Gemini Dancers – Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy
1. Policy Statement
Gemini Dancers is committed to ensuring the safety and wellbeing of all children and young people who participate in our dance activities, both in person and online.
We believe that every child has the right to grow up free from harm, abuse, and neglect, and to enjoy a positive and supportive environment where they can learn, perform, and express themselves through dance.
This policy applies to all staff, volunteers, contractors, and anyone representing Gemini Dancers.
2. Purpose of the Policy
The purpose of this policy is to:
– Protect children and young people who take part in Gemini Dancers’ classes, workshops, and online sessions.
– Provide staff and volunteers with clear guidance on recognising, responding to, and reporting safeguarding concerns.
– Ensure that Gemini Dancers operates in accordance with national safeguarding legislation and best practice.
3. Legal Framework
This policy has been developed in accordance with:
– Children Act 1989 and 2004
– Working Together to Safeguard Children (2018)
– Keeping Children Safe in Education (2023)
– Data Protection Act 2018 and UK GDPR
– Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006
Gemini Dancers will also comply with any relevant local safeguarding partnership or authority guidelines.
4. Scope
This policy applies to:
– All in-person dance classes, workshops, rehearsals, and performances.
– Online and digital dance content, livestreams, and recorded tutorials.
– All communication between children and Gemini Dancers staff, whether in person, online, or via social media.
5. Roles and Responsibilities
Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL):
Andrea Ford
Email: andrea.geminidancers@hotmail.com
Andrea Ford is responsible for implementing and monitoring this policy, managing safeguarding concerns, and liaising with external agencies where necessary.
All Staff and Volunteers:
All individuals working with or on behalf of Gemini Dancers must read, understand, and follow this policy. They are responsible for reporting any concerns immediately to the DSL.
6. Code of Conduct
All staff, volunteers, and associates of Gemini Dancers must:
– Treat all children and young people with respect, fairness, and dignity.
– Maintain professional boundaries at all times.
– Avoid any behaviour that could be misinterpreted as inappropriate.
– Refrain from physical contact unless it is necessary for teaching purposes and consent is given.
– Use only official communication channels (e.g., Gemini Dancers email or learning platforms).
– Ensure that dance activities and materials are age-appropriate, inclusive, and non-exploitative.
Parents and guardians understand and accept that appropriate physical contact may occur between instructors and students when necessary for teaching purposes, such as demonstrating movements, correcting posture, or ensuring safety. All contact will be kept to a minimum and conducted in a professional, respectful, and child-appropriate manner in line with safeguarding best practices
7. Online Safety
When delivering online dance content or communication:
– Obtain written parental consent before a child participates in any online session.
– Use only secure, password-protected platforms for livestreams or virtual classes.
– Ensure participants are appropriately dressed and in a safe environment.
– Disable private chat functions between staff and children.
– Never record or share images, videos, or performances of children without explicit parental consent.
– Store all personal information securely in line with GDPR.
8. Recognising and Responding to Abuse
Staff and volunteers must be alert to the following types of abuse:
– Physical abuse
– Emotional abuse
– Sexual abuse
– Neglect
– Online exploitation or grooming
If a child discloses abuse or a concern arises:
1. Listen carefully — take the child seriously.
2. Do not promise confidentiality — explain that the information must be shared to keep them safe.
3. Record accurately — include date, time, what was said, and any observations.
4. Report immediately to Andrea Ford, the DSL.
5. If the child is in immediate danger, contact the police (999) or local children’s social care.
9. Photography and Video
– Parental consent must be obtained before taking or publishing any photographs or videos of children.
– All images and recordings must be appropriate and used only for approved purposes (e.g., education, marketing, or performance).
– Parents and children will be informed where and how images are used.
10. Recruitment and Training
– All staff and volunteers who work with children must hold a valid basic DBS check (or equivalent vetting).
– New staff receive safeguarding induction training prior to beginning work.
– Annual refresher training is provided to ensure continued compliance with safeguarding standards.
11. Reporting and Record-Keeping
– All safeguarding concerns must be documented, signed, and dated.
– Records are stored securely and shared only with those who need to know.
– The DSL maintains a confidential log of all safeguarding matters and reports regularly to management.
12. Policy Review
This policy will be reviewed annually or earlier if:
– There are significant changes to safeguarding legislation or best practice.
– Gemini Dancers expands its services or changes the way it operates.
– A safeguarding incident prompts immediate review.
Designated Safeguarding Lead: Andrea Ford AIDTA
Email: andrea.geminidancers@hotmail.com
Date of last review: 10 October 2005