Safeguarding & Child Protection Policy – One2one Music School

Effective Date: January 2026

At One2one Music School, the safety and wellbeing of our students is our highest priority. This policy outlines our commitment to safeguarding children and young people, the steps we take to protect them, and the responsibilities of staff, teachers, parents, and guardians.

1. Scope

This policy applies to:

  • All students (with special attention to minors under 18)

  • All staff, freelance teachers, and volunteers delivering lessons in person or online

  • All locations where lessons take place, including home, school, or online platforms

2. Our Commitment

  • We provide a safe and welcoming environment for all students

  • We recognise that every child and vulnerable adult has the right to protection from abuse, neglect, and harm

  • We are committed to taking appropriate action if any safeguarding concerns arise

  • We ensure compliance with UK legislation, including the Children Act 1989/2004 and Working Together to Safeguard Children (2023) guidance

3. Responsibilities

  • All staff and teachers must:

    • Complete safeguarding training

    • Report any concerns or disclosures immediately to the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)

    • Maintain professional boundaries at all times

  • Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL): Richard Harper

    • Email: trevelyanharper@one2onemusicschool.co.uk

    • Phone: 07795 963960

    • Responsible for managing safeguarding concerns, liaising with authorities, and maintaining student safety

4. Child Protection Measures

  • Recruitment: All staff and freelance teachers are vetted and, if applicable, DBS-checked before working with children

  • Supervision: Minors must be supervised by a parent or guardian during lessons unless otherwise agreed

  • Online Lessons:

    • Lessons may be conducted via Zoom, Google Meet, or other secure platforms

    • Sessions are never recorded without explicit, prior consent from the student and parent/guardian

    • Parents are encouraged to be present for students under 18

  • Photography and Video:

    • We do not take photographs or video recordings without explicit, prior consent

    • Consent must be documented and may be withdrawn at any time

5. Reporting Concerns

  • Any suspicion or evidence of abuse must be reported immediately to the DSL

  • The DSL will follow local safeguarding procedures and may contact:

    • Local Safeguarding Children Partnership (LSCP)

    • Police or social services, if required

  • Concerns are treated confidentially, but safety always takes priority

6. Staff Training

  • All staff complete safeguarding training regularly

  • Updates and refresher courses are taken annually or as required by law

  • Staff are briefed on online safety, data protection, and professional conduct

7. Safe Working Practices

  • Physical contact is only allowed when necessary and appropriate (e.g., hand positioning for instrument techniques), and always in a professional context

  • Clear boundaries are maintained at all times

  • Online communication is only via school-approved platforms; personal contact details are not shared

8. Review and Updates

  • This policy is reviewed annually or whenever legislation or best practice changes

  • Parents and students are informed of updates via the website: https://one2onemusicschool.co.uk/safeguarding

9. Contact Information

Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL): Richard Harper

  • Email: trevelyanharper@one2onemusicschool.co.uk

  • Phone: 07795 963960

For urgent concerns outside lesson times, contact your local social services or the NSPCC helpline: 0808 800 5000

DBS Disclosure Information – Secure Handling Policy

The One2one Music School complies fully with the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) Code of Practice regarding the secure handling, use, storage, retention and disposal of DBS certificates and disclosure information.

DBS information is accessed only by authorised individuals involved in safeguarding and recruitment decisions. Information is used solely for its intended purpose and is not shared without consent unless legally required.

The One2one Music School does not retain copies of DBS certificates. Where necessary, a record may be kept of the certificate holder’s name, certificate number, date of issue, level of check and DBS Update Service status.

DBS-related information is retained only for as long as necessary and is securely disposed of when no longer required. Paper records are shredded and electronic records are permanently deleted.

Recruitment of Ex‑Offenders Policy

The One2one Music School complies fully with the DBS Code of Practice (Police Act 1997) and treats all applicants fairly, including those with criminal records. We only ask for conviction information we are legally entitled to know (under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 Exceptions Order) and only where a DBS check is proportionate and relevant.

We do not discriminate unfairly because of a conviction or caution. We select candidates based on skills, qualifications and experience. Where a DBS check is required, we state this clearly in recruitment materials. We make this policy available to applicants at the start of the process.

Where a DBS disclosure reveals relevant information, we discuss this with the individual before withdrawing a conditional offer.