Child Safety Policy

Safety Procedures

At Jamie’s Academy of Dance we are constantly reviewing and improving our procedures to ensure the safety and wellbeing of our students and families.

1. Physical Safety

1.1 Drop off & Pick Up

Students Under 10 years of age MUST be walked into the building prior to their class and collected from the kitchen at the conclusion of their class. If parents are running late or have made arrangements and staff are aware that the student will be waiting for their parents, these students must wait inside the studio until their parent or guardian arrives.

Please let staff know if you have made prior arrangements for your child to go home with another student’s family.

1.2 Class Activities requiring special attention

- Teachers are to ask permission, followed by an explanation of ‘how’ and ‘why’, when students participate in acrobatics activities that require spotting and physical contact to aid in a safe and successful execution of a move. This creates a space for the student to be

aware of what is happening and the opportunity to self moderate who is allowed in their personal space.

- Taking Children to the toilet: you may assist preschoolers in the cubical if they require help, otherwise respect student’s privacy and wait in the bathroom for them.

1.3 Venue

Children are permitted to play on the playground, ONLY if they are under the supervision of their parent/guardian.

Students under 10yrs are NOT permitted to stand outside the hall without a parent.

Students must arrive at the studio with suitable additional clothing covering and protecting their leotards.

1.4 Class Equipment

Mirrors - Students are notified that they are not to touch the mirrors.

Barres - Children are not allowed to swing on the barre

Acro Mat - Students are not to sit on the mat when it is rolled up

The mat can be rolled out for Acrobatics class and must be neatly rolled back up at the end of class. This should be done with the assistance of older students in the last few minutes of acro so as to not take up the time of the next class.

Ready Set Dance/Ballet props - Must be packed away securely at the end of every class so other students do not play with the props.

1.5 Teacher Punctuality and Supervision of Students

Teachers should arrive at least 10 minutes prior to their class starting time. This is to ensure the studio and stereo are set up ready to go. If it is the first class for the day then time is needed to turn on all the lights/heating/cooling etc.

If parents are late to collect students and further classes are running, bring the student into the studio to watch the next class. If it is the last class of the day, you may access their telephone number via the DanceBiz app.

For safety reasons, when leaving at the end of the night please ask a parent to kindly wait until you are finished and securely in your car with the doors locked. Please take special note of your surroundings, as it can get very dark and secluded, especially in Winter.

1.6 Performance Spaces & Technical Equipment.

Students should place their bags to the outer edge of the studio so they have plenty of space to dance. Do not let students play with the stereo equipment.

1.7 First Aid

There is a First Aid Kit in the filing cabinet. Teachers may apply bandaids and basic first aid with the help of an ice pack located in the freezer. Upon assessing the situation, if non-urgent you may call the parent (phone numbers can be found in the DanceBiz App) However if serious and you cannot make contact with the parent or guardian, and your judgement is that you need emergency assistance asap, please call for an ambulance via 000.

All Incidents are to be reported and an incident form completed, these can be found in the filing cabinet.

1.8 Allergies, Medical Conditions & Action Plans

We are in the process of becoming a NUT FREE venue. For the safety of all our students, if you pack a snack for your child, please make a conscious effort to make it a nut-free option.

2. Emotional Safety

2.1 Behaviour Management

If students are displaying unacceptable behaviour, please follow these three steps

- Get down on their level to communicate with the child in a calm voice, investigate as to why they are displaying such behaviours and follow up by explaining that it is unacceptable and why.

- If a student persists with unacceptable behaviour, you may dismiss them from the group to take a moment to sit and reflect on their behaviour. If this course of action was to occur, you must notify the parent/guardian at the conclusion of the class and discuss appropriate actions or discussions before their next lesson.

- If behaviour is especially serious, please escalate to Jamie by noting the incident/s down on red flag scaffold, and further action will be taken by Jamie to follow up with the parent/guardian.

2.2 Bullying

At Jamie’s Academy of Dance we have ZERO TOLERANCE for bullying. Any reports of bullying from students or parents will be acted upon immediately.

Bullying is an ongoing and deliberate misuse of power in relationships through repeated verbal, physical and/or social behaviour that intends to cause physical, social and/or psychological harm.

It can involve an individual or a group misusing their power, or perceived power, over one or more persons who feel unable to stop it from happening.

Bullying can happen in person or online, via various digital platforms and devices and it can be obvious (overt) or hidden (covert). Bullying behaviour is repeated, or has the potential to be repeated, over time (for example, through sharing of digital records).

Bullying of any form or for any reason can have immediate, medium and long-term effects on those involved, including bystanders. Single incidents, conflict or fights between equals, whether in person or online, are not defined as bullying.

2.3 Acceptance & Embracing Diversity

- Wheelchair access is a non-negotiable for all of our performance venues.

- We are flexible with our uniforms and costume requirements and may be worn to accommodate each individual student’s needs.

- Teachers are trained to adapt lesson plans as required so that all students can participate at their own level.

- Open lines of communication exist between teachers and parents in order to create a ‘toolbox’ of techniques for each student with special needs.

2.4 Teaching Methods and Pedagogy

We know all children are different and learn differently, therefore a variety of teaching techniques are required. Verbal explanation as well as a visual demonstration should be used.

Talking quietly and bringing yourself down to the student level to engage them is essential. Using classroom techniques such as a clap of varying tempos can also be used for the students to copy or a simple hands on head. We do not yell over the noise to gain their attention.

2.5 Mental Health

If a student approaches you for advice that is not in your area of expertise then you may supply the child with a phone number of a professional.

Kids Helpline - 1800 55 1800

2.6 Positive Atmosphere: Verbal Instruction & Feedback

Common phrases teachers use at Jamie’s Academy of Dance

‘You did it!’

‘Do you mind if I...?’

‘Hello James, it’s so good to see you!’

‘Hello Sophie, How was your day?’

‘Well done Ava, I am so proud of you’

‘I would love to give you a challenge for you to practice at home’

2.8 Positive Atmosphere: Body Language

Body language is very important and we expect all teachers to stand like dancers. Do not lean or slump over the barre or chair. Do not teach sitting from a chair. If a ballet class, walk around and make corrections.

It is very important that you make eye contact when you are conversing with either staff, students or parents. When a new parent arrives, please make it a priority to introduce yourself by name and who you are to their child and be sure to shake their hand. A firm handshake shows confidence and is a lovely gesture when meeting someone.

3. Artistic Safety

3.1 How we respond to mistakes

At Jamie’s we embrace mistakes as an integral part of learning. Mistakes are met with acknowledgement, discussion and praise in the knowledge that they will help our students grow.

3.2 Encouraging Artistic Risk-Taking

At Jamie’s we understand that achievements in the arts are directly related to students feeling safe to take artistic risks within their class environment. Our students are encouraged to aim high and believe in their ability to consistently improve their artistic skills. Our team always empower their students by encouraging growth and expansion within their learning.

3.3 Freedom of Expression

All students at Jamie’s are made to feel comfortable expressing their opinions artistically. Our teachers applaud individuality and use student ideas and collaboration as often as possible.