Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy

DanceRS is committed to ensuring a safe environment for children and young people and believes that it is always unacceptable for a child or young person to experience abuse of any kind.  

We recognise our responsibility to safeguard the welfare of all children and young people, by a commitment to recommend best practice which protects them. 

This policy applies to all members of DanceRS, including teachers, paid staff, volunteers, students or anyone working on behalf of DanceRS. 

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. 
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The purpose of the policy: 

  • to provide protection for the children and young people who participate in classes and events organised and attended by DanceRS. 
  • to provide staff and volunteers 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.  

We will seek to safeguard children and young people by: 

  • valuing them, listening to and respecting them. 
  • recruiting staff and volunteers safely, ensuring all necessary checks are made. 
  • adopting child protection guidelines through procedures and safe working practice for staff and volunteers. 
  • sharing information about concerns with appropriate agencies and involving parents and children appropriately. 
  • sharing information about child protection and safe working practice with children, parents, staff and volunteers.

The safety of children and members of other vulnerable groups is paramount and all, without exception, have the right to protection from abuse. All suspicions and allegations of abuse will be taken seriously and responded to swiftly and appropriately, and all DanceRS staff and volunteers have a responsibility to report concerns. 

Purpose and function of DanceRS 

The aim of DanceRS is to get participants dancing and exercising, in a safe, inclusive environment.  Participants will learn basic tap steps mixed with modern dance.  Classes focus on developing fitness levels, confidence, self-esteem, physical coordination, strength and flexibility, in response to music. 

Classes are taught within a clear framework under the supervision of highly trained and appropriately qualified teachers. Classes are structured and well-disciplined, in a fun and friendly environment, with the aim of giving every individual the opportunity to reach their full potential. 

Environment 

DanceRS provides an environment in which children are safe, can learn and develop at their own pace and are aware that there are always adults in whom they can trust. All children will be treated equally and with respect and dignity and the welfare of each child will always be put first. 

Bullying will not be accepted and all staff/volunteers provide a positive role model for dealing with other people. Action will be taken to stop any inappropriate verbal or physical behaviour. 

We work with the venues we hire to provide a safe and secure environment and will endeavour to keep up-to-date with changes in legislation and policies for the protection of children.  A register of every child involved with the class is retained at all classes alongside a contact name and emergency telephone number in case of emergencies.  

Venue 

Junior classes run from Mearns Castle Golf Academy, Newton Mearns. 

Upon class conclusion, children will only be dismissed to an appropriate and known adult. If these collection arrangements change, the class teacher must be notified prior to the lesson. 

Application of policy 

This policy relates to children under the age of 18 years and members of vulnerable groups of any age whose needs are identified to DanceRS. In recognising the needs of children from ethnic groups and children with disabilities, DanceRS seeks to meet those needs notified by parents/carers and/or teachers but must know beforehand in order to prepare support. 

DanceRS Personnel 

Rachel Ballard, owner of DanceRS is a fully qualified teaching member with the British Association of Teachers of Dancing (BATD).  She is also a primary teacher and college lecturer.  Sarah Sims is a primary teacher, teaching within the East Kilbride area.   All staff have a Protection of Vulnerable Groups (PVG) certificate and, in the case of a problem, will be able to provide support as required. (Parents can advise their child that all teachers at DanceRS can be approached privately and discreetly). Any concerns/conversations will be taken seriously and will be documented and dated at the time of disclosure. Any disclosures will be shared with an appropriate third party. 

Legal Framework 

This policy has been drawn up on the basis of legislation, policy and guidance that seeks to protect children in Scotland.   A summary of the key legislation and guidance is available from www.nspcc.org.uk/childprotection.  

Legislation supporting this policy 

The Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974; The Children Act 1989; The Police Act 1997; The Data Protection Act 1998; The Human Rights Act 1998; The Protection of Children Act 1999; The Criminal Justice and Court Services Act 2000, The Children Act 2004. The Vulnerable Groups Act 2006. 

Contact 

SAFEGUARDING LEAD: Rachel Ballard, dance-rs@hotmail.com,  telephone: 07815 616 999 

NSPCC Helpline 0808 800 5000  

We are committed to reviewing our policy and good practice annually. 

 

This policy was last reviewed on: 9th May 2022          

Signed:  Rachel Ballard 

Date: 9th May 2022