Child Safe Policy

Tingley's Acting Studio is committed to the safety and wellbeing of every child and young person who comes into contact with us. This commitment is not a formality. It is how we operate. Every decision about how we coach a young actor is made in the context of the following principles.

1. Child safety is everyone's responsibility

Every coach, every contractor, and every supplier who works with us is briefed on this policy. It is a condition of engagement, not an afterthought.

2. Children and young people are informed and empowered

Before any coaching begins, the young actor is told: what a session will involve, that they can stop at any time, that they can bring a parent or guardian into the room at any time, and how to raise a concern if something makes them uncomfortable. These rights are repeated periodically.

3. Families and communities are involved

A parent or guardian is always in the building during a session with a minor, and in the room or an adjacent room depending on the child's age and preference. Session material is discussed with the parent in advance. Parents have direct access to Freya at all times.

4. Equity and diversity

We coach children from every background. We do not tolerate discrimination, and we pay particular attention to children from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander backgrounds, children from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, children with disability, and children who are LGBTQIA+.

5. People working with children are suitable and supported

Every coach working with minors holds a current Working with Children Check (Australia), Police Vetting (New Zealand), Vulnerable Sector Check (Canada), DBS check (United Kingdom), or the local equivalent. Documentation is renewed before expiry. Coaches receive ongoing training in child safety and trauma-informed practice.

6. Processes to respond to complaints or concerns

A complaint or concern can be raised in any of the following ways: by email to our safety address (show email), by phone, or in person at a session. Complaints are acknowledged within one business day, actioned within seven, and handled with complete confidentiality except where we are required by law to report them. See also the Complaints Policy.

7. Ongoing education and training

Freya completes annual refresher training in child safeguarding and trauma-informed coaching practice. Certificates on request.

8. Physical and online environments are safe

• In-person sessions take place in rooms with an open-door or windowed policy.
• Remote sessions are conducted over an agreed platform with the parent present in the room or actively monitoring.
• We do not contact a minor through private direct messaging on social platforms. All communication about a minor's coaching goes through the parent or guardian's email.

9. Record-keeping

We maintain records of session attendance, material covered, and any concerns raised. Records are kept securely and retained for the period required by local law.

10. Mandatory reporting

Where we form a reasonable belief that a child has been, is being, or is at risk of being harmed, we report to the appropriate statutory authority in the jurisdiction where the harm occurred or is occurring. This obligation is not optional and is not affected by any confidentiality undertaking.

11. Reviewing this policy

This policy is reviewed annually and after any incident. The "last updated" date at the top of this policy tells you when we last reviewed it.