Safeguarding policy
St Albans Trapeze & Aerial Arts
Safeguarding & Child Protection Policy
Last updated: January 2026
1. Statement of Intent
St Albans Trapeze & Aerial Arts is fully committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff, instructors, volunteers, students, and parents/carers to share this commitment.
We recognise that children have a right to be protected from harm, abuse, and exploitation, and we take our responsibility seriously to ensure a safe, supportive, and positive environment in which children can participate in aerial arts.
This policy applies to all children under the age of 18 attending classes, workshops, rehearsals, or performances run by St Albans Trapeze & Aerial Arts.
2. Designated Safeguarding Leads (DSL)
The Designated Safeguarding Leads for St Albans Trapeze & Aerial Arts are:
• Ali Newcombe – Lead Children’s Instructor
• Natalie Ryan – Lead Children’s Instructor
At least one of the above safeguarding leads is present at all children’s classes, and a minimum of two instructors are present for all children’s sessions.
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3. Safer Recruitment & DBS Checks
• All instructors working with children hold Enhanced DBS checks.
• DBS checks are reviewed and renewed in line with best practice.
• Lead children’s instructors (Ali Newcombe and Natalie Ryan) both hold current safeguarding training certificates, including NSPCC Child Protection in Sport and Physical Activity.
• Instructors are selected based on experience, professionalism, and suitability to work with children and young people.
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4. Supervision & Staffing Ratios
• Children’s classes are always supervised by a minimum of two instructors.
• Appropriate instructor-to-student ratios are maintained to ensure safety, effective supervision, and individual attention.
• At least one lead children’s instructor is present at all times during children’s classes.
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5. Environment & Aerial-Specific Safety
We recognise the specific safeguarding considerations involved in aerial arts, including working at height and using specialist equipment.
• All equipment is regularly checked and maintained and logged.
Structural engineers have checked both the Yoga Hall and Margaret Wix School for load bearing rigging suitability
• Crashmats are used
• Spotting and physical support are carried out professionally, only when necessary, and with the child’s understanding and consent.
• Instructors explain exercises clearly and adapt activities to the age, ability, and confidence of each child.
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6. Drop-Off, Pick-Up & Waiting Arrangements
Clear procedures are in place to ensure children are safely supervised before and after classes.
Yoga Hall (Hatfield Road):
• Parents/carers may wait in the lobby area just inside the front door.
• Children remain under staff supervision until collected.
Margaret Wix Primary School:
• Parents/carers may either:
• Wait in the dining room for the duration of the class, or
• Drop off and collect children at the sports hall door.
• Children are not permitted to leave the sports hall area unaccompanied.
• Instructors supervise children until they are collected by a parent/carer.
Children will not be released to anyone other than their parent/carer unless prior written consent has been provided.
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7. Code of Conduct
All instructors and staff are expected to:
• Treat all children with respect and dignity.
• Maintain appropriate professional boundaries at all times.
• Avoid being alone with a child wherever possible.
• Use appropriate language and behaviour.
• Never engage in physical contact that is unnecessary or could be misinterpreted.
Children are encouraged to:
• Respect instructors and fellow students.
• Follow safety instructions.
• Speak up if they feel uncomfortable or unsafe.
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8. Photography & Social Media
• Photography and filming may take place for training or promotional purposes.
• Parents/carers are given the opportunity to opt out via consent forms.
• Images are used responsibly and stored securely.
• No identifying information is shared alongside images of children.
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9. Responding to Concerns or Disclosures
If a child discloses information or a safeguarding concern is raised:
• The instructor will listen calmly and take the concern seriously.
• No promises of confidentiality will be made.
• The concern will be recorded accurately.
• The Designated Safeguarding Lead will be informed immediately.
• Appropriate action will be taken in line with NSPCC and local safeguarding guidance.
If there is an immediate risk of harm, emergency services will be contacted.
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10. Reporting Concerns
Concerns may be reported to:
• A Designated Safeguarding Lead (Ali Newcombe or Natalie Ryan)
• NSPCC Helpline: 0808 800 5000
• Local safeguarding authorities where appropriate
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11. Policy Review
This policy is reviewed annually and updated as required to reflect changes in legislation, guidance, or the operation of St Albans Trapeze & Aerial Arts.