LUNAR SANDS STORY LAB
Safeguarding & Child Protection Statement
Lunar Sands Story Lab is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children and young people. We work primarily with children and young people in SEN, alternative provision, and emotionally sensitive contexts. Our practice is trauma-informed, neurodiversity-aware, and designed to prioritise emotional safety and wellbeing at all times.
We operate in full alignment with the safeguarding procedures of the host school or organisation.
Scope of Policy
This policy applies to:
• all facilitators and staff working under Lunar Sands Story Lab
• all programme delivery in schools and partner organisations
• all interactions with children, young people, and vulnerable adults
Lunar Sands Story Lab operates within the safeguarding procedures of the host organisation, and responsibility for safeguarding remains with the school’s Designated
Safeguarding Lead (DSL).
Key Principles
We will follow school safeguarding policies, maintain professional boundaries, report
concerns to the DSL, and ensure all activities are appropriate and inclusive.
We will:
• prioritise the safety and wellbeing of all participants
• work in partnership with schools and safeguarding teams
• maintain clear professional boundaries at all times
• respond appropriately to all safeguarding concerns
• create inclusive, trauma-informed environments
• ensure participation is always voluntary and non-coercive
Safer Recruiting
All facilitators are experienced working with children and young people, and are briefed on safeguarding procedures before delivery. Lead facilitator (Dr Amanda Stephenson) holds an enhanced DBS and is registered to the update service.
Safeguarding Responsibilities
Lunar Sands Story Lab facilitators will:
• follow the safeguarding policies of the host school or organisation
• report all concerns immediately to the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)
• not investigate safeguarding concerns independently
• maintain accurate and timely records of any concerns raised
Designated Safeguarding Responsibility
As an external provider, Lunar Sands Story Lab does not replace the safeguarding structure of the host organisation.
All safeguarding concerns are reported to the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) within the school or setting
Where appropriate, concerns may also be escalated through local authority safeguarding procedures.
Professional Conduct
All staff will:
• treat all participants with respect and dignity
• use appropriate language and behaviour at all times
• avoid unnecessary 1:1 situations
• work in open, supervised environments
• not share personal contact details with participants
• not engage in relationships outside of the programme
• treat all participants with respect and dignity
Working with SEN & Vulnerable Par4cipants
We recognise that many participants may:
• have communication differences
• experience emotional regulation challenges
• require flexibility and reduced pressure
Our approach includes:
• allowing non-verbal participation
• adapting activities to individual needs
• avoiding performance pressure
• working closely with school staff for support
Filming & Media Safeguarding
As part of our programmes:
•filming only takes place with prior consent from the school
• participants are never required to appear on camera
• alternative roles are always available
• all media use follows school policies and GDPR guidelines
No footage will be shared externally without explicit written consent.
Responding to Safeguarding Concerns
If a concern arises, facilitators will:
1. Remain calm and listen without judgement
2. Not promise confidentiality
3. Record the concern as soon as possible
4. Report immediately to the school DSL
Facilitators will not attempt to investigate or resolve safeguarding issues independently.
Supporting Disclosures
If a child or young person makes a disclosure:
• listen carefully without interruption
• take what is said seriously
• reassure them they have done the right thing
• explain that the information will need to be shared
• avoid leading questions
• record exact wording where possible
Health, Safety & Wellbeing
We are committed to:
• creating calm and structured environments
• allowing breaks and flexible engagement
• responding to emotional needs during sessions
• working collaboratively with school staff
Risk assessments are carried out prior to delivery and reviewed throughout.
Data Protection & Confiden4ality
All safeguarding information:
• is treated as confidential
• is recorded accurately
• is shared only with appropriate safeguarding leads
• is stored securely in line with GDPR requirements. All media is processed in line with UK GDPR principles of lawfulness, fairness, transparency, data minimisation, storage limitation, and security.
Ownership, Storage & Retention of footage
All footage remains the property of the school. Lunar Sands Story Lab acts as a data processor. Raw footage is stored securely for up to 60 days after project completion and then permanently deleted. It is only accessible to authorised facilitators. Final edited films are provided to the school and will be stored securely Lunar Sands. Raw footage can be provided to the school if requested, subject to a data transfer fee. Footage may at times be used by Lunar Sands Story Lab for portfolio purposes, funding applications and/or a professional showreel; however it will never be screened publicly or made available in any online settings without express permission.
Parental Consent
The school is responsible for obtaining all necessary parental consent for filming and media use.
Risk Assessment Overview
Activities include film analysis, character development, storytelling, and filmmaking in small groups. Risks include emotional distress, disclosure of safeguarding concerns, equipment use, behaviour, and privacy, all mitigated through supervision and trauma-informed practice. Every film project will have its own risk assessment which is specific to the needs of the project, and risk is continually assessed throughout each project.
Relevant Legislation & Guidance
This policy is informed by:
• Children Act 1989 & 2004
• Working Together to Safeguard Children
• Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006
• UK GDPR (Data Protection Act 2018)
Contact
Dr Amanda Stephenson
Lunar Sands Story Lab
Email: support@lunarsands.com
Phone: 07719663276