Safeguarding & Child Protection Policy

The safety and wellbeing of all children attending our competitions is of paramount importance. We are committed to providing a safe, secure and positive environment for all participants.

All staff and team members are expected to uphold high standards of safeguarding and act appropriately at all times.

A Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) will be in place at each event. This will be communicated to teachers prior to the event.

Supervision of Children

All children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian, who is responsible for them for the duration of the event.

Dance schools will be reminded that all children attending must be fit and well to take part.

Event Safety Measures

A full venue risk assessment will be carried out prior to doors opening. This includes checking:

• Fire exits are clear
• Floors are free from hazards or spillages
• Room temperature is suitable
• Toilet facilities are adequate
• The venue is accessible and suitable for all attendees

Warm Up & Dance Areas

Before each section of the competition, dancers will be given a dedicated warm-up period on the competition floor.

Dancers must only warm up in designated areas.

Clothing & Footwear

All dancers must wear appropriate, fit-for-purpose clothing and footwear.

Jewellery is not permitted.

Chaperones & Event Team

A team of licensed chaperones will be present at all events. They are responsible for monitoring behaviour and ensuring safeguarding standards are upheld.

They will oversee:

• Fire exits, aisles and gangways remaining clear
• Appropriate venue conditions
• Children not changing in public areas
• Warm-ups taking place in designated areas
• Adherence to the filming and photography policy
• Children being supervised at all times
• Appropriate clothing and footwear
• Teacher conduct
• Any unusual or suspicious activity

Any concerns will be reported immediately to the event organiser and appropriate action will be taken.

Good Practice Expectations

All adults attending or working at our events are expected to:

• Act as positive role models at all times
• Treat all children with respect and dignity
• Maintain appropriate boundaries
• Avoid being alone with a child in a private or unobserved setting

Unacceptable Behaviour

The following will not be tolerated:

• Inappropriate physical contact
• Inappropriate language or behaviour towards children
• Bullying, intimidation or harassment
• Any behaviour that may put a child at risk

First Aid

Qualified first aiders will be present throughout the event.

Please let a member of staff know if you require any first aid during your time with us.

Event Entry & Security

Entry wristbands must be purchased via the dance schools attending. No entry will be permitted without a valid wristband.

Code of Conduct

All teachers and attendees are expected to behave appropriately at all times.

This includes:

• No inappropriate language
• No alcohol or drug use
• Respectful behaviour towards all dancers, teachers and spectators
• Maintaining appropriate boundaries with children from other schools

Full details are outlined in our Code of Conduct.

Safeguarding Responsibility

All members of the event team have received safeguarding training and understand how to recognise and report concerns.

Reporting Concerns

Any safeguarding concerns must be reported immediately to a member of the event team or the Designated Safeguarding Lead.

All concerns will be taken seriously and acted upon. Where necessary, appropriate external agencies will be contacted.