At Claudia Dean Academy (CDA), the safety, wellbeing, and dignity of every child and young person is our highest priority. This policy outlines our commitment to providing a safe, respectful, and supportive environment where children can learn, train, and grow with confidence.

This policy applies to all CDA staff, contractors, volunteers, guest teachers, and representatives.

1. Our Commitment

CDA is committed to:

• Creating a physically and emotionally safe environment for all children
  
• Promoting respect, inclusion, and positive wellbeing
  
• Protecting children from harm, abuse, neglect, or exploitation
  
• Acting immediately on any concern regarding a child’s safety
  
• Maintaining clear communication with families and carers
  

Children are never responsible for adult decisions and must always feel safe, respected, and supported within the CDA environment.

2. Legislative Alignment

CDA operates in line with Australian Child Safe Standards and relevant state legislation. Our practices reflect nationally recognised safeguarding principles, including:

• Child-first decision making
  
• Clear professional boundaries
  
• Transparency and accountability
  
• Mandatory reporting responsibilities
  

3. Code of Conduct for Staff

All CDA staff must:

• Treat every child with dignity, patience, and respect
  
• Maintain professional boundaries at all times
  
• Use positive, appropriate language and behaviour
  
• Ensure interactions are observable and interruptible where possible
  
• Follow CDA supervision and safeguarding procedures
  
• Immediately report any concern, disclosure, or incident
  

Staff must not:

• Be alone with a child in a closed or isolated space
  
• Engage in inappropriate physical contact
  
• Communicate with students privately via personal social media
  
• Show favouritism, intimidation, or inappropriate behaviour
  
• Photograph or film students without authorised consent
  

4. Professional & Physical Boundaries

Physical contact is permitted only when:

• It is instructional and appropriate to dance training
  
• It is explained clearly to the dancer
  
• It occurs in an open, supervised environment
  
• It respects the child’s comfort and consent
  

Physical contact must never be secretive, unnecessary, or occur in private spaces.

5. Supervision & Environment Safety

CDA maintains safe learning environments by ensuring:

• Classes are supervised by qualified staff
  
• Doors and studio spaces remain visible and accessible
  
• Change areas and bathrooms are monitored appropriately
  
• Children are not left unattended before or after classes
  
• Safe drop-off and pick-up procedures are followed
  

6. Communication with Children

CDA promotes safe and transparent communication:

• All official communication occurs via authorised CDA channels
  
• Parents or guardians are included where appropriate
  
• Private or secretive communication with students is not permitted
  
• Feedback is delivered respectfully and constructively
  

7. Photography, Filming & Social Media

CDA values student privacy and safety:

• Consent is obtained from parents/guardians for photography and filming
  
• Images are used respectfully and in line with CDA brand guidelines
  
• Children’s personal information is never publicly shared
  
• Staff must not post student content on personal accounts without approval
  

8. Responding to Concerns or Disclosures

CDA takes all concerns seriously. If a child discloses harm or a concern is observed:

1. The staff member listens calmly and reassures the child
   
2. The concern is documented accurately and confidentially
   
3. The matter is escalated to CDA leadership immediately
   
4. Mandatory reporting obligations are followed where required
   
5. Parents or guardians are informed where appropriate and safe
   

Confidentiality is maintained while prioritising the child’s safety.

9. First Aid & Incident Management

CDA follows strict first aid and emergency procedures:

• Trained staff provide immediate assistance
  
• Incidents are documented and reviewed
  
• Parents/guardians are contacted promptly
  
• Emergency services are contacted when required
  

10. Staff Training & Screening

To uphold child safety, CDA ensures:

• Staff hold valid Working With Children Checks (WWCC)
  
• Safeguarding expectations are included in onboarding
  
• Ongoing training and reminders are provided
  
• Leadership oversight and accountability are maintained
  

11. Parent & Community Partnership

CDA believes child safety is a shared responsibility. We encourage families to:

• Communicate any wellbeing concerns
  
• Inform us of medical, emotional, or behavioural needs
  
• Ask questions about safeguarding practices
  
• Support respectful behaviour expectations
  

12. Reporting Concerns

Parents, carers, or students can raise concerns at any time by contacting CDA leadership. All reports are taken seriously, handled sensitively, and addressed promptly.

13. Policy Review

This policy is reviewed regularly to ensure alignment with best practice and evolving safeguarding standards.

CDA Commitment Statement

Claudia Dean Academy is dedicated to creating a culture where children feel safe, valued, and empowered. Safeguarding is embedded into our training environment, staff expectations, and community culture to ensure every dancer can thrive with confidence.