UpTop Dance School
Safeguarding children policy
Policy Statement:
UpTop Dance School is committed to ensuring the safety, welfare, and protection of all children who participate in our dance programs. We believe that every child has the right to be protected from harm and to be able to learn, grow, and enjoy their dance experiences in a secure and supportive environment. This policy outlines our commitment to safeguarding children and the measures we have put in place to achieve this.
Aim:
The aim of this policy is to provide a framework for the prevention of child abuse and to ensure that all staff, volunteers, parents, and children are aware of their roles and responsibilities in safeguarding children within UpTop Dance School.
Principles:
Child’s Best Interest: The well-being, safety, and best interests of the child are of paramount importance in all decisions and actions taken by UpTop Dance School.
Empowerment: We empower children by listening to their voices, respecting their feelings and opinions, and involving them in decisions that affect their safety and well-being.
Prevention: We strive to prevent child abuse by creating a safe and nurturing environment through appropriate policies, procedures, and training.
Responsibility: All staff, volunteers, and parents have a shared responsibility in safeguarding children. We are committed to providing information, support, and training to enable them to fulfil this responsibility.
Reporting: Any concerns or suspicions about the welfare or safety of a child will be taken seriously and reported promptly to the designated safeguarding officer or relevant authorities.
Roles and Responsibilities:
Designated Safeguarding Officer (DSO):
The DSO is responsible for overseeing the implementation of this policy and ensuring that all staff and volunteers are aware of their roles and responsibilities in safeguarding children. They will receive and respond to concerns, make appropriate referrals, and ensure that staff and volunteers receive appropriate training
Staff and Volunteers:
All staff and volunteers must:
- Read and learn the UpTop Dance safeguarding training and be aware of the signs of abuse and neglect.
- Report any concerns they have about a child’s welfare to the DSO.
- Follow the school’s code of conduct and adhere to appropriate boundaries in their interactions with children.
- Promote an environment where children feel safe and confident to raise concerns.
Parents and Guardians:
Parents and guardians are encouraged to:
- Share any concerns they have about their child’s welfare with the DSO.
- Support the school’s efforts in safeguarding children and follow relevant policies and procedures.
Children:
Children have the right to:
- Be treated with respect and dignity.
- Feel safe, valued, and listened to.
- Raise concerns about their own safety or the safety of others.
Implementation:
All staff and volunteers will undergo thorough background checks before being allowed to work with children.
Staff and volunteers will receive regular briefings on safeguarding, including how to recognize and respond to signs of abuse.
Policies and procedures related to safeguarding will be reviewed and updated regularly to ensure their effectiveness.
Confidentiality:
All concerns and cases related to child safeguarding will be treated with the utmost confidentiality. Information will only be shared on a need-to-know basis and in line with legal and regulatory requirements.
Review:
This policy will be reviewed annually and updated as necessary to reflect changes in legislation, best practices, and the evolving needs of the dance school and its participants.
Contact Information:
Designated Safeguarding Officer: Larisa Pandi
Contact: 07594747889
Email: larisa@uptopdance.com
Date of Policy Adoption: 20/08/2023
Date of Last Review: 20/08/2023