My Chance to Dance CIC

Regulations, Policies and Codes and

Conduct

The My Chance to Dance CIC Anti-Bullying Policy covers all students in attendance.

Any form of bullying, whether verbal, physical or psychological or cyber, and whether

one-off, occasional or repeated, is completely unacceptable at My Chance to Dance

CIC.

DEFINITION

Bullying is behaviour by an individual or a group, repeated over time (or possibly one

serious incident) that intentionally hurts another. Bullying can take many forms and is

often motivated by prejudice, for example on grounds of ability, special need, race,

religion, culture, gender, sexual orientation, or because a child is adopted or has

caring responsibilities.

Stopping violence and ensuring immediate physical safety is obviously the school’s

first priority. Although bullying in itself is not a specific criminal offence in the UK, it

is important to bear in mind that some types of harassing or threatening behaviour

may in some circumstances be regarded as such.

BULLYING CAN BE:

• Emotional – being unfriendly, excluding, and tormenting (e.g. hiding uniform,

threatening gestures).

• Physical – pushing, kicking, hitting, punching or any use of violence.

• Racist – racial taunts, graffiti, gestures.

• Sexual – unwanted physical contact or sexually explicit and/or abusive comments.

• Homophobic – because of, or focusing on, the issue of sexuality.

• Verbal – name calling, sarcasm, spreading rumours, teasing.

• Disability – because of, or focusing on, a disability.

• Cyber – using electronic means such as social websites, mobile phones, text

messages, photographs or e-mail to cause pain and distress to a victim.

• Religious/Cultural – religious or cultural intolerance of any sort.

Bullying can seriously damage a young person’s confidence and sense of self-worth. It

can lead to serious and prolonged emotional damage for an individual, and, at its

most extreme, suicide. Those who conduct the bullying or witness the bullying can

also experience emotional harm, and the impact on parents/guardians and instructors

can be significant. My Chance to Dance CIC understands that some students, those

with disabilities or special educational needs, can be more of a target for bullying,

and watch for this.

My Chance to Dance CIC accepts that as well as pupils bullying pupils, instructors can

be bullies, or the victims of bullying, as can parents/guardians. The school sees all

incidents of bullying as unacceptable, and all known incidents are addressed with equal

importance.

All members of the school community (parents/guardians, pupils, and instructors)

have a responsibility to ensure that bullying is prevented, and when it does

occur, it is dealt with effectively and in accordance with this policy.

ANTI BULLYING POLICY

Who to Contact:

• Jessica Chance: Principal: 07515129358 or mc2dcornwall@gmail.com

This policy is available to parents/guardians via linketree://mc2d or can be accessed

at the Steren School of Ballet

AIMS

• To promote a consistent approach to managing behaviour with the emphasis on

preventing bullying throughout the whole school

• For instructors to take the lead in ensuring policies are implemented effectively.

• To create an atmosphere of trust and openness.

• To promote strongly positive behaviour of all types.

• To ensure that concerns of all types are raised at an early stage and dealt with

swiftly, fairly and with consistency.

• To ensure both bullies and those being bullied are supported appropriately and

systems put into place to monitor progress.

• To ensure all concerns and reports of bullying of all kinds are recorded fully.

OBJECTIVES

To communicate the contents clearly to all so that;

• All instructors, pupils and parents/guardians have an understanding of what bullying

is.

• All instructors know what the school policy is on bullying, and follow it when bullying

is reported.

• All pupils and parents/guardians know what the school policy is on bullying and what

they should do if bullying arises.

• Everyone takes bullying seriously at all times, so that pupils and parents/guardians

are assured that they will be supported when bullying is reported.

The Equality Act 2010 – the school complies with the aims of this act as follows:

• We aim to eliminate unlawful discrimination, harassment, victimisation and any other

conduct prohibited by the Act.

• We work to advance equality of opportunity between people who share a protected

characteristic and people who do not share it.

We promote and foster good relations between people who share a protected

characteristic and people who do not share it.

SAFEGUARDING CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE

Under the Children Act 1989 a bullying incident should be addressed as a child

protection concern when there is ‘reasonable cause to suspect that a child is

suffering, or is likely to suffer, significant harm’

. Where this is the case, instructors

should follow the safeguarding policy and report their concerns immediately to the

school’s DSL, Designated Safeguarding Lead Jessica Chance who will then inform the

local authority children’s social care officer.

Roles and Responsibilities

The DSL and instructors will deal quickly and effectively with incidents. All instructors

and pupils have a vital role in preventing bullying within the school.

Recording of incidents

A record of all incidents of bullying (register) is kept by Miss Jessica Chance. All

relevant incidents occurring at any time are recorded.CYBER BULLYING

The school considers online safety a part of both safeguarding, anti-bullying and mobile

devices. This includes the use of cyber technology to bully, including social media, websites,

mobile telephones, text messages, photographs and emails. The Department for Education

offers advice documents for both parents/guardians and school instructors on Cyber Bullying

and these documents are available on the Department for Education Website.

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/preventing-and- tackling bullying. The school

would also treat seriously cyber bullying of its instructors by any parent or student.

