AKADEMY Dance Company

Safeguarding & Child Protection Policy

Policy Version: 1.0
Effective Date: July 2026
Review Date: July 2027

1. Policy Statement

AKADEMY Dance Company is committed to providing a safe, positive and inclusive environment where every child and young person can enjoy dance, develop confidence and achieve their full potential.

The welfare of every child is our highest priority. We believe that every child, regardless of age, disability, gender, race, religion or belief, sexual orientation or background, has the right to protection from harm and abuse.

We are committed to promoting a culture where safeguarding is everyone's responsibility.

2. Purpose

This policy aims to:

Protect children and young people attending AKADEMY Dance Company.
Promote the welfare, health and wellbeing of all students.
Provide staff, volunteers and parents with clear safeguarding procedures.
Ensure concerns are recognised, recorded and reported appropriately.
Create an environment where children feel safe, respected and listened to.

3. Scope

This policy applies to:

All students under 18 years of age.
Adult students where safeguarding concerns arise.
Directors.
Teachers.
Assistant teachers.
Chaperones.
Volunteers.
Guest teachers.
Contractors working with children.

4. Legal Framework

This policy is informed by current UK safeguarding legislation and guidance, including:

Children Act 1989
Children Act 2004
Working Together to Safeguard Children (latest version)
Keeping Children Safe in Education (where applicable)
Human Rights Act 1998
Equality Act 2010
UK GDPR and Data Protection Act 2018

5. Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)

Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL):

Name: Laura Berners

Email: hello@akademy.dance

Deputy DSL:

Name: Carly Kane

6. Responsibilities

AKADEMY Dance Company will:

Promote children's welfare.
Operate safe recruitment practices.
Ensure all staff understand safeguarding responsibilities.
Respond promptly to safeguarding concerns.
Keep safeguarding records secure.
Work with statutory agencies where required.
Maintain appropriate insurance.
Review this policy annually.

7. Safer Recruitment

All teachers and adults working directly with children will:

Hold an Enhanced DBS check where required.
Provide suitable references.
Receive induction into akademy safeguarding procedures.
Be suitable to work with children.

8. Code of Conduct

Adults working with children must:

Treat every child with dignity and respect.
Be professional at all times.
Use positive and appropriate language.
Maintain appropriate boundaries.
Avoid favouritism.
Never humiliate or ridicule a child.
Never be alone with a child where this can reasonably be avoided.
Never communicate with students through personal social media accounts.
Never exchange inappropriate messages or images.

9. Physical Contact

Dance teaching may require appropriate physical guidance to demonstrate or correct technique.

Physical contact will only be:

Necessary.
Appropriate.
Explained to the student where possible.
Respectful.
Age appropriate.
Carried out professionally.

Children may refuse physical guidance at any time.

10. Recognising Abuse

Staff should be alert to signs of:

Physical abuse
Emotional abuse
Sexual abuse
Neglect
Child exploitation
Grooming
Domestic abuse
Online abuse
Peer-on-peer abuse
Bullying
Radicalisation

Staff are not expected to investigate concerns but must report them.

11. Responding to Concerns

If a child discloses abuse:

Remain calm.

Listen carefully.

Do not promise confidentiality.

Reassure the child they have done the right thing.

Do not ask leading questions.

Record exactly what was said.

Report immediately to the DSL.

Where a child is in immediate danger, emergency services should be contacted without delay.

12. Recording Concerns

All safeguarding concerns should include:

Date
Time
Location
Child's details
Factual observations
Exact words used where possible
Actions taken
Name of reporting person

Records will be stored securely and confidentially.

13. Attendance

Unexpected or repeated absences may be monitored where safeguarding concerns exist.

Parents should notify the academy if a student cannot attend.

14. Collection of Children

Children under the academy's care will only be released to:

Parent/guardian
Authorised adult
Person identified in advance

If collection arrangements change unexpectedly, parents should contact the academy.

15. Photography & Filming

Photography and filming will only take place with appropriate consent.

Images will:

Be appropriate.
Never identify a child's personal information unnecessarily.
Be stored securely where retained.
Only be used for approved akademy purposes.

Parents may withdraw consent for future use.

16. Online Safety

The akademy recognises the importance of protecting children online.

Staff will:

Use akademy communication channels.
Protect student information.
Promote respectful online behaviour.
Report any online safeguarding concerns.

17. Anti-Bullying

Bullying of any kind is unacceptable.

This includes:

Physical
Verbal
Emotional
Social
Online (Cyberbullying)

All reports will be taken seriously and addressed promptly.

18. Equality & Inclusion

AKADEMY Dance Company welcomes every child regardless of:

Race
Religion
Disability
Gender
Sexual orientation
Background

Discrimination, harassment or victimisation will not be tolerated.

19. First Aid & Medical Emergencies

Emergency contact details must be kept current.

Qualified first aiders will respond to accidents where possible.

Parents will be informed of significant injuries as soon as practicable.

20. Confidentiality

Safeguarding information will only be shared on a need-to-know basis.

Information will be handled in accordance with UK GDPR and safeguarding legislation.

21. Whistleblowing

Any member of staff or volunteer who has concerns regarding the behaviour of another adult should report these immediately to the DSL.

Concerns will be treated seriously and investigated appropriately.

22. Policy Review

This policy will be reviewed annually or sooner if legislation or guidance changes.

Emergency Contacts

Emergency Services: 999

Police (Non-Emergency): 101

NSPCC Helpline: 0808 800 5000

Childline: 0800 1111

Declaration

All staff, volunteers and contractors working with AKADEMY Dance Company are expected to read, understand and comply with this Safeguarding & Child Protection Policy.

Safeguarding is everyone's responsibility.