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SAFEGUARDING

VIBE DANCE COMPETITION

SAFEGUARDING/CHILD PROTECTION POLICY 

Date Jan 2025

 

Overview;

Safeguarding is at the CORE of what we do and fundamental to our existence as a recognised performing arts platform for dancers and performers. This document outlines our approach to protecting children and maintaining their safety and wellbeing with full commitment and confidence.

Safeguarding and Protecting Children at Vibe Dance Competitions

At Vibe Dance Competitions, the event organisers are trained experts in child safeguarding, having undergone comprehensive vetting procedures to ensure they follow best practices in this area.

Safeguarding refers to the actions we take to promote the welfare of children and protect them from harm. Child protection is part of safeguarding, focused specifically on protecting children identified as at risk of significant harm. This policy applies to all children, which includes babies, children, and young people up to 18 years old. In Scotland, the age is typically up to 16 unless the child is under a Children’s Hearing supervision order, in which case they are considered a child until 18.

The child's best interests are our primary concern when making decisions about their welfare and protection, including when it is appropriate to share or keep information confidential. Children also have the right to be involved in decisions about their lives, and we ensure their views, feelings, and experiences are considered in our work with them.

Any concerns or allegations about abuse or neglect by Vibe Dance Competitions staff or volunteers will be handled carefully and fairly in line with our policies, local laws, and procedures. Collaborating with children, their families, and other relevant agencies is essential to ensuring their protection. In certain situations, we may not involve parents or guardians in discussions if doing so would compromise the child's safety.

We expect professionals to act on any concerns raised, and we will escalate issues if necessary to ensure that the child's protection is taken seriously. If we believe that a child’s safety is not being properly addressed, we will take action to ensure that their needs are met, whether within Vibe Dance Competitions or in collaboration with child protection investigators.

 

Reporting Concerns at Vibe Dance Competitions

If an allegation arises involving any staff member, including senior staff, the matter will be referred to an appropriate senior member of staff or venue staff to decide on the next steps. Allegations will be distinguished from complaints, focusing on whether there was any behavior that may have harmed or could harm a child, potentially involving criminal activity.

The concerned staff member will be informed of the allegation, and we will seek advice from external agencies such as child welfare services, social care, or law enforcement. A disciplinary investigation will follow, and if suspension is required, the employee will be informed in writing, with a clear understanding that they should not return to work until the investigation is concluded.

In some cases, alternatives to suspension may be considered, such as reassigning the individual to duties that do not involve direct contact with children or ensuring that another staff member is present during any interaction with children. Our goal is to avoid suspension wherever possible, allowing time for a thorough decision to be made without causing unnecessary disruption.

The initial review of an allegation will determine if further action is necessary. In cases where the allegation is false or malicious, or if the concern is unsubstantiated, the staff member may be allowed to return to work with support and aftercare. If the allegation leads to criminal proceedings, the staff member may be referred to the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) if they are deemed unsuitable for working with children.

At all stages, we will keep local safeguarding authorities informed.

 

Working with Children at Vibe Dance Competitions

Given the nature of Vibe Dance Competitions as a performance platform for children and young adults, special care is required when working with children in this environment. Staff should ensure that children are always supervised in changing areas, with chaperones, parents, or guardians present, and that appropriate child-to-adult ratios are maintained throughout event days.

Children participating at advanced or competitive levels may experience minor injuries during performances (such as falls or bruising), especially in activities like contemporary dance or acro gymnastics. If any injury occurs, the child's teacher, chaperone, or parent should be notified immediately.

Regarding photography and videography, by participating in Vibe Dance Competitions, teachers give consent for all children in their group to be photographed or filmed for promotional purposes. Parents or guardians must inform staff if they do not wish for their child to be photographed.

Every Vibe Dance Competitions staff member has a duty of care to the children they work with. The welfare of the child is always our highest priority, and staff are legally and morally obligated to ensure their safety. Our designated safeguarding leads are registered chaperones, fully DBS-checked, and trained to uphold our commitment to child protection.

Children involved in performances or rehearsals, whether during the event or while staying in accommodations, must always be supervised by a chaperone unless they are under the direct care of their parent or teacher. Chaperones must be approved by the relevant local authority as part of the licensing process, ensuring they are suitable to provide proper care and supervision for the children in their charge. 

 

Vibe Dance Competition Team 

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