POLICIES & TERMS & CONDITIONS
ASAP STUDIOS TERMS & CONDITIONS 2021
POLICIES
& REGULATIONS
By enrolling yourself (in the case of adult students) or your child (in the
case of students under 18 years of age) in ASAP Studios, classes you (as the
adult student, or the child student’s parent or guardian) acknowledge that you
have read, agree to abide by, and (where the context requires) consent to all
of the terms, conditions, codes and policies referred to below.
CODE OF CONDUCT POLICY
All ASAP Studios students and their parents or guardians must comply with the ASAP Studios Code of Conduct.
PRIVACY POLICY
All ASAP Studios students and their parents or guardians must comply with the ASAP Studios Privacy Policy.
CAR PARKING POLICY
All ASAP Studios students and parents and guardians must adhere to the ASAP Studios Car Parking Policy.
CHILD SAFE STANDARD 2
All ASAP Studios parents/guardians or adult students must sign & return our Child Safe Standard 2 Policy.
CHILD SAFE STANDARD 3
All ASAP Studios parents/guardians or adult students must sign & return our Child Safe Standard 3 Policy.
FEES
All fees must be paid in advance via an ASAP Studios accepted form of payment. An invoice will be provided to you and must be completed and returned at or before the student’s first class. If you do not do this the student will not be permitted to participate in the class.
The person responsible for the fees (i.e. the adult student or the child student’s parent or guardian) must nominate on the form, the appropriate form of payment & hand it in to the office for ASAP Studios records.
If a payment is missed, payment arrangements must be rectified immediately. If re-arranged payments are missed 2 or more times, the student’s enrolment will be cancelled and the student will not be allowed to participate in ASAP Studios classes. No refunds will be given in this situation.
Missed payments will attract a dishonour fee of $10.
Missed payments will be followed up every 3 days after the missed date.
All fees are inclusive of GST. A tax invoice will be issued to each family at the end of each term or upon enrolment at the payee’s request.
ASAP Studios requires a minimum of 4 weeks’ notice in writing, prior to the commencement of the term, to cancel a student’s enrolment and associated payments. A failure to give this notice may result in you being charged for the full term.
Unless 4 weeks’ written notice is given before the commencement of the term, fees are neither refundable nor transferable between students or terms. If a student is going to be away for extended periods of time (i.e. 4 weeks or more within one term) discounted fees may be applied for in advance. These arrangements must be made prior to the commencement of term and discounts will be at the discretion of the Principal. Discounts will not be available for those classes with waiting lists in place.
Family discounts are available (please see schedule of fees for details)
SOCIAL MEDIA AND IMAGE POLICY
From time to time images from school performances, class photos and various events will be used to promote the activities of ASAP Studios e.g. In newsletters, on the ASAP Studios website, social media (e.g. Facebook/Instagram), noticeboards, brochures etc. Parents consent to the use of images of their children in this way, and waive all rights in respect of such images. ASAP Studios will not sell the images to third parties.
At Open Days parents are permitted to attend class and take images of their children. This means that parents consent to other parents taking images of their children. Parents must use all such images appropriately. ASAP Studios takes no responsibility or liability in relation to the use of images by parents.
ASAP Studios encourages active and responsible participation by parents on its social media platforms (e.g. Facebook). All posts and comments must be respectful, polite, inoffensive and appropriate. ASAP Studios does not always monitor its platforms, so if you see that something inappropriate or offensive has been posted, please contact ASAP Studios immediately via phone. ASAP Studios takes no responsibility for the posts or comments of parents on its platforms.
Children are not to post, comment or upload content to ASAP Studios platforms. These platforms and forums are for parents/guardians only.
MEDICAL TREATMENT AND INJURY
Dance is a physical activity and whilst all reasonable care is taken, to the extent permitted by law ASAP Studios is not liable for injuries sustained during classes, instruction, performance activities or otherwise.
In the case of an injury or health concern in respect of your child, all reasonable efforts will be made to contact you promptly. But, in the case of an emergency, or in the event that you cannot be reached, ASAP Studios will seek medical attention for the student. This may involve ASAP Studios rendering first aid to the student or calling an ambulance for the student. You agree to indemnify ASAP Studios for any costs incurred in obtaining such emergency medical attention, for example ambulance fees.
GENERAL
It is expected that students are punctual to classes.
