PH-ART-ED

Safeguarding & Child Protection Policy

Last updated: [7/1/2026]
Applies to: All PHARTED junior programmes, workshops, and 1:1 tuition involving participants under 18.

1. Statement of Intent

PHARTED is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people.
All children and young people participating in PHARTED activities have the right to feel safe, supported, and respected.

This policy outlines the measures in place to protect children and young people during all PHARTED-delivered activities, including one-to-one tuition delivered from a home-based studio or within a participant’s home.

Safeguarding is always the highest priority.

2. Scope of This Policy

This policy applies to:

• All children and young people under the age of 18

• All PHARTED junior photography programmes and workshops

• One-to-one tuition

• Sessions delivered:

  • At the PHARTED home-based creative workspace

  • In a participant’s home

  • In public or outdoor locations used for photography practice

3. Responsibility for Safeguarding

The safeguarding lead for PHARTED is:

Name: Paul Hands
Role: Founder & Lead Educator
Contact: paul@paulhands.co.uk

PHARTED accepts responsibility for safeguarding during all sessions delivered under its name.

4. Safer Working Practices

PHARTED follows clear safer working practices at all times.

One-to-One Sessions

• Sessions are delivered transparently and professionally

• Parents or guardians are welcome to:

  • Remain present during sessions, or

  • Be nearby and contactable at all times

• Clear start and finish times are agreed in advance

• No unsupervised contact outside of agreed session times

Home-Based Studio Delivery

• Sessions take place in a dedicated creative workspace

• Access to private areas of the home is restricted

• Clear drop-off and collection arrangements are agreed in advance

In-Home Delivery

• Sessions are delivered in shared or communal spaces within the home

• Parents or guardians must be present in the property

• No sessions take place behind closed doors

5. Professional Boundaries

PHARTED maintains clear professional boundaries at all times.

• No inappropriate physical contact

• No personal communication outside agreed channels

• No private messaging with under-18s

• No sharing of personal social media accounts

• No photographing or filming without consent

All communication regarding sessions is conducted with parents or guardians.

6. Photography & Image Use

• Written consent is obtained before photographing participants

• Images are used only for agreed purposes

• No images are shared publicly without explicit parental permission

• Participants are taught respectful and ethical photography practices

7. Online Safety

Where digital tools or editing software are used:

• Content is age-appropriate

• Internet access is supervised

• No unsupervised online interaction occurs

8. DBS & Compliance

• Enhanced DBS is available upon request

• PHARTED complies with relevant safeguarding guidance and best practice

• Safeguarding procedures are reviewed regularly

9. Recognising Abuse or Safeguarding Concerns

PHARTED is alert to signs of:

• Physical abuse

• Emotional abuse

• Sexual abuse

• Neglect

• Bullying or exploitation

Any safeguarding concern is taken seriously.

10. Responding to a Safeguarding Concern

If a safeguarding concern arises:

1. The concern will be listened to calmly and taken seriously

2. No promises of confidentiality will be made

3. Accurate notes will be kept

4. Appropriate action will be taken, which may include contacting:

   • Parents or guardians

   • Relevant safeguarding agencies

   • Local authority services

PHARTED will always act in the best interests of the child.

11. Confidentiality & Record Keeping

• Information is handled sensitively and securely

• Records are kept only where necessary

• Information is shared strictly on a need-to-know basis

12. Complaints & Concerns

Any safeguarding concerns or complaints should be raised directly with:

Paul Hands
Email: paul@paulhands.co.uk

Concerns will be handled promptly, professionally, and appropriately.

13. Policy Review

This safeguarding policy is reviewed annually or sooner if required due to changes in legislation or delivery methods.

14. Commitment Statement

PHARTED is committed to creating a safe, supportive, and respectful learning environment where young people can develop confidence, creativity, and skills without risk to their wellbeing.

Safeguarding is not optional — it is integral to everything PHARTED does.