Child Safety
All adult staff and volunteers are required to observe child safe principles and expectations for appropriate behaviour towards all children. Parkwood Dance Academy is an inclusive community that does not distinguish between Aboriginal, culturally, and/or linguistically diverse backgrounds. We have zero tolerance to racial, cultural or religious discrimination.
PDA promotes the safety, participation and empowerment of those with a disability.
All personnel are responsible for actively supporting and embedding the culture of safety, participation, well-being and empowerment of children at all times by:
- adhering to this child safe policy and upholding this statement of commitment.
- taking all reasonable steps to protect children from abuse.
- treating everyone with respect.
- listening and responding to the views and concerns of children, particularly if they are telling you that they or another child has been abused and/or are worried about their safety or
- the safety of another.
- ensuring as far as practicable that adults are not left alone with a child.
- reporting any child safety concerns or allegations of child abuse to the Principal of PDA, the police or the relevant child protection agency.
- if an allegation of child abuse is made, ensure as quickly as possible that the child(ren) are safe.
- encouraging children to ‘have a say’ and participate in all relevant organisational activities where possible, especially on issues that are important to them.
Staff and volunteers must not:
- develop any ‘special’ relationships with children that could be viewed as favouritism (for example, the offering of gifts or special treatment for specific children).
- exhibit behaviours with children which may be construed as unnecessarily physical. Dance by its very nature requires some physical touch for correction. Teachers can create a safe environment by asking permission of students first.
- do things of a personal nature that a child can do for themselves, such as toileting or changing clothes.
- engage in open discussions of a mature or adult nature in the presence of children with use of inappropriate language in the presence of children.
- express personal views on cultures, race or sexuality in the presence of children
- discriminate against any child, including because of culture, race, ethnicity or disability.
- have contact with a child or their family outside of our organisation without our child safety officer’s knowledge and/or consent (for example, no babysitting).
- have any online contact with a child or their family (unless necessary, for example providing families with e- newsletters).
- ignore or disregard any suspected or disclosed child abuse.
Waiver
- Our dance teaching staff are appropriately qualified in the delivery of dance tuition and will not be held responsible for any injuries incurred whilst in class or within a related hire facility. Senior staff will seek appropriate medical attention and a current First Aider will administer to the injury, if necessary.
- All dance teaching staff are appropriately qualified in the delivery of dance tuition and may deem it necessary to physically contact a student to assist correct placement.
- No liability will be taken by De Hofz Pty Ltd t/a Parkwood Dance Academy or any of its employees regarding accidents or injuries which occur whilst dancing or performing with us.
Reporting breaches
- By observing these standards, you acknowledge your responsibility to immediately report any breach of this code to the Principal of Parkwood Dance Academy.
- If you believe a child is at immediate risk of abuse phone 000.
