SAFEGUARDING / CHILD PROTECTION POLICY

Best Academy of Dance (BAOD) works with children and families as part of its activities. These include teaching groups of children and adults.

The purpose of this policy statement is to protect children and young people who receive BAOD classes.

• To provide parents, staff and volunteers with the overarching principles that guide our approach to child protection.

This policy statement applies to anyone working on behalf of BAOD.

This policy has been drawn up on the basis of legislation, policy and guidance that seeks to protect children in England.

A summary of the key legislation and guidance is available from nspcc.org.uk/childprotection.

We believe that:

• Children and young people should never experience abuse of any kind

• We have a responsibility to promote the welfare of all children and young people, to keep them safe and to practise in a way that protects them.

We recognise that:

• The welfare of the child is paramount

• All children, regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation have a right to equal protection from all types of harm or abuse

• Some children are additionally vulnerable because of the impact of previous experiences, their level of dependency, communication needs or other issues

• Working in partnership with children, young people, their parents, carers and other agencies is essential in promoting young people’s welfare.

We will seek to keep children and young people safe by:

• Valuing, listening to and respecting them

• Appointing a nominated child protection/safeguarding lead

• Developing child protection and safeguarding policies and procedures which reflect best practice

• Using our safeguarding procedures to share concerns and relevant information with The local County Council, and involving children, young people, parents, families and carers appropriately

• Creating and maintaining an anti-bullying environment and ensuring that we have a policy and procedure to help us deal effectively with any bullying that does arise

• Recruiting staff and volunteers safely, ensuring all necessary checks are made – All BAOD staff are required to have a DBS check

• Implementing a code of conduct for staff and volunteers

• Ensuring that we provide a safe physical environment for our children, young people, staff and volunteers, by applying health and safety measures in accordance with the

law and regulatory guidance

• Recording and storing information professionally and securely.