Safeguarding Policy

Every person who learns or serves at DOWMA is treated with dignity regardless of age, background, ability or ethnicity. Bullying, harassment, discrimination and any form of abuse are never acceptable.

• Lessons and rehearsals are supervised and run in appropriate spaces
• Under-18s are taught with a parent, guardian or second adult aware of the session
• Registers are kept for in-person sessions
• Equipment and venues are checked for basic safety before use

• Faculty maintain clear teacher-student boundaries at all times
• One-to-one tuition takes place in visible or observable settings
• Physical contact is avoided; technique is demonstrated, not corrected by touch
• Gifts, private meetings and personal relationships outside teaching are not appropriate

• Communication with students happens through DOWMA accounts and the student portal
• Communication with under-18s is copied to a parent or guardian
• Recorded sessions are shared only within the enrolled cohort
• Students should never be asked to share personal contact details privately

Additional care is taken for students who are under 18 or who may be vulnerable because of disability, illness or circumstance. Reasonable adjustments are made so they can learn safely and fully.

If you have any concern about the welfare of a student or member of staff, report it immediately to the DOWMA safeguarding lead at safeguarding@dowma.org. Concerns are recorded, taken seriously and handled confidentially. Where a person is at risk of immediate harm, contact the emergency services first.