Child Safeguarding Policy

Principal: Julie Hutchings

Venues: Main studios, Larkfield Leisure Centre; Larkfield

Kings Hill Community Hall, Gibson Drive, Kings Hill

Leybourne Chase Primary School

Holborough Lakes, Primary School

The Granary Hall, Church Farm, New Hythe Lane

And all other venues where Prima students perform and rehearse

Dates: Classes during Term Time, Dance Festivals and Performances and workshops throughout the year.

TO WHOM DOES THIS POLICY APPLY   This policy relates to children under the age of 18 years who attend Prima Stage School Classes and concerns all of Prima’s teachers, voluntary helpers and Parents/Guadians/Carers of the children attending the school and any siblings who may also be with the Parents/Guadians/Carers/Teachers.

TEACHERS AND CHAPERONES – all have undertaken suitable checks  to assess their suitability for working in close proximity with children.

PRIMA STAGE SCHOOL acknowledges the duty of care to safeguard and promote the welfare of children and is committed to ensuring safeguarding practice reflects statutory responsibilities and government guidance. All suspicions and allegations of abuse will be taken seriously, responded to swiftly and appropriately and all the Schools teachers /volunteers have a responsibility to report concerns to the principles of the school as named above.

The policy recognises that the welfare and interests of children are paramount in all circumstances. It aims to ensure that regardless of age, ability or disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation, socio-economic background, all children

have a positive and enjoyable experience of dance and performing arts at Prima Stage School in a safe and child centred environment
are protected from abuse whilst participating dance and performing arts at our studios and halls and outside events.
Prima Stage School acknowledges that some children, including disabled children and young people or those from ethnic minority communities, can be particularly vulnerable to abuse and we accept the responsibility to take reasonable and appropriate steps to ensure their welfare.

As part of our safeguarding policy Prima Stage School will:

promote and prioritise the safety and wellbeing of children and young people whilst under our care
ensure everyone understands their roles and responsibilities in respect of safeguarding and is provided with appropriate learning opportunities to recognise, identify and respond to signs of abuse, neglect and other safeguarding concerns relating to children and young people
ensure appropriate action is taken in the event of incidents/concerns of abuse and support provided to the individual/s who raise or disclose the concern
ensure that confidential, detailed and accurate records of all safeguarding concerns are maintained and securely stored
prevent the employment/deployment of unsuitable individuals
ensure robust safeguarding arrangements and procedures are in operation.
The policy and procedures will be widely promoted and are mandatory for everyone involved at Prima Stage School and failure to comply with the policy and procedures will be addressed without delay and may ultimately result in dismissal/exclusion from the organisation.

SHOWS/COMPETITIONS Children and young people performing in these events will be supervised at all times until an adult collects the child at the stage door and signed out. All students under 16 are to be collected by an adult at all times.

DANCE CLASSES

Children of Primary School age it is advised that children of primary school age are collected from the studio/hall door. In special circumstances, children of 10 or 11 may only be allowed out by themselves provided we have parental consent updated termly.

Correction of Pupils To aid the correct teaching of dance, appropriate physical contact may be used to guide students into the correct stance etc. with due care and respect for dignity, Please talk to us if you have any concerns about this

THE LEGISLATION AND GUIDANCE THAT SUPPORTS THIS POLICY

The Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974;
The Children Act 1989;
The Police Act 1997;
The Data Protection Act 1998;
The Human Rights Act 1998;
The Protection of Children Act 1999;
The Criminal Justice and Court Services Act 2000
Education Act 2002
Female Genital Mutilation Act 2003
The Children Act 2004;
The Protection of Vulnerable Groups Act 2006.
Adoption and children’s Act 2006
Children and Young Person’s Act 2008
Children and families act 2014
Children and Social Work Act 2017
Digital Economy Act 2017
Monitoring

The policy will be reviewed a year after development and then every three years, or in the following circumstances:

changes in legislation and/or government guidance
Prima Stage School – keeping children safe