CORRAINE COLLINS DANCE STUDIOS
SAFEGUARDING POLICY
This policy applies to all staff including the principal, paid staff, volunteers and sessional workers, students or anyone working on behalf of Corraine Collins Dance Studios (CCDS).
The purpose of this policy:
- To protect children and young people in the care of CCDS.
- To provide staff and volunteers with the overarching principles that guide our approach to safeguarding and child protection;
Corraine Collins Dance Studios believes that a child or young person should never experience abuse of any kind. We have a responsibility to promote the welfare of all children and young people and to keep them safe. We are committed to practise in a way that protects them.
Legal Framework
This policy has been drawn up on the basis of law and guidance that seeks to protect children, namely:
- Children Act 1989
- United Convention of the Rights of the Child 1991
- Data Protection Act 1998
- Sexual Offences Act 2003
- Children Act 2004
- Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006
- Information sharing: Advice for practitioners providing safeguarding services to children, young people, parents and carers; HM Government 2015
- Working together to safeguarding children: a guide to inter-agency working to safeguard and promote the welfare of children; HM Government 2015
We recognise that:
- the welfare of the child is paramount, as enshrined in the Children Act 1989
- all children, regardless of age, disability, gender, racial heritage, religious beliefs, sexual orientation or identity, have the right to equal protection from all types of harm or abuse
- some children are additionally vulnerable because of the impact of previous experiences, their level of dependency, communication needs or other issues
- working in partnership with children, young people, their carers and other agencies is essential in promoting young people’s welfare.
We will seek to keep children and young people safe by ensuring that:
- all children are treated equally with respect and dignity
- the welfare of each child is always put first
- a balanced relationship based on mutual trust is built which empowers the children to share in the decision process
- enthusiastic and constructive feedback is given, rather than negative criticism
- bullying is not accepted nor condoned
- all staff and volunteers provide a positive role model for dealing with other people
- action is taken to stop any inappropriate verbal or physical behaviour
- CCDS carries out thorough recruitment selection and vetting of all staff who will undergo a disclosure check by the Disclosure Barring Service (DBS)
- any injuries and treatment given is recorded
- CCDS keeps up to date with health and safety legislation
- CCDS keeps informed of changes in legislation and policies for the protection of children
- written parental or guardian consent is obtained for the use of any photographs, film or videos
- a register of every child involved with CCDS is held and contact names and numbers are available in case of emergencies
- information is recorded and stored professionally and securely
- any suspicions and allegations of abuse are taken seriously and responded to swiftly and appropriately
- all members and employees of CCDS are clear on how to respond appropriately
- staff and volunteers will adhere to the ‘Student Adjustment Policy’ below.
Student Adjustment Policy
The staff here at CCDS would like all parents to note that at certain times it may be necessary to physically adjust the movements of a student during class. All genres of dance are very physical in nature and require accuracy of limb placement. This is to ensure correct posture, positioning and to prevent injury.
All younger children will be accompanied to the lavatory as and when necessary. It may mean helping to undress and redress in order to avoid accidents. Children should be able to complete their ablution unaccompanied. Always encourage your child to go before class.
Any parent who feels this is inappropriate must inform the School Office immediately and care will be taken to treat the children as requested.
We wish to safeguard all children in our care and at the same time, protect the integrity of all School Staff.
The Designated Safeguarding Officer (DSO) is Corraine Collins, Principal, Corraine Collins Dance Studios.
This policy will be regularly monitored by the DSO and will be subject to annual review.
Date: September 2023