Key Safeguarding and Wellbeing Contacts

Designated Safeguarding Officer (DSO): Hannah Curran

Deputy Designated Safeguarding Officer: Amy Corre

Mental Health First Aiders: Hannah Curran and Laura Pendlebury

Policy Statement

YSBD Workshops Ltd is committed to promoting positive mental health and emotional wellbeing for all students, staff, volunteers, and participants involved in our performing arts activities.
As a performing arts school, we recognise that creative environments can be both inspiring and emotionally demanding. We aim to create a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment where everyone feels respected, valued, and able to seek support when needed.

Purpose of the Policy

This policy outlines how YSBD Workshops Ltd supports the mental health and emotional wellbeing of its community. The policy aims to:
• Promote a culture of openness and support.
• Identify early signs of emotional distress.
• Provide appropriate support and signposting.
• Ensure safeguarding responsibilities are upheld.
• Create a learning environment where wellbeing is prioritised alongside artistic development.

Scope

This policy applies to:
• All students and participants attending YSBD Workshops Ltd sessions.
• All staff members, teachers, assistants, and volunteers.
• Visiting practitioners, workshop leaders, and contractors working with the organisation.

Principles

YSBD Workshops Ltd believes that:
• Mental health is as important as physical health.
• Everyone deserves to feel safe, respected, and supported.
• Creative expression can positively support emotional wellbeing.
• Early support and open communication can prevent escalation of difficulties.
• Confidentiality should be respected while prioritising safeguarding responsibilities.

Creating a Supportive Environment

YSBD Workshops Ltd will:
• Foster a positive, inclusive, and respectful culture within all classes and rehearsals.
• Encourage students to express themselves safely through creative arts.
• Promote kindness, teamwork, and mutual respect.
• Ensure staff model healthy communication and emotional awareness.
• Provide opportunities for students to speak privately with staff if they are experiencing difficulties.

Recognising Signs of Mental Health Difficulties

Staff should remain attentive to potential signs of distress which may include:
• Withdrawal from activities or peers.
• Significant changes in behaviour or mood.
• Ongoing low confidence or negative self-talk.
• Increased anxiety around performances or participation.
• Expressions of distress or emotional overwhelm.

Recognising these signs does not mean staff should diagnose conditions but rather respond with care and refer concerns appropriately.

Responding to Concerns

If a student appears to be experiencing emotional distress, staff should:
1. Listen calmly and without judgement.
2. Offer reassurance and acknowledge their feelings.
3. Avoid making promises of complete confidentiality.
4. Record concerns where appropriate.
5. Share concerns with the Designated Safeguarding Officer if the concern relates to welfare or safety.
6. Encourage the student to speak with a trusted adult such as a parent, guardian, or school staff member.

Safeguarding and Confidentiality

All mental health concerns must be handled in line with the organisation’s safeguarding policy.

Information will only be shared on a need-to-know basis where:
• A participant may be at risk of harm.
• Safeguarding concerns arise.
• Professional support may be required.

The wellbeing and safety of the student will always take priority.

Staff Responsibilities

Staff and volunteers at YSBD Workshops Ltd are expected to:
• Promote a positive and inclusive environment.
• Be approachable and supportive.
• Take concerns seriously.
• Follow safeguarding procedures where necessary.
• Maintain appropriate professional boundaries.
• Engage in training related to safeguarding and wellbeing where available.

Supporting Staff Wellbeing

YSBD Workshops Ltd also recognises the importance of staff wellbeing. The organisation aims to:
• Encourage open discussion about workload and wellbeing.
• Promote a supportive working environment.
• Encourage staff to seek support when needed.

External Support and Signposting

Where appropriate, students and families may be signposted to professional support services including:
• School pastoral teams
• GP services
• NHS mental health services
• Youth support organisations
• National helplines and wellbeing resources

UK Safeguarding Framework and Guidance

This policy should be read alongside national safeguarding guidance including:

• Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) – UK statutory guidance for safeguarding children in education settings.• Working Together to Safeguard Children (HM Government).

  • NSPCC safeguarding guidance and resources.

  • Children Act 1989 and Children Act 2004.

  • The Equality Act 2010.

  • UK GDPR and Data Protection Act 2018 (regarding confidentiality and information sharing).

Policy Review

This policy will be reviewed annually or sooner if required to ensure it remains effective and aligned with safeguarding guidance and best practice.

Policy adopted by: YSBD Workshops Ltd

Review cycle: Annually
Next Review Date: 1^st January 2027.