PURPOSE AND COMMITMENT

Studio 4 Dance offers instruction in Ballet, Contemporary, Jazz, Hip Hop, Acrobatics, and Musical Theatre to children across private one-on-one lessons, group classes, holiday workshops, intensives, and public performances. The safety and wellbeing of every child in our care is our priority. This policy sets out the expectations and practical procedures that all staff, volunteers, and contractors must follow to create and maintain a safe environment. It covers supervision, conduct, responding to concerns, physical environments, and what to do if you have information about a child's safety. Every person working with children at the studio is responsible for understanding and applying these expectations.

Karla Costanzo is appointed as Child Safety Officer, responsible for implementation, monitoring, and annual review of this policy and the studio's child safe practices.

The Child Safety Officer is responsible for: receiving and responding to child safety concerns and complaints; maintaining this policy and the Training Register; ensuring all staff and volunteers complete child safety induction; and coordinating the studio's annual child safety review. The Child Safety Officer's name and contact details are displayed on the Studio Pro Parent Portal and on the studio's website.

Child Safety Officer: Karla Costanzo Contact: available via info@studio4dance.com.au or Mb. 0499 875 875

The Child Safety Officer will complete child safety awareness training within 3 months of appointment and refresher training annually.

This policy applies to Studio 4 Dance operating weekly classes at the following venues:
• Peregian Beach Community House
• Noosa Leisure Centre
• Sunshine Beach High School (Performing Arts Block)
• Tewantin Primary School (Main Hall)

SCOPE

This policy applies to all persons engaged by Studio 4 Dance, including directors, employed staff (full-time, part-time, and casual), contractors and guest instructors, volunteers, and work experience students. It also applies to parents, guardians, and visitors while on the premises or participating in activities organised by Studio 4 Dance. The policy is in effect during all activities, classes, rehearsals, performances, competitions, online interactions, and any other context where children are present or involved. All persons covered by this policy are expected to understand and comply with its requirements. Studio 4 Dance uses an online safeguarding register to manage child safety compliance, including incident reporting, Blue Card tracking, staff training, anonymous reporting, and risk management. The register is accessible to staff via the staff portal and to parents and visitors via the studio website, displayed at the studio.
 
LEGISLATIVE FRAMEWORK

This policy is structured with reference to Queensland child safety legislation, including: - Child Safe Organisations Act 2024 (Qld) - Child Protection Act 1999 (Qld) - Working with Children (Risk Management and Screening) Act 2000 (Qld) - Criminal Code Act 1899 (Qld) - Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Qld) These documents are structured governance documentation aligned with Queensland child safety legislation. They are not legal advice and do not replace independent legal review. For complex circumstances or regulatory inquiries, consult a qualified Queensland solicitor.

CHILD SAFE PRINCIPLES

Studio 4 Dance is committed to the ten child safe standards under the Child Safe Organisations Act 2024 (Qld):
1. Child safety and wellbeing is embedded in organisational leadership, governance and culture.
2. Children are informed about their rights, participate in decisions affecting them and are taken seriously.
3. Families and communities are informed and involved in promoting child safety and wellbeing.
4. Equity is upheld and diverse needs respected in policy and practice.
5. People working with children are suitable and supported to reflect child safety and wellbeing values in practice.
6. Processes to respond to complaints and concerns are child focused.
7. Staff and volunteers are equipped with the knowledge, skills and awareness to keep children safe through ongoing education and training.
8. Physical and online environments promote safety and wellbeing and minimise the opportunity for children to be harmed.
9. Implementation of the child safe standards is regularly reviewed and improved.
10. Policies and procedures document how the organisation is safe for children.

