Safeguarding Policy
This policy sets out how I keep children and young people safe when they attend my art classes and tutoring.
Our commitment
Every child and young person has the right to feel safe and to be protected from harm. I take that responsibility seriously in everything I do, whether I am teaching a group, tutoring one to one, or communicating with families. This policy applies to all of my work with under-18s: group classes at The Horsebridge and other venues, in-person and online 1:1 tutoring, and any helper who works with me. It follows the principles in the government's statutory guidance, Working Together to Safeguard Children, and the local safeguarding procedures for Kent.
Who is responsible
I, Nicky Hodge, am the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) for ArtHouse26. I am responsible for putting this policy into practice and for reporting any concerns.
• My contact details: nicky@arthouse26.com
• My DBS: I hold an enhanced DBS certificate, which I will show to parents and venues on request
• My training: I have completed children's safeguarding training. Date of last training: September 2025
• The venue: The Horsebridge has its own safeguarding arrangements. I follow them while using the Hub, and I tell the venue about any concern that involves its premises or staff
Because I work alone, any helper I bring in will hold their own enhanced DBS certificate, will read this policy first, and will never be left alone with a child.
Keeping children safe in classes
• Register: I keep a register for every session and know who is in the room at all times.
• Arrival and collection: parents or carers tell me in advance who will collect each child. I only release a child to a named adult, unless a parent has agreed in writing that an older student may leave alone.
• If a child is not collected: I stay with them, contact the parent and emergency contact, and wait with another adult where possible. I will not take a child home or leave them alone.
• Supervision: I stay in the room with the group. I will not be alone with a child behind a closed door.
• One to one tutoring: in-person sessions take place in a shared or public space, or with a parent nearby. I do not meet children alone at private homes.
• Behaviour: I expect students to treat each other and me with respect, and I do not tolerate bullying. I use calm, respectful language, and I do not use physical punishment or humiliation.
• Physical contact: I avoid unnecessary physical contact. If I must help, for example in an emergency, I explain what I'm doing.
• Health and safety: I check the room before each session, supervise any sharp tools, such as scissors and craft knives, and keep a first aid kit and accident record. I know the venue's fire exits and evacuation plan.
• Health and allergy information: I ask parents about allergies and medical needs when they book, and I follow the plan they give me.
Online contact, photos and communication
• Who I contact: I communicate with parents and carers about classes, not directly with children by private message. For older students, a parent is copied in.
• Social media: I do not connect with students on personal social media accounts.
• Online tutoring: sessions take place on a platform the parent knows about, with the child in a shared area of the home, not a bedroom, and I do not record sessions without the parent's written permission.
• Photos: I take photos only of artwork, or of children with their parent's written permission. I never share a child's full name, school or location alongside an image, and I delete photos when permission is withdrawn.
If I am worried about a child
If a child is in immediate danger, I call 999 first. I do not need proof of abuse to report a concern. I watch for physical, emotional and sexual abuse and neglect, and for signs such as unexplained injuries, sudden changes in behaviour, or a child saying something that worries me.
1. Listen. If a child tells me something, I listen calmly, do not ask leading questions and do not promise to keep it secret.
2. Reassure. I tell them they were right to tell me.
3. Record. As soon as possible I write down what was said or seen, in the child's own words, with the date and time.
4. Report the same day. I make a referral through Kent's integrated children's services either through their portal or on 03000 41 11 11 (out of hours: 03000 41 91 91).
5. Tell the venue if the concern relates to its premises or staff.
I do not tell a parent about a concern if doing so could put the child at greater risk, and I follow the advice of children's services on what to share.
If you are worried about an adult
Anyone who has a concern about the behaviour of an adult who works with children, including me, a helper or venue staff, should report it.
• Contact the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) for Kent on 03000 41 08 88, or email kentchildrenslado@kent.gov.uk.
• If the concern is about me, a parent, helper or venue member of staff can contact the LADO directly or speak to the venue's safeguarding lead. They do not need to tell me first.
• If the concern is about someone else, I report it to the LADO the same working day and tell the venue where appropriate.
I will take every concern seriously, and I will not treat anyone badly for raising one in good faith.
Records, confidentiality and review
• Records: I keep a written record of any safeguarding concern, what I did and who I told, stored securely and kept apart from ordinary class records.
• Confidentiality: I share concerns only with those who need to know, such as children's services, the LADO, the police or the venue's safeguarding lead. Safeguarding takes priority over confidentiality.
• Privacy: how I handle personal information is set out in my privacy notice.
• Retention: I keep safeguarding records for longer than ordinary records and take advice before deleting them.
• Review: I review this policy every year, and after any incident or change in the law or guidance.
Policy date: September 2026. Next review: September 2027.
Signed: Nicky Hodge