Please advise the office (phone or email) if the student is going to be absent due to illness, injury, holidays, school camp etc.
No gum, jewellery (except for stud earrings), watches or mobile phones are permitted in class. Jewellery and watches have been known to cause injuries and abrasions in the past. All valuables should be left at home.
Whilst all reasonable care is taken, to the extent permitted by law ASAP Studios is not liable for students outside of scheduled classes or the immediate premises. Parents of junior and younger middle school students are asked to pick children up from inside the studio, rather than asking students to wait unsupervised in the car park.
Parents and students are asked to take particular care and be respectful of our facilities. Bins are provided for rubbish please make sure you use them!
STUDENT CLASS PLACEMENTS
Careful placement of students in classes at an appropriate level is taken very seriously. It is extremely important to the proper development and safety of the student. The final placement of student is at the discretion of the Principal.
EXAMINATIONS & ASSESSMENTS
Examinations and assessments are offered for students should they feel ready. Examinations and/or assessments are not compulsory but are encouraged as they offer the student a goal to work toward. Ballet students from Grade 3 onwards must take a minimum of 2 classes per week if they wish to participate in examinations. Students will be entered for examinations at the discretion of the Principal.
GROOMING
Students must be dressed in the correct uniform at all times. Beginners are requested to obtain school dancewear as soon as possible. It is expected that students arrive in and depart the ballet school premises in appropriate attire (e.g. tracksuit) and not in their ballet school uniform.
Grooming is an essential part of a student’s training. It encourages good deportment, enables students to be able to turn correctly without hair flicking in the eyes and is essential for teachers to be able to observe correct placement of the head and shoulders. To this end it is expected that:
ALL female classical students wear a bun. If Petite Dancers are unable to maintain a bun, hair must still be off the face (e.g. Using an appropriate headband).
ALL male students maintain a hairstyle that does not fall into the eyes.
ALL female Jazz, Tap, Hip Hop, Acro, Song & Dance students are to wear a ponytail or bun without any loose fringes or tendrils hanging across the face.
PERFORMANCES
All students are offered the opportunity to participate in the Annual Performance. Students wishing to participate must commit to attending additional rehearsals during term 4. All students must attend the dress rehearsals, and be available for all performances.
It is etiquette for students to inform the Principal of their participation in any productions or performances outside of ASAP Studios. Students must not perform choreography taught at the school without seeking prior permission from the Principal. All rights in such choreography vest in ASAP Studios.
COSTUME LEVY
A costume levy of $65 per student applies to all students wishing to participate in the annual performance. If a student is in more than one item, each additional costume will be charged at $60 per costume (note – a more elaborate costume may incur a slightly higher fee). Costume levy will be billed during term 3 and can be paid in instalments or in a lump sum. Costume Levy Accounts MUST be settled prior to the end of Term 3. The costume levy covers the extensive preparation, sewing, purchasing and laundering of costumes and accessories required for the annual performance.
ASAP STUDIOS SCHOLARSHIPS
Information about Scholarships is available by request only.
PARENT VIEWING POLICY
Whilst ASAP Studios does not have a closed-door policy, parents are asked not to view classes, aside from prearranged Open Days. Students become distracted by parents and therefore do not gain the full benefit of the class. Parent distractions can also affect the entire dynamic of the class so your support in this matter is greatly appreciated.
It is understandable that when younger students are settling into classes having a parent close by can be an important part of instilling confidence in your child. Once your child is settled we ask that you abide by our viewing policy.
OPEN DAYS
Parents, family and friends are invited to watch classes generally once per term (except for Term 4). This occurs on the last week of each term, unless otherwise instructed by the Principal, in which case a notice will be sent out accordingly.
ASAP STUDIOS LIABILITY
To the extent permitted by law and without limiting your rights under the Australian Consumer Law, our liability is limited to (at our option):
* the supplying of the service(s) again; or
* the payment of the cost of having the service(s) supplied again.
FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THESE TERMS AND CONDITIONS
In the event of any failure to comply with any of the terms, conditions, codes or policies referred to on this page, ASAP Studios reserves the right to cancel the student’s enrolment and in this situation any fees paid or payable will not be refunded.
