A&L Dance Academy Safeguarding Policy

Our Vision and Commitment

At A&L Dance Academy, we believe that dance is not simply about learning steps or

routines — it is about nurturing confidence, inspiring joy, and building a vibrant,

supportive community. Our students, whether tiny tots or aspiring young professionals,

trust us with not only their learning but their safety and wellbeing. This is a responsibility

we carry with absolute seriousness, underpinned by love, diligence, and the highest

safeguarding standards.

We are committed not only to safeguarding our students but also to supporting their

emotional development — fostering self-esteem, independence, and resilience through

dance.

Safeguarding is not a box to be ticked at A&L Dance Academy; it is a living, breathing part

of our everyday ethos. Every child, young person, and adult who walks through our doors

should feel protected, valued, and empowered.

Our Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) is Alison Buttle, a person you can always

approach with any concern, big or small. Alison champions our safeguarding

commitment and ensures we never lose sight of the individual behind every policy line.

Our Core Principles

• The welfare of every child and adult at risk is our highest priority.

• All students have equal rights to protection — no matter their background,

abilities, gender, or beliefs.

• Partnership matters. We work alongside parents, carers, and external agencies

to create the safest environment possible.

• Prevention is as important as reaction. Through education, vigilance, and

empathy, we seek to prevent harm before it ever occurs.

We promote safeguarding awareness among our students by encouraging positive

behaviours, mutual respect, and conversations about safety and wellbeing within

classes. We aim to equip students with the confidence and knowledge to protect

themselves, seek help when needed, and support their peers.

Our Legal Framework

Our safeguarding policies are grounded in key legislation, including:

• The Children Acts 1989 and 2004

• The Childcare Act 2006

• Working Together to Safeguard Children 2018

• Safer Working Practice 2022

• The Protection of Children Act 1999

• The Human Rights Act 1998

• The Care Act 2014 (for safeguarding adults)

• The Mental Capacity Act 2005

• General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) 2018

These laws guide us, but it is our compassion and commitment that breathe life into

them.

Defining a Child

At A&L Dance Academy, a "child" means anyone under 18 years of age. No matter how

mature a student might seem, their right to protection remains absolute.

The Studio Environment: Our Sanctuary

Our studios are more than just floors and mirrors — they are sanctuaries of creativity and

trust. We take every precaution to maintain safe spaces:

• Safeguarding risk assessments are completed termly and for special events,

ensuring proactive identification and mitigation of safeguarding risks across all

activities.

• Premises are risk assessed regularly.

• Emergency procedures are clearly displayed and rehearsed.

• Communal areas and changing spaces are monitored discreetly to prevent risks

without infringing on privacy.

• Parents and guardians are reminded that they remain responsible for their

children outside of designated class times.

• Staff must familiarise themselves with studio safety procedures, including fire

exits and first aid provision.

• All accidents or incidents must be recorded promptly in the Academy’s accident

log.

• Staff must ensure activities start and end on time to support safety and

supervision.

• Recognising that gender identity is not always binary, we offer respectful, flexible

changing arrangements when needed. We encourage families to discuss any

individual requirements with us openly and confidently.

Physical Contact

Physical contact is sometimes necessary during dance classes to support balance,

alignment, technique, or correction. Any contact made will always be appropriate to the

teaching context, in full view of others, and explained clearly to the student beforehand.

Students' comfort and consent are paramount; if a student expresses discomfort,

alternative methods will be used.

Photography and filming are strictly prohibited in private areas such as changing rooms,

out of respect for the dignity and privacy of all our dancers.

Managing Allegations and Recording Concerns: Acting with Care and Courage

Disclosures or concerns can come in many forms — a quiet word after class, a tearful

conversation, an unexplained injury. We promise to handle every concern:

• With kindness.

• Without judgement.

• By taking immediate, proportionate action.

If you see something, say something. Staff will:

• Listen carefully, with no pressure or leading questions.

• Record facts faithfully, using the student's own words where possible.

• Complete a "Cause for Concern" form immediately.

• Refer the issue to Alison Buttle or, in her absence, escalate directly to social

services or police if urgent.

Remember: it is never your job to investigate — it is your job to report.

In emergencies, urgent medical attention takes precedence over all else.

Safer Recruitment: Building a Safe Team

Our Academy is only as safe as the people within it. That's why every member of our team

undergoes:

• An Enhanced DBS check.

• Rigorous reference checks.

All staff and volunteers receive safeguarding and child protection training appropriate to

their role. Training is refreshed every two years and whenever there are significant

updates in legislation or best practice. Staff are encouraged to continually develop their

safeguarding knowledge through workshops, courses, and professional discussions.

All new staff and volunteers must complete a safeguarding self-declaration form

confirming any criminal convictions, pending investigations, or safeguarding concerns.

Consent and Information Sharing

Safeguarding starts with respect — and that means handling personal information with

utmost care. Consent is sought whenever reasonable, including:

• Enrolment consents (photo/video, performances).

• Additional activity consents (e.g., off-site events).

Consent forms specify the intended use of images, including publication on Academy-

managed websites, social media, and marketing materials, and parents/students can

withdraw consent at any time."

However, if a child or adult is at serious risk, we will act without consent if necessary. In

every case, information sharing will be minimal, proportionate, necessary, and recorded.

Photography and Digital Media

Memories matter — but so does dignity.

• Only DBS-cleared and Academy-approved staff, may take photos or recordings

during performances, and only with prior consent.

• Public spaces (e.g., foyers) may allow for casual photography if mutual consent is

given.

• Absolutely no images are permitted in private changing spaces.

• Staff will model respectful behaviour around digital devices.

