CHILD SAFE POLICY

This Child Safe Policy is in place to ensure the commitment by Next Generation Dance Studio management, staff and teachers/instructors  to provide a child safe environment, by providing a code of conduct and policies to ensure that everyone is kept safe from harm and the appropriate reporting pathways are in place.

AIM OF CHILD SAFE POLICY

  • This Child Safe Policy is aimed at ensuring the safety of children under our instruction and to prevent abuse from occurring. We aim to promote the empowerment of children through participation, giving them confidence to have control over their own circumstances.

  • The Child Safe Policy is to provide a framework where, should an allegation or complaint of abuse arise, the appropriate processes are in place where the complaint is treated seriously and is fully investigated with confidentiality and discretion.

  • The Child Safe Policy provides clear expectations for all management, staff and teachers/instructors at Next Generation Dance Studio for the appropriate behavioural actions around children.

  • At Next Generation Dance Studio we are committed to the inclusion of all children from diverse backgrounds and cultures, and aim to provide a safe and inclusive environment for all children to experience the joy of dance.

SCOPE OF POLICY

  • This Child Safe Policy applies to all management, staff, teachers/instructors, participants and parents who are involved with and/or attend Next Generation Dance Studio.

  • This Child Safe Policy covers all children attending our classes, giving them a right to feel safe, welcome, to have fun and the confidence to know that their voice is valued and that Next Generation Dance Studio will act on any concerns raised by children or their parents and our staff.

  • By adopting a Child Safe policy, Next Generation Dance Studio is acting in a preventive manner to help reduce the potential risk and likelihood of risks becoming realised.

  • By adopting a Child Safe policy, Next Generation Dance Studio is undertaking to comply with all legislative requirements applicable in Victoria

DEFINITIONS

Child Abuse can be divided into 4 areas :

  • Physical abuse - when a child suffers or is likely to suffer from significant harm from a non accidental physical injury

  • Emotional and psychological abuse - when a child suffers or is likely to suffer emotional or psychological harm that can significantly damage the child’s emotional or intellectual health and development.

  • Sexual abuse - when a child suffers or is likely to suffer from significant harm from sexual abuse (such as when a child exploited for sexual gratification).

  • Neglect – occurs when a child’s physical development or health has been or is significantly damaged. Can refer to the omission or deprivation of food, clothing, warmth, hygiene, supervision, medical care or safety.

    Child abuse also includes any action that results in the actual or potential harm to a child in circumstances where the child’s parents/guardians are alleged to have caused this harm, have not protected or are unable to protect the child.

REPORTING CHILD ABUSE PROCEDURE

If a staff member/instructor becomes aware of an incident or allegation of abuse or has reasonable grounds to form a belief of abuse, it is their primary responsibility to ensure the child or children are safe and away from further risk of harm.

If a staff member or teacher/instructor is concerned about the immediate risk to the child, or criminal conduct has occurred, that person must call 000 and report matter to Victoria Police immediately and advise Management of Next Generation Dance Studio

If a staff member or teacher/instructor receives information that leads them to belief that an offence has been committed, mandatory reporting requirements must be met, including reporting to :

  • Management/Director of Next Generation Dance Studio; 

  • Victoria Police

  • DHHS Child Protection Unit

Once a complaint or allegation is made to the Management/Director of Next Generation Dance Studio, they have a duty of care to make a report to Victoria Police and DHHS Child Protection unit as soon as possible.

All complaints and allegations are taken seriously and must be documented with proof of receipt of complaint/allegation.   Management/Director of Next Generation Dance Studio will meet with complainant in regards to any allegations.

If a staff members/instructor is uncertain to whether they should make a report to an external authority in regards to a child or if a member/parent of Next Generation Dance Studio wishes to voice concern/complaint in regards to a Child Safety issue, seek a meeting and advice from Management/Director at Next Generation Dance Studio for guidance in regards to the matter.

If further evidence arises after first complaint/allegation, or to further strengthen the Reasonable grounds of Belief, another report must be documented and presented to Management/Director of Next Generation Dance Studio, Victoria Police and DHHS Child Protection unit.

