Child Protection Policy

The Valentine School of Dance Child Protection Policy

The Valentine School of Dance is fully committed to safeguarding the welfare of all children and young people up to the age of 18.  We recognise our responsibility to take all reasonable steps to promote safe practice and to protect children from harm, abuse and exploitation.

We believe that no child or young person should be the subject of neglectful or abusive behaviour. We will promote and maintain the welfare of every child in our care and seek to protect them from harm regardless of race, age, disability, gender, sexual orientation, religious belief or any other form of identity or creed. We will create a safe and welcoming environment for all.

The Valentine School of Dance recognises its duty of care under the Children and Young Persons Act 1963, the Children (Performances and Activities) (England) Regulations 2014, the Children Act 1989 and Working Together to Safeguard Children 2015.

The Valentine School of Dance will ensure that:

·         The welfare of the child is paramount

·         All children, whatever their age, culture, disability, gender, language, racial origin, religious beliefs and/or sexual identity have the right to protection from abuse

·         All suspicions and allegations of abuse will be taken seriously and responded to swiftly and appropriately

·         Report suspected neglect or abuse to the local council safeguarding team via myself.

The Valentine School of Dance will ensure that:

• We value and respect children and listen to what they have to say

• Work with children, parents and relevant organisations

• Share our policy with all staff, parents and students

• Ensure all required checks are made when hiring staff and that those in regular contact with children hold a current DBS check

• Provide appropriate training and support to all staff

• Take responsibility for children and young people’s safety when in our care

• Seek permission from parents before taking images (photographs or film) of students and inform them how and where the images will be used

·         Enthusiastic and constructive criticism will be given to pupils rather than negative criticism

·         Bullying will not be accepted or condoned

·         All adult members will provide a positive role model

·         Action will be taken to stop any inappropriate  behaviour

·         It will comply with health & safety legislation

·         It will keep informed of changes in legislation and policies for the protection of children

·         It will undertake relevant professional development and training

·         It will ensure all contact and medical details for every child is up to date.

Child Protection Plans in Place The Valentine School of Dance Performances and Rehearsals

The Valentine School of Dance operates within the child protection policies of the Council of Dance Education and Training, The United Kingdom Alliance of Dance Teachers, and The Imperial Society of Teachers of Dance as a condition of insurance and of membership to these societies. The child protection plans for all Valentine School of Dance activities are in addition to these policies.

·         All parents/ Guardians have given consent and statement of fitness for their children to take part in the performances and any photography or filming of the event.

·         All children, chaperones and company members and helpers must be signed in and out on the registers for the backstage area dressing rooms.  A chaperone will be appointed to ensure this happens.

Access to these areas is only for those on the register.

·         Children to be at Venue for no longer than 8 hours. (5 for children age 5 and under) With at least one hour tea break

·         Volunteer chaperones appointed by myself hold DBS. Plus registered chaperones are present. Also parents may help with their own children if requested and prior permission is given.

Chaperones must know when they are required, and arrive at the theatre 30 minutes before the arrival of the children and be available for the whole time until all the children in their care are collected. No chaperone may leave until all children in their group are collected. Chaperones must ensure children are collected by a known parent or guardian. If not sure, ask.

Helpers will be allocated groups of children, which they must look after equally, not paying more or less attention to their own children if they are present.

·         Each helper to wear a name badge provided by the school.

The children will be supervised at a ratio of at least one adult to 8 under 16 year olds.

·         Pupils will be accompanied to and from and supervised in the backstage area. They will have a tour of the backstage area and any hazards pointed out before rehearsals begin. 

Chaperones will familiarize themselves with the backstage area and any potential risks at the theatre.

·         At least 2 helpers must accompany their group of children to the stage areas from the Studio room/dressing rooms, and wait till they have danced, and then return with them.

Wherever possible, take children to the toilets in groups, with at least 2 adults.

Drinking water will be provided.

·         Emergency contact details for each child will be kept on site. A first aider will be onsite.

Any incidents must be reported and noted immediately.

Health and Safety at Work Act 1974

The Valentine School of Dance will carry out risk assessments in order that the school may perform in a safe and healthy environment.  However, the Valentine School of Dance requires that all pupils/volunteers take reasonable steps to protect themselves, and adhere to the health and safety rules and regulations of the venue. A health and safety talk will be given by the stage manager or stage technician.