ASAP STUDIOS CODE OF CONDUCT POLICY
A GUIDE FOR STUDENTS AND PARENTS
As a condition of enrolment at ASAP Studios, students and their parents or guardians agree to abide by all the policies set forth by ASAP Studios, its director, faculty, and staff. ASAP Studios reserves the right to terminate any student’s enrolment at any time for misconduct or inappropriate actions by either the student or his or her parent(s) or guardian(s).
We take our roles as a mentors and teachers in your child’s life very seriously. It is our objective to inspire a passion for the art of dance & the performing arts in every child who passes through our doors. In the process, we strive to set the right example and help your child (and you) create memories that will last a lifetime.
PHILOSOPHY
ASAP Studios is committed to providing high-quality dance classes to enhance the overall development of the child. We provide a safe and positive environment to encourage our students to explore dance with qualified, nurturing teachers.
We believe that dance training encourages young people to develop a positive self-image as they increase awareness of their physical being. Along with improving coordination skills and developing muscular awareness, our classes give children the freedom to express themselves through movement.
The highest educational standards are expected from all ASAP Studios team members. They are lifelong learners who continue to educate themselves through certification programs, teacher-training schools, conferences, and other learning opportunities.
OUR VALUES
At ASAP Studios, our values drive our business and inform all of our decision making.
Fun & Engaging – Our classes and activities are underpinned by this value. For students to derive the most benefit and to learn, they must enjoy what they are doing! Our junior program is underpinned by the notion that children learn best through play.
Inclusive – We genuinely believe that dance is for everyone. We will work in partnership with parents and students to ensure that class placement is appropriate and we deliver content in a way that meets the needs of learners.
Community – We will always look for ways to engage our students and families in local activities that promote dance and our students. ASAP Studios is itself a community and place which nurtures strong relationships and connections amongst our student and family base.
Excellence – Staff are committed to ongoing training and development. Our professional associations with SFD ensure that we remain up to date with best practice. We will never stop learning!
FOR OUR STUDENTS
The first step to becoming a successful dancer is making a solid commitment to your classes. Strong technique is a key ingredient and class is where you develop that technique. Come to each class prepared to learn and without personal distractions. Class time is your chance to focus on yourself, so try to leave your concerns or worries at the studio door. True progress is made when you look at each class as an opportunity to become better at what you love to do. Dance full-out, stretch a little further, become more aware of your technique, and make the most of every class.
Respect for the teachers is essential. Listen to each correction given, whether it’s directed at you or another dancer. A correction is an honour; it shows you how much a teacher cares about your progress as a dancer. Always say thank you when a teacher or choreographer offers you constructive criticism. Nothing can stop those students who apply themselves in every class and appreciate their teachers’ knowledge and experience.
FOR THE PARENTS: “WE’RE IN THIS TOGETHER”
We believe that children’s success depends on the support of their parents or guardians. Because your commitment to the process makes an enormous difference, we encourage you to be a part of your child’s dance education.
Our programs rely on a positive atmosphere and educational experience for our faculty and students and their parents. Cooperation between all parents is expected. Showing respect—for other parents, the students, and the faculty—makes an important impression on the children. You are a role model for your child about how to interact with others in a professional setting.
Your child’s presence at all classes is imperative. The spirit of teamwork and the lesson of dedication are a big part of our school’s educational process.
Parents and teachers may look at a child’s learning from different perspectives. However, we believe they share a common goal: to ensure that every child receives the best possible training, both physically and mentally. Mutual respect among our faculty and our students’ parents provides the children with the ultimate care and education.
FOR ALL PARENTS AND STUDENTS
Understanding Dance Education
As a parent, you play an important role in supporting your student financially, but your emotional support is of equal—and perhaps even greater—value. Encourage your child to be the best that he or she can be regardless of what others may achieve. Dance is an individual art form and children need to be allowed to achieve at a pace that’s comfortable. No two students will progress at the same rate, even if they experience the exact same training. It’s important to encourage children to focus on themselves, give their all, and be satisfied with their own accomplishments.
Not all children will develop into professional dancers. One of the primary goals of our faculty is to teach life lessons and skills that offer children the best chance for success. Dance education encompasses far more than technique and the steps your children learn. We believe the discipline of dance training gives young people a better understanding of commitment through learning, experiencing the spirit of teamwork, and discovering what they can accomplish through hard work. Our goal is to educate the minds, bodies, and souls of our students, teaching them the skills needed for a successful life, whether or not they stay involved in dance.
