Distinctive Dance Academy
Safeguarding Children Policy
Safeguarding Principles
Distinctive Dance Academy is committed to ensuring every child and young person, whatever their age, culture, disability, gender, language, racial origin, socio-economic status, religious belief and/or sexual identity, who takes part in the disciplines of Dance and Performing Arts should be able to participate in an enjoyable and safe environment. An environment which promotes inclusion and protects them from harm, poor practice, exploitation, bullying and abuse.
​
Children have the right to express views on all matters which affect them. Children may be vulnerable to neglect and abuse or exploitation from within their family and from individuals they come across in their daily lives.
​
There are 4 main categories of abuse, which are: sexual, physical, emotional abuse, and neglect. There are many indicators that a child may be suffering abuse, some general signs are included in staff training and awareness.
​
Safeguarding and child protection is everyone’s responsibility. The wellbeing of children is tour primary concern. All suspicions and allegations of abuse will be taken seriously and responded to swiftly and appropriately to our Lead Child Protection and Safeguarding Officer
​
Working in partnership with children and their parents/carers is essential for the promotion of an inclusive and safe enjoyable environment
​
Our Responsibilities
​
Distinctive Dance Academy values a rights-based approach within our Academy.
​
Our safeguarding policy takes into account the National Child Protection Guidance for Scotland 2021 and the principles of “Getting it Right for Every Child” (GIRFEC) and we recognise the general principles of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC).
​
Staff and volunteers will work together to embrace difference and diversity and will respect the rights of children and young people.
​
Within The Children and Young People (Scotland) Act 2014 – a child is defined as anyone who has not reached the age of 18. For the purposes of this policy, “children”, “child” and “young person” refer to persons under the age of 18.
The Children and Young People (Scotland) Act 2014/GIRFEC approach, is defined using eight indicators representing the key areas.
​
These eight indicators - safe, healthy, achieving, nurtured, active, respected, responsible and included often referred to as the SHANARRI indicators.
​
At Distinctive Dance Academy, we aim to enable children to flourish
​
SAFE
Provide a safe secure environment both physically and with the people in it - ensuring all people working with children and young people have been recruited using the Safe Recruitment Process which includes a satisfactory PVG and attendance at relevant training so they can safeguard children from harm, neglect or abuse
HEALTHY
Enabling children to experience the physical and mental benefits of taking part in the performing arts and supporting them to make good choices for themselves
ACHIEVING
Supporting children to develop skills, confidence and self-esteem through participation in performing arts, teaching and enabling learning and confidence and encouraging effort and the setting of personal goals, as well as teaching strategies for coping with success and failure
NURTURED
Providing an environment that is supportive and inclusive where every child feels valued and welcome
ACTIVE
Providing opportunities to be physically active through participating in performing arts – teaching/coaching to the age and stage of the child
DDA will ensure that all persons working either paid or unpaid with children and young people at the club are fully aware of what is required of them within the guidelines of their club, the Safeguarding & Child Protection Policy and Training Process.
Conduct the administrative work associated with processing of information on volunteers/staff PVG scheme applications and volunteers or staff are encouraged to share concerns with the group’s Child Protection Lead.
Use of Mobile Phones and other Digital Technology:
All employees, trustees and volunteers should be aware of Distinctive Dance Academy policy and procedures regarding the use of mobile phones and any digital technology and understand that it is unlawful to photograph children and young people without the explicit consent of the person with parental responsibilities.
Whistleblowing:
It is important that people within Distinctive Dance Academy have the confidence to come forward to speak or act if they are unhappy with anything. Whistleblowing occurs when a person raises a concern about dangerous or illegal activity, or any wrong- doing within their organisation. This includes concerns about another employee or volunteer. There is also a requirement by Distinctive Dance Academy to protect whistle-blowers.
Key Contacts
Lead for Safeguarding and Child Protection
Name: Dawn Campbell
Email address: distinctivedanceacademy@yahoo.co.uk
Director/Trustee
Name: Emma Jackson
Email address: distinctivedanceacademy@yahoo.co.uk
​
Useful Numbers
Glasgow and Partners Emergency Social Work Services
Tel: 0800 811 505
​
Police Scotland Family Protection Unit
In an Emergency Dial 999. Otherwise, dial 101 and ask for the Family Protection Unit / Concern Hub
NSPCC
Phone: 0808 800 5000
If you're an adult and worried about a child, the NSPCC professional counsellors can give help, advice and support.
ChildLine
Phone: 0800 1111 (24 hour service)
If you're a child or young person, ChildLine will listen to you and help you work out what to do next. You can also chat online.
ParentLine Scotland
Phone: 0800 028 2233