Members of staff who work with children must ensure that he/she:
· Acknowledges the age group and capabilities they are working with and match their working
style accordingly.
· Does not use any foul or abusive language or untoward behaviour.
· Does not bully any children and that there is no bullying going on within the group (if there
is, this must be reported at once to the supervisor in charge at that time).
· Shows respect and courtesy to the children at all times.
· Is always punctual and on time.
· Does not go into the toilet alone with the children.
· Does not meet with children outside organised activities.
· If on occasion privacy is required, a supervisory adult should be informed and at least one
should be within earshot of the conversation. The door should be left open.
· Avoids unnecessary physical contact with children. When physical touch is required during
dance teaching, or when an injury occurs or the children are distressed, the involved adult
should explain to the children exactly what he or she is doing but only with the consent of
the child and in full view of as many persons as possible.
· Records and reports the incident to another adult if a child touches them in an inappropriate
place. While an incident could be purely innocent or horseplay, efforts should be made to
inform the offending child that this behaviour is not acceptable – but in a manner that does
not intimidate the child.
· Never keeps suspicions of abuse by a colleague to themselves. If there is an attempt to
cover up they could be implicated by their silence. It is vital to inform the appropriate person of their suspicions.
· Should never engage in sexually provocative manner or indulge in horseplay, which may be
construed by children or adults in the wrong manner.
· Should never allow children to use foul language unchallenged.
· Never makes sexually suggestive comments about, or to the children, even in fun.
· Never lets allegations made by the children to go un-addressed and un-recorded.
ALLEGATIONS INVOLVING MEMBERS OF STAFF
Any proven allegation of misconduct may result in the dismissal of the member of staff orappropriate alternative disciplinary action.
Code of Conduct for Dance Teachers
These guidelines are designed to highlight safety issues, prepare dance teachers/leaders for
situations that may arise when working with children and enable you to feel
confident whilst acting professionally in a dance-teaching environment. The list is
based on ITC (Independent Theatre Council) guidelines.
Your behaviour
You are an ambassador for Dance and a role model for the
students. Please ensure everything you do and the manner in
which you communicate with participants reflects the professional standards
expected from the company.
Do not smoke anywhere in the class environment including outside the premises.
Make sure that language and conversation is appropriate (e.g. no swearing
whilst on or in the immediate area of class premises).
Ensure your actions do not conflict with the venue rules (no gum
chewing or sweets etc if not allowed)
Alcohol and recreational drugs should never be taken onto the class environment
premises under any circumstances nor consumed before teaching a class or
whilst on class premises
Prescribed drugs should be kept well hidden and out of reach of any children or
students (e.g. in a locked vehicle).
You should not have to discipline any participants. Do not request children to
leave the room as you will not be aware of any rules regarding this.
Avoid reprimanding or shouting at participants unless necessary for their or
other persons safety.
If a child informs you of a problem never make promises to keep a secret.
Inform the workshop space observer of the situation and do not become
involved in further action. You are not in a regular teacher/carer role.
If a participant has an accident you are not responsible for administering first
aid. Ask the workshop observer to deal with it.
Ensure that participants complete a feedback sheet before leaving the space
and collect them in to send on to The Dance Movement Office.
Whenever possible please comply with the workshop space rules regarding
signing in and out.
Make sure that you have available a lockable space to leave your personal
belongings (mobile phone, money, bags etc). Ask for a staff room locker to be
available if you are unable to watch your belongings at all times.
Find out where the staff toilets are. Never use children’s or student’s toilets.
Make sure you use a private (preferably lockable) space for changing clothes,
if applicable.
Dance Leaders should remain in the workshop space and avoid wandering
around the premises.
Move around the space quietly, avoiding shouting, loud laughter, slamming
doors and any unnecessary noise. Other classes will be happening nearby
and disturbance should be kept to a minimum.
If the space is cold, unclean or unsuitable for taking the class inform the person
in charge immediately and ask for problems to be rectified or an alternative
space to be found.
The workshop space should be out of bounds to children or students until you
are ready to start. If you wish them not to be around you are entitled to request
them to leave until you are ready.
Never accept children or student’s help in setting up the workshop. Ensure they are
not asked to assist with any activity that may injure them (e.g. lift heavy loads).
Dance Teacher's vehicles
Drive very slowly whilst arriving and departing the venue.
When parking (even if only temporarily to find out where to go or to unload)
never obstruct fire exits.
Keep your vehicle locked at all times when on the workshop space premises.
Switch off music in your vehicle as you reach the premises to avoid
disturbance to other classes.
Never give a child or student (whether participating in the class or not) a lift in
your vehicle
Leaving the space
Take responsibility for cleaning up afterwards. Remove any rubbish you may
have generated.
Report any breakages or accidents
All accidents should be recorded in the official accident book
Problems on Health & Safety issues
You have the right to refuse to teach a class if the environment, number or
behaviour of participants makes it unsafe to do so.
