1. SAFE TOUCH
Due to the nature of dance classes, some physical contact between the teacher and student may occur where appropriate, necessary, and permitted. The welfare, safety, and emotional well-being of the student is paramount.
CONSENT AND COMMUNICATION FOR SAFE TOUCH
Parent(s)/guardian(s)/carer(s) should discuss with us the comfort, needs and boundaries of their child/adult-at-risk and provide written consent for safe touch.
As some students may be uncomfortable with safe touch, please work with us to identify the best way to support your child/adult-at-risk.
Consent is continuous. We will respect verbal and non-verbal cues and, where safe to do so, stop physical contact immediately at any sign of discomfort.
FORMS OF SAFE TOUCH
Instructional: Developmentally appropriate safe touch may be used to support learning or guide a movement, position, or shape.
Communication: Gaining attention gently (e.g., a light touch on the shoulder), handshakes, or signing for individuals who are deaf.
Supportive or reassuring: Touch may be used to affirm or encourage a student, such as through a high-five.
Therapeutic or regulating: Developmentally appropriate safe touch may be used, when needed, to calm, soothe, or help regulate the emotions of a child/adult-at-risk. The developmentally appropriate and therapeutic use of safe touch is defined by situations in which abstinence would be unkind and potentially psychologically damaging.
Incidental: Contact may occur while handling equipment or providing first aid.
Protection: Intervening physically to protect a person from immediate danger or severe harm.
OUR COMMITMENT TO SAFE TOUCH
We are committed to ensuring all physical contact is safe, appropriate, and in our students' best interests.
We use touch with care, sensitivity, and respect for individual needs, boundaries, and dignity.
All touch follows safeguarding procedures, with the student’s welfare as the primary consideration.
2. SAFEGUARDING & CHILD PROTECTION POLICY
We have a duty of care to maintain a safe environment and to promote the health and well-being of children under the age of 18 and adults-at-risk. Their welfare is paramount, and every individual has an equal right to protection from harm or abuse, irrespective of age, disability, gender, race, sexual orientation or identity, or religious belief. We take all reasonable measures to ensure that safeguarding and welfare considerations are embedded in every interaction.
THE PURPOSE OF THIS POLICY
To protect children and adults-at-risk from harm.
To establish the principles that govern our approach to protecting children and adults-at-risk.
LEGAL FRAMEWORK
This policy is founded on the legislation, policies and statutory guidance established to protect children in England, principally the Children Act 1989, the Children Act 2004 and the Children and Social Work Act 2017. A summary of the principal legislation and guidance is available at www.nspcc.org.uk/childprotection.
WE BELIEVE:
Children and adults-at-risk must never be subjected to abuse of any kind.
We have a responsibility to promote the welfare of children and adults-at-risk, to safeguard them and to take appropriate action for their protection.
WE RECOGNISE:
The welfare of children and adults-at-risk is fundamental to our work and decision-making.
All children and adults-at-risk have an equal right to protection from every form of harm or abuse, irrespective of age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation.
Some children and adults-at-risk may face heightened vulnerability as a result of previous experiences, dependency, communication needs or other relevant factors.
The promotion of welfare requires effective partnership with children, adults-at-risk, their parent(s)/guardian(s)/carer(s), and relevant agencies.
WE WILL HELP KEEP CHILDREN AND ADULTS-AT-RISK SAFE BY:
Valuing, listening to and treating them with respect.
Incorporating recognised child protection and safeguarding practices into our policies, procedures and codes of conduct.
Providing children, adults-at-risk, their parent(s)/guardian(s)/carer(s) with appropriate safeguarding information and recognised good practice.
Maintaining a safe physical environment for children, adults-at-risk, and staff, by implementing health and safety measures in accordance with applicable legislation and regulatory guidance.
Establishing a safeguarding culture in which children, adults-at-risk, their parent(s)/guardian(s)/carer(s), and staff treat one another with respect and can raise concerns without hesitation.
Establishing and maintaining an environment in which bullying is not tolerated, supported by addressing any incidents that arise.
Ensuring that children, adults-at-risk, and their parent(s)/guardian(s)/carer(s) are informed of where to obtain assistance should they have any concerns.
Applying our safeguarding policy to communicate concerns and relevant information to the appropriate agencies, while involving children, adults-at-risk, and their parent(s)/guardian(s)/carer(s) where appropriate.
WE ARE COMMITTED TO:
Requiring staff to complete safeguarding training annually.
Requiring staff to maintain a current Enhanced DBS check.
Appointing a designated lead with responsibility for child protection and the safeguarding of children and adults-at-risk.
Recording, retaining and using information in a professional and secure manner, in accordance with applicable data protection legislation and guidance.
CONTACT DETAILS
Nominated safeguarding and child protection lead: Emma Trickett
Phone: 07985 381963
Email: missemmasdancing@gmail.com
NSPCC Helpline: 0808 800 5000
DECLARATION: We are committed to reviewing our policy and good practice annually. This policy was last reviewed on 3 June 2026.
3. VISUAL MEDIA & oNLINE SAFETY
We protect the safety, dignity and privacy of children and adults-at-risk when visual media is used. Clear guidelines help prevent inappropriate or unauthorised use of images and promote responsible practice among staff, students and visitors.
CONSENT REQUIREMENTS
Children and adults-at-risk must not be photographed or filmed without written consent from a parent, guardian or carer. The consent form must clearly state how any images or footage will be used. This helps ensure that:
Privacy and consent requirements are followed consistently.
Parents, guardians and carers understand how images will be used.
Visual media is handled transparently, accountably, professionally and ethically.
The risk of misuse or unauthorised use is reduced, protecting children and adults-at-risk from exploitation.
MANAGING RISKS
We recognise that some people may use events or activities to take images of children or adults-at-risk, including those with disabilities, for inappropriate purposes. To reduce this risk:
Staff, volunteers and visitors should remain vigilant.
Report any inappropriate photography or filming immediately to the nominated safeguarding and child protection lead.
If inappropriate content is found, we will act promptly to request its removal, notify the relevant authorities and take any further action required.
Advice and guidance for online safety can be sought by parent(s)/guardian(s)/carer(s) at www.childnet.com
4. aSSISTANCE DOGS
Recognised assistance dogs in the UK include guide dogs for people who are blind or partially sighted, hearing dogs for deaf people, medical alert dogs, mobility and physical support dogs, autism assistance dogs, and PTSD and psychiatric assistance dogs.
Assistance dogs are wonderful creatures who provide essential support to people with disabilities, enabling greater independence and freedom. UK law protects assistance dog users from unnecessary barriers or discrimination when accessing public spaces and services. Assistance dogs are always welcome to our classes and events; however, please read the health and safety notes below.
HEALTH & SAFETY
Welfare: Please consider whether the event or class is safe for your assistance dog, as their welfare is important. We recommend that events with loud music or sound effects are not suitable for any animal with sensitive hearing, and ear protection is advised in noisy environments. Also keep in mind that physically dynamic dances, such as Tango and Paso Doble, may involve body language that your dog could misinterpret as aggression and find distracting, challenging or frightening.
Contact us beforehand: If you can, please contact us at least 48 hours in advance to let us know you plan to attend and discuss any requirements for yourself and your assistance dog. This will help us to prepare for your visit, making the visit more enjoyable for you and your assistance dog, and also allows us time to notify regular students, as some may be sensitive to dog hair and require allergy medication in their presence.
Attending: Dance floors can be crowded and noisy, with dancers moving at speed, so health and safety must be carefully considered. For everyone's safety, comfort and welfare, assistance dogs must be supervised, kept under control, and remain on a short lead or harness at all times. Thank you for your understanding.