Supporting Every Dancer

Policy Number - SWP-001

Version - 1.0

Effective Date - 20/Aug/2026

Review Date- 19/Aug/2027

Policy Owner - Principal / Student Wellbeing Officer

Approved By - Claudia Dean World

Our Commitment

Every student at Claudia Dean Academy should enjoy their dancing and feel good about themselves while they do it. This Policy sets out how we support that day to day, alongside our Child Safeguarding Policy, which covers student safety.

1. Introduction and Purpose

This Student Wellbeing Policy ('Policy') sets out how Claudia Dean Academy ('the School') supports the wellbeing of every student who takes part in our classes, programs, performances and events.

This Policy complements our Child Safeguarding Policy (CSP-001). The Child Safeguarding Policy exists to prevent and respond to abuse and risk of harm. This Policy is broader: it sets out how we actively support students' day to day happiness, confidence, health and sense of belonging. Where a concern involves possible abuse, neglect or risk of significant harm, staff must always follow the reporting procedures in CSP-001, which take precedence over this Policy.

This Policy applies to all directors, principals, teaching staff, coaches, administrative and support staff, contractors and volunteers engaged by the School. Parents and guardians are encouraged to read this Policy so they understand how the School supports their child's wellbeing.

2. Definitions

Wellbeing: a student's overall physical, emotional, social and mental health, including their sense of safety, confidence, belonging and enjoyment.

Student Wellbeing Officer (SWO): the designated person responsible for overseeing this Policy and acting as the first point of contact for wellbeing concerns. This role may be held by the same person as the Child Safety Officer.

Wellbeing Concern: any matter affecting a student's happiness, confidence, health or ability to participate fully in classes, which does not necessarily indicate abuse or risk of harm.

Student: any person enrolled in a class, program or event at the School.

3. Roles and Responsibilities

3.1 The School (Principal / Director)

• Ensure this Policy is implemented, reviewed annually, and communicated to staff and parents
• Appoint a designated Student Wellbeing Officer
• Ensure staff receive wellbeing induction and ongoing training
• Foster a culture where students feel safe to speak up

3.2 Student Wellbeing Officer (SWO)

• Act as the first point of contact for wellbeing concerns raised by staff, students or parents
• Assess concerns, decide on appropriate next steps, and keep records
• Liaise with parents and, where appropriate, external support services
• Escalate any concern that may involve abuse or risk of harm under CSP-001 without delay

3.3 Teaching Staff and Coaches

• Model positive, encouraging and inclusive language at all times
• Notice changes in a student's mood, behaviour or participation and raise them with the SWO
• Never comment on a student's body shape, weight or size
• Support students to feel comfortable raising concerns

3.4 Parents and Guardians

• Share relevant information about their child's wellbeing with the School where appropriate
• Raise any concerns with the SWO or a trusted staff member
• Support the School's positive, inclusive culture

4. Promoting Positive Wellbeing

4.1 Physical Wellbeing

• Safe, age-appropriate training loads and technique progression
• Appropriate rest, hydration and recovery built into classes and rehearsals
• Clear processes for managing injuries, including modified participation where needed

4.2 Emotional Wellbeing

• Feedback that focuses on effort, growth and technique rather than perfection
• Encouragement of individual progress, not comparison between students
• A calm, supportive approach around auditions, exams and performances

4.3 Social Wellbeing and Inclusion

• A class culture that welcomes students of all abilities, backgrounds and body types
• Opportunities for students to build friendships and work as a team
• Zero tolerance of exclusion based on ability, background or appearance

5. Healthy Body Image and Training Culture

Dance training can bring particular pressures around body image, and the School takes this seriously. All staff must:

• Never comment on a student's body shape, weight or size, whether directly or in passing
• Use language that focuses on strength, technique, effort and expression, not appearance
• Never discuss dieting, weight loss or body comparisons with students
• Handle mirror use, costume fittings and photography with sensitivity
• Celebrate the diversity of bodies represented in dance

Staff are trained to recognise possible signs of disordered eating or overtraining, such as sudden changes in eating habits, preoccupation with weight, or persistent fatigue and injury. These signs do not confirm a problem, but should always be raised with the SWO so the student and family can be supported. Staff should never attempt to diagnose or counsel a student directly on these matters.

