Safeguarding Policy

Music With Temmykeys (“MWT”) is committed to the safety and wellbeing of all children (under 18) and vulnerable adults who interact with our platform or with the suppliers we introduce.

We believe that everyone, regardless of age, disability, gender identity, race, religion, or sexuality, has the right to protection from harm. This policy applies to all MWT staff, platform users, and every supplier on our network — particularly music teachers, workshop facilitators, and musicians performing at youth events.

This policy has been prepared having regard to the following legislation and guidance:

• Children Act 1989 and 2004
• Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006
• Keeping Children Safe in Education 2023 (statutory guidance)
• Working Together to Safeguard Children 2023
• Care Act 2014 (protection of adults)
• UK GDPR and Data Protection Act 2018 (handling safeguarding information)

All music teachers on our platform who teach individuals under 18, or who will have unsupervised access to children, are required to hold a valid Enhanced DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) certificate.

MWT will not arrange or confirm a booking where a teacher will work with under-18s until we have confirmed that an appropriate DBS check is in place. We will:

• Request evidence of a valid Enhanced DBS certificate before any such bookings are made
• Not retain the certificate number, but note the date of issue and confirm validity with the supplier
• Advise clients when a teacher is confirmed DBS-checked and has had their safeguarding status verified by MWT
• Require teachers to notify MWT immediately if their DBS status changes or if they are barred from working with children

Teachers who perform at adult-only events (18+) where no children will be present are not required to hold a DBS check, though we encourage all suppliers to maintain current clearance.

Musicians and bands performing at events where children will be present may require DBS checks depending on the level of supervision and contact. MWT will assess this on a booking-by-booking basis.

Where a client’s booking involves an audience or attendees under 18 and the performer will have direct, unsupervised access to those children, MWT will require evidence of an appropriate DBS check before confirming the booking.

Clients are responsible for informing MWT at the time of enquiry if their event will involve children. MWT cannot be held responsible for failure to disclose this information.

All suppliers on the MWT platform, when working with or near children, must:

• Hold and maintain a valid Enhanced DBS certificate where required
• Never be alone with a child without parental or guardian consent and supervision
• Never photograph, record, or otherwise document children without explicit written consent from the child’s parent or guardian
• Treat all children and young people with respect and maintain appropriate professional boundaries at all times
• Report any safeguarding concern immediately to MWT and, if urgent, to the relevant statutory authority (police, local authority children’s services)
• Not allow personal contact information (mobile numbers, social media) to be exchanged with children directly — all communication should be via parents/guardians or through MWT

If you have a safeguarding concern — whether you are a client, supplier, or member of the public — please report it promptly.

MWT will acknowledge all safeguarding reports within 24 hours. We will liaise with statutory authorities as appropriate and keep the reporting party informed (subject to confidentiality obligations).

Safeguarding information is handled with strict confidentiality. Access is limited to the Designated Safeguarding Lead and any statutory authorities with a legitimate need to know.

The welfare of the child or vulnerable adult takes precedence over confidentiality obligations. Safeguarding information may be disclosed without consent where there is a risk of serious harm.

Safeguarding records are retained for a minimum of 7 years, or until the child reaches the age of 25 (whichever is longer), in accordance with best practice guidance.