THE VILLAGE SCHOOL OF DANCE
CHILD PROTECTION POLICY
INTRODUCTION
The Village School of Dance is fully committed to the safeguarding and welfare of all children and young people. This policy sets out our beliefs and principles as a dance school and our commitment to protecting children from harm, preventing injury or impairment to health or development and ensuring that children are provided with an environment to support the safe and effective delivery of care.
All staff, freelancers, volunteers and helpers are committed to working together to respect the rights of children and young people in accordance with the duty of care requirements as provided for in the Children Act 1989 and 2004, the Children and Young Persons Act 1963, the Children (Performances and Activities) (England) Regulations 2014, the Criminal Justice and Court Services Act 2000, Working Together to Safeguard Children 2013 and Working Together 2018.
This policy was last updated in January 2026 and will be reviewed and updated at least annually.
OUR BELIEFS
The Village School of Dance believes that:
1. The welfare of every child is paramount;
2. All children, regardless of gender, age, race, religion, religious belief and/or sexual orientation have the right to protection from abuse;
3. The Village School of Dance has a responsibility to protect the welfare of all children and ensure that the correct measures are put in place to provide for a safe teaching environment;
4. Any and all suspicions and allegations of abuse should be treated seriously and investigated; and
5. Support should be provided to all of those at The Village School of Dance to respond appropriately.
TYPES OF ABUSE
• Emotional Abuse: repeatedly rejecting a child, threatening them and making them feel worthless
• Physical Abuse: hitting, punching, burning, poisoning, smothering
• Sexual Abuse: forcing or persuading a child or young person to take part in any kind of sexual activity
• Neglect: persistent lack of essential care including safety, food, clothing, education, shelter, medical care and love
SIGNS OF ABUSE
• Unexplained changes in behaviour or personality
• Becoming withdrawn• Seeming anxious
• Uncharacteristically aggressive
• Lack of social skills
• Poor bond or relationship with parent/carer
• Knowledge of adult issues inappropriate for their age
RESPONDING TO SAFEGUARDING CONCERNS
If a child or young person discloses information about abuse or harm that they are experiencing (in person, on the phone, via email, third-party reporting, or through observation of signs or symptoms of abuse, neglect or unmet needs):
1. Always offer reassurance, listen to, and take seriously what they are saying. Never promise to keep secrets or be persuaded by the child or family not to take action if you are worried that a child is being harmed or is at risk of harm.
2. Ascertain relevant information (e.g. if a specific incident has taken place).
3. Explain the process to the child: that you will need to pass this information on, to whom, the reasons why and possible actions.
4. Consult with the safeguarding lead and manager of the school on the same day. The incident must be recorded in detail.
5. If the child is present and is at immediate risk of harm, take appropriate action to secure the child’s immediate safety unless doing so would put you or others at risk.
This could include:
a. Calming angry or upset children or adults; b. Contacting emergency services (999); c. Contacting local child protection services directly; d. Seeking vital medical assistance.
RESPONDING TO SAFEGUARDING ALLEGATIONS AGAINST ADULTS
A safeguarding allegation is one where information comes to light from any source which suggests that an adult working for or on behalf of The Village School of Dance has or may have:
• Caused significant harm to a child or vulnerable adult
• Committed a criminal offence against a child or adult
• Behaved in a way that indicates they may pose a risk of harm to children
This includes historical information about abuse an adult may have experienced as a child whilst at The Village School of Dance.
Action from any member of staff or volunteer who has a concern must be to inform the manager of The Village School of Dance and the safeguarding lead on the same day.
SUPERVISION, DROP-OFF, COLLECTION & LEAVING THE PREMISES
(NEW SECTION – IMPORTANT)
The Village School of Dance has a duty of care to ensure children are appropriately supervised at all times while attending classes.
Drop-Off
• Parents/carers must personally hand their child directly to the class teacher at the scheduled start time of the class.
• Children must not be dropped off early and left unattended.• Teachers may be teaching a previous class and cannot supervise children before their class officially begins.
• Children waiting unsupervised before class starts are considered a safeguarding risk.
Collection
• Parents/carers must wait for the teacher to open the doors and dismiss the class before entering the hall.
• Parents, carers and siblings must not enter the hall while a class is in progress, as this can be disruptive, distracting and unsafe.
• Children must be collected promptly at the end of their class unless written permission has been provided.
Children Leaving the Premises Unaccompanied
• There is no legal age in the UK at which a child can travel home alone; however, parents must ensure that doing so does not place the child at risk.
• Safeguarding guidance advises that children under the age of 12 are rarely developmentally ready to manage independent travel without careful consideration.
• Any child leaving the premises without being collected must have written parental permission in place via the school’s Unaccompanied Travel Home Permission Form.
• By providing permission, parents/carers accept full responsibility for the child’s safety once they leave the teacher’s supervision.
Without written consent, children will not be permitted to leave alone.
IN IMPLEMENTING THIS POLICY WE WILL
1. Ensure all responsible adults have access to safeguarding information and training;
2. Provide an environment which is clean, safe and supportive;
3. Provide adults who can be trusted and relied upon;
4. Work together to prevent physical, emotional and sexual abuse and neglect;
5. Stop any inappropriate behaviour;
6. Encourage openness, honesty and transparency;
7. Stay up-to-date with safeguarding legislation and guidance;
8. Review this policy annually and issue it to all staff and volunteers at the start of each
CONTACTS
| Safeguarding Lead | Katherine Richardson 07795380528 katherine@thevillageschoolofdance.com |
| Safeguarding Deputy | Rosanna Smith 07714286644 rosannasmith@aol.com |
| Police | 999 or 101 if not an emergency |
| Independent charity Crimestoppers | 0800555111 |
| Merton Children and Families Hub |
02085454266 or 02085454227 Email: candfhub@merton.gov.uk |