February 2023
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 April 2021 and will be reviewed and updated at least annually.
OUR BELIEFS
The Village School of Dance believes that:
- The welfare of every child is paramount;
- All children, regardless of gender, age, race, religion, religious belief and/or sexual orientation have the right to protection from abuse;
- 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;
- Any and all suspicions and allegations of abuse should be treated seriously and investigated; and
- 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- Becoming withdrawn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 if any
- 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, through the observation of signs/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 etc
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 safeguarding lead and manager of the school the same day. The incident must be recorded and in detail.
5. If the child is present and is at immediate risk of harm, take the appropriate
course of action to secure the immediate safety of the child unless to do so would
put you or others at risk.
This could include:
a. Calming angry or upset children or adults;
b. Contacting 999 emergency services, if necessary on their behalf;
c. Contacting local child protection services directly
d. Seeking vital medical assistance.
RESPONDING TO SAFEGUARDING ALLEGATIONS AGAINST ADULTS WHO WORK FOR OR ON BEHALF OF THE VILLAGE SCHOOL OF DANCE
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 or
· Behaved in such 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. The management of an allegation of abuse may involve one or all of:
· a police investigation of a possible criminal offence
· consideration by the manager of the school of disciplinary action in respect of the individual.
Action from member of staff or volunteer who has a concern about an adult
working for or on behalf of The Village School of Dance who works with or is in contact with a child or young person is to inform the manager of The Village School of Dance and lead safe guarding officer on the same day.
IN IMPLEMENTING THIS POLICY WE WILL:
- Ensure that all responsible adults have access to information and training to assist them in supporting us to prevent harm;
- Provide an environment which is clean, safe and which allows children to develop without fear or criticism;
- Provide adults who can be trusted and relied upon;
- Work together to prevent harm of all kinds including, physical, emotional and/or sexual abuse and neglect;
- Stop any inappropriate behaviour;
- Encourage an environment of openness, honesty and transparency between staff and volunteers.
- As far as possible, stay up-to-date with changes in legislation and key principles relating to the protection and safety of children and young people.
- THE POLICY WILL BE REVIEWED ANNUALLY AND ISSUED TO ALL THOSE WHO WORK FOR AND/ON BEHALF OF THE VILLAGE SCHOOL OF DANCE IN A NEWSLETTER AT THE START OF EVERY ACADEMIC YEAR
CONTACTS
| Safeguarding Lead | Katherine Richardson 07795380528 katherine@thevillageschoolofdance.com |
| Safeguarding Deputy | Chloe Chapman 07701342474 chloe@thevillageschoolofdance.com |
| Police | 999 or 101 if not an emergency |
| Independent charity Crimestoppers | 0800555111 |