JMDS Child Protection Policy
We believe that no child or young person should be the subject of neglectful or abusive behaviour. We will promote and maintain the welfare of every child in our care and seek to protect them from harm regardless of race, age, disability, gender, sexual orientation, religious belief or any other form of identity or creed. We will create a safe and welcoming environment for all.
This policy applies to all our teachers and volunteers and children under the age of 18.
To protect children and young people in our care, we will:
• Value and respect children and listen to what they have to say
• Work with children, parents and relevant organisations
• Share our policy with all staff, parents and students
• Ensure all required checks are made when hiring staff and that those in regular contact with children hold a current DBS certificate
• Provide appropriate training and support to all staff
• Take responsibility for children and young people’s safety when in our care
• Inform parents of all new students that photographs and film will be taken at various points throughout the year and seek their permission for these images to be used on public social media
• Report suspected neglect or abuse to Miss Hollie on 07809 294195 / misshollie@jmdancingschool.com.
• Ensure Miss Hollie has up-to-date safeguarding training.
• Ensure that this policy is regularly updated
Additional guidance can be found in the following information at the end of this policy:
• Reporting Suspected Neglect or Abuse
• Appropriate Physical Contact in Dance
• Chaperoning Students to and from Dance Events
• Use of Photographs and Film of Children Policy Review
This policy was last reviewed on 06/07/2023
Miss Hollie Bishop
Principal
Additional Guidance A: Reporting Suspected Neglect or Abuse
Concerns regarding a child’s welfare can be reported by:
• Parents
• Teachers
• Friends
• The child or young person
All allegations of neglect or abuse will be taken seriously. If a concern is reported directly by the child or young person we will not seek to disagree, ask probing or leading questions, or do anything else which may discourage them.
We will make it clear that reported concerns cannot be kept confidential but will need to be shared with a nominated member of staff or external organisation. Parents or guardians will also be involved if appropriate.
It can be helpful to write down what is being reported to you. Make sure you do not add your own assumptions, opinions or judgements.
We recognise that early action is vital. Any concerns will be reported immediately. If the child or young person is in immediate danger of harm, we will contact the police on 999. In all other cases, we will report concerns to the Hertfordshire Safeguarding Children Partnership on 0300 123 4043.
Additional Guidance B: Appropriate Physical Contact in Dance
Teaching dance is a physical activity and a teacher will sometimes need to make physical contact with a student to show an idea or to correct the student’s position. This can include:
• Lifting
• Adjusting arms, legs, rib cage, hips, feet, hands
• Moving one student in relation to another
Where contact is needed, we will remain sensitive to the student’s wishes and put their welfare first. In all cases, we will say why and how we will be correcting the student’s position before making any contact. We encourage students to report any concerns.
Additional Guidance C: Chaperoning Children
Registered chaperones and parent volunteers in receipt of an enhanced DBS certificate chaperone students at JMDS shows and show rehearsals. We adhere to adult:child ratio guidance.
Additional Guidance D: Use of Photographs and Film of Children
The parent of every new student is required to sign a document giving us permission – or not – to use photographs and/or film of JMDS students in JMDS publicity, including on public websites and social media.
· Where we have publicly displayed images, parents and students may withdraw their permission at any time. In such cases, the images will be removed as soon as is reasonable and without question.
· We ask that any parent wanting to take photographs or film at our events only post these online or on social media if they have the permission of all parents concerned.
· Please note that some parents or students may have refused permission without your knowledge: do not assume.