Photography or video recording within A&L Dance Academy is generally prohibited during

lessons. However, on occasion, the instructor may give specific permission for

photography or filming of your own child at appropriate times such as during a

performance or achievement moment. Permission must be sought from the instructor at

the time, and recordings are only permitted if prior written consent has been provided by

the student’s parent or guardian and the studio provides consent at that point in the time.

We recognise that the online world presents both opportunities and risks for young

people. A&L Dance Academy is committed to promoting safe and responsible use of

technology. We provide guidance to students on protecting personal information online

and encourage families to support children’s digital wellbeing at home. Staff will never

engage with students via private messaging or personal social media accounts.

Changing Areas: Respect and Privacy

Changing rooms must be places of comfort and safety. We provide:

• Separate male and female changing facilities.

• Discreet supervision where needed.

• Zero tolerance for photography or inappropriate behaviour.

We ask all adults to set the standard — respectful, supportive, and vigilant.

Bullying: Zero Tolerance

Bullying corrodes confidence and belonging, the very heart of dance. We define bullying

broadly — face-to-face, online, verbal, emotional, physical — and we will act against it

swiftly and firmly.

If bullying happens:

• Staff will intervene immediately.

• Parents will be informed.

• Support will be provided to all affected.

We build resilience through empathy, kindness, and modelling inclusive behaviour every

day.

Whistleblowing: Courage and Integrity

If you have concerns about another adult's behaviour — even another staff member —

you must feel safe to speak up. Whistleblowing is an act of loyalty to our Academy, not

betrayal.

Raise concerns to Alison Buttle. If the concern involves Alison, approach the Academy

Directors directly. We will act sensitively and confidentially, protecting all parties until

matters are properly resolved.

The Code of Conduct: Living Our Values

When Working with Children and Young People – Staff, volunteers, and visiting

professionals Must:

• Do behave professionally and respectfully at all times, modelling kindness,

fairness and patience.

• Do listen carefully to children’s views, concerns, and wishes, and act promptly if

a safeguarding concern is raised.

• Do communicate with children and young people in an age-appropriate, positive

and inclusive manner, fostering trust and self-esteem.

• Prioritise safety and welfare.

• Model professional, respectful behaviour.

• Challenge inappropriate behaviour.

• Keep personal and professional boundaries clear.

When Working with Children and Young People – Staff volunteers, and visiting

professionals Must Not:

• Don’t engage in rough physical play, inappropriate touch, or any behaviour that

could be perceived as threatening, intrusive, or discriminatory.

• Don’t promise confidentiality to a child if they disclose a safeguarding concern —

explain that you may need to share their information to keep them safe.

• Don’t develop personal relationships with students outside of Academy activities,

including exchanging personal social media contacts, gifts, or private messaging.

• Don’t engage in inappropriate relationships.

• Don’t promise secrecy to a child.

• Don’t belittle, intimidate, or exploit any young person.

• Don’t share personal social media contact details.

Working with Parents and Carers: Partnership is Protection

Parents and carers are our greatest allies in safeguarding. We promise to:

• Communicate openly.

• Share our policies.

• Welcome feedback and concerns.

We encourage families to view safeguarding as a joint mission — ensuring every child

thrives.

At A&L Dance Academy, we actively encourage children and young people to share their

thoughts, feelings and worries. We are committed to creating an environment where

students feel heard, valued, and respected. Staff will take all concerns raised by students

seriously, recognising that even small worries may indicate bigger safeguarding issues.

Safeguarding Adults: Upholding Dignity

We extend the same protective ethos to adults at risk. Safeguarding adults means

respecting autonomy while protecting from harm. Guided by the Care Act 2014 and the

Mental Capacity Act 2005, we will:

• Act swiftly if abuse is suspected.

• Respect choices and rights.

• Involve adult social care where needed.

Adults deserve dignity, freedom, and safety in equal measure.

Types of Abuse: Knowing the Signs

Children:

• Physical, emotional, sexual, neglect.

Adults:

• Physical, sexual, emotional/psychological, financial, discriminatory,

organisational, self-neglect, modern slavery.

Signs include:

• Injuries without explanation.

• Fearfulness or withdrawal.

• Depression, anxiety.

• Poor hygiene or appearance.

If in doubt, always raise it.

Allegations Against Staff

If an allegation arises:

• Act immediately to inform the DSL.

• All allegations or suspicions of abuse will be referred without delay to the Local

Authority Designated Officer (LADO) or the relevant Adult Safeguarding Board.

A&L Dance Academy will not internally investigate safeguarding allegations

• Protect confidentiality, fairness, and the integrity of the process.

Policy Review and Training

Safeguarding is dynamic — so is our commitment.

• This policy is reviewed annually.

• Staff undertake refresher training yearly.

• We consult safeguarding experts such as Safer Dance to ensure relevance and

rigour.

Key Contacts

• Designated Safeguarding Lead: Alison Buttle 07880 726682

• Deputy Safeguarding Lead: Linda Collins 07746 566081

Local Safeguarding Contacts for Hampshire County Council

• Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO): 01962 876364

For concerns about adults working with children in a position of trust.

• Children's Social Care Services:

o Public Number (Office Hours): 0300 555 1384

Monday–Thursday: 8:30am–5:00pm

Friday: 8:30am–4:30pm

o Out of Hours: 0300 555 1373

For emergencies outside office hours.

• Adult Social Care Services:

o Office Hours: 0300 555 1386

Monday: 8:30am–5:00pm

Tuesday–Thursday: 9:30am–5:00pm

Friday: 8:30am–4:30pm

o Out of Hours: 0300 555 1373

For emergencies outside office hours.

• Police:

o Non-Emergency: 101

o Emergency: 999