UK staff, volunteers, adjudicators, contractors and approved adults.

This policy outlines how Ignite the Stage ensures the safety and wellbeing of all children, young people, and vulnerable adults participating in the competition. The welfare of every performer, staff member, and volunteer is our highest priority.

To create a safe, inclusive, and positive environment for all participants aged 5 and above.
To protect all children and vulnerable adults from harm, abuse, neglect, and exploitation.
To ensure that all staff, volunteers, judges, and contractors understand their safeguarding responsibilities.
To respond swiftly and appropriately to any safeguarding concern or allegation.

This policy applies to:
- All Ignite the Stage team members, including organisers, staff, volunteers, judges, photographers and contractors.
- All participants, parents/guardians, chaperones, teachers, and support staff attending the event.
- All venues and activities associated with Ignite the Stage competitions, rehearsals, and showcases.

- A trained Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) will be appointed for each event.
- The DSL is responsible for:

- receiving, recording, and acting upon any safeguarding concerns or disclosures.

- Managing all safeguarding concerns and referrals

- Liaising with Surrey LADO and Children’s Social Care

- Maintaining safeguarding records

- Ensuring staff and volunteers receive appropriate training

- Overseeing safer recruitment

If the DSL is unavailable onsite, an event-specific deputy DSL will be appointed and notified to the venue.

- The DSL’s contact details will be clearly displayed at the event and included in participant information packs.
- Deputy DSLs may also be appointed where necessary to always ensure availability. 

Designated safeguarding lead – Emma Reynolds (Director Ignite the stage UK)

Mobile: 07717 433396

Email: info@ignitethestageuk.co.uk

All staff and volunteers should be alert to possible signs of abuse, including:
- Physical abuse: hitting, shaking, or causing physical harm.
- Emotional abuse: persistent criticism, humiliation, or threats.
- Sexual abuse: inappropriate touching, sexual acts, or exposure to sexual content.
- Neglect: failing to meet a child’s basic needs (food, clothing, supervision, medical care).
Staff should also be aware of bullying (including online/cyberbullying), grooming, exploitation, and trafficking indicators.

All adults working with or around children at Ignite the Stage must:

- Prioritise child safety
- Always act as positive role models.
- Treat everyone equally with dignity and respect.
- Maintain professional boundaries at all times.
- Never be alone in an enclosed space with a child.
- Avoid physical contact unless necessary for safety or first aid.
- Use appropriate language — no swearing, shouting, or inappropriate jokes.
- Challenge and report any behaviour that may put a child at risk.

- Never use personal mobile phones in changing/backstage areas

- Wear official ID at all times

- Challenge and report any behaviour that may put a child at risk.

- Report concerns immediately to the DSL

Strict backstage safeguarding rules apply.

Chaperones:

- Dance schools must provide licensed chaperones OR adults with Enhanced DBS. 

- Chaperones must comply with local authority child performance licensing laws.
- Backstage areas will be restricted to authorised staff who have been verified prior to the event, performers, and approved adults only.
- Where licensed chaperones are provided, they must show valid ID and approval documentation. There must also wear a wristband issued by Ignite the stage.  

- Chaperone details must be submitted in advance.

- ID and licence/DBS must be shown and documented on arrival.

- Only approved chaperones receive backstage access.

Parents:

- Parents are NOT permitted backstage.

Supervision Ratios:

- 1 chaperone per 10 children aged 10+

- 1 chaperone per 8 children aged 5–9

- Photography or filming is allowed during performances but is restricted to parents filming their own child or who have permission to film another child from the same dance school.
- Official event photographers and videographers will operate under safeguarding protocols.
- Parents/guardians must provide written consent for photography or filming of under-18s during registration.
- Any child whose guardian withholds consent will not appear in official promotional materials.

- Ignite the Stage maintains official social media accounts managed by designated staff.
- Photos and videos will never include personal details or identifying information (e.g., full names or addresses).
- Participants, parents, and staff must not post images or videos of other competitors without permission.

- All staff and volunteers in direct contact with children will undergo enhanced DBS checks.
- References will be verified prior to engagement.
- Safeguarding induction and ongoing training will be mandatory for all team members.

If a safeguarding issue or disclosure arises:
1. Stay calm – listen carefully and reassure the individual.
2. Do not promise confidentiality – explain you must report it to keep them safe.
3. Report immediately to the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL).
4. The DSL will assess and, if necessary, refer the concern to:
 - The Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO),
 - Children’s Social Care, or
 - Police (101 or 999 in an emergency).
All concerns will be recorded accurately and stored securely in line with GDPR.