KEEPING OUR COMMUNITY SAFE
The safety and wellbeing of children, young people and everyone who learns with Benana matters deeply to us.
If you have a concern about the welfare or safety of a child or young person connected with Benana Music Studio, please tell us. You do not need to be certain that something is wrong before raising a concern.
Worried About a Child or Young Person?
Please raise your concern as soon as possible. Benana's Designated Safeguarding Lead is responsible for receiving and responding to safeguarding concerns.
Is Someone in Immediate Danger?
If a child, young person or another person is in immediate danger, do not wait for an internal Benana response.
Contact the emergency services immediately.
Call 999Safeguarding Is Everyone's Responsibility
We aim to create music-learning environments where children and young people feel safe, respected, listened to and able to enjoy making music.
Protecting Welfare
Concerns about a child's safety or wellbeing are taken seriously and passed to the appropriate safeguarding person or service where necessary.
Listening to Students
Children and young people should feel able to speak up if something worries them, makes them uncomfortable or does not feel right.
Working With Families
Parents and carers are welcome to ask questions about our safeguarding arrangements and to raise concerns with the Benana team.
Inclusive Practice
We recognise that every student is different and aim to create environments where individual needs, communication and wellbeing are considered.
Professional Boundaries
Teachers and staff are expected to maintain appropriate professional boundaries and conduct themselves responsibly around children and young people.
Clear Reporting
Staff and teachers are expected to report safeguarding concerns rather than attempting to investigate them independently.
Choosing People to Work With Students
Safeguarding starts before a lesson takes place. Benana uses safer recruitment and checking processes appropriate to the responsibilities of each role.
All teachers working with children are subject to the appropriate Enhanced DBS and barred-list checks for their role.
Teachers and staff are expected to understand their safeguarding responsibilities and how to report a concern.
Clear expectations apply to professional behaviour, boundaries, communication and interactions with students.
Concerns about the behaviour of a teacher, staff member or volunteer should be raised promptly and considered through the appropriate safeguarding process.
What Happens Next?
You do not need to investigate a concern yourself. Tell us what you know and our safeguarding process can take it from there.
Tell Us
Raise the concern with the DSL or use the escalation route above if the concern relates to the DSL.
We Listen & Record
Relevant information is recorded carefully so the concern can be considered appropriately.
The Concern Is Assessed
The safeguarding lead considers what action is required and whether further advice or support is needed.
Appropriate Action
Where necessary, advice is sought or the matter is referred to the appropriate safeguarding or statutory service.
Safeguarding in Music Lessons
Safeguarding is part of the everyday way lessons, communication and student relationships are managed.
👪 Parents & Carers
Parents and carers are welcome to sit in during their child's lessons. We also encourage parents to speak to us if they have questions or anything that would help their child feel comfortable and supported.
💬 Communication
Communication with students should remain appropriate, professional and connected to lessons, learning or legitimate studio activity.
📷 Photography & Video
Photos and video may only be used in line with applicable consent, safeguarding, privacy and data protection arrangements.
🌐 Online Safety
Online communications and digital activity connected with Benana should maintain the same professional safeguarding boundaries expected in person.
Concerns About an Adult Working With Children
If you are concerned about the behaviour, conduct or suitability of a teacher, staff member, contractor or volunteer working with children through Benana, please raise the concern promptly with the Designated Safeguarding Lead.
If the concern relates to Teresa Walker in her role as Designated Safeguarding Lead, contact the Company Directors via iwant2learnmusic@gmail.com .
People raising genuine safeguarding concerns should not attempt to investigate the matter themselves.
Safeguarding & Child Protection Policy
Our full Safeguarding & Child Protection Policy sets out Benana Music Studio's safeguarding arrangements, responsibilities, reporting procedures, safer recruitment expectations and approach to protecting children and young people.
The policy should be read alongside the safeguarding information on this page and our other relevant studio policies.
If Something Doesn't Feel Right, Tell Someone
You do not need to have all the answers before raising a safeguarding concern. If you are worried about the safety or welfare of a child or young person connected with Benana, contact our safeguarding team.