CLASS PLACEMENT
The ASAP Studios teaching team meets regularly to discuss the students’ progress and/or placement. It is our policy to offer appropriate opportunities to every child.
Placement decisions are derived from many years of teaching experience. Often a child is placed in a particular group or class where he or she will feel confident, in order to promote the development of self-esteem. Some students who are placed in a higher level become discouraged, only to lose their passion for dance. Others respond to the challenge of being in a class with students who are more proficient by pushing themselves to work harder. Placement is highly individual and the factors that go into the decision are complex.
DOS AND DON’TS
Some parents may compare their child’s progress or class placement to another child’s. Watch for this behaviour in your children as well and encourage them to focus instead on their own accomplishments.
Looking to other students for inspiration is good; however, making negative comparisons distracts children from focusing on becoming stronger dancers. In addition, speaking negatively about your child’s teachers, fellow students, or other parents in front of your child - or other students - could result in problems far beyond your original concerns. Often children will imitate a parent’s behaviour with other adults or authority figures.
Children learn important lessons from their teachers and parents, acquiring behaviour patterns through their example. Our school’s faculty takes that responsibility seriously. It’s our philosophy to encourage our students to feel, think, and act respectfully toward their peers, the adults in their lives, and themselves.
If you have questions or concerns about your child’s dance education (such as progress or class placement), please discuss them with your child’s teacher or the director. Talking only to other parents can lead to misinformation and confusion. Please contact the school office to set up an appointment; do not approach your child’s teacher or the director between or during classes or make contact outside of the school.
If you do request a conference, please listen carefully to what your child’s teachers have to say. They spend a significant amount of time with your child and offer expertise in the field of dance education.
DISCIPLINE POLICY
In order to maintain a happy, healthy, professional environment, students are taught the importance of being a part of the group. We encourage students to have respect for other students, the teachers and staff, and studio property, and we foster the development of good habits and compliance with rules of conduct.
Our staff and faculty are trained to use constructive techniques of discipline to maintain class control and handle individual misbehaviour.
Children who exhibit unacceptable behaviour or attitudes are told what is wrong and directed to a positive alternative approach or behaviour.
If a child strikes another child, the two are respectfully separated and each is asked to explain what happened. They are then asked to help solve the problem, talk to each other, and reconcile with one another.
Children who are disruptive will be respectfully asked to stop the behaviour. If the behaviour is repeated, they will be reminded of it and told how it affects others. If the disruption continues, the children involved will be asked to sit down for a short period of time (usually three to five minutes) before re-joining the class.
If a child’s misbehaviour continues to disrupt the class, the parent or guardian will be called to pick up the child.
TERMINATION OF ENROLMENT
In certain circumstances, when it is in the best interest of one or more students or ASAP Studios, it may be necessary for ASAP Studios to terminate a student’s enrolment. All reasonable efforts will be made to correct a problematic situation before terminating enrolment. Reasons for termination of enrolment include the following (without limitation):
Disruptive or dangerous behaviour by students or their parent(s) or guardian(s)
Abuse of other students, children, staff, or property
Inability of ASAP Studios to meet the student’s needs
Breach by the student (in the case of adult students) or student’s parent or guardian (in the case students under 18 years of age) of any of ASAP Studios terms, conditions, codes or policies
Failure of the student (in the case of adult students) or student’s parent or guardian (in the case students under 18 years of age) to pay on time and in full
TARDINESS
Dance is a physical activity that requires the body to be warmed up in order to execute movement safely. Late students miss the proper warm-up and/or barre and therefore may sustain injury. Students who arrive more than 10 minutes late may be asked to observe class for reasons of personal safety.
COMMUNICATION
Please direct any enquiries relating to your individual child to [email protected] or phone 0425704356.
Important newsletters, notices and term fee invoices will be sent via email. Please ensure you provide us with a current email address. Hard copies of notices will be available from the studio by request only.
To support our communication to you please also join our closed ‘ASAP Studios Info Page’ on Facebook and Like the ASAP Studios public page. You can also follow us on Instagram @asapstudios Note – social media does not replace our email, phone or direct communication at the studio. If you have direct questions pertaining to your child’s enrolment speak to your teacher or contact the office.
ASAP STUDIOS PRIVACY POLICY
Your, and your child’s, privacy is important to ASAP Studios. This privacy statement provides information about the personal information that ASAP Studios collects, and the ways in which ASAP Studios uses that personal information.
