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Child Protection & Safeguarding Policy

Judith Keyes School of Ballet

Safeguarding Statement

Judith Keyes School of Ballet is fully committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children and young people. We are dedicated to providing a safe, supportive, and professional environment where every pupil feels valued, respected, and protected. All concerns are taken seriously and managed in accordance with this Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy.

1. Statement of Commitment

Judith Keyes School of Ballet recognises its responsibility to create a safe, nurturing environment where all pupils can learn and develop with confidence.

The welfare of the child is paramount at all times. All staff, volunteers, and anyone working with the school share a collective responsibility to safeguard children and act in their best interests.

2. Designated Safeguarding Lead

Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL):
Miss Judith Keyes

The DSL is responsible for:

  • Managing safeguarding concerns

  • Ensuring appropriate action is taken

  • Maintaining safeguarding knowledge and training

  • Liaising with external safeguarding agencies where required

3. Scope of Policy

This policy applies to:

  • All pupils under the age of 18

  • Teaching staff and guest teachers

  • Volunteers and assistants

  • Parents and guardians within the school environment

4. Safeguarding Principles

Judith Keyes School of Ballet is guided by the following principles:

  • The welfare of the child is the primary concern

  • All children have the right to be protected from harm

  • All concerns and allegations will be taken seriously

  • A safe and respectful environment must be maintained at all times

  • Early action will be taken where concerns arise

5. Responsibilities

The School Principal / DSL is responsible for:

  • Ensuring safeguarding procedures are in place and followed

  • Acting on concerns promptly and appropriately

  • Keeping accurate and secure records of all safeguarding concerns

  • Referring concerns to external agencies where necessary

All staff and volunteers are responsible for:

  • Maintaining appropriate professional boundaries

  • Being vigilant to safeguarding concerns

  • Reporting concerns immediately to the DSL

6. Safe Recruitment

Judith Keyes School of Ballet ensures that:

  • All teachers hold relevant qualifications

  • All staff are Access NI checked

  • Appropriate insurance is in place

  • Staff participate in ongoing professional development

7. Supervision of Children

  • Pupils are supervised during class time only

  • Parents/guardians are responsible before and after class

  • Children must be collected promptly

8. Health & Safety

  • Injuries or medical conditions must be reported prior to class

  • Emergency contact details must be provided and kept up to date

  • A safe environment is maintained within the studio at all times

9. Physical Contact (Hands-On Teaching)

Dance training may involve appropriate physical guidance.

  • All contact will be professional and appropriate

  • Pupils will be treated with dignity and respect

  • Contact is only used where necessary for teaching

10. Behaviour & Conduct

All pupils, staff, and parents are expected to behave respectfully.

The school reserves the right to act where behaviour is:

  • Disruptive

  • Unsafe

  • Inappropriate or abusive

This includes behaviour between pupils. Bullying, including online or peer-to-peer behaviour, will not be tolerated.

11. Recognising Abuse

Staff should be aware of possible signs of abuse, including:

  • Unexplained injuries

  • Sudden changes in behaviour

  • Withdrawal or distress

  • Inappropriate behaviour or language

This list is not exhaustive.

12. Reporting Concerns

All safeguarding concerns must be taken seriously.

  • Concerns must be reported immediately to the DSL

  • Accurate written records must be kept

  • Information will be handled sensitively

Where required, concerns will be referred to appropriate external agencies, including:

  • Local Health and Social Care Trust / Social Services

  • PSNI (in cases of immediate danger)

13. Confidentiality

All safeguarding concerns will be treated with sensitivity and confidentiality.

Information will only be shared on a need to know basis in order to protect the child.

14. Whistleblowing

All staff and volunteers have a duty to raise concerns about safeguarding practices.

Concerns can be raised without fear of consequence and will be taken seriously.

15. Photography & Media

  • Photography and recording during classes is not permitted

  • Images or videos will only be used with written parental consent

  • No personal information will be shared publicly

16. Online Safety & Communication

  • Online classes will be delivered via appropriate platforms

  • Professional conduct will be maintained at all times

  • Communication with pupils will be through parents or guardians only

  • Staff will not engage in direct private communication with pupils

17. Visitors & External Professionals

All visitors and guest teachers must:

  • Be appropriately qualified and insured

  • Follow safeguarding procedures

  • Adhere to school policies

18. Safeguarding & Duty of Care

JK Ballet has a duty of care to all pupils and will always act in the best interests of the child.

19. Liability

Participation in classes is at the pupil’s own risk.

JK Ballet accepts no liability for injury.

20. Policy Review

This policy will be reviewed annually or updated as required.

21. Contact

For any safeguarding concerns, please contact:

Judith Keyes School of Ballet
Email: judithkeyesdance@gmail.com

 

© 2026-7 Judith Keyes School of Ballet

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