At our dance classes we allow responsible teenagers aged 14 and over to attend our classes without their parents. For the purposes of the law those under 18 are defined as children. We also allow parents or guardians to bring their younger children under supervision. As we have children at our classes, it is important that we have a child protection policy
The aim of this policy is to:
• Ensure the safety and well-being of pupils, staff and parents/guardians
whilst attending classes and representing the dance school. This policy links
very closely, and should be viewed alongside the Behaviour and Conduct
Policy and Health and Safety policy.
This policy is adapted from guidelines issued by the IDTA (International Dance
Teachers’ Association) – an original copy of which can be obtained from them.
1. It is the policy of the school to provide efficient, up-to-date, enjoyable and
safe instruction in dance to all pupils who enrol in the school or join in the
classes or activities.
2. The premises and equipment will be checked regularly for any defects or
faults that exist or may have developed which might present hazards to any
attending the premises.
3. The premises will be checked to be to a standard of cleanliness required to
prevent any hazard to health from accumulated dirt or rubbish, prior to each
session.
4. All instruction will be geared to the previous experience and abilities of the
pupil(s) and no person will be required to perform movements beyond their
intrinsic capabilities. Staff will be sensitive to all pupils’ religious beliefs and
culture.
5. No energetic instruction will be given without pupils undergoing a “warm-up”
session, and after an energetic session completing a “warm-down” session.
6. All accidents or injuries to staff or pupils will be recorded on a ‘accident,
near-miss, incident and assault’ form, which will be kept for a minimum
period of 4 years from the date of event.
7. A qualified first aider will be present for all teaching sessions, along with
appropriate first aid equipment.
8. No very young pupil(aged under 14) will be allowed to attend classes unless accompanied by a parent, guardian or other adult authorised to do so by a parent
or guardian.
9. No pupil under age 16 will be driven home by a member of staff in his/her
car without the permission of a parent or guardian or in the event of an
emergency.
10. Normally no member of staff will be alone with a young pupil for any
substantial period of time without the consent of a parent or other authorised
person.
11. If appropriate, changing facilities will be provided. Where possible parents
should supervise their own children in the changing area otherwise
supervision will not be by a single adult.
12. No child may be photographed or videoed without the consent of parent or
guardian.
13. No staff will knowingly be employed who have a criminal record for child
molestation. Where appropriate suitable checks will be made with the
Protection of Children Act list and the DfEE List 99 and if the applicant is
recorded on either s/he will not be employed in a position that involves
dealing with children.
14. Only suitably qualified persons will be employed in a teaching capacity while
any student engaged to assist with teaching will only work under the
supervision of a qualified member of staff.
15. In the event of activities outside the school premises the instructors will
regard themselves as being in “loco parentis” and, so far as applicable and
within their control, apply the preceding and subsequent guide lines as if the
event was in their own studio.
16. Teachers will avoid any physical contact with pupils.
17. The school principal(s) will ensure that s/he and the members of staff are
properly covered against incidents involving public liability and professional
negligence insurance.
18. The school principal(s) undertake not to involve in misleading or false
advertising.
19. No form of discrimination, by religion, colour, the child’s background and so
on will be tolerated in the school.
20. At all times, all staff will endeavour to keep the highest standards of
instruction and behaviour. The school principals retain the right to discharge
from the school any pupil who persistently disrupts the tuition, uses offensive
language, or other anti-social behaviour.
