Safeguarding Policy
Last updated: 23 July 2026 · Applies to Outlaws Juniors and all activity involving under-18s
Template notice: this policy is a structured starting point, not a substitute for professional advice. Before running any activity with children, have this policy reviewed and adopted by a qualified Designated Safeguarding Lead, and confirm your DBS checking route through an appropriate umbrella body. Consult the NSPCC or your local authority's safeguarding partnership for current statutory guidance (e.g. "Keeping Children Safe in Education" and "Working Together to Safeguard Children" in England).
Our commitment
Outlaws is committed to creating a safe, positive environment for every child and young person in Outlaws Juniors. The welfare of the child is always our first consideration, ahead of any performance or programme goal.
Designated Safeguarding Lead
Our Designated Safeguarding Lead can be reached at safeguarding@outlawscrew.com. All safeguarding concerns are treated confidentially and taken seriously regardless of how small they may seem.
Instructor checks & supervision
Every instructor working directly with under-18s holds a valid enhanced DBS check (or equivalent for instructors based outside England and Wales), renewed on a rolling basis. A minimum ratio of one instructor per twelve students is maintained for Outlaws Mini and Outlaws Juniors classes. No instructor is ever alone with a single child in a closed room.
Drop-off, collection & emergency contacts
Outlaws Mini and Juniors students are signed in and out by a parent or guardian. At least one emergency contact number is required at registration and must be kept current.
Medical information
Guardians disclose relevant medical conditions, allergies or accessibility needs at registration. This information is shared only with instructors directly supervising the child and is stored securely per our Privacy Policy.
Anti-bullying
Outlaws Juniors has zero tolerance for bullying, whether in person or online. Reported incidents are investigated promptly and proportionately, with parents/guardians of all children involved kept informed as appropriate.
Photography & filming consent
Children are only photographed or filmed with explicit, opt-in guardian consent collected at registration. Guardians choose between: no photography/filming, internal use only (e.g. class progress records), or public sharing (e.g. showcase videos). Consent can be changed or withdrawn at any time by contacting the Junior Team, and full names of junior performers are never published alongside public photography or video.
Social media & communication rules
There is no private messaging between instructors and students under any circumstances. All communication about a child's classes goes through a parent or guardian via email, phone, or in person. Junior performers are not identified by full name on Outlaws' public social media.
Age-appropriate content
Song choices, choreography and costume concepts for Outlaws Juniors are reviewed by instructors for age-appropriateness before being introduced to any class, and adapted further for younger age groups where needed.
How to report a concern
If you have any concern about a child's welfare — however minor it may seem — please contact our Designated Safeguarding Lead directly at safeguarding@outlawscrew.com, or speak to any instructor in person, who will escalate it immediately. If a child is in immediate danger, contact the emergency services on 999. You can also contact the NSPCC helpline on 0808 800 5000 for independent advice at any time.
Whistleblowing
Any Outlaws member of staff, volunteer, dancer or parent can raise a safeguarding concern about another adult in the organisation without fear of reprisal, using the contact details above.