Health
& Safety
Guidelines.

Medical History

Parents and guardians are required to disclose any medical conditions, physical limitations, allergies, or other health information relevant to dance participation at the point of enrolment. This includes but is not limited to: asthma, epilepsy, diabetes, joint conditions, recent surgery or injury, and severe allergies (including any prescribed medication such as an EpiPen).

This information will be held securely and used only to ensure the safe participation of the student in classes. It will be shared with relevant staff and with emergency services in the event of a medical emergency.

It is the responsibility of parents and guardians to inform Debbie Anderson of any change in a student's medical circumstances as soon as possible.

Emergency Contacts

At least one emergency contact (in addition to the primary contact) must be provided for each student at enrolment. Emergency contacts should be people who can be reached quickly during class hours and who are authorised to collect the student if required.

If the primary contact cannot be reached in an emergency, ASD Dance staff will contact the emergency contact provided. If neither contact can be reached and immediate medical attention is required, staff will contact the emergency services without delay.

Contact details must be kept up to date. Please notify Debbie promptly of any changes.

Fire and Evacuation Procedure

In the event of a fire alarm or instruction to evacuate:

• All students and staff must immediately leave the building via the nearest available fire exit, following the evacuation route displayed in the venue
• Do not stop to collect belongings
• The class teacher will take a register and account for all students at the designated assembly point
• No one should re-enter the building until given the all-clear by the venue staff or emergency services

ASD Dance classes are conducted in community and school venues. All venues used by ASD Dance are required to have a current fire risk assessment and clearly marked evacuation routes. Teachers will familiarise themselves with the evacuation procedure of each venue used.

Risk Assessments

ASD Dance conducts regular risk assessments of the spaces in which classes are held. Risk assessments consider floor surface, space adequacy, lighting, ventilation, trip hazards, access and egress, and the suitability of the space for the style of dance being taught.

Where a risk is identified, steps will be taken to reduce or remove it before the class proceeds. If a risk cannot be adequately mitigated, the class will not take place in that space until the risk has been resolved.

Teachers are expected to carry out an informal visual check of the teaching space before each class begins and to raise any concerns with Debbie Anderson.

First Aid Kit

A fully stocked first aid kit is present at all ASD Dance classes. The kit contains: plasters (assorted sizes), sterile dressings, bandages, disposable gloves, antiseptic wipes, eye wash, scissors, and an accident record form.

The first aid kit is checked regularly. Expired or depleted items are replaced promptly. The kit is clearly labelled and accessible to all teaching staff during class.

In the event that a student requires first aid, this will be administered by the qualified first aider on site. An accident record will be completed and the student's parent or guardian will be informed.

First Aider

At least one person with a current Paediatric First Aid (PFA) or First Aid at Work (FAW) qualification will be present at all ASD Dance classes involving children under 16.

The qualified first aider will administer first aid in the event of injury or illness and will call the emergency services (999) where the situation requires it. Parents and guardians will be notified of any first aid treatment administered to their child.

A record of all first aid incidents, including the nature of the incident, treatment given, and person administering treatment, will be maintained.

Supervision

ASD Dance teachers are responsible for the supervision of students during class time only. This means from the start of the class session until the class has formally ended and students have been collected by a parent or guardian, or have departed as agreed for older students.

Students under 12 must be collected in person by a parent, guardian, or authorised adult. Teachers cannot be responsible for students who arrive early and are waiting unsupervised before class begins, or for students who have not been collected promptly at the end of class.

Teachers will not release a child to any person who is not a known parent, guardian, or pre-authorised contact, except in an emergency where a safe alternative cannot be arranged.

Reporting Accidents and Incidents

All accidents, injuries, near-misses, and incidents (including behaviour incidents) must be reported to Debbie Anderson as soon as practicable after the event. A written record must be completed for any incident involving injury or first aid treatment.

Parents and guardians will be informed of any accident or injury involving their child on the same day it occurs. Where an injury requires hospital treatment or may have ongoing consequences, a follow-up will be made the following day.

Accident records are retained for at least three years. Records involving children under 18 are retained until the child reaches the age of 21.

Any serious incidents that may be reportable under RIDDOR (Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 2013) will be referred to the appropriate authority by the principal.