Dance on Academy’s Child Safety Policy

Updated: December, 2022

Commitment to Child Safety
Dance On Academy is committed to the health and safety of all young people within our care. All staff and families at Dance On Academy respect, embrace and support the diversity of children. We want children to be safe, happy, and empowered. 

Dance On Academy is a community-based dance school where you can learn to dance in a fun and safe environment while enjoying the supportive and friendly, yet professional atmosphere.

Aim Of Child Safety Policy 

  • The aim of our Child Safety Policy is to protect the safety of children who are involved with Dance On Academy. We aim to prevent harm or abuse from occurring.

  • We aim to empower children through participation and by giving them confidence to have control over the circumstances in their lives.

  • The aim of the Child Safety Policy is to provide a guide and framework to understand the correct processes if an allegation or complaint of abuse does arise. It ensures that all complaints are taken seriously and investigated confidentially.

  • Dance On Academy’s ‘Child Safety Policy’ and’ Policies and Procedures’ provide clear expectations for all staff members, families and volunteers. 

  • At Dance On Academy we are committed to the inclusion of all children from diverse backgrounds and cultures, and aim to provide a safe and inclusive environment for all children.

Who Does This Policy Apply To?

  • Teachers 

  • Students 

  • Families 

  • Administration Staff 

  • Volunteers 

By adopting a Child Safety Policy, we at Dance on Academy are being proactive and aiming to prevent risk and harm .

Definitions

  • Child Abuse can be divided into 4 areas :

    • Physical abuse - when a child suffers or is likely to suffer from significant harm from a non-accidental physical injury

    • Sexual abuse - when a child suffers or is likely to suffer from significant harm from sexual abuse such as when a child exploited for sexual gratification.

    • Emotional and psychological abuse - when a child suffers or is likely to suffer emotional or psychological harm that can significantly damage the child’s emotional or intellectual health and development.

    • Neglect – occurs when a child’s physical development or health has been or is significantly damaged. Can refer to the omission or deprivation of food, clothing, warmth, hygiene, supervision, medical care or safety.

  • Child abuse includes any action that results in the actual or potential harm to a child in circumstances where the child’s parent have not protected or are unable to protect the child.

Identifying & Reporting Child Abuse Procedure 

  • All families will be informed of the Child Safety Policy and Dance On Academy Policies and Procedures. It is a condition of enrollment that they read these. They will also be displayed in our studio. 

  • If a Dance On Academy staff member becomes aware of an incident or allegation of abuse or has reasonable grounds to form a belief of abuse, it is the first responsibility to ensure the child/ren are safe and away from further risk of harm.

    • Reasonable grounds for belief – formed on the reasonable belief that the child is in need of protection, has suffered or likely to suffer harm as the result of a physical or sexual injury, or if the parents are unwilling or unable to protect the child.

    • Reasonable belief can come about on grounds of notification from the child, from observations of the child, or allegations surrounding the child.

  • If a Dance On Academy staff member is concerned about the immediate risk to the child, or criminal conduct has occurred, that person must call 000 and report the matter to the Victorian Police immediately. They must also then call the parent to inform.

  • If a Dance On Academy staff member receives information that leads them to believe that an offence has been committed, mandatory reporting requirements must be met, including reporting firstly to :

    • Dance On Academy Principals: Emma Zinner or Taryn Jacobs

Secondly to – 

  • Victorian Police

  • DHHS Child Protection Unit

  • Once a complaint or allegation is made to the Principals of Dance On Academy they have a duty of care to make a report to the Victorian Police and DHHS Child Protection unit as soon as possible.

  • All complaints and allegations must be documented with proof of receipt of complaint/allegation, and Principals of Dance On Academy will meet with the complainant in regards to the allegation.

  • If a staff member is uncertain as to whether they should make a report to an external authority in regards to a child they should seek a meeting and advice from the Principals of Dance On Academy.

  • If further evidence arises after first complaint/allegation, or to further strengthen the reasonable grounds of belief, another report must be documented and presented to the Principals of Dance On Academy, the Victorian Police and DHHS Child Protection unit.

  • Dance On Academy will investigate allegations against a child with procedural fairness, and will work in accordance with Victoria Police and/or DHHS in relation to investigations conducted by these authorities. 

Screening And Recruiting Of Staff Members

  • Dance On Academy makes sure to include addressing the Child Safety Policy and Policies and Procedures during the recruiting and induction process. 

  • New staff members must read, acknowledge and sign the Child Safety Policy and policies and procedures before commencing employment with Dance On Academy.

  • Where a position for a new staff member involves responsibility for children, interview questions will revolve around their previous experience in working with children, as well as providing appropriate evidence and references.

  • A valid Working With Children will be mandatory for new staff members.

  • If an allegation is against a member of staff, the safety of the child is of the utmost importance. The staff member will be removed and stood down from teaching classes while under investigation from the relevant authorities into the seriousness of the allegation.

  • All staff are kept informed and reminded of Child Safety in meetings throughout the year.

Culturally Safe Environment

  • At Dance On Academy we empower children to express their culture and heritage as well as encouraging, celebrating and supporting differences in cultures.

  • We make sure that Aboriginal children (as well as all children of different races, cultures and ethnicities) feel safe and have a sense of belonging. 

  • Dance On Academy DO NOT tolerate racism of any kind. This is a form of abuse and all appropriate procedures will be followed. 

  • Dance On Academy teachers encourage students to speak about their backgrounds and help celebrate these through conversation in class.

  • Dance On Academy understands cultural differences in dress, language and behaviours and will always support these differences where applicable.

