1.1 Dunbar School of Dance (DSD) is committed to safeguarding and protecting the welfare of all children, young people, and vulnerable adults who attend our classes, workshops, performances, or other activities.

1.2 This policy provides clear guidance to staff, volunteers, parents, and carers on how to protect children and young people, how to act on concerns, and how to promote a safe, positive environment.

1.3 It applies to anyone working on behalf of DSD, whether paid or unpaid, including employees, volunteers, contractors, chaperones, parent helpers, or students on placement.

2.1 This policy is based on Scottish child protection legislation and guidance. For further information on relevant laws and guidance, see: NSPCC – Child Protection in Scotland.

2.2 All staff and volunteers must comply with the legal framework, including the Protection of Vulnerable Groups (PVG) Scheme and other applicable safeguarding legislation.

3.1 Children and young people should never experience abuse of any kind.

3.2 We have a duty to promote the welfare of all children, to keep them safe, and to practise in a way that protects them.

3.3 Children have the right to be listened to, to be respected, and to feel safe while attending Dunbar School of Dance.

4.1 The welfare of children is paramount in all decisions and activities.

4.2 All children, regardless of age, disability, gender, race, religion, belief, sexual orientation, or personal circumstances, have an equal right to protection.

4.3 Some children are more vulnerable due to past experiences, communication needs, level of dependency, or other factors.

4.4 Working in partnership with children, young people, parents, carers, and external agencies is essential in promoting welfare.

4.5 Dunbar School of Dance has a duty of care to safeguard all children and young people who attend our classes or other activities.

We are committed to protecting children and young people by:

• Valuing, listening to, and respecting them;
• Adopting best-practice safeguarding procedures in our policies, procedures, and codes of conduct;
• Ensuring staff and volunteers are appropriately trained, supported, and aware of their safeguarding responsibilities;
• Recruiting staff and volunteers safely, including PVG Scheme checks and reference verification;
• Maintaining accurate, confidential records in line with data protection legislation;
• Informing children, young people, and families where to go for help if they have a concern;
• Handling any allegations or concerns about staff or volunteers appropriately;
• Promoting an anti-bullying culture;
• Ensuring a safe physical environment for students, staff, and volunteers;
• Encouraging respectful, inclusive behaviour across the school.
• 
  

6.1 All staff and volunteers are required to be members of the PVG Scheme, in compliance with Scottish law.

6.2 PVG Scheme records are obtained and securely stored to ensure only suitable individuals work with children.

6.3 Staff privacy and data protection are respected in the handling of PVG and safeguarding information.

Dunbar School of Dance follows these principles in working with children:

We will always:

• Put the welfare of children first;
• Offer constructive, positive feedback;
• Ensure dance is enjoyable and promotes fair play;
• Be excellent role models;
• Treat all children equally with dignity and respect;
• Work openly, avoiding private, unobserved situations;
• Recognise each child’s developmental needs and capacity;
• Record any injuries and treatment provided;
• Ensure physical contact is appropriate, sensitive, and explained;
• Obtain parental consent when transporting children.

We will never:

• Make sexually suggestive comments;
• Engage in inappropriate touching or rough/sexualised games;
• Ignore, fail to record, or fail to act on allegations;
• Perform tasks for a child that they can safely do themselves.

8.1 Physical contact is sometimes necessary for dance instruction, including alignment, support, or preventing injury.

8.2 Teachers will:

• Ensure contact is sensitive, respectful, and explained to the student;
• Avoid force or inappropriate methods;
• Avoid isolated situations—classes should be conducted in observable spaces;
• Encourage students to raise concerns;
• Maintain professionalism at all times.
• 
  

9.1 Parental consent is always sought for photographs or recordings used for promotional or demonstrative purposes.

9.2 Images may appear on:

• Dunbar School of Dance website
• Social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram)

9.3 Parents may withdraw consent at any time by contacting the school.

9.4 Personal devices may not be used for images—any content must be securely transferred and stored on school systems.

9.5 Any recordings made for choreography, exam practice, or internal review will be securely stored and deleted promptly after use.

10.1 Any concern or incident must be reported immediately to the senior staff member in charge of the class or event.

10.2 Complaints or allegations will be investigated in line with the school’s safeguarding procedures, including:

• Managing allegations against staff or volunteers;
• Managing concerns about a child or young person;
• Responding to any welfare concern.

11.1 All staff, volunteers, and parent helpers must:

• Familiarise themselves with this policy and supporting documents;
• Uphold the highest standards of safeguarding and good practice;
• Report concerns promptly;
• Follow safe working practices at all times.

• Parents and guardians are responsible for ensuring their child is collected on time by a known and authorised adult after classes, workshops, rehearsals, or performances.
• Dunbar School of Dance (DSD) is not responsible for children outside of class times, including while waiting for a class to start or after it ends, whether at Hallhill Sports Centre or outside the DSD studio on Spott Road.
• Parents must not leave children unattended in Hallhill Sports Centre or any other location. They should not ask Hallhill bar staff or any other unauthorised person to supervise their children.
• Children should remain under the supervision of a parent/guardian or an authorised adult at all times outside DSD sessions.
• If a student is attending more than one class consecutively, teachers will ensure that the child safely moves from one class to the next. However, supervision between classes remains the responsibility of the parent/guardian.

For safeguarding concerns or general enquiries:
Email: info@dunbarschoolofdance.com

Emergency/External Contacts:

• Social Care Direct: 0131 200 2324
• NSPCC Whistleblowing Line: 0800 800 5000