Updated: January 2026
SNTS London is fully committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children, young people and vulnerable adults who attend our classes.
We recognise our responsibility to provide a safe, supportive and respectful environment.
This policy aligns with the Children Act 1989 and 2004, Working Together to Safeguard Children, Keeping Children Safe in Education (latest version), and the Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006.
We believe that the welfare of every child is paramount; that all children have an equal right to protection regardless of age, ability, gender, race, religion or background; and that all concerns or allegations relating to abuse, neglect or exploitation must be taken seriously and responded to promptly and appropriately.
Scope
This policy applies to all staff, teachers, volunteers, and contractors working on behalf of SNTS London, as well as all students under the age of 18 and any adult who may be considered vulnerable.
Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)
The Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) is the main point of contact for all safeguarding matters.
DSL Details
Name: Katherine Tyler
Email: admin@sntslondon.co.uk or directly on tyler_katherine@hotmail.com
Phone: 07956 420758
The DSL is responsible for receiving and responding to concerns, liaising with statutory safeguarding partners including the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO), maintaining confidential safeguarding records, and ensuring that all staff receive regular safeguarding training and updates.
Recognising Abuse
Children and young people
In children and young people, abuse may take the form of:
- Physical, emotional or sexual abuse
- Neglect or lack of supervision
- Grooming or exploitation (including online)
- Bullying or harmful peer behaviour
- Domestic abuse within the home● Exposure to unsafe adults or environments
Adults at risk
Adults over 18 may experience:
- Physical, sexual, psychological or financial abuse
- Domestic abuse or coercive control
- Neglect or self-neglect
- Exploitation (“mate crime”), scams or manipulation
- Abuse linked to disability or impairment
- nstitutional or organisational abuse
The abovementioned lists are not exhaustive.
Staff are trained to identify indicators relevant to both groups, understanding that signs may differ between children and adults.
Reporting Concerns
If a child or vulnerable person is in immediate danger, you must call 999 without delay.
For non-emergency concerns, staff must record the concern factually and report it to the DSL as soon as possible.
Information should not be shared with others except as directed by the DSL or statutory agencies. The DSL will determine whether a referral to the Local Authority, LADO or police is required. The DSL will keep a record of all reports, allegations and referrals.
Allegations Against Staff
Any allegation made against a member of staff, volunteer or contractor must be reported immediately to the DSL.
If the DSL is implicated, it should be reported to the school Principal:
Name: Caterina Dave
Email: caterina@sntslondon.co.uk
Phone: 07828 922206
The DSL/Principal will contact the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) for guidance. Suspension or alternative arrangements may be implemented while enquiries take place.
Code of Conduct for Staff and Volunteers
All staff and volunteers must treat students with respect and dignity, avoid situations where they are alone with a child and cannot be observed, maintain appropriate professional language and behaviour, and ensure any physical contact is suitable for dance teaching and always respectful.
Staff must never promise confidentiality if a child discloses a concern.
DBS
All staff and volunteers working closely with children hold an enhanced DBS check. Identity checks, references and role expectations will be confirmed before work begins.
Training
All staff and volunteers will undertake safeguarding training at least every two years. The DSL will complete advanced safeguarding training within the same timeframe. Staff will be kept informed of changes in legislation or good practice.
Record Keeping
All safeguarding concerns, disclosures and actions taken must be recorded clearly, dated and signed.
Records are stored securely and confidentially and retained for a minimum of six years after a student leaves SNTS London or longer if required.
Sharing Information
Information is shared only when necessary for safeguarding purposes and in line with the Data Protection Act 2018 and UK GDPR. Staff should consult the DSL if unsure about sharing information.
SNTS London will work cooperatively with statutory agencies where needed.
Local Safeguarding Contacts
SNTS London is based in Mill Hill, North-West London (London Borough of Barnet). Safeguarding concerns may also be reported to the following local services:
Barnet Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH)
Telephone: 020 8359 4066
Email: mash@barnet.gov.uk
Out of Hours (Emergency Duty Team): 020 8359 2000
Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO)
Contacted via Barnet MASH
NSPCC Helpline
Telephone: 0808 800 5000
Adult Social Care – Barnet
Telephone: 020 8359 5000
Email: socialcaredirect@barnet.gov.uk
Review
This policy will be reviewed annually or sooner if required due to statutory changes, safeguarding incidents or developments within SNTS London.