Procedures – What can Instructors do if bullying is suspected? Signs to look for include

withdrawal, low self-esteem, poor attendance, children flying into tempers (usually at home)

weight loss, bursting into tears at the slightest criticism. Instructors should develop positive

relationships with pupils so that they feel confident enough to report bullying. When bullying

is reported, it is important to act quickly and to get the facts right noting times, names,

places, witnesses, theft, damage, injuries. It may be advisable to ask the victim to keep a

diary of events. All reports of bullying must be taken seriously. Any meetings with

parents/guardians, copies of letters and the action agreed upon will also be recorded. It is

important to fully investigate and hear ‘both sides of the story’

.

If complaints of bullying are the result of normal, albeit distressing, changes in friendships,

they may be best resolved in a low-key manner, with a minimum of disruption to pupil’s

progress. In such situations, parents/guardians may not be automatically informed.

When a bullying incident is witnessed the instructor should remove both parties from the

situation and hear both sides of the story. As soon as possible a written record of the

incident should be made. Very minor incidents may be dealt with swiftly and verbally and

may require no further action – nonetheless positive action by instructors is necessary and

a record made of the conversation. When a pupil complains of being bullied, he or she will be

taken seriously and listened to. Any specific incidents will be noted down in writing, as well

as a record of the pupil’s general feelings. When a parent raises an initial concern, the same

process applies.

At all times a calm, unbiased and reflective investigation is carried out of any allegations

made, in consultation with all parties involved. The school will remain impartial and make any

decision regarding further action based on the evidence. If possible both parties should be

reintegrated into the group/classroom as soon as possible. If not, the parties should be

taken to a safe place where a suitable adult can stay with them until an instructor attends.

In cases of cyber-bullying, any evidence in the form of text messages or other postings

should be retained. The Principal: Jessica Chance should be involved in all such instances.

All parties will meet at the earliest possible opportunity to try to find a solution and agree a

plan of action to prevent such incidents happening again. It is often helpful to have an

impartial witness at such meetings, such as another instructor. All incidents of bullying should

be reported to the instructors concerned, via a written report. In addition, a copy will be

sent to the Principal: Jessica Chance for the bullying central file.

More severe cases of bullying will be reported to the Principal: Jessica Chance who will

inform the parents/guardians and hold an investigation. If decided necessary, the Principal:

Jessica Chance will decide whether to inform the Police or other agencies as needed.

Parents/guardians

Parents/guardians will be involved early in the process, and their support requested and

desired. All incidents of bullying will be reported to parents/guardians/guardians.

Parents/guardians’ support will be asked for, to help to prevent further incidents of bullying

or anti-social behaviour. Regular communication will play a key part in resolving an incident.

In low key issues as highlighted above parents/guardians may not be informed unless it

becomes clear that the situation remains an issue.Teaching classical ballet and dance is a physical activity and appropriate

physical contact between students and instructors in class is essential to ballet

training. Instructors can make physical contact with a student to illustrate a

concept or to adjust a student’s alignment. Ballet posture often requires

adjusting of the rib-cage and the buttock area simultaneously and it is

sometimes necessary to touch the inner thigh, hips, back and waist especially

with younger students. With this is mind, if any adjustments are needed then

the instructor will make it clear that this is going to happen. In some cases, a

short sentence like “are you okay if I adjust you?” or something similar may be

stated.

In choreographic teaching, instructors demonstrate positions and movements to

the students by moving parts of the students’ bodies and by moving dancers in

relation to each other: this often involves a considerable amount of contact

with students.

My Chance to Dance CIC recongises that such physical contact is a potentially

complex area; and the school also fully recognises its responsibilities for

safeguarding students and instructors and for protecting their welfare.

The following principles and procedures are in place to fulfil the School’s

obligations:

1. Contact by the instructor is made with particular awareness of the needs of

each individual, to assist the dancer in correcting placement.

2. All instructors will treat any physical contact with due sensitivity and care,

and with due regard for the wishes of the student.

3. Contact will not involve force or the use of any instrument.

4. Instructors will be mindful of location and avoid situations where they are

isolated with a student; all private classes should be held in studios and dance

areas with windows or with the parent/carer present.

5. Students and parents are encouraged to discuss any worries with any

instructor or an independent listener.

6. Both students and instructors should feel free to report any concerns to

Jessica Chance, the Principal who is also the DSL Designated Safeguarding Lead.

APPROPRIATE PHYSICAL CONTACT IN

DANCE POLICY

At My Chance to Dance CIC, we acknowledge that we have a responsibility to safeguard

the safety of the children we teach, and to ensure that all members of staff know the

policies and procedures in place to keep our students safe.

This policy applies to all teachers and adults involved in activities provided by My

Chance to Dance CIC.

TO SAFEGUARD OUR STUDENTS, WE WILL:

• Communicate our policy with all staff, children and parents/guardians.

• Ensure that all members of staff have an Enhanced DBS and have up to date

Safeguarding Training.

• Value and respect all individuals and listen to what they have to say.

