Safeguarding Policy

Introduction

Starlight Dance Academy is committed to safeguarding the welfare of all children and young people who attend our classes, performances, and events. We recognise that the welfare of the child is paramount and that all children, regardless of their age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation, have the right to protection from abuse and neglect.

This policy aims to ensure that:

  • All children are protected from harm while participating in our activities

  • Everyone at the dance school understands their responsibilities in relation to safeguarding

  • Everyone at the dance school knows how to respond appropriately to safeguarding concerns

  • Safeguarding concerns are reported, recorded, and dealt with appropriately

Roles and Responsibilities

Safeguarding is the responsibility of everyone who works or volunteers at Starlight Dance Academy. However, the following individuals have specific roles and responsibilities in relation to safeguarding:

  • The Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) is responsible for ensuring that safeguarding policies and procedures are in place and up to date, providing advice and support to staff and volunteers, and liaising with external agencies as necessary. The DSL at Starlight Dance Academy is Nicky Luxon, enquiries@starlightdance.gg.

  • The Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead is responsible for supporting the DSL and taking on their role in their absence. The Deputy DSL at Starlight Dance Academy is Kirsty Chick, hello@starlightdance.gg.

  • All staff and volunteers are responsible for ensuring that they are familiar with this policy, attending regular training on safeguarding, and reporting any safeguarding concerns to the DSL or Deputy DSL.

  • Parents and carers are responsible for informing the dance school of any safeguarding concerns they may have about their child or another child attending the dance school.

Safer Recruitment

Starlight Dance Academy is committed to safer recruitment practices and will ensure that all staff and volunteers who work with children have undergone appropriate checks, including a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.

Code of Conduct

All staff and volunteers at Starlight Dance Academy are expected to adhere to the following code of conduct:

  • Treat all children and young people with respect and dignity

  • Never use physical force as a form of discipline

  • Never engage in or condone any form of abusive behaviour, including bullying, harassment, or discrimination

  • Ensure that all activities are age-appropriate and take into account the individual needs of each child

  • Never engage in any behaviour that could be interpreted as sexual, including making sexual comments, jokes or gestures, or touching a child inappropriately

Responding to Safeguarding Concerns

All safeguarding concerns must be reported to the DSL or Deputy DSL as soon as possible. Any concerns raised will be taken seriously and dealt with promptly and appropriately.

Record Keeping

All safeguarding concerns, discussions, and decisions will be recorded accurately and kept confidentially. Records will be stored securely and shared only with those who need to know.

Whistleblowing

Starlight Dance Academy operates a whistleblowing policy that enables staff and volunteers to raise concerns about any aspect of the organisation's work, including safeguarding concerns, without fear of reprisal.

Training

All staff and volunteers will receive regular training on safeguarding to ensure they are familiar with this policy, their responsibilities, and how to respond appropriately to safeguarding concerns.

Conclusion

Starlight Dance Academy is committed to creating a safe and supportive environment for all children and young people who attend our classes, performances, and events. This policy will be reviewed annually and updated as necessary to ensure that it reflects current legislation and best practice.