Equal Opportunities Policy

DEMERIC SCHOOL OF DANCE recognises that everyone has a contribution to make to our society and a right to equal opportunity.

No job applicant, member of staff, child, parent or organisation/individual to which we provide services or with which we work will be discriminated against by us on the grounds of:

  • Gender(including sex, marriage, gender re-assignment);
  •  Race (including ethnic origin, colour, nationality and national origin); 
  • Disability;
  •  Sexual orientation;
  •  Religion or belief; 
  • Age.

We aim to promote equal opportunities, eliminate discrimination and eliminate harassment through the following:

• All staff, children, parents and members of associated organisations will be treated fairly and with respect.

• Attendance at Demeric School of Dance will be open to all.

• Selection for employment will be on the basis of aptitude and ability. • All staff and children will be helped and encouraged to develop their full potential and the talents and abilities of individuals will be fully maximised.

• All staff have a legal and moral obligation not to discriminate and should report incidents of alleged discrimination against any individual or group of individuals to the Principal.

• Our Commitment:

• To create an environment in which individual differences and the contributions of all our staff and children are recognised and valued.

• Every member of staff, child and parent is entitled to be part of an environment that promotes dignity and respect to all. No form of intimidation, bullying or harassment will be tolerated.

• Breaches of our equality policy will be regarded as misconduct and could lead to disciplinary proceedings, termination of employment or exclusion from Demeric school of Dance.

• The policy will be monitored and reviewed regularly. The successful implementation of this policy depends on the awareness and commitment of all staff, parents and children. On joining Demeric School of Dance they will be made aware of its existence and this policy will be displayed on our website and at our major venue. 


Child Protection Policy Statement

Demeric School of Dance is fully committed to safeguarding the welfare of all children and young people. It recognises its responsibility to take all reasonable steps to promote safe practice and to protect children from harm, abuse and exploitation. Demeric School of Dance acknowledges its duty to act appropriately to any allegations, reports or suspicions of abuse. All staff and volunteers will endeavour to work together to encourage the development of an ethos which embraces difference and diversity and respects the rights of children, young people and adults. Demeric School of Dance recognises its duty of care under the Children and Young Persons Act 1963, the Children (Performances and Activities) (England) Regulations 2014, the Children Act 1989 and the Criminal Justice and Court Services Act 2000 (in Scotland Protection of Children (Scotland) Act 2003). Working Together to Safeguard Children 2013

Demeric School of Dance believes that:                                                                      We have a responsibility to safeguard the welfare of the children we teach and to ensure that appropriate policies and procedures are in place so that a child may take part in classes and shows within a safe and secure environment. The welfare of the child is paramount; All children, whatever their age, culture, disability, gender, language, racial origin, religious beliefs and/ or sexual identity have the right to protection from abuse; All suspicions and allegations of abuse should be taken seriously and responded to swiftly and appropriately; All members and employees of Demeric School of Dance should be clear on how to respond appropriately.


Demeric School of Dance will ensure that:

  1.  We provide an environment in which children are safe, can learn and develop at their own pace and are aware that there are always adults in whom they can trust. 
  2. All children will be treated equally and with respect and dignity.
  3. The welfare of each child will always be put first.
  4.  Enthusiastic and constructive feedback will be given rather than negative criticism.
  5. Bullying will not be accepted or condoned.
  6. All staff/volunteers provide a positive role model for dealing with other people.
  7. Action will be taken to stop any inappropriate verbal or physical behaviour.
  8. It will work with the venues we hire to provide a safe and secure environment.
  9. It will endeavour to keep up to date with changes in legislation and policies for the protection of children and health and safety.
  10. It will hold a register of every child involved with the school and will retain a contact name and number close at hand in case of emergencies.

This policy should also be read in conjunction with our Equal Opportunities Policy.

In implementing this child protection policy Demeric School of Dance will:

  1. Communicate to all staff/volunteers their legal and moral responsibility to protect children and young people from harm, abuse and exploitation.
  2. Communicate to all staff/volunteers their responsibility to work to the standards that are detailed herein and the need to work at all times towards maintaining high standards of practice in protection of children.
  3. Ensure that all staff/volunteers understand their duty to report concerns that arise about a child or young person, or any staff/volunteers conduct towards a child/young person, to the school’s named person for child protection.
  4. Ensure that the school’s named person for child protection understands his/her responsibility to refer any child protection concerns to the statutory child protection agencies (i.e. Police and/or Children's Social Care)
  5. Ensure that any procedures relating to the conduct of staff/volunteers are implemented in a consistent and equitable manner.

Ensure the children/young people and their parents or carers have access to and can comment upon this child protection policy and its procedures.

This policy will be regularly monitored by the Directors of the school and will be subject to annual review.