CHILD SAFETY POLICY

1. Overview

The intention of this policy is to ensure protective practices for children, young people (under 18 years of age) and families who engage and participate at Electrix Dance Studio (EDS). The EDS Child Safety Policy is implemented by EDS staff and volunteers to keep them safe (inclusive of cultural safety) from deliberate or inadvertent risk of harm. This policy provides all EDS personnel with an understanding of their responsibilities to keep children and young people safe, while fostering a culture of openness and respect of cultural diversity, recognising all children have a right to be safe from harm, regardless of age, culture, religion, gender, sexuality, identity or disability. It also sets out the responsibilities of all staff and volunteers associated with EDS.

2. Context

This policy represents the position of EDS as a single organisation as defined in the Children and Young People (Safety) Act 2017 and the duty EDS staff and volunteers have to ensure children and young people are kept safe from harm while engaging and participating in our organisation. 

This policy applies to all EDS contractors, volunteers and student teachers.

3. Principles

To minimise risk and provide safety to children and young people, EDS contractors and volunteers have the following responsibilities.

• comply with the requirements of the Children and Young People (Safety) Act 2017
• ensure inclusive policies and procedures are created and maintained for the provision of safe environments for children and young people
• ensure the needs of children and young people are reflected in EDS strategies and policies
• ensure that a culturally safe environment is kept
• ensure that children and young people feel empowered about their rights and participation in decision making are taken seriously
• promote the shared responsibility of supporting the care and protection of children and young people to all EDS contractors and volunteers
• promote safety and wellbeing while minimising the opportunity for children and young people to be harmed and ensure that families stay informed and are involved in this process
• ensure such policies and procedures are reviewed on a regular basis, and there is active involvement from children, young people and families in the review process
• follow EDS recruitment procedures when recruiting contractors and volunteers to ensure appropriate screening checks are conducted
• ensure all contractors and volunteers are provided with information about their child safeguarding obligations which includes a copy of the relevant policies and code of conduct;
• provide adequate training, supervision and support to contractors and volunteers to ensure they understand their obligations and contribute to EDS’ organisational culture of protection and support of children and young people
• ensure that all alleged breaches of this policy are investigated and responded to
• ensure investigations of breaches of this policy are child-focussed at all times

4. Mandatory Reporting

If you believe a child is at immediate risk of abuse phone 000.

It is the obligation of EDS contractors and volunteers to appropriately report a reasonable suspicion a child or young person is, or may be, at risk of harm. Such reports can be made to the EDS Director where appropriate and further action can then be taken.

5. General Information

This policy will be reviewed as required.

By enrolling at EDS, you are acknowledging that you have read, understood and agree to comply with this policy.