CYGNETS TO SWANS

SAFEGUARDING POLICY

Principal – Hannah Risbridger

The purpose of this safeguarding policy is to ensure that all children regardless of age, disability, gender, racial heritage, religious belief, sexual orientation or identity, that attend Cygnets To Swans are safe and protected from harm.  All the teachers have a responsibility to make sure that every pupil has a secure environment to learn in and to ensure any suspicions or allegations of abuse, will be taken seriously and responded to swiftly and appropriately. The teachers/volunteers have a duty to report concerns to the principal of the school as named above. 

Cygnets To Swans has an up-to-date public liability insurance policy for the protection of its staff and pupils.

The objectives & purpose of Cygnets To Swans

To instruct and train children and adults in the art of certain genres of the performing arts. CTS holds weekly classes, annual performances and holiday workshops. 

We recognise our responsibility to take all reasonable steps to carry out safe practice and protect all children from harm, abuse and exploitation. 

To whom does this policy apply

This policy relates to children under the age of 18 years who attend classes at CTS and concerns CTS teachers, voluntary helpers and parents/guardians/carers of the children attending the school and any siblings who may also be with the parents/guardians/carers/teachers.

Venue

Commemoration Hall, High Street, Wadhurst. TN5 6AP. 

We have sole use of the hall, foyer, kitchen, stage and toilets during our hire periods. Children will only be supervised in the above-mentioned areas during their class times. 

The Orchard room is open to other hirers during our sessions and we cannot guarantee sole use of the car park. 

Our safeguarding policies;

  • Valuing, listening to and respecting all children. Treating them all equally and with dignity. 

  • Recruiting staff and volunteers safely & appropriately 

  • Making sure there is a school representative on the premises at all times and will if deemed necessary take the immediate action to call 999

  • Highlighting to parents/carers that it is their responsibility to make sure the children are escorted safely off the premises once they leave the studio area

  • Adopting child protection guidelines and safe working practice for all teachers and volunteers​

  • Always working in an open environment​ (e.g. avoid private or unobserved situations and encourage an open environment i.e. no secrets)

  • Always putting the welfare of each child/young person first, before winning or achieving goals

  • Building balanced relationships based on mutual trust which empowers children to share in the decision-making process

  • Making dance fun, enjoyable and promotion a fair environment

  • The nature of teaching dance means that teachers will on occasion need to physically adjust and guide bodies using ‘hands on’ correction. We will ensure it should be provided openly and safely for the child and the teacher. 

CTS will never;

  • Allow or engage in any form of inappropriate touching

  • Allow children to use inappropriate language unchallenged

  • Allow allegations made by a child to go unchallenged, unrecorded or not acted upon

  • Do things of a personal nature for children that they can do for themselves

​

Video as a training aid

There is no intention to prevent teachers using video equipment as a legitimate coaching aid. However, dancers and their parents/carers should be aware this is part of the coaching program and care should be taken in the storage of such films.

CTS Staff

All Teachers at CTS have their contact details retained by the school. Where appropriate, CTS has undertaken suitable checks to assess their suitability for working in close proximity with children.

There is a school representative available on the premises at all times to answer any queries or deal with any issues. Every issue will be dealt with seriously, in a private area and will be documented and dated. 

The principal will also check all staff and volunteers are made aware of the school's safeguarding policy. 

Policy Review

CTS will constantly review their policy revising and enhancing it as necessary. 

Last reviewed – May 2022


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; The Children Act 2004; The Protection of Vulnerable Groups Act 2006.

If anyone has any queries regarding this policy please contact

Hannah Risbridger – 07919 896645