Last updated: 23 Jan 2026

The Darling Theatre Company (“we”, “us”, “our”) is committed to providing a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment for all children and young people in our classes, rehearsals, and productions. This policy outlines our approach to supervision, safeguarding, and well-being, and sets clear expectations for staff, participants, and parents.

By participating in our programs, you agree to follow the guidance set out in this policy.

1. Our Commitment to Safety

• Children are treated with dignity, respect, and kindness.

• All staff and teaching artists working with minors hold current Working With Children Checks and receive safeguarding training.

• All spaces are supervised, open, and observable.

• Activities are age-appropriate, safe, and inclusive.

• We maintain open communication with parents and guardians.
  

2. Safeguarding Principles

Safeguarding includes:

• Protecting children from harm or neglect

• Creating safe physical and emotional environments

• Supporting children to speak up if they feel unsafe or uncomfortable

• Ensuring staff are trained, vetted, and adhere to professional boundaries

• Clear procedures for reporting concerns

Safeguarding is not only about safety — it is also about nurturing confidence, creativity, wellbeing, and healthy communication.

3. Supervision and Program Environment

• Rehearsal rooms and workshop spaces are open, visible, and supervised.

• Staff-to-child ratios ensure adequate oversight at all times.

• Children are never left alone with a single adult unless pre-approved and unavoidable.

• Language and materials are appropriate for each age group.

• Romantic, violent, or emotionally extreme content is not included in youth programs.
  

4. Sign-In, Sign-Out, and Supervision

• Parents/guardians must sign children in and out unless otherwise arranged in writing.

• Children are only released to authorised adults.

• Late pick-ups must be communicated in advance.

• Children remain under supervision at all times, including breaks.

• Staff do not transport children alone unless they have been formally approved and documented.
  

5. Communication

With children:

• Staff communicate kindly, respectfully, and professionally.

• No direct one-to-one digital communication (e.g., texting, private messaging) is allowed,  unless pre-approved by a parent or guardian for learning purposes only.

With parents:

• We inform parents about schedules, performances, and events.

• We communicate promptly about incidents, concerns, or injuries.

• Parents are encouraged to discuss their child’s progress or well-being.
  

6. Physical Contact

• Physical contact may occur only for safety, demonstration, or partnered exercises.

• All contact is Explain → Ask → Agree → Respect.

• Children may decline any contact.

• Staff model respect for personal boundaries at all times.
  

7. Photos, Video, and Media

• Children are photographed or filmed only with explicit parental consent.

• Media is used only for specified purposes (class documentation, marketing, and archival).

• Parents can opt out at any time.
  

8. Behaviour and Wellbeing

• Children are expected to respect peers and staff, contribute positively, and avoid bullying.

• Staff respond to issues privately, respectfully, and collaboratively with parents as needed.

• The safety and well-being of all children is always prioritised.
  

9. Reporting Concerns

• Staff follow a clear, confidential process if a child reports harm, concerning behaviour, or distress.

• Concerns are recorded accurately and reported to the Safeguarding Lead immediately.

• Parents are informed where appropriate, except when doing so may place the child at risk.
  

10. Parent Involvement

Parents support their child’s safety and well-being by:

• Talking openly with children about their experiences

• Informing staff of health, emotional, or support needs

• Maintaining up-to-date drop-off and pick-up arrangements

• Sharing relevant information that may impact participation
  

11. Health, Medical, and Special Needs

• Parents must inform us of allergies, medical conditions, medications, or emotional/behavioural needs.

• We treat personal information confidentially and make reasonable adjustments to support participation.

• Staff respond calmly and professionally to emergencies and contact parents promptly if a child is unwell or injured.
  

12. Commitment to Inclusion

• Children of all backgrounds, abilities, and identities are welcome.

• We actively foster a culture of belonging and challenge discriminatory behaviour.

• Equal access and support are provided to all participants.
  

13. Contact and Questions

• Parents and guardians can contact:

• Teaching artists (class-specific matters)

• Administrative staff (scheduling, enrolment, logistics)

• Safeguarding Lead (wellbeing or safety concerns)
  

14. Review

This policy is reviewed annually to ensure alignment with legal requirements, best practices, and the needs of our youth programs. Parents will be notified of any significant updates.