RECRUITMENT AND SCREENING

Studio 4 Dance prioritises child safety throughout its recruitment process. All prospective staff and volunteers must hold a current Blue Card before commencing any child-related work, unless a specific exemption applies under the Working with Children (Risk Management and Screening) Act 2000 (Qld). Applicable exemptions are detailed in the WWCC/Blue Card Compliance Checklist. Blue Card details are recorded and tracked in the studio's online safeguarding register, which monitors expiry dates and sends reminders. Staff must notify the Director immediately if their Blue Card status changes, is suspended, or cancelled; continued engagement without a valid Blue Card is not permitted. A minimum of two professional references are verified before appointment, and identity is confirmed against government-issued photo identification. Interview and screening processes address the candidate's child safety values, understanding of professional boundaries, and commitment to maintaining a safe environment. All new staff and volunteers complete a child safety induction — covering this policy, the Code of Conduct, reporting obligations, and the studio's online safeguarding register — before working unsupervised with children. Staff and volunteer records should be retained for a minimum of 7 years after the person's engagement ends.

REPORTING OBLIGATIONS

CALLOUT: Key Obligation | Generally, dance instructors at private performing arts studios are not prescribed mandatory reporters under s.13E of the Child Protection Act 1999 (Qld); however, individual circumstances may vary (for example, if an instructor is also a registered teacher, or if the studio operates on school premises). Mandatory reporting obligations under that provision apply to specified professionals including doctors, registered nurses, teachers employed in schools, police officers, and early childhood education and care professionals. All staff and volunteers at Studio 4 Dance are required by studio policy to report any child safety concern to the Director. All adults also have a duty under the Criminal Code Act 1899 (Qld) to report to police any knowledge of sexual offences against children. As at the effective date of this policy, the studio is not a reporting entity under Queensland's Reportable Conduct Scheme. The Scheme commences for additional organisation types from 1 July 2026. The studio will monitor its obligations and implement required procedures if it becomes a reporting entity.

COMPLAINTS AND CONCERNS

Studio 4 Dance takes all complaints and concerns about child safety seriously. Every complaint will be acknowledged within 48 hours of receipt. Concerns can be raised directly with the Director, via the designated Child Safety Contact Person, or submitted through the studio's online safeguarding register — accessible via the studio website. All complaints are logged in the safeguarding register to ensure they are documented, tracked, and reviewed. The Director is responsible for ensuring complaints are handled promptly, fairly, and with the child's safety and wellbeing at the centre of every decision. If an allegation involves the Director or another person in a position of authority, the complaint will be escalated to an independent person — such as a another staff member, external advisor, or relevant regulatory body — to ensure impartial handling. Where a
complaint involves potential criminal conduct, police must be contacted. Where it involves a Blue Card holder, Blue Card Services Queensland must be notified. People who raise concerns will be supported throughout the process, kept informed of progress, and protected from any form of retaliation.

Studio 4 Dance applies the definition of a complaint from the Australian/New Zealand Standard AS/NZS10002:2014 — Guidelines for complaint management in organisations:

An expression of dissatisfaction made to or about an organisation, related to its products, services, staff or the handling of a complaint, where a response or resolution is explicitly or implicitly expected or legally required.

Feedback — a compliment, criticism, comment, or suggestion where a response is not sought or not reasonably expected — is also welcomed and will be used to identify opportunities for improvement. The key difference between a complaint and feedback is the reasonable expectation of a response.

The following principles apply to all complaints and concerns raised with Studio 4 Dance:
- Simple matters will be addressed promptly, generally within 5 business days. Complex or sensitive matters will be resolved within 28 business days, or the complainant will be kept informed of progress. - The identity of the complainant will be protected unless permission for disclosure is given or disclosure is required by law. - There is no cost associated with lodging a complaint. - A student's enrolment will be maintained while the complaints process is ongoing, unless extenuating circumstances relating to safety or wellbeing apply. - Complainants will be provided with a written summary of the outcome, including reasons for decisions made. - Complainants have the right of appeal. If the internal process does not resolve the matter, Studio 4 Dance can arrange for an independent external review. - Learnings from complaints and concerns will be used to strengthen studio practices and procedures. - This policy, and the availability of complaints and appeals processes, does not remove the right of any person to act under Australia's consumer protection laws. Where an allegation involves the Director or a person in a position of authority, the complaint will be escalated to an independent person or external body. The complainant will be informed of this pathway within 48 hours of the complaint being received.

PRIVACY AND CONFIDENTIALITY

Studio 4 Dance handles personal information in accordance with the Information Privacy Act 2009 (Qld). Information collected for child safety purposes will be used only for that purpose, stored securely, and disclosed only as required by law or for child protection purposes.