PERSONAL INFORMATION COLLECTION
We collect personal information when we are dealing with, or providing our services to, you or your child. Generally, if appropriate, we will tell you why we are collecting personal information and how we plan to use it; otherwise these things will be obvious when we collect the information.
We may collect personal information such as your and/or your child’s name, address, phone number, email address, family details, financial information, health information and other information you provide to us. We may collect other personal information in the course of providing our services to you or your child.
If you apply for a job with us we may collect certain information from you such as your name and contact details, information about your working history and relevant records checks, from any recruitment consultant and from your previous employers, universities and others who may be able to provide information to us to assist us in our decision on whether or not to make you an offer of employment.
USING PERSONAL INFORMATION
We use your information to deal with, or provide our services to, you and/or your child and to comply with certain laws and regulations. We may also disclose your information to service providers, agents and contractors (for example direct debit companies, or debt collection agencies) from time to time to help us to provide our services to you or as otherwise required or authorised by law.
Where we disclose your personal information to our agents or sub-contractors, the agent or sub-contractor in question will be obligated to use that personal information in accordance with the terms of their own privacy policy.
In addition to the disclosures reasonably necessary for the purposes identified elsewhere above, we may disclose your personal information to the extent that we are required to do so by law.
SECURING YOUR DATA
We will take reasonable technical and organisational precautions to prevent the loss, misuse or alteration of your personal information.
UPDATING THIS STATEMENT
We may update this privacy policy by posting a new version on ASAP Studios website.
You should check this page occasionally to ensure you are familiar with any changes.
OTHER WEBSITES
The ASAP Studios website may contain links to other websites. We are not responsible for the privacy policies or practices of any third party.
ACCESS
You have a right to access most personal information we hold about you and your child and to seek its correction. Please contact us (see below for details) to ask for access to your information, or if you have a complaint concerning your information privacy.
If you are not satisfied with the outcome, you may contact the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner at [email protected] or on 1300 363 992
CONTACT US
If you have any questions
about this privacy policy or our treatment of your personal information, please
write by email to [email protected]
ASAP STUDIOS CAR PARKING POLICY
As is common among shared property within a Corporate Body setting, usage of parking areas can come under pressure from various sources to control inappropriate conduct in our car parking facilities.
We have spent some time undertaking audits and speaking with our fellow property owners in the Body Corporate in the interest of respectfully considering traffic management and car park safety.
At all times we have considered the: -
Needs from our dance community, our Industrial Estate neighbouring businesses and local authorities to manage the traffic our school generates concern from staff and families about the problems caused by excessive speed, and the increase in obstructive and dangerous parking
Sadly, the behaviour of some can compromised student and staff safety, and our good standing on our community as a respectful, well-regarded business. We know that families are often rushing, juggling work commitments and sibling events but this is no excuse to speed upon exiting and entering the facility, abuse others or not obey road safety rules.
In response ASAP Studios is committed to tackling these challenges by adopting a Car Parking Code of Conduct.
This approach is critical to ensure we continue to have a respectful flow of traffic alongside our local businesses, and that car-parking activities guarantee the safety of our children.
We ask all ASAP Studios families adhere to the following: -
Please be respectful of others. Our children are watching how we deal with momentary challenges with patience and consideration
Slow down! For the safety of our children. There are many young children coming in and out of the building.
The car park is a shared car park with other tenants using it as well. Please be mindful and respectful of this. Our fellow property owners have as much right to using the car park as we do. We ask you to please be courteous and respectful at all times. At times our neighbours require access to their facilities for trucks due to the nature of their businesses. This is not frequent and we kindly ask that you oblige by moving your car if requested to do so.
Foul language in the car park is unnecessary and will not be tolerated. Please refer to our ASAP Studios Code of Conduct if you are unclear about our expectations.
During regular business hours, do not under any circumstance enter or park in the car parking bays, not allocated to ASAP Studios. This is not our property and the owners of those buildings have specifically requested those bays be used only by their staff.
Do not park in the middle of the road waiting for your child to come out from class. This obstructs other people needing to park and turn their cars around.
There is plenty of street parking. Please make use of this in place of parking spaces allocated to neighbouring buildings.
