CHILD PROTECTION POLICY & PROCEDURES

At Highgate School of Dance our first priority is your child’s safety and welfare.

We recognise that we have a responsibility to safeguard the welfare of your child and to reassure you that appropriate policies and procedures are in place to ensure that your child takes part in classes at the school within a safe and secure environment.

Aim

We aim to ensure that Highgate School of Dance:

Provides an environment in which children are safe and in which suspicion or allegation of inappropriate behaviour is immediately responded to in line with the procedures agreed

To ensure all adults within the school who have substantial access to children have been checked as to their suitability including with the Criminal Records Bureau

All teaching applicants will be interviewed before an appointment is made and will be asked to provide at least one reference

All references will be followed up

All appointments will be subject to a probationary period

Training

We will ensure:

That the school has a designated member of staff who has undertaken child protection foundation training

All staff are aware that they have a professional responsibility to safeguard children

Confidentiality

Highgate School of Dance recognises that all matters relating to children are confidential and will only disclose information on a need to know basis

Allegations against staff

Staff should take care not to place themselves in a vulnerable position with a child.

In the event that an allegation is made against a member of staff, the head of the school will be immediately informed and will deal with the situation accordingly.