INCLUSION, DIVERSITY AND CULTURAL SAFETY

Studio 4 Dance is committed to welcoming all children regardless of background, ability, culture, gender, sexuality, or family circumstances. The studio strives to create an environment where every child feels safe, respected, heard, and valued, and where diverse needs are recognised and responded to with sensitivity and care. Studio 4 Dance recognises its obligation under the Child Safe

Organisations Act 2024 (Qld) to have regard to the rights and best interests of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children across all ten child safe standards. The studio takes reasonable steps to provide a culturally safe environment where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and families feel welcome, respected, and included. In practice, this means building staff awareness through training, being open to feedback from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community members on how practices can be strengthened, and reflecting on cultural safety as part of the studio's ongoing review processes.

FAMILIES AND COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT (STANDARD 3)

Studio 4 Dance is committed to empowering children to participate in decisions that affect their safety and wellbeing. The studio provides the following concrete mechanisms for children's participation:
Regular student check-ins and wellbeing surveys are conducted at least once per term. These use age - appropriate questions to understand how students feel at the studio, whether they feel safe, and whether there is anything they would like to change. Feedback is welcomed through the studio's feedback processes, including the online safeguarding register, which is accessible via the studio website, displayed at the studio. Students, parents, and visitors can raise a concern or share feedback directly. Students are consulted on policies and rules that affect them, using language and methods appropriate to their age group. Younger children may participate through guided discussions or visual activities, while older students may provide written feedback or participate in informal focus groups. When feedback is received from students, Studio 4 Dance takes action and reports back in age-appropriate ways — such as class discussions, notice board updates, or direct conversations — so children know their voices matter and see that their input leads to real change. Above all, the studio fosters a culture where children know they have the right to be heard. Students are regularly reminded that they can speak up about anything that makes them feel unsafe or uncomfortable, and that they will be taken seriously and supported.

Our safety policy ensures that all students, teachers, and visitors are protected while at the studio. All students must follow the teacher’s guidance during warm-ups, exercises, and performances to help prevent injuries. Students are expected to wear appropriate footwear and clothing for their specific class to avoid accidents. It is essential that any medical conditions or physical limitations are disclosed to the studio prior to attending classes. Should any student experience injury or discomfort during class, they must immediately inform the teacher. The studio reserves the right to ask a student to refrain from participating in class if they appear injured or unfit to continue. In case of an emergency, the studio staff are trained in first aid and emergency procedures. Students, parents or guardians are to keep emergency contact information up to date and provide a secondary contact if possible.

Parents or guardians are responsible for ensuring their child follows all safety procedures and is properly supervised while waiting for classes to start. Parents or guardians must also ensure that their child is picked up promptly after class. In the case of an emergency or unavoidable delay, please contact the studio immediately to inform us of the situation so we can keep your child calm and safe until they can be collected.

By enrolling, you agree that Studio 4 Dance may use images or videos of your child for marketing, promotion, and sharing on social media. If you do not wish for your child’s images to be used, please select the opt-out button in your StudioPro Portal Account and notify the studio in writing at the time of enrolment or at any time during the year. We will honour your request immediately.

We encourage positive engagement on social media. Negative comments or inappropriate content about the studio or others may result in disciplinary action. For students under 18, parents must grant or decline consent for media use. If you have any questions, please contact us.

POLICY ADOPTION

This policy is formally adopted by Studio 4 Dance and applies to all staff, contractors, volunteers and students. It takes effect on 1 APRIL, 2026

Child Safe Code of Conduct

INTRODUCTION AND PURPOSE

Studio 4 Dance operates dance and performing arts classes for children across multiple venues. This Code of Conduct sets clear behavioural expectations for all adults who work with, instruct, or supervise children at the studio, including employees, contractors, casual instructors, volunteers, and visiting professionals. Signing this Code of Conduct is a condition of engagement with Studio 4 Dance. Breaches of this Code will be treated seriously and may result in suspension, termination of engagement, or referral to relevant authorities.

