Macademia Ltd – Safeguarding & Child Protection Policy

Last reviewed: January 2026
Next review due: January 2027

Applies to:
All directors, staff, tutors, volunteers, contractors, and anyone working with or on behalf of Macademia Ltd.

Approved by:
Adriana Clark & Natalie Unthank – Directors

1. Policy Statement

Macademia Ltd is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children and young people who attend our sessions.

We believe every child has the right to take part in creative and educational activities in a safe, respectful, supportive environment, free from harm, abuse, or neglect.

Macademia operates as a creative education club and enrichment provider. We are not a school, alternative provision, SEND provider, or registered childcare provider. Safeguarding arrangements are therefore proportionate to our role as a session-based provider, while meeting all legal safeguarding expectations.

2. Scope & Responsibilities

Macademia will:
• Take reasonable steps to protect children from harm while attending sessions
• Provide a safe environment during session times
• Follow statutory safeguarding guidance for out-of-school settings
• Ensure all adults working with children are suitable and appropriately trained
• Respond appropriately to safeguarding concerns

Parents/guardians remain responsible for:
• Their child’s overall education and welfare
• Assessing whether their child can safely participate in group sessions
• Disclosing relevant medical, behavioural, or safeguarding information at booking

3. Legal Framework

This policy is informed by and complies with:
• Children Act 1989 & 2004
• Working Together to Safeguard Children (2023)
• Keeping Children Safe in Out-of-School Settings (DfE)
• Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006
• Prevent Duty Guidance (2015, updated 2023)
• Data Protection Act 2018 & UK GDPR

4. Designated Safeguarding Leads (DSL)

Designated Safeguarding Lead:
Name: Adriana Clark
Role: Director / DSL
Email: safeguarding@macademia.co.uk
Phone: 07377 924666

Deputy DSL:
Name: Natalie Unthank
Role: Director / Deputy DSL

The DSLs are responsible for:
• Receiving and recording safeguarding concerns
• Deciding on appropriate action
• Liaising with external agencies where required

5. Safer Recruitment

Macademia follows safer recruitment practices appropriate to an out-of-school setting:
• All tutors and staff working with children hold an Enhanced DBS check
• Identity, experience, and references are verified
• All tutors sign an agreement outlining safeguarding responsibilities
• Safeguarding induction is completed before working with children

6. Code of Conduct for Staff & Tutors

All staff, tutors, and volunteers must:
• Prioritise the safety and wellbeing of children
• Maintain professional boundaries at all times
• Never use physical punishment, humiliation, or inappropriate language
• Avoid being alone with a child where possible
• Never engage in private messaging or social media contact with participants
• Report any safeguarding concerns immediately to the DSL

7. Supervision & Safe Environment

• Children are supervised during session times only
• Children are not permitted to leave the premises unsupervised
• A register is taken for each session
• First aid kits are available on site
• A studio contact phone number is available to parents during sessions

Macademia does not provide:
• Childcare services
• 1:1 supervision
• Personal or intimate care

8. Arrival, Collection & Leaving the Premises

• Children must be signed in and out by a parent or authorised adult
• Children may not leave sessions unaccompanied
• Written parental consent is required if alternative collection arrangements are requested
• Macademia is not responsible for children outside session times or collection arrangements

9. Special Educational Needs, Inclusion & Participation

Macademia aims to be inclusive and welcoming wherever reasonably possible.

However:
• We are not a specialist SEND provider or alternative education provider
• We do not offer 1:1 support or specialist behavioural provision

Parents/guardians must:
• Disclose all relevant needs, diagnoses, behaviours, or risks at booking
• Assess whether their child can safely participate in a group studio environment

Macademia reserves the right to refuse or discontinue attendance if a child’s needs cannot be safely met.

10. Toileting & Personal Care

• Children must be able to use the toilet independently
• Staff do not provide toileting assistance or personal care

11. Food, Drink & Allergies

• Macademia does not provide meals or catering
• A strict no-nuts policy applies
• Parents must disclose allergies and dietary needs at booking
• Water is available on site; tea and coffee are available for adults

12. Online Safety (if applicable)

Where online sessions occur:
• Approved platforms only are used
• Group sessions only – no 1:1 contact
• Safeguarding expectations remain the same as in-person sessions

13. Recognising Abuse

Staff and tutors must remain alert to signs of:
• Physical abuse
• Emotional abuse
• Sexual abuse
• Neglect
• Bullying and cyberbullying
• Domestic abuse impacting children

14. Reporting Safeguarding Concerns

Any safeguarding concern must be reported immediately to the DSL or Deputy DSL.

Concerns must be:
• Recorded accurately
• Treated confidentially
• Shared only on a need-to-know basis

The DSL may:
• Monitor the concern
• Consult the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO)
• Refer to Children’s Social Care

If a child is at immediate risk, emergency services will be contacted.

15. Record Keeping & Confidentiality

• All safeguarding records are stored securely
• Access is restricted to the DSL and Deputy DSL
• Records are retained in line with data protection legislation

16. Whistleblowing

Macademia supports anyone who raises safeguarding concerns in good faith.

Concerns about staff conduct must be reported to the DSL immediately.

Whistleblowers are protected under the Public Interest Disclosure Act 1998.

17. Policy Review

This policy is reviewed annually or earlier if legislation or guidance changes.

Approved by:
Adriana Clark – Director & Designated Safeguarding Lead
Natalie Unthank – Director & Deputy DSL

Email: info@macademia.co.uk
Website: www.macademia.co.uk