Safeguarding Policy
1. Our Commitment to Safeguarding
CW Dance is committed to providing a safe, supportive, and positive environment for all children and young people who attend our dance classes.
The welfare of the child is our highest priority. We aim to ensure that all children can take part in dance activities in a way that protects them from harm and promotes their wellbeing.
This policy follows safeguarding principles in line with UK guidance, including the Children Act 1989 & 2004 and relevant safeguarding best practice.
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2. Scope of This Policy
This policy applies to:
All children aged 5 years to 13+ attending our dance classes
Toddlers attending classes with a parent or carer present at all times
Parents, guardians, and carers
The business owner, teachers, assistants, and anyone working with or on behalf of CW Dance
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3. Safeguarding Responsibility
The safeguarding lead for [Your Dance School Name] is:
Name: Caitlin Wood
Role: Business Owner / Dance Teacher
Contact: caitlin@cw-dance.co.uk
Any safeguarding concerns should be reported to the safeguarding lead immediately.
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4. Our Safeguarding Principles
We are committed to:
Providing a safe and welcoming environment for all children
Treating all children with respect and dignity
Listening to children and taking concerns seriously
Ensuring appropriate supervision at all times
Acting promptly on any safeguarding concerns
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5. Supervision & Class Arrangements
Children are supervised at all times during classes.
For toddler classes, a parent or carer must remain present and is responsible for their child throughout the session.
Children are released only to their parent, guardian, or authorised adult.
Registers are maintained for attendance and emergency purposes.
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6. Appropriate Conduct
We expect all adults involved with CW Dance to:
Act as positive role models
Use appropriate language at all times
Maintain professional boundaries with children
Avoid any physical contact that could be misinterpreted
Ensure any necessary physical guidance in dance is done appropriately, with explanation and consent
Bullying, discrimination, or inappropriate behaviour will not be tolerated.
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7. Use of Mobile Phones, Photos & Videos
Mobile phones are used only where necessary for business purposes.
Photography and video recording of children during classes is only permitted with written parental consent.
Images are used respectfully and never shared without permission.
Parents are asked not to photograph or record other children during classes unless permission has been given.
Events, Showcases & Performances
During events such as dance showcases or performances, parents and carers are permitted to take photos or videos of their own child only.
We strictly forbid:
Photographing or recording other children
Sharing images or videos where other children are visible
If parents choose to post photos or videos on social media or elsewhere, they must ensure no other children apart from their own child are visible.
This is to protect the privacy and safety of all children involved.
Consent can be withdrawn at any time.
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8. Reporting Safeguarding Concerns
If a child discloses information or a safeguarding concern is suspected:
The concern will be taken seriously
The child will be listened to calmly and respectfully
No promises of confidentiality will be made
The concern will be recorded
Appropriate action will be taken, which may include contacting safeguarding services
In an emergency, the police or emergency services will be contacted immediately.
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9. Allegations or Concerns About an Adult
Any concerns or allegations about the behaviour of an adult involved with CW Dance will be taken seriously and acted upon promptly.
Appropriate steps will be taken to protect children while the matter is addressed.
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10. Safer Recruitment (Where Applicable)
Where assistants or helpers are used:
Appropriate checks will be carried out where required
Safeguarding responsibilities will be clearly explained
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11. Policy Updates
We reserve the right to update or amend this Safeguarding Policy at any time. The most current version will be made available upon request or published on our website where applicable.
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12. Contact Details
If you have any questions or concerns regarding safeguarding, please contact:
CW Dance
Safeguarding Lead: Caitlin Wood
Email: Caitlin@cw-dance.co.uk
Phone: 07494344376
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This policy is provided for general guidance and reflects our commitment to safeguarding children in our care.