CHILD SAFETY POLICY

1. Our Commitment to Child Safety

At Universal Dance Company, we are committed to providing a safe, supportive, and empowering environment where all children and young people can thrive. We believe that child safety is everyone’s responsibility, and we have zero tolerance for harm, abuse, or neglect. Our policies and procedures are designed to protect children and ensure that their wellbeing is always our top priority.

This policy aligns with the Working with Children (Risk Management and Screening) Act 2000 (Qld), the Child Protection Act 1999 (Qld), and the National Principles for Child Safe Organisations.

2. Who This Policy Applies To

This policy applies to all members of the Universal Dance Company community, including:

• Dance teachers and studio staff

• Volunteers and guest instructors

• Students and their families

• Contractors and external service providers

• Any person interacting with children in a studio setting

Every individual in our studio is expected to uphold this policy and take responsibility for child safety.

3. Child Safety Responsibilities

3.1 Responsibilities of Universal Dance Company Management

• Ensure all staff and volunteers hold a valid Blue Card and undergo child safety training.

• Implement and enforce a comprehensive Child Safety Risk Management Strategy (RMS).

• Maintain clear reporting procedures for disclosures and suspicions of harm.

• Review and update child safety policies and procedures annually.

3.2 Responsibilities of Staff & Volunteers

• Follow Universal Dance Company’s Code of Conduct and uphold professional boundaries.

• Prioritise the physical and emotional wellbeing of students.

• Identify and report any concerns or disclosures regarding child safety.

• Maintain appropriate physical contact practices when assisting students in dance techniques.

3.3 Responsibilities of Students

• Treat fellow students, teachers, and staff with respect and kindness.

• Understand their right to feel safe and speak up if they feel uncomfortable.

• Follow the Student Code of Conduct to create a positive and inclusive studio environment.

3.4 Responsibilities of Families

• Support Universal Dance Company’s child safety policies and procedures.

• Communicate any concerns regarding their child’s wellbeing.

• Reinforce respectful behaviour and encourage their child to report concerns.

4. Safe Practices & Risk Management

4.1 Recruitment & Blue Card Compliance

• All employees and volunteers working with children must hold a valid Blue Card before commencing work.

• Universal Dance Company maintains an up-to-date Blue Card Register to ensure compliance.

4.2 Child Safety Training

• All staff receive mandatory induction training on child safety policies and risk management.

• Training is reviewed annually to ensure that staff remain informed on best practices.

4.3 Safe Physical Contact Policy

• Teachers may use appropriate hands-on corrections for technique alignment.

• Physical contact must be appropriate, respectful, and never cause distress.

4.4 Online & Social Media Safety

• Staff must not engage in private messaging with students on personal social media accounts.

• Any digital communication with students must be through official studio channels and approved by management.

• Photos and videos of students will only be shared with parental consent.

• At the time of enrolment, a media release is agreed to whereby photos and video footage of the child being enrolled can be used by Universal Dance Company for promotional purposes.

5. Recognising & Reporting Child Harm

5.1 What is Child Harm?

Child harm includes:

• Physical abuse – Injuries caused by hitting, shaking, excessive discipline.

• Emotional abuse – Verbal threats, humiliation, constant criticism.

• Sexual abuse – Any inappropriate contact, grooming, or exploitation.

• Neglect – Failing to provide food, shelter, supervision, or medical care.

5.2 How to Report Concerns

If a staff member, student, or parent suspects harm, they must report it immediately.

Step 1: Ensure the child’s immediate safety – If in danger, call 000.

Step 2: Report the concern to:

• Studio Director: Sharlene Ponzo P 0414981603 E sharlene@universaldancecompany.com.au

Step 3: If necessary, make a formal report to external authorities:

• Department of Child Safety, Youth & Women: 1300 682 254

• Queensland Police (Non-Emergency): 131 444

• Kids Helpline (for students): 1800 55 1800

Reports must be documented confidentially and handled with sensitivity.

6. Managing Breaches of Child Safety Policy

Breaches of this policy, including failure to comply with child protection procedures, will result in:

• Retraining or written warnings for minor breaches.

• Suspension, termination, or legal action for serious breaches.

All breaches will be investigated thoroughly.

7. Communication & Support

Universal Dance Company is committed to open communication with staff, students, and families.

We communicate child safety information through:

• Staff training and annual refresher courses

• A dedicated Child Safety & Wellbeing section on our website

Support services for students and families include:

• Kids Helpline: 1800 55 1800

• Lifeline (for parents & staff): 13 11 14

• Parentline: 1300 30 1300

8. Review & Continuous Improvement

• This Child Safety Policy is reviewed annually to ensure compliance with Queensland child protection laws.

• Feedback from staff, students, and families is encouraged to enhance child safety practices.

• Any updates or changes to this policy will be communicated through official studio channels.

This Child Safety Policy ensures all children, families, and staff feel supported, respected, and protected within Universal Dance Company.