Safeguarding Policy for S&G Dance Academy
Safeguarding Policy for S&G Dance Academy
1. Introduction
S&G Dance Academy is committed to creating a safe and supportive environment for all students, staff, and visitors. Our safeguarding policy ensures that the welfare of children and vulnerable adults is a priority, and that everyone who interacts with our school is treated with respect and dignity.
This policy outlines the procedures we follow to protect children and vulnerable adults from harm and to ensure that everyone is kept safe during their time at our dance school.
2. Scope
This policy applies to all staff, volunteers, and any individuals working or volunteering at S&G Dance academy including students, parents, and caregivers. It also applies to any dance-related events and activities organized by the school, both on and off-site.
3. Aims of the Policy
- To promote the welfare of all students and ensure they are protected from harm, abuse, or neglect.
- To provide clear guidelines for staff and volunteers on how to respond to safeguarding concerns.
- To establish a culture of safety, trust, and respect in our school.
- To support students in their emotional, physical, and mental well-being.
- To ensure compliance with relevant safeguarding legislation, including The Children Act 2004, The Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006, The Children and Families Act 2014, Working Together to Safeguard Children (2018), Keeping Children Safe in Education (2023), The Protection of Children Act 1999, The Care Act 2014, The Sexual Offences Act 2003, The Equality Act 2010, The Human Rights Act 1998, Data Protection Act 2018 (GDPR), Local Safeguarding Children Partnerships (LSCPs) and Local Authority Safeguarding.
4. Safeguarding Responsibilities
- The Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) at S&G Dance academy is Gemma Richardson. The DSL is responsible for overseeing the safeguarding process, responding to concerns, and ensuring appropriate actions are taken.
- The Deputy DSL is Sophie Stevens, who supports the DSL and steps in during their absence.
- All staff, volunteers, and contractors are required to complete safeguarding training and be familiar with the contents of this policy.
5. Types of Abuse
We recognize that abuse can take many forms, including:
- Physical Abuse: Causing harm through physical force or injury.
- Emotional Abuse: Causing harm through emotional or psychological manipulation, threats, or neglect.
- Sexual Abuse: Any form of sexual contact or behaviour without consent, including inappropriate behaviour, grooming, or exploitation.
- Neglect: The failure to provide necessary care and support, which may result in harm to the child or vulnerable adult.
- Bullying: Repeated aggressive behaviour, whether physical, verbal, or psychological, that causes harm to another individual.
6. Identifying Concerns
Staff and volunteers should be aware of the signs and symptoms of abuse, neglect, and bullying, including:
- Unexplained injuries.
- Withdrawal or extreme anxiety.
- Inappropriate behaviour or language for the child’s age.
- Sudden changes in behaviour or performance.
- Reports or disclosures made by the student themselves.
If any of these signs are observed, staff must report their concerns immediately to the Designated Safeguarding Lead.
7. Reporting Procedures
- If a staff member or volunteer has a concern about the safety or welfare of a student, they must report it to the DSL as soon as possible.
- If a student discloses abuse, staff should listen attentively, remain calm, and reassure the student that they are taken seriously. Staff should avoid asking leading questions and should never promise confidentiality.
- The DSL will assess the concern and decide on the appropriate course of action, which may include referring the case to external authorities, such as child protection services or the police, if necessary.
8. Recruitment and Training
- All staff and volunteers must undergo thorough background checks, including enhanced DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) checks, before working with students.
- We are committed to providing regular safeguarding training for all staff and volunteers to ensure they are aware of their responsibilities and know how to respond to safeguarding concerns.
- Staff are encouraged to attend annual refresher training and to stay informed of any changes in safeguarding legislation or best practices.
9. Code of Conduct for Staff and Volunteers
- Staff and volunteers should always behave professionally and respectfully towards students, colleagues, and parents.
- Physical contact with students should be appropriate and minimal, and only when necessary for the student's safety or development.
- Relationships with students should always maintain clear professional boundaries.
- Staff and volunteers should never engage in any form of abusive behaviour, including bullying, harassment, or discrimination.
10. Confidentiality
- All safeguarding concerns and disclosures should be treated with the utmost confidentiality. Information will only be shared with those who need to know to ensure the student's safety.
- We will maintain records of any safeguarding concerns in a secure manner, in line with our data protection policies.
11. Preventative Measures
- We are committed to raising awareness of safeguarding issues through student education and ensuring students understand how to stay safe in all environments.
- S&G Dance Academy will offer support and guidance to parents and caregivers on safeguarding matters and will encourage open communication between the school and families.
12. Review of the Safeguarding Policy
This policy will be reviewed annually or sooner if needed, to ensure that it remains up-to-date and in line with current safeguarding best practices and legislation.
13. Contact Information
If you have any concerns about the safety or wellbeing of a child, young person or vulnerable adult, or need to report a safeguarding issue, please contact the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL):
Gemma Richardson
Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)
NSPCC Designated Safeguarding Lead Training – Sports and Leisure
Email: info@sgdanceacademy.co.uk
Alternatively, if Gemma is unavailable, you can contact:
Sophie Stevens
Deputy Safeguarding Contact
NSPCC Safeguarding Training – Sports and Leisure
Email: info@sgdanceacademy.co.uk
Gemma Richardson & Sophie Stevens
S&G Dance Academy