Safeguarding & Protection Policy

Effective date: September 2026

• Location: 19 South Street, Chesterfield
• Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL): Mariana Moura (Founder & Lead Teacher)
• Contact: hello@casaom.co.uk

1. Policy Purpose & Scope

Casa Om is committed to providing a safe, respectful, inclusive, and welcoming environment for all individuals attending classes, workshops, treatments, and events at our physical studio (19 South Street) and across our online platforms.

This policy applies to all founders, employees, freelance teachers, beauticians, contractors, volunteers, and visitors. It sets out our guidelines for protecting children, young people, and adults at risk from harm, abuse, or neglect, and ensuring physical and emotional safety during bodywork, hands-on adjustments, and movement classes.

2. Core Principles

• Zero Tolerance: Abuse, harassment, discrimination, or exploitation of any kind will not be tolerated.
• Inclusivity & Respect: Every individual has the right to practise movement, yoga, and wellness therapies without fear of judgment, boundary violations, or harm.
• Proportional Responsibility: Everyone working within Casa Om shares a responsibility to recognise, respond to, and report concerns or signs of abuse.

3. Physical Touch, Hands-On Adjustments & Consent

Because yoga, Pilates, barre, and holistic treatments inherently involve physical presence and body awareness, Casa Om enforces strict consent protocols:

• Explicit Consent for Adjustments: Hands-on adjustments in yoga, Pilates, or barre classes are strictly optional. Teachers must seek explicit consent before providing any physical guidance (e.g. via verbal opt-in or physical indicator tokens on mats).
• Right to Opt Out: Students may decline physical adjustments at any time without needing to offer an explanation.
• Professional Boundaries: Touch must always be professional, purposeful, non-intrusive, and strictly aimed at alignment, safety, or treatment execution.
• Treatment Room Safety: Holistic and beautician treatments provided by Skin and Bodhi / resident therapists must follow clear client intake, draping, and consent protocols prior to starting any session.

4. Children & Adults at Risk

A. Under 18s Policy

• General Classes: Standard adult classes are intended for individuals aged 16 and over.
• Parental Consent: Minors aged 16-17 attending adult classes require signed written consent from a parent or legal guardian prior to attending.
• Dedicated Youth Sessions: If dedicated children's yoga or workshops are run, instructors must hold an enhanced DBS check and maintain appropriate adult-to-child ratios.

B. Vulnerable Adults / Adults at Risk

Instructors and staff should remain vigilant to signs of physical, emotional, financial, or psychological abuse or neglect in adults attending the studio who may have care or support needs.

5. Code of Conduct for Staff & Teachers

All teachers, contractors, and staff operating at Casa Om agree to:

• Hold up-to-date professional liability insurance and relevant teaching certifications.
• Hold a valid First Aid at Work / Emergency First Aid certificate.
• Avoid one-on-one isolated situations with minors or vulnerable individuals in unmonitored spaces.
• Maintain appropriate professional boundaries on personal social media platforms with students who are minors.
• Create an environment where students feel comfortable communicating their physical limitations or boundaries.

6. Reporting & Escalation Procedure

If a student, teacher, or visitor discloses abuse, or if you suspect someone is at risk of harm:

1. Listen carefully and remain neutral: do not make promises of total confidentiality if safety is at risk.
2. Document the details: note exact words, date, time, and observations immediately.
3. Report to the DSL: pass all written information directly to Mariana Moura (DSL).
4. External escalation, if required: contact local Social Care Services or Police.

7. Data Protection & Confidentiality

All records relating to safeguarding concerns, disclosures, or reports will be stored securely in accordance with UK GDPR and Data Protection laws. Information will only be shared on a strict need-to-know basis with relevant authorities.

8. Policy Review

This policy is reviewed annually by the Lead Designated Safeguarding Lead or immediately following any major organizational or legislative changes.