1.1 Allied Schools of Dance is concerned about the welfare and safety of all its pupils and will do everything possible to create an ethos in which children feel secure. This notice will be permanently displayed.

1.2 This Policy relates to all children and/or vulnerable adults of any age who are identified to the Principal.

 2.1 This Policy is provided to inform and involve parents/guardians/carers and teachers, in order to ensure as far as is reasonably practicable, a safe environment at Allied Schools of Dance.

2.2 Where parents/guardians/carers are not personally attending their children, Allied Schools of Dance draws their attention to all aspects of this Policy and requires them to be satisfied that their children will be accompanied to the Schools, and adequately supervised by responsible adults acting on their behalf, and will not be left unsupervised if a teacher, or other responsible adult is not present.

2.3 This policy makes it clear that Allied Schools of Dance expects parents/guardians/carers to be responsible for ensuring that dancers under 18 have adequate supervision at all times in waiting rooms; and also in the dressing rooms and front of house areas at shows and festivals. Parents/guardians/carers should be aware that waiting rooms at branches should not be used for changing purposes, but that children should be changed privately at home or in designated areas, where privacy can be maintained. Separate dressing rooms will be provided for girls and boys at examinations, shows and festivals. Any fathers/male carers supervising the changing of girls must identify their needs beforehand, so that suitable separate changing/waiting facilities can be offered.

2.4 At shows, the appropriate number of volunteers will have DBS checks and Chaperone Licences, and once in the wings of the stage, all performers will be supervised by the designated show staff of Allied Schools of Dance to include appropriate numbers of licensed chaperones.  Only helpers with current Chaperone Licences will be allowed to take children to the toilet. At least two members of the designated show staff backstage at any session must have current DBS checks. No unauthorised adults will be permitted into the wings during performance sessions. All licenced children will be treated in accordance with the current regulations, with licenced chaperones in attendance at all times. Boys' dressing rooms will be allocated separately to Girls'.

2.5   The timings of the rehearsals and performances have been revised in accordance with new legislation - The Children (Performances and Activities) (England) Regulations 2014 - and parents will be advised in writing of the timings applicable to their child.

 3.1 For safety reasons, we have an agreement with our insurers to restrict parking to Staff in the rear car park at Chapel Hall. Due to “near-misses” in the past, please do not allow your children to run around in any of the car parks. Please only use the tarmac path for rear access to the hall. Out of consideration for our neighbours, please be careful about noise levels and parking in nearby roads or on pavements. 

3.2 Your child's safety – your child must be supervised by an adult in the waiting areas until they are called into class. Please collect your child from inside the building and please inform us if someone different is collecting your child. Please ensure you tell us if your emergency contact details or your child's medical needs change. All waiting children must be properly supervised while on the premises. 

3.3 Allied Schools of Dance has a "hands-on" approach to teaching dance, in order for technique to be correctly established, however a sensitive and professional approach will be taken to all pupils, so that no individual feels that this is inappropriate. All teachers will attend a standardisation of procedure course.

3.4 Where problems or concerns are expressed by children or adults, these will be documented and dated. The Safeguarding Officer of the School will decide what is the appropriate action to be taken, and may seek advice from appropriate agencies. Guidelines in confidentiality will be observed. The Grievance Procedure will be implemented where necessary.

3.5 The teacher will make notes as soon as possible after any incident or accident to a pupil and retain these, confidentially and securely, for future reference. Accidents will be recorded in the Accident Book. At shows, any accident will be recorded in the appropriate manner relevant to the theatre’s own procedures.

3.6 Any person who has a concern regarding a child’s welfare should raise this with the Safeguarding Officer immediately, who will then refer this matter to the appropriate authorities. The Safeguarding Officer is the Principal of the school with the exception of during licensed rehearsals and shows when the Safeguarding Officer is the Head Chaperone of the school. 

 4.1 This Child Protection Policy is to be supplied to all teachers, who must attend a standardisation course and are asked to confirm that they have received and understood the Policy.

4.2 All additional items regarding these matters, together with Health and Safety regulations must also be brought to the attention of parents. Any policies that are recommended with regard to dance festivals must also be brought to the attention of all festival entrants.

4.3  This Policy will be regularly reviewed by the Principal of Allied Schools of Dance in line with legislation and good working practice.