Safeguarding & Child Protection Policy

Last reviewed: March 2026

1. Background

As a music teacher working with children, McFarlane Music acknowledges a responsibility to promote best practice and the highest standards of conduct in relation to child safety. Good safeguarding policies also help protect teachers from misunderstandings or unfounded allegations.

All those working with McFarlane Music who have access to or contact with children must:

• Recognise and accept responsibility to protect any children within their sphere of work and care.
• Develop awareness of issues which can cause children harm and recognise signs of the four most common types of abuse: emotional, physical, sexual, and neglect.
• Be aware of grooming behaviour — the befriending of children as a precursor to abuse.
• Immediately report any concerns using the procedures set out in this document.

McFarlane Music will safeguard children by adopting this Safeguarding Code of Practice, maintaining a reporting procedure, and referring concerns to the relevant authorities.

2. Policy Statements

It is McFarlane Music's policy that:

1. All those working with McFarlane Music understand and accept responsibility for the welfare of children they come into contact with, and will report any concerns about a child or somebody else's behaviour using the procedures in this document.
2. A Designated Safeguarding Person (DSP) is identified who will take action following any expression of concern, with clear lines of responsibility for child protection.
3. The DSP knows how to make appropriate referrals to statutory child protection agencies.
4. All those working with McFarlane Music who come into contact with children must adhere to this Safeguarding Code of Practice. Failure to comply may result in disciplinary action.
5. Information relating to any allegation or disclosure must be clearly recorded as soon as possible.
6. The welfare of the child is paramount. Confidentiality considerations must not override the right of children to be protected from harm. Every effort will be made to maintain confidentiality for all concerned while an allegation is being investigated.
7. This policy will be openly available and actively promoted.
8. A culture of mutual respect between children and teachers will be encouraged.
9. Those who encounter child protection concerns and report them in good faith will be fully supported.

This policy is kept under regular review.

3. Code of Practice

McFarlane Music and any associated teachers follow these standards when working with children:

1. Obtain a DBS Enhanced Disclosure check before working with children and consider joining the DBS Update Service.
2. Read and follow the relevant government guidance, including Keeping Children Safe in Education (England).
3. Avoid inappropriate physical contact. Physical contact is only appropriate in very limited circumstances — see the guidance for private teachers below.
4. Do not take children alone in a car on journeys, however short, without the prior written consent of the parent or guardian, and only in exceptional circumstances.
5. Do not make suggestive or inappropriate remarks to or about a child, even in jest. This includes innuendo, swearing, or discussing intimate relationships.
6. Other than in exceptional circumstances, do not communicate directly with children by email or text without prior parental consent. Communicate directly with parents or guardians wherever possible.
7. Never communicate with children via Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, or any other social media platform.
8. Do not engage in behaviour that could be construed as grooming — for example, giving money, presents or favours, or behaving in an inappropriate manner towards children.
9. Take any disclosure of abuse from a child seriously. Listen carefully. Do not attempt to investigate the concern yourself — follow the reporting procedure below.
10. Immediately report any concerns about the conduct of another professional in relation to children or vulnerable adults.
11. Make notes of any incidents and ensure a record is kept that can be referred to in the future.
12. Remember that those who abuse children can be of any age, gender, ethnic background or class. Do not allow personal preconceptions to prevent appropriate action.
13. Good practice always excludes bullying, shouting, racism, sectarianism or sexism. Respect and value every child as an individual.

4. Responding to a Child Making an Allegation of Abuse

If a child discloses abuse to you, follow these steps:

1. Stay calm.
2. Listen carefully to what is said and show that you are taking it seriously.
3. At an early opportunity, explain that the information will likely need to be shared with others. Do not promise to keep secrets.
4. Tell the child the matter will only be disclosed to those who need to know.
5. Allow the child to continue at their own pace.
6. Ask questions for clarification only. Avoid questions that suggest a particular answer.
7. Reassure the child that they have done the right thing, that they are being taken seriously and that they will be supported and kept safe.
8. Tell them what you will do next and with whom the information will be shared.
9. Make no judgement about what you have heard.
10. Record in writing what was said, using the child's own words, as soon as possible. Note the date, time, names mentioned, and to whom the information was given. Sign and date the record.
11. Report the matter immediately to the relevant person, local authority officer or the NSPCC without delay.
12. Remember — it is not your responsibility to decide whether abuse has occurred. That is the role of professional child protection agencies.

5. Reporting Procedures

Concerns may arise in a number of ways, including: the conduct of another music professional or adult; a child disclosing abuse; bruising or evidence of physical harm; or unusual behaviour by a child.

If a concern arises within an institutional setting (e.g. a school or music service), it should be reported immediately to the appropriate person within that organisation, whether you are employed or self-employed.

Where a concern arises independently — for example, involving a privately taught child — it should be reported to McFarlane Music's Designated Safeguarding Person immediately. The DSP will assist with making a referral to the relevant local authority child protection officer.

Concerns that must be reported immediately include:

• Someone has behaved in a way that has harmed, or may have harmed, a child.
• Someone has possibly committed a criminal offence against or related to a child.
• Someone has behaved in a way that indicates they may pose a risk of harm to children.
• Someone has behaved in a way that indicates they are unsuitable to work with children.

6. Contact Us

If you have any questions about this Safeguarding Policy, or if you wish to raise a concern, please get in touch:

• Email: hello@mcfarlanemusic.co.uk
• Phone: 07494 921 925
• Website: mcfarlanemusic.co.uk

This policy is kept under regular review.