CHILD SAFETY
Somerstage and The McMillan Theatre are committed to providing a safe, positive and encouraging environment for children to practice, progress and flourish in the main disciplines of performing arts.
We believe that a child or young person should never experience abuse of any kind. We have a responsibility to promote the welfare of all children and young people under the age of 18, and to keep them safe.
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We therefore take safeguarding extremely seriously. All of our staff, teachers and assistants have an enhanced DBS check (Disclosure and Barring Service, formerly Criminal Records Bureau or CRB).
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All teachers have safeguard training to at least level 1. Principals Lisa and Timothy Bonser hold level 2 Safeguard Training and act as Designated Safeguarding Leads (DSL). Our teachers are trained to recognise cause for concerns and Somerstage will respond quickly to the theatre management and necessary local authorities if required.
As part of Bridgwater and Taunton College, The McMillan Theatre has its own safeguarding policies and training that works in tandem with Somerstage to provide double protection to our students.
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Each teacher has individual public liability insurance as does The McMillan Theatre itself as a public venue. The McMillan Theatre also has very clear fire and health and safety policies that we strictly adhere to.
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Lisa Bonser, Timothy Bonser and Dean Brammall are all first aid trained and hold up to date and valid qualifications.
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We review our policy annually to ensure that our school is operating at the highest level of child protection standards. Our full safeguarding policy can be found by pressing the button below.
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