PURPOSE

Starmaker Theatre Company is committed to providing a safe environment for all children, young people, staff, volunteers, visitors and audience members involved in our activities. This First Aid Policy sets out the arrangements for providing appropriate first aid support, responding to accidents and illness, recording incidents, and ensuring the welfare of everyone attending Starmaker activities.

This policy applies to:

• Children and young people attending Starmaker activities.

• Parents and carers attending events.

• Employees.

• Freelance workers.

• Volunteers.

• Trustees and committee members.

• Visitors and audience members.

 

COMMITMENT TO FIRST AID AND WELFARE

Starmaker Theatre Company recognises that accidents and medical emergencies can happen during:

• Classes.

• Rehearsals.

• Performances.

• Workshops.

• Summer schools.

• Theatre trips and excursions.

• Fundraising events and community activities.

We will ensure that reasonable first aid arrangements are in place for all activities and that the welfare of children, young people and adults remains a priority.

 

FIRST AID RESPONSIBILITIES

The Chairman, Company Manager, and Welfare Officer will ensure that:

• Appropriate first aid arrangements are in place.

• First aid equipment is available and maintained.

• Trained first aiders are identified where required.

• Accident and incident records are completed.

• Parents/carers are informed where appropriate.

• Safeguarding procedures are followed where concerns arise.

All staff and volunteers have a responsibility to:

• Act promptly if someone becomes ill or injured.

• Seek assistance from a trained first aider where available.

• Report accidents, injuries or concerns.

• Follow Starmaker safeguarding procedures.

 

FIRST AID PROVISION

Starmaker Theatre Company will ensure that suitable first aid equipment is available at activities and events.

First aid kits should be accessible and checked regularly.

A first aid kit may include:

• Sterile plasters and dressings;

• Bandages

• Disposable gloves

• Antiseptic wipes

• Microporous tape

• Scissors

• Foil blankets

• Eye dressings

• Cold packs

• First aid guidance

Medication, including pain relief medication, will not normally be stored or administered by Starmaker unless specific arrangements have been agreed with parents/carers and authorised staff.

 

FIRST AIDERS

Where possible, activities involving children and young people will have access to an appropriately trained first aider.

The first aider’s role is to:

• Assess the situation

• Provide appropriate immediate care within their training

• Decide whether further medical assistance is required

• Ensure accidents are recorded

• Inform the appropriate responsible person.

A first aider is not expected to provide treatment beyond their level of training.

 

PAEDIATRIC FIRST AID REQUIREMENTS

Starmaker Theatre Company recognises that children and young people may require different considerations when receiving first aid. Where activities involve children, particularly younger children, Starmaker will ensure that appropriate paediatric first aid arrangements are in place.

A person with suitable Paediatric First Aid training will be available where required, particularly for activities involving younger children, including:

• Stage School & LAMDA classes.

• Summer School activities.

• Workshops involving children under 11 years old.

• Events where younger children are participating.

 

 

CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE

The safety and welfare of children and young people is paramount.

If a child or young person becomes injured or unwell:

• They will be reassured and supported.

• Appropriate first aid will be provided.

• A responsible adult will remain with them.

• Parents/carers will be contacted where necessary.

• Emergency services will be contacted if required.

Children must never be left alone while injured or unwell.

Where possible, first aid will be administered by two adults or in an open, observable area to maintain safeguarding standards.

 

MEDICAL INFORMATION AND ADDITIONAL NEEDS

Parents/carers are responsible for providing Starmaker with relevant medical information when registering a child.

This may include:

• Allergies

• Asthma

• Epilepsy

• Diabetes

• Medication requirements

• Other health conditions

• Emergency contact details

Staff and volunteers responsible for activities should be made aware of relevant information on a need-to-know basis.

Confidential medical information will be stored securely and handled in accordance with UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018.

 

MEDICATION

Starmaker Theatre Company does not routinely administer medication.

Where medication is required during Starmaker activities:

• Parents/carers must provide written instructions

• Medication must be clearly labelled

• Medication must be stored safely

• Only authorised individuals may assist with medication

• Records must be kept where medication is administered

Children must not share medication with other members.

Emergency medication, such as inhalers or adrenaline auto-injectors, must be made accessible in accordance with agreed medical plans.

 

ALLERGIC REACTIONS AND ANAPHYLAXIS

Starmaker Theatre Company recognises that severe allergic reactions can be life-threatening.

Where a child, young person or adult has a known allergy:

• Relevant information should be provided to Starmaker

• Staff should understand emergency procedures

• Emergency medication should be available where required

• Emergency services should be called if a severe reaction is suspected

Symptoms requiring urgent action may include:

• Difficulty breathing

• Swelling of the face, lips or throat

• Dizziness or collapse

• Severe allergic reaction symptoms

 

ACCIDENTS AND INJURIES

All accidents, injuries and first aid treatment must be recorded.

Accident records should include:

• Name of injured person

• Date, time and location

• Description of incident

• Injury or illness

• Treatment provided

• Name of first aider

• Actions taken

• Parent/carer notification where applicable

Serious incidents must be reported immediately to the Chairman, Company Manager or Welfare Officer.

 

EMERGENCY SITUATIONS

Emergency services will be contacted where necessary.

Examples include:

• Serious injury

• Loss of consciousness

• Breathing difficulties

• Severe allergic reaction

• Suspected broken bones

• Severe bleeding

• Head injury concerns

• Any situation where urgent medical attention is required

A responsible adult will remain with the injured person until help arrives.

Parents/carers or emergency contacts will be informed as soon as possible.

 

HEAD INJURIES

Any head injury will be treated seriously.

Where a child or young person receives a head injury:

• First aid will be provided

• Parents/carers will be informed

• Advice will be provided to monitor symptoms

• Medical advice will be sought where appropriate

A child or young person showing signs of concussion or serious injury will not continue participating.

 

ADULTS, STAFF AND VOLUNTEERS

Starmaker recognises that staff, volunteers, trustees, visitors and audience members may also require first aid.

The same principles of:

• Prompt response;

• Appropriate care;

• Recording incidents;

• Seeking medical assistance where required;

will apply to adults attending Starmaker activities.

 

FIRST AID DURING PERFORMANCES AND EVENTS

For performances and larger events, Starmaker will consider:

• Number of attendees

• Venue requirements

• Age range of participants

• Activities taking place

• Access to emergency services

A first aid kit and responsible first aid contact will be identified.

Venue-specific emergency procedures must be followed.

 

CONFIDENTIALITY

Information relating to injuries, illness and medical conditions will be treated confidentially.

Details will only be shared with those who need the information to ensure the safety and welfare of the individual.

​

​

REPORTING SAFEGUARDING CONCERNS

Any injury, illness or incident that raises safeguarding concerns must be reported to the Welfare Officer / Designated Safeguarding Lead.

Examples include:

• Unexplained injuries

• Repeated injuries

• Concerns about neglect

• Concerns about inappropriate behaviour

• Failure to seek medical attention when required

All safeguarding concerns will be managed in accordance with Starmaker Theatre Company’s Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy.

REVIEW

This policy will be reviewed annually 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 one year