The Darling Theatre Company is committed to providing a safe, nurturing, and empowering environment for all young participants. This Youth Safeguarding Policy sets out our responsibilities and procedures for protecting children and young people involved in classes, workshops, rehearsals, and performances.

This policy applies to all teaching artists, staff, volunteers, visiting creatives, and contractors working with minors.

1. Our Commitment to Child Safety
   • We prioritise the physical, emotional, and psychological wellbeing of all young people.
   • We promote a culture where children feel safe, respected, and able to speak up.
   • We ensure all staff working with minors hold appropriate background checks (e.g., Working With Children Checks).
   • We follow best practice guidelines for supervision and safeguarding.
   

2. Principles
   • Children are never to be left unattended with a single adult unless unavoidable and approved by the company.
   • All communication with children must be appropriate, transparent, and professional.
   • Physical contact is only permitted when necessary for teaching, safety, or performance, and must always be explained and agreed upon.
   • Emotional or psychological pressure is never acceptable.
   

3. Supervision
   • Adequate ratios of adults to children will be maintained in all programs.
   • Children must be signed in and out by a parent or guardian for all drop‑off programs.
   • Rehearsal and training spaces will remain open and observable at all times.
   • No staff member is permitted to transport a child alone unless pre‑approved and documented.
   

4. Behaviour Expectations
   • Children and staff must treat each other with respect and courtesy.
   • Bullying, exclusion, harassment, or unsafe behaviour will not be tolerated.
   • Staff must model positive behaviour and uphold the company’s values at all times.
   

5. Safe Working Practices in the Performing Arts
   • All exercises, improvisations, and scene work will be age‑appropriate.
   • Intimate, violent, or emotionally extreme material will not be used in youth training.
   • Any use of props, costumes, or technical equipment will be supervised and risk assessed.
   • Children may decline any exercise or activity if they feel unsafe or uncomfortable.
   

6. Reporting Concerns
   • All staff are responsible for acting on concerns regarding a child’s wellbeing.
   • Concerns may include physical signs of harm, emotional distress, disclosure, or inappropriate behaviour from adults or peers.
   • Staff must report concerns immediately to the company’s designated Safeguarding Lead.
   • In emergencies or cases of serious risk, authorities will be contacted in accordance with legal requirements.
   

7. Communication with Parents and Guardians
   • Parents will be informed of schedules, expectations, and any incidents involving their child.
   • Staff will not engage in private or unsupervised digital communication with children.
   • Photos or video recordings of minors will only be used with explicit parental consent.
   

8. Recruitment and Training
   • All staff and volunteers working with youth will undergo screening and reference checks.
   • Safeguarding training will be provided periodically.
   • Staff must agree to this policy before beginning work with minors.
   

9. Confidentiality
   • Information about children will be handled sensitively and only shared with those who need to know.
   • Records of concerns or incidents will be stored securely in line with privacy legislation.
   

10. Review
    This policy will be reviewed annually to ensure compliance with current legislation and best practice, and to reflect the evolving needs of our youth programs.