Failure to adhere to our Car Parking Code of Conduct may result in the withdrawal of your student from ASAP Studios or the issue of a Parking Charge Notice by local authorities:
These requests must be observed when parking in and around ASAP Studios. There is plenty of space in surrounding areas for us to all access with ease and safety. Unlike other dance studios in more built up locations, we are fortunate here to have several nearby parking options.
The safety of our students, children and staff is of paramount importance, and we respectfully ask you to communicate our Car Parking Code of Conduct to any other parties who may be dropping off or collecting your child.
CHILD SAFE STANDARD 2 - CHILD SAFE POLICY
This Child Safe Policy has been prepared by ASAP Studios to demonstrate our commitment to child safety and to promote the importance of ensuring a safe environment for the children in our care.
The safety of children is of fundamental importance to ASAP Studios. We have zero tolerance for all forms of child abuse.
COMMITMENT TO CHILD SAFETY
ASAP Studios is committed to the safety of all children in our care. All children in our care have the right to be protected from any activity that may harm their health, development or wellbeing. We take a zero-tolerance approach to child abuse and we actively look into ways to continuously improve the protection of children in our care. We will report to the authorities where we are concerned about the safety, abuse or potential abuse of children in our care. We understand the importance of providing a safe, happy and fun environment for all children in our care and we aim to create an environment where children can learn, grow and thrive. We work together with the children we care for and their parents to provide a safe, inclusive and open environment. We listen to all suggestions and ideas that are raised by the children and parents who use our services. We have a transparent and confidential feedback system that enables children and parents to speak up about issues that are important to them. We respect all views and opinions and act to address concerns raised by children or their parents. We are committed to seeking to prevent all forms of child abuse and have implemented practices to identify and remove risks relating to the abuse of children in our care. We are committed to supporting and encouraging the cultural safety of aboriginal children or children from culturally or linguistically diverse backgrounds. We are also committed to providing a safe and supportive environment for children with a disability.
OUR VALUES
ASAP Studios values include:
Caring for others; Welcoming children from all cultural backgrounds; Acting in the best interests of children in our care; Respect;
Creating a sense of trust.
Our values underpin the work of ASAP Studios and our commitment to providing a safe environment for all children in our care. We aim to provide a caring environment that is welcoming, inclusive and allows all children to feel valued and safe. We encourage parents, children, staff, volunteers or others to speak out if they witness behaviour or practices which are inconsistent with these values.
OUR STAFF AND VOLUNTEERS
Our staff and volunteers are required to provide a safe environment for all children under their supervision, including by complying with this policy and our code of conduct regarding child safety. We encourage our staff and volunteers to attend regular training on this policy, our organisation’s values and child safety so that everyone who works with us understands that ASAP Studios takes child safety seriously. We aim to recruit staff and volunteers that are suitably skilled to work with children. We interview and conduct referee checks on all of our staff and volunteers before they start working with us. We conduct police checks and Working with Children checks on staff and volunteers who engage in child related work.
OUR CODE OF CONDUCT
All of our staff and volunteers must abide by our Code of Conduct. The Code of Conduct sets out our organisation’s expectations for appropriate behaviour with children. We require all of our staff and volunteers to act in accordance with our Code of Conduct. See file Child Safe Standard 3 – Code Of Conduct - STAFF
RISK MANAGEMENT
ASAP Studios proactively manages risks and has a risk management framework and policies in place to identify, assess and mitigate risks to children in our care. Our risk management policies cover the management of risks, such as occupational health and safety risks and risks of child abuse to children.
REPORTING A SAFETY COMPLAINT, ALLEGATION OR CONCERN
We take child safety very seriously. Anyone is able to raise a complaint, allegation or concern about our organisation’s child safety practices. We treat all complaints, allegations or concerns raised with our organisation very seriously and respectfully.
Nominated staff members have been trained to deal with allegations of abuse. If ASAP Studios receives an allegation of abuse, our trained staff will investigate that allegation thoroughly and in a professional manner.
We are committed to ensuring that the appropriate authorities are notified where we are concerned about the safety, abuse or potential abuse of children.
REVIEW
ASAP Studios regularly reviews our practices and procedures in relation to child safety. Where possible, we will involve children and their parents in these reviews and ensure that the review considers issues regarding Aboriginal children, children from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds and children with a disability.
Where the review results in this policy being updated, we will make the updated policy available, including on our website.
