The Weald School of Dance believes that it is always unacceptable for a child or young person to experience abuse of any kind and recognises its responsibility to safeguard the welfare of all children and young people by a commitment to practice which protects them.
We recognise that:
- The welfare of the child/young person is paramount.
- All children, regardless of age, disability, gender, racial heritage, religious belief, 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 parents and carers is essential in promoting young people’s welfare.
The purpose of the policy:
- To provide protection for the children and young people who receive tuition at the Weald School of Dance, including the children of adult members or users.
- To provide staff with guidance on procedures they should adopt in the event that they suspect a child or young person may be experiencing, or be at risk of, harm.
This policy applies to all staff including volunteers, students or anyone working on behalf of the Weald School of Dance.
We will seek to safeguard children and young people by:
- Valuing them, listening to and respecting them.
- Adopting child protection and safeguarding practices through procedures and adhering to the code of conduct set in place by the Royal Academy of Dance (https://www.rad.org.uk/about/about-the-rad/rules-regulations-and-policies) and the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dance (http://www.istd.org/about-us/documents/istd-child-protection-policy/).
- Recruiting staff and volunteers safely, ensuring all necessary checks (DBS) are made and all teaching staff hold the relevant qualifications and all chaperones are licensed.
- Sharing information about child protection and good practice with children, parents, staff and volunteers.
- Sharing information about concerns with agencies who need to know and involving parents and children appropriately.
- Ensuring that we provide a safe physical environment for our children, young people, staff and volunteers by applying appropriate health and safety measures.
- Ensuring teachers are trained in emergency first aid.
We are also committed to reviewing our policy and good practice regularly.
Kiki Bradstock (RAD RTS, ISTD DDE) the practising teacher at the Weald School of Dance is provided with Child Protection Training at Sutton Valence Prep School and undertakes regular refresher courses online with Educare in order to keep up to date. She is trained in emergency first aid and completes both compulsory and voluntary CPD courses in order to keep up to date with safe dance practice.
Current policy reviewed on: 4/7/23