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Safeguarding at the RAD

We are committed to putting the wellbeing of our staff, teachers and students first. Safeguarding children and young people (anyone under the age of 18) and vulnerable or ‘at risk’ adults is central to that commitment.

The Children Act 1989 provides the legislative framework for child protection in England. (see below for information relating to Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales). Key principles established by the Act include:

  • the vital nature of the child’s welfare, and
  • the expectations and requirements around duties of care to children.

All organisations that work with or come into contact with children should have safeguarding policies and procedures to ensure that every child, regardless of their age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation, has a right to equal protection from harm. The RAD has three Senior Safeguarding Officers, a Safeguarding Committee and a Safeguarding Policy and set of procedures.

We do not, however have the authority to investigate allegations of abuse or other safeguarding concerns. If a safeguarding concern is reported to us, we will report it to the relevant Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO), or equivalent in Scotland, Wales & N Ireland) or to the Police.

Reporting concerns

Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility. If you have a concern about a child, you should report it to LADO or to the Police. Many people worry, “What if I am wrong?” but if we take a child-centred approach to safeguarding, we should all be asking, “What if I am right?” By raising a concern, you could be protecting not just one child but future children:

  • If a child is in immediate danger, call the police on 999.
  • Contact your local child protection services. Their contact details can be found on the website for the local authority the child lives in.
  • Contact the police. They will assess the situation and take the appropriate action to protect the child.
  • Contact the NSPCC Helpline on 0808 800 5000 or email help@nspcc.org.uk.

Advice for RAD Teachers

RAD teaching members have access to a dedicated Safeguarding Hub in the Members’ Area, which outlines safeguarding requirements in accordance with best practice, as well as guidance on the principles of safeguarding and safer recruitment. We are committed to supporting and guiding teachers through their own commitment to keeping children safe whilst dancing. The Hub will be regularly updated with useful resources, training opportunities and advice on best practice.

Scotland

National guidance for child protection in Scotland (Scottish Government, 2021). In Scotland, a child legally becomes an adult when they turn 16, but statutory guidance which supports the Children and Young People (Scotland) Act 2014 includes all children and young people up to the age of 18.

Wales

The Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act 2014 came into force in April 2016. It provides the legal framework for social service provision in Wales.

Ireland

The Northern Ireland Executive, through the Department of Health, is responsible for child protection in Northern Ireland. See the Safeguarding Board Act (Northern Ireland) 2011.

Resources for Parents and Students

Useful international resources