Safeguarding Statement

The safety and wellbeing of every child attending Sunflower Dance is paramount to everything we do. It is the policy of Sunflower Dance to ensure all sessions, activities and environments are safe, inclusive, supportive and enjoyable for every child and young person.

The purpose of this policy statement is to protect children and young people who participate in Sunflower Dance activities. It also provides staff, volunteers, children, young people and their families with the key principles that guide our approach to safeguarding and child protection.

​

Sunflower Dance believes that:

​

• We have a responsibility to promote the welfare of all children and young people and to keep them safe at all times
   

• Children and young people should never experience abuse or neglect of any kind
   

Sunflower Dance recognises that:

​

• The welfare of children is the most important consideration in the work we carry out and the decisions we make
   

• All children, regardless of age, disability, race, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion or cultural background, have an equal right to protection from harm or abuse
   

• Some children may be more vulnerable due to previous experiences, their level of dependency, communication needs or other factors
   

• We must work in partnership with children, parents and carers, and relevant safeguarding authorities to promote the welfare of children and young people
   

Sunflower Dance will seek to keep children and young people safe by:

​

• Valuing, listening to and respecting children and their voices
   

• Appointing a Designated Safeguarding Officer (DSO) responsible for safeguarding and child protection
   

• Following clear safeguarding and child protection procedures in line with current guidance
   

• Recruiting staff and volunteers safely, ensuring appropriate references and Enhanced DBS checks are completed
   

• Providing safeguarding training and guidance for all staff and volunteers
   

• Maintaining safe adult-to-child ratios during all sessions and activities
   

• Completing risk assessments for venues, classes and events to ensure safe environments
   

• Ensuring personal information and safeguarding records are stored securely and handled appropriately
   

• Sharing concerns and relevant information with safeguarding agencies where necessary to protect children
   

• Ensuring appropriate procedures are followed if allegations or safeguarding concerns arise
   

• Creating a respectful, inclusive and supportive environment where children feel safe to express themselves
   

• Promoting a culture where staff, children and families feel confident raising concerns
   

Sunflower Dance is committed to building and maintaining a strong safeguarding culture so that every child can enjoy dance in a safe, positive and supportive environment.