CONTACT US
If you would like information about this policy, have any concerns or queries regarding child safety or to report a child safety complaint, allegation or concern, please contact our child safety officer. The contact details for our child safety officer are set out below:
Jacqueline Tsamoudakis
0425704356
CHILD SAFE STANDARD 3 - CODE OF CONDUCT
This Code of Conduct has been prepared by ASAP Studios to set out clear principles on the behaviour of staff and volunteers and others when interacting with children.
This Code of Conduct reflects our organisation’s commitment to child safety and our zero tolerance for any form of child abuse.
We expect all of our staff and volunteers and other adults associated with our studio to share our commitment to child safety and to act appropriately towards children at all times. This Code of Conduct provides clear expectations of what we consider to be appropriate behaviour towards children.
All staff & volunteers of ASAP Studios are required to sign the Code of Conduct and we ask that families and children join us in making these commitments, to ensure a safe environment for all children.
STANDARDS OF CONDUCT
ASAP Studios is committed to the safety of children.
All staff and volunteers and other adults involved in ASAP Studios must commit to the following standards of behaviour in relation to children:
* Staff and volunteers or other adults involved in ASAP Studios must ensure that they foster appropriate relationships with children and never take advantage of a relationship of trust that they develop with children.
* A child’s physical boundaries must be respected at all times and you must ensure that your behaviour does not make them uncomfortable. We must also be aware that children may not be able to properly communicate this discomfort to adults and all staff and volunteers or other adults involved in ASAP Studios must be aware of what constitutes appropriate physical contact.
* Everyone involved in ASAP Studios must have a zero-tolerance approach to child abuse, must actively look into ways to continuously improve the protection of children, must actively seek to protect children from abuse and must prioritise the safety of the child.
* Concerns of children must be listened to and responded to appropriately, particularly where the concerns relate to child safety or child abuse.
* Everyone must be treated with respect, dignity and fairness. Children should not be singled out for attention or treatment (whether favourable or unfavourable).
* Any allegations of child abuse, information suggesting that child abuse may be occurring or child safety concerns must be immediately reported to the ASAP Studios Child Safety Officer (or another senior person within ASAP Studios if the Child Safety Officer cannot be contacted) and must also be reported to the police or child protection authorities.
* Activities which may place a child at risk of physical, mental or emotional harm should not be undertaken or permitted. This can include the lack of supervision of children and asking or allowing children to engage in activities that are clearly unsafe.
* Wherever possible, adults should not be left alone with children.
* Concerns regarding the behaviour of staff and volunteers or other persons associated with ASAP Studios towards children must be immediately reported to the ASAP Studios Child Safety Officer (or another senior person within if it is not possible to report the concern to the Child Safety Officer).
* The cultural safety of aboriginal children and children from culturally or linguistically diverse backgrounds must be protected, fostered and encouraged.
* A safe and supportive environment must be provided for children with a disability.
* Behaviours which could constitute bullying must be avoided at all times. Any concerns about children being subject to bullying must be reported to the ASAP Studios Child Safety Officer or other suitable person.
* Staff and volunteers or other adults involved in ASAP Studios must use appropriate language when in the presence of children and avoid discussing adult or inappropriate topics in the presence of children.
* Contact or interactions with children outside of the organisation by staff and volunteers or other adults involved in ASAP Studios (other than incidental or unintentional contact) requires prior notification to the ASAP Studios Child Safety Officer.
* The ASAP Studios internet use policy must be complied with. Online communications must be respectful, professional and appropriate. Staff and volunteers and other adults involved in ASAP Studios should avoid online contact with families and children, outside the activities of ASAP Studios, including via social media.
* All staff and volunteers or other adults involved in ASAP Studios must not engage in any behaviour regarding culture, race, ethnicity, religion, sex, sexuality or disability, which may be seen as derisive or derogatory. ASAP Studios treats all individuals equally and with respect and we expect others to do the same. We take a zero-tolerance approach to discrimination.
* This code of conduct, our Child Safe Policy and any directions or instructions we provide in relation to child safety must be complied with.
By agreeing to the, I/we agree to the terms and conditions as listed. I understand that if any of my/our personal details change, we must notify ASAP Studios as soon as possible to ensure communication is received. I also agree that I/we will be responsible for reading, understanding and accepting the entire ASAP Studios policies, procedures & codes of conduct.