Health, Safety, and
Child Safeguarding

1. Core Safeguarding Principles

• 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.

2. Staff Recruitment & Training

• Background Screening: All faculty, staff, and regular volunteers must pass an enhanced background or 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.

3. Professional Code of Behavior

• Physical Corrections: Instructors must ask for vocal consent before making physical or 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 may not connect with minor students through personal social media or exchange 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.

4. Photography & Media

• 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, to record student choreography.
• Appropriate Imagery: Students must be fully clothed with torsos covered in promotional or archival media.

5. Reporting Procedures · The 5 Rs

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

1. Studio Environment & Facility Checks

• Floors: Inspect 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 emergency fire exits are unlocked and completely clear of bags or clothing.

2. Injury Prevention & Class Management

• Pacing: Classes begin with a structured warm-up and conclude with a cool-down.
• Capability Matching: Choreography must match each student’s age, development, and technical capability.
• Hydration & Rest: Regular water breaks are integrated into all classes.
• Overtraining Mitigation: Pushing through acute physical pain is prohibited. Physical exercises are never used as punishment.

3. First Aid & Accident Protocol

• Certified Personnel: A certified First Aid and CPR responder must be present during operating hours.
• Supplies: Fully stocked First Aid kits must be accessible.
• Logging: All injuries must be documented in the studio Accident Log Book, and parents notified promptly.

4. Drop-off and Collection

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

5. Illness & Infection Control

• Stay Home Policy: Students and staff with fever, persistent cough, or signs of contagious illness must remain home.
• Sanitation: Hand-sanitizing stations are provided at entrances.