6. Bullying, Exclusion and Peer Conflict

Bullying is repeated, intentional behaviour that causes harm, including physical, verbal, social or online (cyber) bullying. The School has zero tolerance for bullying of any kind.

• Staff must intervene promptly and calmly when they witness or are told about bullying or exclusion
• All incidents must be reported to the SWO and documented factually
• The SWO will involve parents of all students concerned, as appropriate
• Cyberbullying between students that affects their experience at the School will be taken seriously, even if it occurs outside class hours

7. Recognising When a Student May Be Struggling

The following are possible indicators that a student may need extra support. They do not confirm a problem, but should be noted and shared with the SWO:

• Withdrawal from class, friends or activities they usually enjoy
• A noticeable drop in confidence, motivation or participation
• Sudden or persistent changes in mood or behaviour
• Signs of fatigue, overtraining or frequent minor injuries
• Reluctance to attend class or talk about class
• Comments that suggest low self-worth
• Changes in eating or exercise habits

If any indicator suggests a student may be at risk of abuse, neglect or significant harm, staff must follow the reporting procedure in the Child Safeguarding Policy (CSP-001) immediately. This Policy does not replace those obligations.

8. Responding to Wellbeing Concerns

1. Notice or receive the concern. Trust your judgement and do not dismiss it.
2. Report it to the SWO as soon as possible, describing what you observed or were told in factual terms.
3. The SWO will assess the concern and decide on next steps, which may include a supportive check-in with the student, contacting parents, or referring to an external service.
4. Actions taken and outcomes are documented by the SWO.
5. The SWO follows up to make sure the student feels supported.

Staff should offer a listening ear and reassurance, but should not attempt to counsel a student beyond their training, and should never promise to keep a wellbeing concern secret from the SWO.

9. Support Pathways

Students, staff and parents can raise a wellbeing concern with the SWO or any trusted staff member at any time. The following external services are also available:

• Kids Helpline (24/7 counselling for young people): 1800 55 1800
• headspace (youth mental health): 1800 650 890
• Butterfly Foundation (body image and eating disorders): 1800 33 4673
• Lifeline: 13 11 14
• Parentline QLD: 1300 30 1300
• 1800RESPECT (domestic and family violence support): 1800 737 732

If a student is in immediate danger, call Emergency Services on 000.

10. Communication with Parents and Guardians

• This Policy is provided to parents on enrolment and made available at the School
• The SWO's contact details are displayed at the School and shared with families (simona@claudiadeanworld.com)
• Where the School has a wellbeing concern about a student, the SWO will generally contact the student's parents or guardians, unless doing so would place the student at further risk, in which case the Child Safeguarding Policy applies
• Parents are encouraged to contact the SWO with any questions or concerns about their child's wellbeing

11. Confidentiality and Privacy

The School protects the privacy of all parties involved in a wellbeing matter, in line with the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth).

• Wellbeing records are stored securely and accessed only by authorised staff
• Information is shared on a need-to-know basis only
• Staff must not discuss a student's wellbeing matter with anyone other than the SWO, unless required by law

12. Staff Training

• Wellbeing induction training is provided to all new staff before they begin working with students
• Ongoing training is provided at least annually, including how to recognise signs a student may be struggling and how to respond
• Student wellbeing is a standing item at staff meetings

13. Relationship to Other Policies

This Policy operates alongside the Child Safeguarding Policy (CSP-001) and the School's Code of Conduct. Where a wellbeing concern indicates possible abuse, neglect or risk of significant harm, staff must follow the mandatory reporting procedures in CSP-001, which take precedence over this Policy.

14. Policy Review

This Policy will be reviewed at least annually, or earlier if there is a relevant change in legislation or guidance, following a significant wellbeing matter, or where feedback from staff, students or parents identifies a need for review. Feedback on this Policy is welcomed and should be directed to the Student Wellbeing Officer.