SCOPE AND APPLICATION

This Code of Conduct applies to all persons engaged by Studio 4 Dance, including: - Directors and management - Employed staff (full-time, part-time, casual) - Contractors and guest instructors - Volunteers - Work experience students. It applies during all studio activities, events, communications, and interactions with children and families.

EXPECTED BEHAVIOURS — ALL ADULTS

1. Treat children with dignity and respect at all times, regardless of age, ability, background, or behaviour.
2. Maintain professional boundaries between yourself and children, keeping relationships appropriate to your role as an instructor or staff member.
3. Be a positive role model through your own conduct, language, attitude, and behaviour both in and outside the studio.
4. Follow all child safety policies and procedures outlined in this document and any other studio guidance provided to you.
5. Report any concern about a child's safety, welfare, or wellbeing to the studio leader immediately and without delay.
6. Keep your interactions with children observable to others whenever reasonably practicable, and avoid situations where you are alone with a child behind closed doors.
7. Use age-appropriate language and explanations when communicating with children, avoiding complex or adult-oriented content.
8. Respect children's physical and emotional boundaries, and do not make unwanted physical contact or force children to participate in activities against their wishes.
9. Respond to any disclosure or concern a child raises without judgement, take it seriously, and follow the studio's reporting procedures.
10. Maintain confidentiality about children's personal information, family circumstances, and any disclosures they make to you.
11. Complete all child safety training and induction requirements before commencing work with children, and refresh your knowledge as directed.
12. Prioritise child safety above all other considerations, including studio operations, performance schedules, or competitive outcomes.


PROHIBITED BEHAVIOURS

The following behaviours are strictly prohibited:

CORPORAL PUNISHMENT: Any form of physical punishment including hitting, slapping, pushing, shaking, or rough handling of children.

VERBAL ABUSE AND INTIMIDATION: Yelling, name-calling, threats, sarcasm directed at a child, or any language intended to demean, frighten, or humiliate a child.

EMOTIONAL ABUSE: Persistent criticism, rejection, isolation, or other behaviour that damages a child's emotional wellbeing or self-esteem.
SEXUAL MISCONDUCT: Any sexual behaviour, comments, jokes, or imagery involving or directed at children, including exposing children to sexual content.

GROOMING BEHAVIOUR: Establishing inappropriate emotional connections with children for the purpose of exploitation, including excessive personal attention, secret-keeping, or boundary testing.

ISOLATION: Being alone with a child in an unobservable or enclosed location without legitimate educational purpose and without another adult present or line of sight.

FAVOURITISM AND GIFT-GIVING: Giving gifts, money, special attention, or privileges to individual children outside normal studio operations.

INAPPROPRIATE DIGITAL CONTACT: Contacting children via personal social media, private messaging apps, personal email, or any channel outside officially sanctioned communication.

UNAUTHORISED PHOTOGRAPHY OR FILMING: Taking photos or videos of children on personal devices without written authorisation from a parent or guardian.

TRANSPORTING CHILDREN ALONE: Driving or transporting a child without prior written parental consent and without a second adult present.

ALCOHOL AND DRUGS: Being under the influence of alcohol or non-prescribed drugs while responsible for children, or providing such substances to a child.

UNLAWFUL DISCRIMINATION: Discriminating against a child on the basis of race, gender, disability, sexuality, religion, cultural background, or family circumstances.

BREACH OF CONFIDENTIALITY: Sharing a child's personal information, disclosures, or incident reports with unauthorised persons.

IGNORING OR CONCEALING CONCERNS: Failing to report known or suspected child safety concerns, or discouraging others from reporting.

INAPPROPRIATE PHYSICAL CONTACT: Any physical contact that is not directly related to legitimate instruction, student safety, or first aid — including tickling, wrestling, lap-sitting, or prolonged hugging.

RETALIATION: Punishing, excluding, or retaliating against a child or adult who raises a child safety concern or makes a complaint.


