Policies
Our school policies reflect the positive and inclusive environment in which we all wish to live, work and dance. By joining the school or attending any class, lesson or event, both the dancer and anyone accompanying them is expected to abide by these policies.
Safe Touch Policy
Ballroom and Latin is a couples genre of dance, touch is essential and inevitable between partners, another student or the Principal. Different dances require varying amounts of contact with a partner, from holding hands to close body contact. This will also vary due to age and level of training required. At other times the Principal will need to make physical contact with different parts of the body to correct posture or explain a technique where demonstration alone is not enough; the Principal will only do this when appropriate and with permission. Any contact will be made with care and consideration of the student's needs and with awareness of safeguarding. Parents or other students are encouraged to be present during private lessons that are always held in the studio which has windows and clear exits. We encourage any concerns to be raised with the Principal
Equal Opportunities
The school promotes diversity and equal opportunities any discrimination against any individual or group within VASD is not permitted.. This includes race, religion, gender, socio-economic grouping, ability, age, gender identity or sexual orientation. VASD seeks to promote education and discussion on such topics, we are all unique and dance is a medium which celebrates this.
Anti Bullying
VASD promotes a safe environment which expects kind behaviour, tolerance and support from members and teachers. Bullying for any reason ( see equal opportunities above) is not acceptable whether it is verbal, physical, psychological or cyber; be it a one off or repeated incidents, if it is intended to cause harm then it is unacceptable. Any incidents will be recorded, and any concerns should be reported to the Principal. Should there be a safeguarding concern both parties will be supported and a discussion opened with those involved. Only the most extreme cases will involve pupils being asked to leave the school.
Social Media
VASD recognises social media is a popular means of communication and enjoys its benefits via business pages, and students sharing positive success stories. However, social media can also be a negative medium when used to detrimental effect. VASD asks that any content shared by its students/parents/supporters follows the ethos of the school and is not prejudicial to any group (see equal opportunities above) as you represent the VASD community.
Safeguarding
What follows is part of our larger concept of Safeguarding.
The school Principal is the Designated Safeguarding Lead, she has an annual enhanced DBS check, maintains up to date safeguarding training and promotes a safe environment for everyone - safeguarding concerns should be reported direct to her. Issues of concern will be recorded, and if needed, discussed with the relevant people. If deemed necessary it is her duty of care to report the concern to the relevant authority. Issues of concern include, but are not limited to, neglect, physical abuse, emotional abuse, criminal/sexual exploitation, radicalisation etc.
If a child makes a disclosure to the Principal confidential notes will be taken, kept securely, and relevant authorities involved. During the disclosure the Principal will not ask misleading questions, jump to conclusions, make any suggestions, or judge. She will listen, be supportive, and explain what will happen next; she can never promise to keep the disclosure a secret.
In addition, please note, children who need accompanying to the toilet must be taken by their appropriate adult. If a child is being collected by someone unknown to the Principal she needs to be made aware of this. Express permission needs to be given for someone other than the usual adult to transport a child in their car.
Photography
On occasion the Principal may have cause to take photographs of students for promotional purposes. These photographs will only be used in a tasteful and positive manner. If anyone wishes for their/their child's image not be used please let the Principal know.