POLICY STATEMENT

Starmaker Theatre Company is committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for all children, young people, staff, volunteers, trustees, contractors, visitors and members of the public attending our activities.

We recognise our duties under the:

• Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974

• Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999

• Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (as amended)

• Children Act 1989 and 2004

• Working Together to Safeguard Children (current guidance)

• Equality Act 2010

• Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations (RIDDOR) 2013

• Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981

Although Starmaker Theatre Company does not own or manage its own premises, we have a responsibility to ensure that all activities take place safely within venues hired or used by the charity.

Health, safety and fire safety are everyone's responsibility.

 

PURPOSE

This policy aims to:

• Protect everyone attending Starmaker activities.

• Reduce the risk of accidents, injuries and fire.

• Ensure appropriate emergency procedures are in place.

• Meet legal obligations.

• Promote a positive health and safety culture.

SCOPE

This policy applies to:

• Stage School

• Summer School

• LAMDA classes

• Productions

• Rehearsals

• Performances

• Workshops

• Trips and outings

• Fundraising events

• Committee meetings

• All other Starmaker activities

It applies to:

• Children and young people

• Parents and carers

• Paid staff

• Freelance workers

• Volunteers

• Trustees

• Visitors

 

RESPONSIBILITIES

The Board of Trustees is responsible for ensuring:

• Health and safety arrangements are in place.

• Suitable policies are maintained.

• Risks are reviewed regularly.

• Adequate insurance is maintained.

• Serious incidents are reviewed.

The management committee will:

• Ensure this policy is implemented.

• Complete or arrange suitable risk assessments.

• Ensure venues are suitable.

• Ensure staff understand emergency procedures.

• Investigate accidents where necessary.

• Maintain accident records.

• Ensure first aid arrangements are available.

All adult staff and volunteers working on behalf of Starmaker must:

• Take reasonable care of themselves and others.

• Follow health and safety procedures.

• Report hazards immediately.

• Supervise children appropriately.

• Follow fire evacuation procedures.

• Never obstruct fire exits.

• Co-operate during emergencies.

Members and students are expected to:

• Follow instructions.

• Behave safely.

• Respect equipment and venues.

• Report hazards to an adult.

• Participate calmly in fire evacuations.

 

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RISK ASSESSMENTS

Suitable and sufficient risk assessments will be completed for activities where required.

Risk assessments may cover:

• Rehearsals

• Performances

• Summer School

• Trips

• Workshops

• Manual handling

• Heat, cold and adverse weather

• Fire safety

• Venue-specific hazards

• Medical needs

• Accessibility requirements

Risk assessments will be reviewed regularly or following significant changes or incidents.

 

FIRE SAFETY

Before activities begin, staff and volunteers should familiarise themselves with:

• Fire exits

• Escape routes

• Assembly points

• Fire alarm activation points

• Fire extinguishers (location only)

• Emergency contact procedures

Fire exits must remain:

• Clearly marked

• Unlocked while occupied

• Free from obstruction

Fire doors must never be wedged open unless fitted with approved automatic release devices.

 

FIRE EVACUATION PROCEDURE

If the fire alarm sounds or a fire is discovered:

• Raise the alarm immediately.

• Contact the emergency services by dialling 999 if necessary.

• Evacuate immediately using the nearest safe exit.

• Do not stop to collect personal belongings.

• Do not use lifts.

• Proceed directly to the designated assembly point.

• Teachers should supervise children throughout evacuation.

• Registers should be taken where safe to do so.

• Report anyone missing immediately to the Fire Service.

• Nobody may re-enter the building until authorised by the Fire Service, venue management or fire warden (keyholder)

 

FIRE PREVENTION

Starmaker will:

• Keep escape routes clear.

• Minimise combustible materials where possible.

• Ensure electrical equipment is used safely.

• Switch off equipment when not required.

• Follow venue smoking and vaping policies.

• Never allow candles, pyrotechnics or special effects unless authorised by the venue and supported by appropriate risk assessments.

Smoking and vaping are strictly prohibited during all Starmaker activities except within designated areas provided by the venue (if applicable).

 

HEALTH AND SAFETY ARRANGEMENTS

Starmaker will:

• Carry out suitable risk assessments.

• Maintain suitable first aid provision.

• Record accidents.

• Monitor hazards.

• Encourage safe working practices.

• Promote good hygiene.

• Support children with medical needs where appropriate.

 

ACCIDENT REPORTING

All accidents, injuries and near misses should be reported immediately to a trustee, member of management committee, or head of department

Accidents will be:

• Recorded in the Accident Book;

• Investigated where appropriate;

• Reported to parents/carers where children are involved.

Incidents meeting the reporting threshold will be reported under RIDDOR where required.

 
 

FIRST AID

Appropriate first aid provision will be available during Starmaker activities.

This includes:

• Stocked first aid kits;

• Trained first aid personnel;

• Paediatric first aid provision where appropriate;

• Access to emergency services.

Medical information supplied by parents/carers will be treated confidentially.

 

MANUAL HANDLING

Staff and volunteers should:

• Avoid unnecessary lifting;

• Use correct lifting techniques;

• Seek assistance when required;

• Avoid lifting children unless necessary to prevent immediate harm.

 

ELECTRICAL SAFETY

Only suitable electrical equipment should be used.

Equipment should:

• Be visually checked before use;

• Not have damaged cables or plugs;

• Not overload sockets;

• Be disconnected safely after use.

Any damaged equipment must be removed from use immediately.

 

HOUSEKEEPING

All venues should be kept tidy.

Walkways and exits should remain free from:

• Bags;

• Costumes;

• Props;

• Scenery;

• Cables;

• Equipment.

Spillages should be dealt with immediately where safe to do so.

 

WELFARE OF CHILDREN

Health and safety arrangements should always support safeguarding.

Children should:

• Remain supervised;

• Not leave activities without permission;

• Know who to speak to if they feel unwell or unsafe.

All safeguarding concerns must be reported in accordance with the Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy.

 

 

CONTRACTORS AND VISITING PROFESSIONALS

Visiting professionals, contractors and workshop leaders are expected to:

• Comply with this policy;

• Follow venue safety procedures;

• Report hazards immediately;

• Work safely around children.

 

TRAINING

Relevant staff and volunteers will receive appropriate instruction and training relating to:

• Health and safety;

• Fire safety;

• Safeguarding;

• First aid;

• Emergency procedures;

• Risk assessment responsibilities.

 

MONITORING

The Company Manager and Board of Trustees will monitor:

• Accidents;

• Near misses;

• Fire safety issues;

• Risk assessments;

• Health and safety concerns; to identify improvements where required.

REVIEW

This policy will be reviewed every three years or sooner if required due to changes in legislation or guidance, or the charity's operations.

Approved by: Board of Trustees July 2026

Review Frequency: Every three years