PHYSICAL CONTACT GUIDELINES

Physical contact in dance instruction must be:

1. Directly related to legitimate instruction or student safety
2. Appropriate to the student's age and developmental stage
3. Minimised where possible through verbal instruction or demonstration
4. Applied with the student's awareness and, where appropriate, verbal consent
5. Observable by others — avoid situations where physical contact occurs without witnesses
6. Documented if a student appears uncomfortable or if contact is required for safety intervention

Change Room Supervision: - Where change facilities are supervised, a same-gender adult should be present with the door open - Where practicable, two adults should be present when children are using change facilities - Privacy screens or curtained areas should be provided where possible so children can change privately. When privacy screens or curtained areas are not possible, children should wear personal bodysuits and under-costume underwear or change under their own personal costume cape. Adults must never change in the same area as children - CCTV or recording devices are strictly prohibited in change rooms and bathrooms - Costume and change assistance should be age-appropriate, never in private, with the door open and a second adult preferred

Photography and Video: - No photographs or video of students may be taken without prior written parental consent - No personal device photography is permitted during classes or in changerooms - Only official studio devices should be used for authorised photography - Images and video must be stored securely and not shared without consent.

Private Lesson Requirements: - Lesson room doors should not be locked during private lessons — parents, staff, and other adults should be able to enter at any time - Parents or guardians may enter to check on their child during any private lesson - Private lessons should be logged (student name, instructor, date, time, room used) – Private lessons outside of normal operating hours should have Director approval.

Physical contact in dance instruction is necessary for technique correction, spotting safety, and alignment work. Before any contact, instructors should always explain to the student what they are about to do, why it is necessary, and ask for permission. For Ballet, contact typically includes hands-on positioning of the spine, shoulders, and hips during barre work, and spotting during turns and jumps. Contemporary and Jazz instruction may involve contact to adjust torso weight distribution or limb alignment. Hip Hop classes generally require minimal hands-on contact beyond occasional shoulder or arm positioning. Acrobatics demands close spotting contact during weight-bearing moves, inversions, and partner work; instructors must be trained in safe spotting technique and never spot from behind a student's neck or head unless performing a specific trained technique. Musical Theatre may include contact during partner work in choreography. Contact should always be professional, brief, and purposeful. Avoid contact that is unnecessary, lingering, or in sensitive areas (chest, inner thighs, buttocks). Never contact a child when they appear uncomfortable or have indicated they do not want to be touched. If a child consistently resists contact, modify your teaching approach and discuss concerns with the studio leader.

COMMUNICATION AND SOCIAL MEDIA

All communication between staff and students must occur through official Studio 4 Dance channels. Staff and volunteers must not communicate with students or families via personal social media accounts, private messaging apps, or personal email addresses. Any communication with students must be transparent, professional, and —where practicable — visible to parents or the Director.

No photographs or video of students may be taken without prior written parental consent. Photography and video during classes, performances, or events must only be taken using official studio devices. No personal device photography is permitted during classes or in change areas. Images and video must be stored securely and not shared publicly without consent.
Staff and volunteers must maintain appropriate online conduct at all times. Content posted on personal social media accounts must not reference individual students, share images of students, or include any material that could undermine the studio's child safety commitments. Parents are informed of the studio's photography and social media policies on enrolment and consent is obtained through the enrolment process.

REPORTING OBLIGATIONS

CALLOUT: Mandatory Duty | All staff, volunteers, and contractors must report any child safety concerns to the Director immediately. This is a studio policy requirement.
Generally, dance instructors at private performing arts studios are not prescribed mandatory reporters under s.13E of the Child Protection Act 1999 (Qld); however, individual circumstances may vary (for example, if an instructor is also a registered teacher, or if the studio operates on school premises). Mandatory reporting obligations under that provision apply to specified professionals including doctors, registered nurses, teachers employed in schools, police officers, and early childhood education and care professionals. All staff and volunteers at Studio 4 Dance are required by studio policy to report any child safety concern to the Director. All adults also have a duty under the
Criminal Code Act 1899 (Qld) to report to police any knowledge of sexual offences against children.

CHILD-FRIENDLY COMPLAINTS PATHWAY

Children have the right to raise concerns about their safety and wellbeing. The studio provides the following child-friendly reporting options:
1. Talk to a trusted adult: Any child can speak to the Director or a designated Child Safety Contact Person about anything that makes them feel unsafe, uncomfortable, or worried.
2. Safeguarding register: The studio's online safeguarding register is accessible via the studio website, displayed at the studio, so that children, parents, or visitors can raise a concern directly. All concerns are logged, tracked, and handled fairly and confidentially.
3. Kids Helpline: Children can call 1800 551 800 (24 hours, 7 days) to speak with a counsellor. This service is free, private, and confidential.