• Report any suspicions of physical, sexual or emotional abuse or neglect to The MARU

(Multi Agency Referral Unit) in Cornwall: 0300 1231116

• Obtain consent from parents/ guardians before photographing/videoing any students.

If you become aware of anything that you find alarming, you should report it to Jessica

Lily Chance, as Designated Safeguarding Lead. Failure to report abuse can be considered

abuse. If a child or vulnerable adult reveals a concern themselves, we will not seek to

dispute or discourage them, or ask leading questions. We will ensure the vulnerable

student knows we cannot guarantee that confidentiality will be maintained but will only

alert those individuals or organisations who need to be aware. We ensure an accurate

written report is made as soon as possible after the disclosure and then relevant

authorities and organisations are made aware. If we feel a child or vulnerable adult is in

immediate danger, or if we believe a crime has been committed, the police will be called

on 999.

APPROPRIATE USE OF PHYSICAL CONTACT:

To facilitate the dancers progress, the use of physical correction may need to be used,

letting the dancers feel the required posture or movement. If this is necessary, then a

teacher will seek permission from the student and explain why it is needed before

proceeding. If you have any concerns with these procedures, please contact the Miss

Jessica Lily Chance, the Principal on mc2dcornwall@gmail.com

USE OF PHOTOGRAPHY AND VIDEOGRAPHY:

My Chance to Dance CIC may wish to photograph or film those partaking in the classes

and activities. When enrolling onto our activities, we will request parents/guardians’

permission to do this and will clearly explain why we may take photographs and videos.

Children and vulnerable adults who would not like to be photographed/filmed will still be

welcome in our classes and their wishes will be respected.

This policy was last reviewed on 01/04/2024. This policy will next be reviewed on

01/04/2025.

SAFEGUARDING POLICYOUR MISSION STATEMENT:

My Chance to Dance (MC2D) CIC aims to spread opportunities through dance in

the community of Camborne, Pool and Redruth. MC2D aims to bridge the gap

between recreational and community dance by providing high quality dance

classes with highly qualified dance teachers. My Chance to Dance CIC has been

founded by Miss Jessica Lily Chance BA (hons) in Ballet Education, RAD RTS.

EXPECTATIONS OF OUR TEACHERS AND ASSISTANTS

* All MC2D teachers will have experience in dance, teaching or both.

* All MC2D teachers will possess higher education qualifications or be working

towards

qualifications in dance, teaching or both.

* All MC2D teachers will follow the ethos that ‘everyone has a chance to dance’

and will

reflect this within their lessons.

* All MC2D teachers have up to date safeguarding and first aid training with the

willingness to undertake any Continue Professional Development (CPD) training.

* All MC2D teachers will look presentable with a MC2D uniform provided which is

to be

kept clean and free from damage. Long hair will be tied up and leggings or

trousers will

be worn (no shorts).

* Teachers are to arrive on time to all classes and holidays camps and be

prepared and

ready to teach.

* All MC2D staff will not tolerate any form of abuse, harassment or bullying.

EXPECTATIONS OF OUR STUDENTS

* All students will attend classes with the want to learn.

* All students will respect other dancers and teachers.

* All students will come dressed in clothes that can be moved in and with safe

dance practice in mind.

* Any student that required medication should

EXPECTATIONS OF YOUNG PERSON’S RESPONSIBLE ADULTS (PARENTS, GUARDIANS,

CAREERS)

* All Responsible Adults will provide Free School Meal (FSM) codes or Benefit codes

when booking onto any of our free classes.

* All Responsible Adults will pay termly payments (if applicable) on paid on time.

* All children will be dropped off and picked up on time to classes and holiday

camps. Any alternative collection arrangements must be provided in writing with

a pre agreed

password system.

* All Teachers/ Assistants will be treated with respect and their expertise valued

when teaching your dancer.

Code of ConductFOR THE SAFETY OF MY CHANCE TO DANCE COMMUNITY

* Drugs, Alcohol, cigarettes, and E-cigarettes will not be consumed during any

classes, events, camps or on any premises of MC2D.

* Any items that could be considered a weapon must not be brought by any member

of

the MC2D community.

* Food will be provided at dance camps that is nut free and with all dietary

requirements considered. If children bring snacks to class (that should not be

consumed in class times) then they should also be nut free.

* Any photos or videos taken will only be captured with photo permission given, and

only uploaded to My Chance to Dance’s social media if permission is given.

OUR PROMISE

* All classes are planned and prepared in advanced to be able to provide high

quality

classes.

* Anyone can dance: all classes are accessible for all genders, ethnic groups,

races,ages, and abilities with adaptations given for children if struggling.

* As an organisation, we hope to bring more classes to those with disabilities that

result in a difficulty to move or dance. We believe everyone can dance and hope to

continue our mission statement to those with learning difficulties or mobility

difficulties in the future.

* As a Community Interest Company, we will not make any profit as an organisation,

all funded money, money from classes or charitable donations will be spent within

the company providing more classes and bettering our organisation.

Please note, weekly PAYG classes are non refundable and non transferable.

Miss Jessica Lily Chance

Director and Founder

Last Updated: 01/04/2024 – to be updated annually

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