Health, Safety, and Child Safeguarding Policy

Effective Date: June 29, 2026 | Review Date: June 29, 2027

This comprehensive policy outlines our commitment to providing a secure, healthy, and nurturing environment for all dancers, staff, and visitors.

Part 1: Child Safeguarding & Protection Policy

Universal Rights: Every child, regardless of age, gender, race, or ability, has the right to be protected from harm.
Shared Responsibility: Child welfare is the responsibility of all staff, volunteers, and contractors.
Open Environment: We maintain an environment where children feel safe, secure, listened to, and valued.

Background Screening: All faculty, staff, and regular volunteers must pass an enhanced background check (e.g., DBS/Criminal Record Check) before working with minors.
Reference Checks: Two professional references are required for all teaching roles.
Mandatory Training: Staff must complete annual safeguarding and child protection training to recognize signs of physical, emotional, and sexual abuse.

Physical Corrections: Instructors must ask for vocal consent before making any physical/tactile corrections to a student's posture or alignment.
Visibility Rule: Private coaching, lessons, or meetings must occur in rooms with viewing windows, or with an open door and a second adult present.
Digital Boundaries: Staff are strictly prohibited from connecting with minor students via personal social media or exchanging personal phone numbers.
Costume Fittings: At least two staff members must be present during costume fittings.
Facility Separations: Separate changing areas and restrooms must be maintained for staff and students.

Prior Consent: No photos or videos of minor students may be taken without a signed parental consent form.
Device Restriction: Staff must use studio-owned equipment, not personal mobile phones, for recording student choreography.
Appropriate Imagery: Students must be fully clothed with torsos covered in any promotional or archival media.

If a child discloses abuse, or if a staff member suspects harm, they must follow the 5 Rs:

Recognize: Be alert to changes in behavior, unexplained injuries, or explicit signs of neglect.
Respond: Listen calmly and reassuringly without interrogating. Do not promise to "keep a secret".
Record: Document the disclosure immediately using the child’s exact words, noting the date and time.
Report: Inform the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) immediately.
Refer: If the child is in immediate danger, contact emergency services (911/999) or local Child Protective Services directly.

Instructors must perform facility safety checks before any pupils enter the studio space:

Floors: Inspect sprung floors to ensure they are clean, dry, and free of debris.
Mirrors: Ensure mirrors are structurally sound and unbroken.
Equipment: Verify ballet barres, audio equipment, and safety mats are secure.
Exits: Confirm all emergency fire exits are unlocked and completely clear of bags or clothing.

Pacing: Classes must begin with a structured warm-up and conclude with a cool-down to prevent muscle strain.
Capability Matching: Choreography must match the student's age, development, and technical capability.
Hydration & Rest: Regular water breaks must be integrated into all classes.
Overtraining Mitigation: Pushing through acute physical pain is strictly banned. Physical exercises must never be used as a form of punishment.

Certified Personnel: A certified First Aid and CPR responder must be present on site during all operating hours.
Supplies: Fully stocked First Aid kits must be accessible at the front desk and inside each studio room.
Logging: All injuries, no matter how minor, must be documented in the studio's official Accident Log Book. Parents must be notified immediately for minor injuries.

Supervised Transfer: Parents must escort students under the age of 12 directly into the lobby.
Late Pickup: Students must wait inside the studio with their teacher if a parent is late. Staff will contact emergency contacts after 15 minutes of delay.

Stay Home Policy: Students and staff running a fever, experiencing a persistent cough, or showing signs of contagious illness are required to stay home.
Sanitation: Hand sanitizing stations are provided at the entrance and outside every studio door.