When a child raises a concern, the studio will:
- Listen without judgement and take the child seriously
- Explain what will happen next in age-appropriate language
- Keep the child informed about what is being done
- Ensure the child is supported and not disadvantaged for speaking up.

In addition to the Director, Studio 4 Dance identifies a designated Child Safety Contact Person — a second trusted adult at the studio who children can approach with concerns. This person is made known to students through posters displayed at the premises, regular reminders during classes, and direct introduction at the start of each term.

The studio's online safeguarding register is accessible via the studio website, displayed at the studio, where parents, students, or visitors can raise a concern directly. All concerns submitted through the register are logged, tracked, and handled confidentially.

For younger children, the studio uses simple language and visual aids — such as a poster showing "who to talk to" with names and photos — to make reporting accessible. Students are regularly reminded that they can speak to any trusted adult at the studio if something makes them feel unsafe, uncomfortable, or worried.

When a child raises a concern, the studio responds with care and urgency. The child is believed, the response is proportionate and timely, and the child is kept informed in age-appropriate language about what is happening. Children are never disadvantaged or punished for speaking up.

BREACHES AND CONSEQUENCES

Breaches of this Code of Conduct will be taken seriously. Depending on the nature and severity of the breach, consequences may include:

1. Verbal or written warning
2. Additional training and supervision requirements
3. Suspension pending investigation
4. Termination of engagement
5. Report to Queensland Police Service or relevant regulatory bodies
All staff must sign this Code of Conduct upon commencement and annually thereafter.

Our safety policy ensures that all students, teachers, and visitors are protected while at the studio. All students must follow the teacher’s guidance during warm-ups, exercises, and performances to help prevent injuries. Students are expected to wear appropriate footwear and clothing for their specific class to avoid accidents. It is essential that any medical conditions or physical limitations are disclosed to the studio prior to attending classes. Should any student experience injury or discomfort during class, they must immediately inform the teacher. The studio reserves the right to ask a student to refrain from participating in class if they appear injured or unfit to continue. In case of an emergency, the studio staff are trained in first aid and emergency procedures. Students, parents or guardians are to keep emergency contact information up to date and provide a secondary contact if possible.

Parents or guardians are responsible for ensuring their child follows all safety procedures and is properly supervised while waiting for classes to start. Parents or guardians must also ensure that their child is picked up promptly after class. In the case of an emergency or unavoidable delay, please contact the studio immediately to inform us of the situation so we can keep your child calm and safe until they can be collected.

By enrolling, you agree that Studio 4 Dance may use images or videos of your child for marketing, promotion, and sharing on social media. If you do not wish for your child’s images to be used, please select the opt-out button in your StudioPro Portal Account and notify the studio in writing at the time of enrolment or at any time during the year. We will honour your request immediately.

We encourage positive engagement on social media. Negative comments or inappropriate content about the studio or others may result in disciplinary action. For students under 18, parents must grant or decline consent for media use. If you have any questions, please contact us.
 

At Studio 4 Dance, we may take photos and/or videos during classes, rehearsals, performances and special events, to capture the achievements and progress of our students. These images may include individual or group shots, action shots, candid moments, and performance footage. These photos and videos are used to highlight the talent and hard work of our dancers and may be featured on our website, social media platforms (such as Facebook and Instagram), in print materials, and other promotional content related to the studio. By sharing these moments, we aim to promote the studio's culture, events, and accomplishments, and to celebrate the dedication and growth of our students.

By enrolling, you agree that Studio 4 Dance may use images or videos of your child for marketing, promotion, and sharing on social media. If you do not wish for your child’s images to be used, please opt-out on your StudioPro Parent Portal and notify the studio in writing at the time of enrolment or at any time during the year. We will honour your request immediately.

We encourage positive engagement on social media. Negative comments or inappropriate content about the studio or others may result in disciplinary action. For students under 18, parents must grant or decline consent for media use. If you have any questions, please contact us.