Policies

OCDA has a responsibility to ensure the Health and Safety of its pupils and workers. OCDA will fulfil its responsibilities by taking steps to work in accordance with relevant Health and Safety legislation.

1. All parents/carers must complete a Registration Form for each pupil joining the school with clear information provided for emergency contacts and any relevant medical history. 
2. Details of two emergency contact numbers will be kept on class registers for each pupil. The parents/carers must notify the school of any changes to their emergency contact details
3. In case of a fire emergency all teachers have a clear understanding of procedures to follow. Teachers must ensure that all pupils exit the building via the fire exit in a calm and orderly manner to the fire assembly point.
4. There is a strict no smoking policy while on school premises.
5. The school will undertake regular assessment of risks regarding the premises used and any concerns will be raised with the owners. Teachers will check the safety of the studio before pupils enter.
6. It is the school’s responsibility to keep a fully equipped First Aid Box within the building.

7. Dance is an active sport and injuries can happen. All pupil injuries will be reported to parents/carers verbally either immediately (if the injury is sufficient to be considered an emergency) or at the end of the relevant session.

1. Head injuries are reported to the parents in case of concussion or any other medical reasons, and dealt with by the first-aider. The school accepts no responsibility for injuries sustained via any means other than a teacher’s negligence.
2. All teachers are required to have up to date First Aid training and certificate can be provided on request.
3. Pupils will be supervised during class time only and parents/carers must ensure the safety of their children in waiting areas, changing rooms, toilets and car parks.
4. Pupils, parents or carers must inform the teacher of any special health considerations or existing injuries before participating in the dance class.
5. At the end of each lesson the younger children are escorted out to their parents/carers by a teacher. If the parent/carer has not arrived then the child will wait with a staff member.
6. Inside the studio pupils should wear indoor dance shoes, bare feet or dance socks (but not tights without shoes) as directed by the teacher for safe dance practice.
7. Hair should be neatly tied back.
8. Pupils should not wear any jewellery that may pose a risk to themselves or others (stud earrings, and jewellery worn for religious or cultural reasons are acceptable).
9. No food (or chewing gum) is permitted in the studio. Water in bottles with caps is permitted.
10. OCDA will always complete relevant risk assessment and put in place controls to avoid or reduce risk as far as is reasonably practicable.
11. All staff members are made aware of their own responsibilities. All employees and freelance staff should take reasonable care of their own health and safety and report all health and safety concerns to the Principal.
12. Overall and final responsibility for health and safety is with the school Principal.

This Policy is reviewed annually – last review August 2023.

• the welfare of the child/young person is paramount
• all children, regardless of age, disability, gender, racial heritage, religious belief, sexual orientation or identity, have the right to equal protection from all types of harm or abuse
• working in partnership with children, young people, their parents, carers and other agencies is essential in promoting young people’s welfare

The purpose of the policy:

• to provide protection for the children and young people who participate in our lessons, show productions, exams or any other activities
• to provide staff and volunteers with the overarching principles that guide our approach to child protection and guidance on procedures they should adopt in the event that they suspect a child or young person may be experiencing, or be at risk of harm

We will seek to safeguard children and young people by:

• valuing them, listening to and respecting them
• adopting child protection guidelines through procedures and safe working practice for staff and volunteers
• recruiting staff and volunteers safely, ensuring all necessary checks are made
• sharing information about child protection and safe working practice with children, parents, staff and volunteers
• sharing information about concerns with agencies who need to know, and involving parents and children appropriately
• providing effective management for staff and volunteers through supervision, support and training

The Principal, Clare O’Connor, is the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL).

The Principal will review this policy annually, or sooner in light of any changes in legislation or guidance.

All the teachers are DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) checked and fully insured. Teachers are also First Aid trained and regularly attend Child Protection and Safeguarding Training.

If, following discussion about Child protection concerns or a young person’s safety and wellbeing with the Designated Safeguarding Lead (i.e., the Principal) a decision is made to report such concerns staff can contact the Surrey County Council (SCC) Children’s Services ‘Single Point of Access’ between 9am to 5pm on Monday to Friday.

• Phone:0300 470 9100 (Out of hours phone: 01483 517898 to speak to the Surrey County Council emergency duty team).
• Email: cspa@surreycc.gov.uk

However, where a child is in immediate need, the police should be called on 999 as soon as possible to protect the child.

This Policy is reviewed annually – last review August 2023.

At O’Connor Dance Academy, we are committed to providing equal opportunities for all individuals, regardless of age, gender, race, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, or any other characteristic. We believe that diversity enriches our community and enhances the learning experience for everyone.

O’Connor Dance Academy aims to ensure equal opportunities for all members of staff, potential members of staff, students, potential students, parents/carers, chaperones and volunteers.

To ensure an inclusive and supportive environment, we adhere to the following principles:

1. Inclusive Admission: We welcome students and staff of all backgrounds and abilities. Our admission process is designed to be fair, transparent, and free from discrimination.

2. Accessible Facilities: We strive to make our facilities accessible to all. This includes physical accessibility for individuals with disabilities, as well as providing necessary accommodations to support diverse learning needs.

3. Diverse Curriculum: Our curriculum celebrates diverse dance styles and cultural expressions. We incorporate a wide range of dance traditions to reflect the richness of our community and to foster appreciation for global dance heritage.

4. Supportive Environment: We are dedicated to creating a safe and respectful environment where all students and staff feel valued and supported. Our staff are trained to recognise and address the unique needs of each student, ensuring personalised guidance and encouragement. We provide an environment in which all children and staff feel safe enough to express questions and views.

5. Anti-Discrimination Policy: We have a zero-tolerance policy towards any form of discrimination, harassment, or bullying. All reported incidents are taken seriously and addressed promptly to maintain a positive and inclusive atmosphere.

6. Continuous Improvement: We regularly review and update our policies and practices to ensure they align with the best standards for promoting equality and inclusion. Feedback from students, parents, and staff is actively sought and considered in this process.

7. Community Engagement: We engage with the wider community to promote dance as an inclusive art form. This includes outreach programs, scholarships, and partnerships with organisations that support underrepresented groups.

By embracing these principles, O’Connor Dance Academy aims to foster a community where everyone has the opportunity to learn, grow, and express themselves through the art of dance. We are dedicated to ensuring that every student has an equal opportunity to thrive and succeed in their dance journey.

Raising an Issue

If any person admitted as a student, appointed as teaching staff, accepted as a volunteer or chaperone considers that she or he is suffering from unlawful discrimination, harassment or victimisation in her or his admission or appointment, she or he may make a complaint in the first instance to Clare O’Connor – Principal of O’Connor Dance Academy.