1. Policy Statement
Sandra Taylor School of Dance is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children and adults at risk. We believe:
- All children and adults at risk, regardless of gender, age, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, or religion, have the right to protection from abuse.
- All teaching staff and volunteers have a duty of care and responsibility to report concerns.
- All allegations and suspicions of abuse will be taken seriously and responded to swiftly and appropriately.
This policy aligns with current UK legislation, including:
- The Children Act 1989 and 2004
- Working Together to Safeguard Children 2018 (updated 2023)
- Keeping Children Safe in Education
- Care Act 2014
2. Aims of the Policy
- To provide children and adults at risk with appropriate safety and protection whilst in our care
- To enable all teaching staff and volunteers to make informed and confident responses to safeguarding issues
3. Promoting Good Practice
- Treating all students with respect, dignity, and equality
- Putting welfare before achievement or awards
- Keeping a safe and professional distance in physical contact
- Ensuring any hands-on teaching is necessary, explained, and with student consent
- Making dance enjoyable and inclusive
- Providing constructive feedback
- Avoiding excessive training and recognising students' physical and emotional limits
- Keeping accurate records of injuries and treatments
4. Photography and Videos
- Parental/carer/student consent is obtained at registration for the use of photos/videos for promotional purposes.
- The School follows GDPR principles and safely stores any digital media.
- Parents, and carers are not permitted to take photos or recordings during classes or performances.
- Further information can be found in the School’s Privacy Policy.
5. Responding to Disclosures
If a student discloses a safeguarding concern:
Do
- Stay calm and listen
- Reassure the child they are not at fault
- Explain you cannot keep it a secret
- Record their words accurately
- Report to the DSL or Deputy DSL without delay
Don't
- Ask leading questions
- Promise confidentiality
- Investigate yourself
- Delay or ignore
6. Recruitment of Staff & Volunteers
The School is committed to safe recruitment practices:
- All teaching staff and volunteers undergo an Enhanced DBS check
- Identity and reference checks are conducted
- New teaching staff and volunteers are provided with copies of the Safeguarding Policy and Code of Conduct
7. Training
- All teaching staff complete Level 1 safeguarding training (renewed every 2-3 years)
- DSL and Deputy DSL completes Level 3 safeguarding training
- Safeguarding is included in all staff inductions
8. Code of Conduct for Teaching Staff
All teaching staff and volunteers must:
- Act as role models and behave professionally
- Avoid physical contact unless necessary and always explained
- Avoid private, one-to-one situations unless in view of others
- Use appropriate language
9. Safeguarding Adults at Risk
The School acknowledges its duty of care to adult students who may be at risk. We adopt the same procedures and protections for these individuals as for children.
10. Online Safety
- All digital classes or communication must be approved by the DSL
- Video content is reviewed before sharing publicly
- Communication with students must only take place via approved channels
11. Whistleblowing
Teaching staff and volunteers must report concerns about colleagues to the DSL or external authority if necessary. The School will support whistleblowers and ensure there are no repercussions.
12. Monitoring and Review
This policy is reviewed annually by the Principal, DSL and Deputy DSL. Updates are shared with all staff and parents as needed.
Thank you to all for your continued support and cooperation in maintaining a safe and positive dance environment.
Miss Olivia
Principle