Next Generation Dance Studio will investigate allegations with procedural fairness, and will work in accordance with Victoria Police and/or DHHS in relation to investigations conducted by these authorities.

PRIVACY

All personal information considered or recorded will respect the privacy of the individuals involved, whether they be staff, volunteers, parents or children, unless there is a risk to someone’s safety. We have safeguards and practices in place to ensure any personal information on file is protected.

 Personal information will only released to Victoria Police or DHHS if an allegation has been made which requires their investigation.

ADDITIONAL SAFETY MEASURES

  • All pre school Ready Set Dance, Ready Set Ballet & Acro classes must have no less than one fully qualified/accredited teacher plus one student teacher in each class.

  • Studio doors are to remain unlocked at all times.  All Staff members, other teachers and any on site supervisory/reception staff should have access to all studios at all times

  • Uniform and costumes will be selected to be age appropriate

  • Any uniform offered by the studio and compulsory for class will be age appropriate

  • Any non uniform and inappropriate (skimpy) dance attire will not be permitted in class

SCREENING AND RECRUITING/EMPLOYMENT OF STAFF

  • Next Generation Dance Studio applies best practice standards in the recruitment of staff members, and that the recruitment process includes addressing the Child Safety Policy and Code of Conduct with applicant.

  • Where a position for a new staff member involves responsibility for children, interview questions will revolve around their previous experience in working with children, as well as providing appropriate evidence and references which are required to be checked.

  • A valid/current Working With Children will be mandatory for all staff members, and all must pass the screening and recruitment process prior to commencing at Next Generation Dance Studio .

  • Staff members must read, acknowledge and sign the Child Safety Policy and Code of Conduct before commencing employment with Next Generation Dance Studio.

  • If an allegation is against a member of staff, the safety of the child is the utmost importance. The staff member will be removed and stood down immediately while under investigation from the relevant authorities into the seriousness of the allegation.

MUSIC & ROUTINE CHOICE GUIDELINES

  • All music played in any class at Next Generation Dance Studio must not contain any explicit language or be considered sexual in its content.

  • Routines in any class must not be overtly sexual or have suggestive

  • sexual movements.   

  • All music and dance routines will be regularly monitored/checked by the Studio Manager or Director to ensure appropriateness and compliance with our Policy.

  • Any complaints or feedback in regards to a teachers/Instructor's choice of music or routine must be presented to the Director of Next Generation Dance Studio, so that this can be investigated and any changes necessary can be made.

SOCIAL MEDIA

  • Next Generation Dance Studio uses social media platforms for marketing and member resource purposes. Photos and videos may occur of or during classes, and then be published on social media platforms. Consent must be given by all parents (at the time of enrolment) to have their child/children photographs taken.

  • Under no circumstances are any staff members permitted to exchange text messages or social media direct messaging with any student.   Any messages or advice to students under 18 years of age should be through email or text to parents/guardians only.

POLICY PROMOTION AND REVIEW

  • The Child Safe Policy is made available to all parents prior to the commencement of any dance year, and communicated to all staff, management, teachers/instructors and contractors of Next Generation Dance Studio 

  • This Child Safe Policy will be reviewed as a minimum on an annual basis by Next Generation Dance Studio management. Feedback or recommendations for changes can be submitted to Management for consideration

NEXT GENERATION DANCE STUDIO CONTACTS

Belinda Payne

Director/Principal

Phone 0400 121 712

Email [email protected]

Poppy Donaldson

Manager/Artistic Director

Phone 0412 082 804

Email [email protected]

EXTERNAL CONTACTS

Victoria Police

If the situation requires urgent Police Attendance Call 000

Knox Police Station  9881-7000

Once any suspected child abuse is reported, the case will be transferred to a Sexual Offences and Child Abuse Investigation Team (SOCIT) detective for investigation and referral to support services.

Child Protection Services DHHS (24 Hours) – 131 278

For immediate concerns about the safety of a child, contact the Department of Families, Fairness and Housing, Child Protection Crisis Line

Latest Policy Review Date 20-1-2025