Child Safe & Wellbeing Policy

Do Dance Academy is committed to providing a safe, supportive and inclusive environment where all children and young people are protected, respected and valued. The safety and wellbeing of children is our highest priority and is central to all aspects of our studio culture, operations and decision-making.

We have zero tolerance for any form of child abuse, harm or neglect. We are committed to acting in the best interests of children and young people and to meeting our obligations under the Queensland Child Safe Standards and the Universal Principle.

Our Commitment to Children

At Do Dance Academy, we commit to:
     – Promoting the safety, wellbeing and best interests of all children
     – Creating a culture where children feel safe, heard and supported
     – Encouraging children to speak up if something makes them feel uncomfortable
     – Taking all concerns, complaints and disclosures seriously
     – Acting promptly and appropriately to protect children from harm

Cultural Safety – Universal Principle

Do Dance Academy is committed to creating an environment where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children feel culturally safe, respected and included.

We recognise and respect the diversity of children’s identities, backgrounds and experiences and actively work to ensure our practices are inclusive and free from discrimination, bias or exclusion.

Responsibilities

All staff, contractors and volunteers at Do Dance Academy share responsibility for child safety and wellbeing. This includes:       
      – Following the Code of Conduct at all times
      – Maintaining appropriate professional boundaries
      – Understanding and responding to risks of harm
      – Reporting concerns, disclosures or suspicions of harm in line with our procedures

Leadership at Do Dance Academy is responsible for ensuring child safety policies and practices are implemented, monitored and reviewed regularly.

Child Voice and Participation

Children at Do Dance Academy have the right to:
     – Feel safe and respected
     – Be listened to
     – Say no to anything that makes them feel unsafe or uncomfortable
     – Raise concerns without fear of punishment or exclusion

We encourage children to share their thoughts and concerns and ensure these are taken seriously and responded to appropriately.

Responding to Concerns

Do Dance Academy has clear procedures for responding to complaints, concerns, disclosures or suspicions of harm involving children and young people. Concerns may be raised by children, parents, carers, staff or community members.

All concerns are handled sensitively, confidentially and in accordance with Queensland child protection requirements.

Review and Continuous Improvement

This Child Safe & Wellbeing Policy is reviewed regularly to ensure it remains current, effective and aligned with legislative requirements and best practice.

Complaints & Concerns Policy

Purpose

Do Dance Academy is committed to ensuring that all children and young people feel safe, supported and heard. This policy outlines how complaints, concerns, disclosures or suspicions of harm involving children and young people are raised, responded to and managed.

This policy applies to complaints or concerns raised by:
      – Children and young people
      – Parents and carers
      – Staff, contractors and volunteers
      – Members of the community

Our Commitment

Do Dance Academy:
      – Takes all complaints and concerns seriously
      – Responds in a child-centred, respectful and timely manner
      – Ensures children are listened to and supported
      – Maintains confidentiality and privacy wherever possible
      – Meets mandatory reporting obligations under Queensland law

No child, parent, staff member or volunteer will be disadvantaged for raising a concern in good faith.

How to Raise a Complaint or Concern

Complaints or concerns may be raised:
     – In person
     – By phone
     – By email
     – In writing

Children are encouraged to speak to a teacher or trusted adult at the studio if something makes them feel unsafe or uncomfortable.

Parents, carers and others may raise concerns directly with the Studio Principal.

Responding to Disclosures or Suspicions of Harm

If a child or young person discloses harm, or if a staff member suspects harm:
     – The matter will be taken seriously
     – The child will be listened to calmly and respectfully
     – No promises of secrecy will be made
     – Only necessary questions will be asked
     – Details will be documented accurately

All disclosures or suspicions of harm will be reported immediately to the Studio Principal.

Where required, reports will be made to: – Department of Communities (Child Safety Services) – 1800 811 810 – Queensland Police Service

Do Dance Academy will not conduct its own investigation into allegations of harm.

Managing Complaints and Concerns

All complaints and concerns will be:
     – Recorded and documented
     – Assessed promptly
     – Responded to in a fair, respectful and timely manner
     – Managed in the best interests of the child

Where appropriate, outcomes may include:
     – Support or guidance
     – Further training or supervision
     – Mediation (where appropriate)
     – Disciplinary action
     – Policy or procedure review

Confidentiality

Information relating to complaints, concerns or disclosures will be handled sensitively and confidentially. Information will only be shared on a need-to-know basis and in accordance with legal requirements.

Review

This Complaints & Concerns Policy is reviewed regularly to ensure it remains current, effective and aligned with legislative requirements and best practice.

Responsibility for review rests with the Studio Principal.