Safeguarding Policy

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At LCM Dance Academy, the safety and wellbeing of the children and young people we teach is our highest priority. We fully recognise our duty of care and are committed to providing a safe, nurturing, and supportive environment for all students. This safeguarding policy outlines our responsibilities and best practices and applies to all staff, volunteers, students, and anyone working on behalf of the Academy.

We aim to create a positive environment where children feel safe to learn, grow, and thrive. We achieve this through the following measures:

• All staff and volunteers undergo a rigorous recruitment process to ensure suitability for working with children, including current and valid DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) checks.
   
• Potential applicants are interviewed by the Principal and observed teaching before any offer of appointment.
   
• All appointments are subject to a probationary period to ensure ongoing suitability.
   

• We prioritise valuing children, listening to their concerns, and showing respect at all times. Children are informed about trusted adults within the Academy whom they can approach if they have any worries.
   
• All staff and volunteers receive training to recognise signs of abuse and understand their duty to report concerns to the designated safeguarding lead, Miss Lucy Malin, Principal of LCM Dance.
   
• Any allegation or suspicion of neglect or abuse will be treated seriously and promptly. If a child discloses a concern, staff will listen carefully without disagreement, leading questions, or actions that may discourage them.
   
• It is made clear to children that concerns cannot be kept confidential and will be shared appropriately to ensure their safety. Parents or guardians will be involved when appropriate.
   
• Teachers maintain accurate, factual written records of any concerns, avoiding assumptions, opinions, or judgments.
   

• All safeguarding matters are handled confidentially and only shared with relevant staff members where necessary to protect and support the student.
   

• LCM Dance Academy has a strict no-bullying policy and will not tolerate any form of bullying. We expect parents to support this policy by discussing respectful behaviour with their children.
   
• We encourage students to build positive relationships, demonstrate mutual respect, and treat others as they wish to be treated.
   
• Students are expected to show self-discipline, politeness, and good manners towards teachers and peers.
   
• Respect for others’ property on the premises is strongly encouraged.
   

• We welcome children from all backgrounds and do not discriminate on any grounds.
   
• Teaching methods are adapted to accommodate different learning styles and needs.
   
• Children under 12 years must be collected promptly by a parent or guardian; they will be supervised by the class teacher until collection.
   

• Due to the physical nature of dance, it is sometimes necessary to demonstrate or gently correct body positions (e.g., head, arms, legs, hips). This is always done with professionalism, care, and respect for the student’s comfort and wellbeing.
   
• Students will be informed clearly about the reasons for any physical contact before it occurs.
   

• All new parents complete a registration form indicating their consent regarding photography, video, and the use of images for LCM Dance Academy publicity and social media.
   
• Parents may withdraw consent at any time, and images will be removed promptly and without question.
   
• Parents wishing to take photographs or videos at LCM Dance Academy events must first seek permission from the Principal.
   
• If permission is granted and all parents involved consent, photos or videos may be shared on social media.
   
• Any breach of this policy will result in the parent being asked to remove all photographic or video content.
   
• Parents who do not permit photography or recordings must inform the Principal in writing.

This policy was last updated on 25 February 2024 and reviewed on 10 July 2025. It is due for its next review on 24 February 2026.