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The Dance Studio School of Equality & Excellence Limited (DSR) is fully committed to safeguarding the welfare of all children and young people up to the age of 18. We recognise our responsibility to take all reasonable steps to promote safe practice and to protect children from harm, abuse and exploitation.

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DSR acknowledges its duty to act appropriately to any allegations, reports, or suspicions of abuse. All staff and volunteers will work together to encourage the development of an ethos which embraces difference and diversity and respects the rights of children, young people, and adults.

DSR recognises its duty of care under the Children and Young Persons Act 1963, the Children (Performances and Activities) (England) Regulations 2014, the Children Act 1989 and Working Together to Safeguard Children 2015.

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We will ensure that:

· The welfare of the child is paramount

· All children, whatever their age, culture, disability, gender, language, racial origin, religious beliefs and/or sexual identity have the right to protection from abuse

· All suspicions and allegations of abuse will be taken seriously and responded to swiftly and appropriately.

DSR will ensure that:

· Everyone will be treated with respect and dignity

· The welfare of each child will always be put first

· Enthusiastic and constructive criticism will be given to pupils rather than negative criticism

· Bullying will not be accepted or condoned

· All adult members will provide a positive role model

· Action will be taken to stop any inappropriate behaviour

· It will comply with health & safety legislation

· It will keep informed of changes in legislation and policies for the protection of children

· It will undertake relevant professional development and training

· It will ensure all contact and medical details for every child is up to date and available at the place of teaching or performance.

DSR has a designated Safeguarding lead who oversees the child protection policy is adhered to. The Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSR) is Sharon Vickers, and she can be contacted on 07710408473

In implementing this policy DSR will:

· Ensure that all workers/members understand their legal and moral responsibility to protect children and young people from harm, abuse, and exploitation.

· Ensure that all workers/members and volunteers understand their duty to report concerns that arise about a child or young person, or a worker’s conduct towards a child or young person to the Designated Safeguarding Lead.

· The Designated Safeguarding Lead will refer any child protection concerns to the statutory child protection agencies (i.e., Police and/or Children’s Social Care).

· Ensure that students and parents can raise any safeguarding concerns with the Designated Safeguarding Lead & know that these will be taken seriously and acted upon.

This policy will be regularly monitored by Sharon Vickers and will be subject to regular review.

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Child Protection Policy

The Dance Studio School of Equality & Excellence Limited (DSR) will follow good practice by:

· Making dance fun and promoting fair play.

· Ensuring that if any form of manual/physical support is required, it should be provided openly and according to guidelines provided by the NATD

· Keeping up to date with the technical skills, qualifications and insurance in dance.

· Involving parents/carers wherever possible (e.g., for the responsibility of their children in the changing rooms). If groups must be supervised in the changing rooms, always ensure parents work in pairs.

· Being an excellent role model – this includes not smoking or drinking alcohol in the company of young people.

· Giving enthusiastic and constructive feedback rather than negative criticism.

· Recognising the developments/ needs and capacity of young people e.g., avoiding excessive training or competition and not pushing them against their will.

· Keeping a written record of any injury that occurs, along with the details of any treatment given.

Unacceptable practice: Teachers should never:

· Allow or engage in any form of inappropriate touching.

· Allow children to use inappropriate language unchallenged.

· Make sexually suggestive comments to a child, even in fun.

· Reduce a child to tears as a form of control.

· Allow allegations made by a child to go unchallenged, unrecorded or not acted upon.

· Do things of a personal nature for children or disabled adults that they can do for themselves.

 

Guidelines for use of photographic filming at dance events

Videoing as a training aid: there is no intention to prevent the use of video equipment as a legitimate coaching aid. However, dancers and their parents/carers should be aware that this is part of the coaching programme and care will be taken in the storage of such films. If any other kind of photographic material or video of your child is required e.g., DVD of a performance or for advertisement material then parental permission will be requested. Students/parents/carers are not allowed to record or take photos during classes or performances.

Responding to suspicions or allegations

It is not the responsibility of anyone working in DSR in a paid or unpaid capacity to take responsibility or to decide whether child abuse has taken place. However, there is a responsibility to act on any concerns through contact with the appropriate authorities. DSR will assure all staff/volunteers that it will fully support and protect anyone who in good faith reports his or her concern that a colleague/volunteer is or may be abusing a child.

Suspected abuse

Any suspicion that a child has been abused by either a member of staff or a volunteer should be reported to the principal who will take such steps as considered necessary to ensure the safety of the child in question and any other child who may be at risk.

Actions to help the victim and prevent bullying in dance

· Take all signs of bullying very seriously.

· Encourage all children to speak and share their concerns.

· Help the victim to speak out and tell the person in charge or someone of authority.

· Create an open environment.

· Investigate all allegations and take action to ensure the victim is safe

· Speak with the victim and the bully (bullies) separately

· Reassure the victim that you can be trusted and will help them, although you cannot promise to tell no one else

· Keep records of what is said (what happened by whom, when etc).

· Report any concerns to the Director.

Actions towards bullies

· Talk with the bully (s) explain the situation and try to get them to understand the consequences of their behaviour.

· Seek an apology to the victim/s.

· Inform the bully’s parents.

· Provide support for the teacher of the victim.

· Impose sanctions as necessary.

· Encourage and support the bully (bullies) to change behaviour.

· Hold meetings with the families to report on progress.

· Inform all appropriate members of the action taken.

· Keep a written record of action taken (whom, when etc).

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Date policies updated: 20/08/2021

If you would like to discuss further please ring Sharon on 07710 408473.