  • Dance On Academy will understand and read out the ‘Welcome to and acknowledgement of Country’ at each performance put on throughout the year.

Music, Routines & Costume Choice Guidelines

  • All music played in any class at Dance On Academy must not contain any explicit language.

  • Routines in all dance classes must not be overtly sexual or have suggestive sexual movements, to reduce the possibility of abuse or comments.  Teachers must plan their routines accordingly so that children and young people feel comfortable and confident within Dance On Academy.

  • Any complaints or feedback in regards to a teacher’s choice of music or routine must be presented to one of the Principals of Dance On Academy, so that correction can be made.

  • At Dance On Academy all students must feel comfortable in their costumes. They must not be overly sexual. When providing costumes to the students, Dance On Academy will make sure both parent and child/ren are comfortable and happy to perform in them.

  • At dance concerts all Dance On Academy students are required to wear a bodystocking (nude leotard) so that at no time are they naked.

Teacher Responsibilities To Ensure A Child Safe Environment

  • Teachers are to wear appropriate, non-revealing uniform, dance wear and footwear to classes. 

  • Teachers will ensure that students are given the opportunity to learn and train in a safe, secure and nurturing environment.

  • Teachers are to choose appropriate music for your class and age (absolutely no explicit language).

  • Studios to be left in a safe, clean, tidy state with equipment packed away.

  • Teachers will start class on time and finish on time.

  • Toilets – teachers are to send students to parents (first choice) or use student helpers for preschool and prep classes. Helpers must not go into the toilet with students unless absolutely necessary (where no parent is around and they are too young to go by themselves).

  • All injuries big and small must be reported to reception. Reception will attend to, and complete a report sheet. If no one is on reception, please complete a report form, attempt to let a parent know, leave on reception and let Dance On Academy Principals know.

  • If a student is away for more than 2 weeks teachers will let reception know and they will follow it up.

  • If a student is not on the list, they aren’t allowed to participate in the class.

  • Teachers are not to express personal opinions on race, religion, sexuality, disability or culture.

  • Teachers will instruct students regardless of talent or ability and encourage all students to extend themselves and continually improve their individual performance.

  • Teachers are a role model for many students and will set good examples in classes.

  • Teachers always need to use appropriate language, at all times. Language needs to be positive and respectful and give constructive feedback and criticism to all students, impartially and without prejudice.

  • Teachers are not to answer their phone or text while in class (unless in an emergency situation)

  • Teachers will respect the rights and privacy of students and staff.

  • Teachers will promote positive body image by modelling good choices in nutrition, exercise, language and behaviour.

  • At the start of the year teachers will discuss with students (in all classes) the importance of feeling safe in and out of class, what to expect in classes and what to do if they are feeling uncomfortable in any way.

Physical Environment

  • Dance On Academy provides a safe and comfortable premises for all students and families.

  • Dance On Academy studio floors are sprung and free of obstacles or dangers.

  • First Aid kits are kept in each studio and in the office.

  • Dance On Academy’s venue has adequate air flow, lighting, heating and cooling.

  • Dance On Academy has staff policies that ensure the premises is kept clean. A professional cleaner is also hired weekly to give a more thorough clean.

  • Sanitary bins are provided in each toilet.

  • Each studio at Dance On Academy has at least one window for parents/guardians to see into the studio. Every parent has the right to see their child in class. Having just one window into each room eliminates the risk of the students and teachers feeling as if they are being judged through multiple windows.

  • Dance On Academy makes sure that there are always two people locking up at once, each night.

  • When maintenance problems arise, the appropriate staff member will deal with them promptly to ensure safety of all members.

Social Media

  • Dance On Academy uses social media platforms for marketing and member resource purposes. Photos and videos may occur during classes or at competitions or concerts, and then published on social media platforms. Consent must be given by all members to have their photograph taken. Consent is given during the enrollment process.

  • Staff members must tell all children, when they are to take a photo or video, to provide the opportunity for that member to decline and remove themselves from the photo.

  • All members of Dance On Academy, who are not staff, are not allowed to take photos or videos during classes and place images on social media that contain children or young people within them, even in the background.

  • Dance On Academy will not distribute, modify or misuse any image of a child or young person against their wishes or without their knowledge.

  • Dance On Academy will not tag or name children in photos or videos, without prior permission, on social media platforms. Dance On Academy recognises the right that children have to safety both in their physical and online environments, and actively promotes the wellbeing of all children. 

  • Dance On Academy staff are to always make sure that any interaction on social media, email or phone with students or parents is kept professional.

  • All communication related to Dance on Academy needs to go through the Dance On Academy accounts (social media, email, phone). Staff are to inform the Dance On Academy Principals if parents are not adhering to this policy. 

  • Videos/photos of students/parents must not be uploaded on personal accounts.

  • Dance On Academy does not tolerate bullying of any sort (including online bullying). If any staff member is informed of online (or other) bullying, they must report this to a Principal of Dance On Academy straight away. If a child is in imminent danger, they must call the Police on 000.

Policy Promotion And Review

  • This Child Safety Policy is made available to all parents and guardians of children and young people who attend Dance On Academy.

  • A copy of the Child Safety Policy is available on the Dance On Academy website for all new and prospective participants.

  • The Child Safety Policy is communicated to all staff and contractors of Dance On Academy.

  • This Child Safe Policy is reviewed annually by Dance On Academy Principals. Feedback or recommendations for changes can be submitted to Management for review.

  • Dance On Academy will have a suggestions box which is encouraged to be used by all families.