Shake is fully committed to safeguarding the welfare of all children and young people.
We recognise our responsibility to take all reasonable steps to promote safe practice and protect children from harm, abuse and exploitation.
All staff and volunteers will endeavour to work together to encourage the development of an ethos which embraces difference and diversity and respects the rights of children, young people and adults.
Shake believes that:
We have a responsibility to safeguard the welfare of the children we teach and to ensure that appropriate policies and procedures are in place so that a child may take part in class and events within a safe and secure environment.
The welfare of the child is paramount.
All children, whatever their age, culture, disability, gender, language, racial origin, religious beliefs and/or sexual identity have the right to protection from abuse.
All disclosures and concerns should be taken seriously and responded to swiftly and appropriately.
All staff should be clear on how to respond appropriately.
Shake will ensure that:
We provide an environment in which children are safe, can learn and develop at their own pace and are aware that there are always adults in whom they can trust.
All children are treated equally and with respect and dignity.
The welfare of each child is always put first.
Enthusiastic and constructive feedback is given rather than negative criticism.
Bullying is not accepted or condoned.
All staff/volunteers provide a positive role model for dealing with other people.
Action is taken to stop any inappropriate verbal or physical behaviour.
We work with the venues we hire to provide a safe and secure environment.
We endeavour to keep up to date with changes in legislation and policies for the protection of children and health and safety.
We hold a register of every dancer attending classes at Shake, which includes emergency contact information.
In implementing this Safeguarding Policy Shake will:
Communicate to all staff/volunteers their legal and moral responsibility to protect children and young people from harm, abuse and exploitation.
Ensure that all staff/volunteers understand their duty to report concerns that arise about a child or young person, or any staff/volunteers conduct towards a child/young person, to the school’s Designated Safeguarding Lead.
Ensure that the school’s Designated Safeguarding Lead understands his/her responsibility to refer any child protection concerns to the statutory child protection agencies (i.e. Police and/or Children’s Social Care).
Ensure that any procedures relating to the conduct of staff/volunteers are implemented in a consistent and equitable manner.
Ensure the children/young people and their parents or carers have access to this Child Safeguarding Policy.
This policy will be regularly monitored by the Director of Shake and will be subject to annual review. Last reviewed: 07/01/2024
Any safeguarding concerns can be reported to - Designated Safeguarding Lead - Rachel King. Contact: 07930 611517
