Safeguarding
& Child
Protection.

Introduction

The Anderson School of Dance (ASD Dance) is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children and young people in our care. We believe that every child has the right to be protected from harm and to receive safe, enjoyable, high-quality dance education.

This policy applies to all staff, volunteers, and anyone who works with children on behalf of ASD Dance. It is informed by the Children Act 1989, the Children Act 2004, the Education Act 2002, and the statutory guidance document Working Together to Safeguard Children (HM Government, 2023).

All staff and volunteers are required to read and adhere to this policy. Failure to follow this policy may result in disciplinary action.

Designated Safeguarding Lead

The Designated Safeguarding Person (DSP) for ASD Dance is:

The DSP is responsible for:

• Receiving and recording any concerns raised about the welfare of a child
• Assessing risk and deciding whether to refer a concern to children's social care or another relevant agency
• Ensuring that all staff and volunteers are aware of the safeguarding policy and their responsibilities
• Liaising with Medway Safeguarding Children Partnership (MSCP) where required
• Ensuring this policy is reviewed at least every two years

Recognising Harm

Staff and volunteers must be alert to signs of harm in children and young people. The four main categories of abuse are:

• Physical abuse — causing injury to a child through hitting, burning, shaking, throwing, or otherwise inflicting pain or suffering
• Emotional abuse — persistent emotional ill-treatment that causes severe and persistent adverse effects on a child's emotional development; includes threats, put-downs, or making a child feel worthless
• Sexual abuse — forcing or enticing a child to take part in sexual activities, whether or not the child is aware of what is happening; includes non-contact abuse such as exposure to sexual images
• Neglect — persistent failure to meet a child's basic physical or psychological needs, likely to result in serious impairment of the child's health or development

These categories are not mutually exclusive. A child may be subject to more than one form of abuse, and abuse is often perpetrated by someone known to the child. Indicators of abuse may include unexplained bruising, a child's withdrawn or changed behaviour, or disclosures made directly to a member of staff.

Responding to a Concern

If a child makes a disclosure or if a member of staff observes something that causes concern:

1. Stay calm. Do not overreact or show alarm.
2. Listen carefully. Do not ask leading questions. Use open questions only (e.g. "Can you tell me more about that?"). Do not promise confidentiality.
3. Record what was said or observed as soon as possible, using the child's own words where possible. Note the date, time, and any witnesses.
4. Report to the DSP immediately — verbally in the first instance, followed by a written record. Do not investigate independently.

If the DSP is not available and a child is in immediate danger, contact the police (999) or children's social care without delay.

Safe Recruitment

ASD Dance takes all reasonable steps to ensure that only suitable individuals work with children in our classes. This includes:

• Obtaining an enhanced DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check for all staff and regular volunteers before they commence work with children
• Taking up references from previous employers where possible
• Ensuring that any person on the DBS barred list is not permitted to work with children in any capacity

Code of Conduct

All staff and volunteers at ASD Dance are expected to:

• Treat all children with respect and dignity at all times
• Never use physical punishment or humiliating language
• Avoid being alone with a single child where possible; where unavoidable, ensure others are within sight or earshot
• Not engage in physical contact beyond what is necessary and appropriate for safe dance instruction (e.g. correcting posture or technique) — and always explain before touching
• Not share personal contact details with students or parents outside of official ASD Dance channels
• Report any situation where they feel their own conduct, or the conduct of a colleague, has fallen below the standards in this policy

Confidentiality

Information shared about child protection concerns will be treated with sensitivity and will only be passed to those who need to know in order to protect the child. This may include children's social care, the police, or other relevant agencies.

The duty to share information to protect a child in danger will always override a duty of confidentiality. Staff should not promise children that concerns will be kept secret.

Policy Review

This policy will be reviewed by the DSP at least every two years, or sooner if there is a significant change in legislation or guidance, or following a safeguarding incident.

All staff and volunteers will be informed of any changes to this policy.