Parallel Dance Studios Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy – Updated 05/2025

1. Introduction

Parallel Dance studios is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children and young people who attend our sessions. We recognise our responsibility to ensure a safe and secure environment, in accordance with guidance from the Department for Education’s Keeping Children Safe during Community Activities, After-School Clubs and Tuition.

2. Understanding of National Guidance

All staff and volunteers have read and understand the Department for Education’s guidance on safeguarding in out-of-school settings. We fully acknowledge and implement the responsibilities set out in this guidance.

3. Health and Safety

  • The dance schools premise hires are regularly assessed for health and safety risks. Actions are taken to mitigate any hazards identified.
  • A first aid kit is available at all sessions, and staff have basic first aid awareness. In an emergency, the protocol is to call 999 and administer aid where safe and appropriate.
  • A fire safety and evacuation plan is in place and communicated to staff and students.
  • Parental consent forms are required for every child, including:
    •   At least two emergency contact numbers
    •   Relevant medical conditions or allergies
    •   All personal information is held securely and in accordance with GDPR.
  • A register is taken at the beginning of each session to monitor attendance and ensure child safety.

4. Safeguarding and Child Protection

  • The school has a comprehensive Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy which is:
    •   Reviewed annually
    •   Communicated clearly to all staff and volunteers
  • Staff are trained to understand safeguarding risks, including:
    •   Abuse and neglect
    •   Peer-on-peer abuse
    •   Extremism and radicalisation
  • Concerns about the behaviour of any staff, volunteer, or adult are reported and managed according to our safeguarding procedures.
  • A Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) has been appointed and has completed appropriate safeguarding training. Contact details of the DSL are provided to all parents.
  •   If the school operates with only one provider, the local authority’s children’s services contact or NSPCC helpline is provided to parents.
  • Contact details for the DSL, the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO), and the local children’s social care referral pathway are available to staff.

5. Suitability of Staff and Volunteers

  • All staff and volunteers are subject to pre-employment checks, including:
    • Enhanced DBS check
    • Identity verification
  • Where services are contracted or self-employed, we work with the contracting organisation to confirm DBS checks where applicable.
  • Ongoing suitability and training needs are monitored through regular performance reviews.

6. Governance

  • We have a clear and accessible Complaints Procedure for parents and guardians
  • A Whistleblowing Policy is in place to encourage staff and volunteers to report concerns about poor practice or abuse without fear of reprisal.

7. Review of Policy

This policy will be reviewed annually or in response to significant changes in guidance, legislation, or operational practice

8. Contact Details