SuffolkMusicTeachers

Safeguarding & Child Protection Policy
Suffolk Music Teachers
Last updated: 30th January 2026

1. Policy Statement
Suffolk Music Teachers is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults who engage with our music teaching platform.
We believe that:

• everyone has the right to be safe and protected from harm

• safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility

• all concerns must be taken seriously and acted upon promptly

This policy applies to:

• all teachers using the platform

• students and parents/guardians

• anyone involved in activities organised through the platform

2. Our Role & Structure
Suffolk Music Teachers operates as a music teaching platform connecting students with self-employed, independent teachers.

• We do not employ teachers

• Teachers are responsible for their own professional practice

• We set minimum safeguarding expectations and procedures

3. Definitions

• Child: anyone under the age of 18

• Vulnerable adult: a person aged 18 or over who may require safeguarding support due to disability, illness, or circumstance

4. Safer Recruitment & DBS
4.1 Teachers who work with children or vulnerable adults must hold a valid Enhanced DBS certificate.
4.2 Teachers are responsible for:

• obtaining their DBS independently (e.g. via Musicians’ Union or umbrella bodies)

• maintaining its validity

• subscribing to the DBS Update Service where possible

4.3 Teachers must provide proof of DBS status to Suffolk Music Teachers before lessons begin.

5. Code of Conduct for Teachers
Teachers using the platform must:

• behave professionally at all times

• maintain appropriate boundaries with students

• avoid one-to-one situations without transparency (especially online)

• never engage in physical contact unless appropriate to teaching and consented

• never share personal contact details beyond agreed lesson communication

• never give gifts, money, or personal favours to students

6. Online & In-Person Teaching Safety
Online Lessons

• Lessons should take place via approved platforms

• Parents/guardians are encouraged to be aware of lesson times

• Lessons must not be recorded without explicit consent from all parties

In-Person Lessons

• Teaching spaces should be safe and appropriate

• Where possible, lessons with children should be visible to others (open doors, shared spaces)

• Teachers should avoid transporting students alone

7. Photography, Video & Recording

• No photos, videos, or recordings of students may be taken without explicit consent

• Consent must be obtained from a parent/guardian for under-18s

• Images must never be shared privately or on personal social media

• Any published media must be appropriate, respectful, and anonymised

8. Recognising Abuse
Abuse may include:

• physical abuse

• emotional abuse

• sexual abuse

• neglect

• online or digital abuse

Teachers must remain vigilant and act on concerns.

9. Reporting Safeguarding Concerns
Immediate Risk
If a child or vulnerable adult is in immediate danger, contact:
Emergency services (999)
Non-Emergency Concerns
Concerns should be reported immediately to:
Safeguarding Lead:
Name: Eleanor Dunnet
Email: eleanor@suffolkmusicteachers.co.uk
Reports should include:

• student’s name

• nature of concern

• date/time

• any actions already taken

Teachers must not investigate concerns themselves.

10. Record Keeping & Confidentiality

• Safeguarding records will be kept securely

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

• Records are retained in line with UK GDPR and safeguarding guidance

11. Allegations Against Teachers
If an allegation is made against a teacher:

• lessons may be suspended while the issue is assessed

• relevant authorities will be contacted where appropriate

• the teacher will be treated fairly and confidentially

12. Training & Awareness
Teachers are encouraged to:

• undertake safeguarding training

• keep knowledge up to date

• follow Musicians’ Union safeguarding guidance

13. Review of Policy
This policy is reviewed annually or following any safeguarding incident.

14. Contact
For safeguarding concerns or questions:
Eleanor Dunnet

Email: eleanor@suffolkmusicteachers.co.uk