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Beat Feet Academy of Dance Terms and Conditions of Sale

Introduction

Beat Feet Academy of Dance is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children and young people. We recognise our responsibility to protect students from harm, create a safe environment, and respond appropriately to concerns or disclosures. This policy outlines our procedures and obligations under UK safeguarding legislation.

Our Commitment to Safeguarding

We aim to:

  • Provide a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment for every child.

  • Protect children from abuse, harm, or exploitation.

  • Ensure staff understand their safeguarding responsibilities.

  • Respond swiftly and appropriately to any safeguarding concerns.

  • Work in partnership with parents, carers, schools, and safeguarding agencies.

Legal Framework

This policy is underpinned by UK legislation, including:

  • The Children Act 1989 & 2004

  • Working Together to Safeguard Children (2018)

  • Keeping Children Safe in Education (2023)

  • The Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act (2006)

  • GDPR and Data Protection Act (2018)

All safeguarding decisions will be made with reference to these statutory guidelines.

Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)

Beat Feet Academy of Dance has an appointed Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) responsible for:

  • Managing safeguarding concerns

  • Responding to disclosures

  • Contacting external agencies when necessary

  • Keeping secure safeguarding records

  • Ensuring staff and volunteers follow this policy

The DSL’s details are available upon request and displayed in academy communication.

Recognising Signs of Abuse

All staff and volunteers must remain alert to signs of:

  • Physical abuse

  • Emotional abuse

  • Sexual abuse

  • Neglect

  • Bullying (including online bullying and harassment)

  • Grooming and inappropriate relationships

Any concerns, no matter how small, must be reported to the DSL immediately.

Reporting Concerns

If a staff member has a concern about a child’s safety or a child discloses information:

  1. Remain calm and listen carefully

  2. Do not ask leading questions

  3. Reassure the child they have done the right thing

  4. Do not promise confidentiality

  5. Record factual information as soon as possible

  6. Report to the DSL without delay

The DSL will assess whether the concern should be escalated to children’s social care or the police.

Allegations Against Staff or Volunteers

Any allegation against a member of staff, volunteer, parent helper, or coach must be reported immediately to the DSL or Academy Principal.

In such cases:

  • The staff member must not investigate the concern themselves

  • The academy will follow Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) procedures

  • The individual may be suspended pending investigation

  • Confidentiality will be maintained to protect all parties

Photography, Filming & Social Media

To protect children’s identities:

  • Parental consent is required before taking photos or videos

  • Images will never be shared publicly without permission

  • No child will be identified by full name on social media

  • Parents may not photograph other children without consent

Any misuse of images will result in disciplinary action or removal from classes.

Safe Recruitment Practices

Beat Feet Academy of Dance follows safer recruitment procedures, including:

  • Enhanced DBS checks for staff working directly with children

  • Reference checks

  • Identity verification

  • Safeguarding training for all teachers and assistants

No staff member may begin teaching until all safeguarding checks have been completed.

Online and Digital Safety

For online classes:

  • Children must be supervised by a parent or guardian

  • The teacher will end the session if unsafe behaviour is observed

  • Sessions may not be recorded by parents without written permission

  • Only approved platforms will be used for lessons

This ensures online learning remains safe and appropriate.

Physical Contact

Dance often involves the need for physical correction to support technique and posture. Any physical contact will always:

  • Be appropriate and necessary

  • Be explained before occurring

  • Respect the student’s comfort and personal boundaries

Staff will never engage in unnecessary or inappropriate physical contact.

Behaviour and Anti-Bullying Measures

We operate a zero-tolerance policy for:

  • Bullying

  • Harassment

  • Intimidation

  • Discrimination of any kind

Any behaviour concerns will be addressed immediately with parents and, if necessary, safeguarding agencies.

Parental Responsibilities

Parents and carers must:

  • Inform us of medical conditions or additional needs

  • Provide up-to-date emergency contact information

  • Supervise children outside of class times

  • Ensure appropriate behaviour is maintained before and after sessions

Open communication between parents and staff is essential for a safe environment.

Confidentiality

Safeguarding information will only be shared:

  • On a need-to-know basis

  • To protect the safety of a child

  • In accordance with GDPR and safeguarding legislation

All records will be stored securely.

Review of Policy

This Child Protection Policy will be reviewed annually or sooner if:

  • Legislation changes

  • A safeguarding incident occurs

  • Guidance evolves from the Local Authority or national bodies

Updates will be shared with staff and parents where appropriate.

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