Policies & Procedures
Jan 29, 2026 05:46 AM
Policies & Procedures
Statement of Intent
We are dedicated to providing a positive and enriching learning environment to all our participants of all ages and abilities. To ensure a respectful, safe and productive learning environment, we have outlined our policies and procedures below. These policies are designed to ensure the well-being of all students, staff and parents /guardians that attend any MJ Movement sessions.
Please take a moment to look over these guidelines. Your understanding and cooperation is valued. We encourage you to contact MJ on mjcdance1@outlook.com with any questions or concerns you may have.
Our latest policy review was made on the 14th of December 2025.
Uniform
For our dancers, a formal uniform is not required. However, to ensure safety, comfort and full participation in each session, we kindly ask that the following guidelines be followed:
Clothing: Dancers should wear comfortable, stretchy clothing that allows freedom of movement. Examples include leggings, t-shirts, dancewear, tracksuits or shorts. Skirts and dresses are not recommended unless worn with shorts or leggings underneath.
Footwear: dance shoes (Ballet, jazz, ect) can be worn but not essential. Bare foot, flat soled shoes such as trainers or non-slip socks are preferred to promote stability and prevent slipping. No heeled, wheeled or opened toed shoes.
Jewellery: for safety reasons, no jewellery (including earrings, bracelets or necklaces) should be worn during sessions. Taped ears are accepted if dancers have them pierced.
Hair: Long hair is advised to be neatly tied back to keep out of the dancers face and reduce distraction.
Parents/Guardians: As these sessions are interactive, accompanying adults should also wear comfortable clothing and be prepared to move and participate actively with their child.
Bad Weather
We prioritise the safety of our staff, students and families. Therefore, we may need to cancel or alter classes due to severe weather conditions. All participants will be notified if changes occur.
Decision-Making Process:
The decision to close or modify classes will be assessed on official weather warnings, reports of local road conditions and any potential risk of travelling to and from the community centre. We will consider factors such as:
Severity of the weather: Heavy snowfall, significant ice lay, high winds and flooding are some examples of weather that may lead to closure.
Travel safety: The decision will consider the safety of all staff, students and families to and from the community centre during weather conditions.
Community Centre Accessibility: We will assess if the centre is accessible and safe for conducting classes, considering factors like power cuts or potential building issues caused by weather.
Communication:
In the event of a closure or class alteration, we will communicate via;
Text: We will send a text message to all registered parents or guardians on file.
Email: We will send an email to all registered parents or guardians on file.
Social Media: Updates will be shared on all social media platforms.
Alternative Arrangements:
Wherever possible, we will aim to offer alternative arrangements or missed sessions. This may include:
Rescheduling the class at a later date.
Online class may be an option subject to numbers who can attend.
Class modification including shortening the duration of the class.
Student Responsibility:
We encourage parents and guardians to use their judgment and prioritise safely. If you feel unsafe to travel due to weather conditions, please do not hesitate to miss the session. The option to carry over the session as credit to a later class will be given.
Refunds - if a class is cancelled and no alternative class is offered a refund will be issued.
Please note - Refunds are not offered when an alternative class is provided.
Complaints
We are committed to providing a positive and professional experience for all our students and families. However, we also understand that sometimes things do not always go as they were planned. We value your feedback and encourage you to raise any concerns you may have.
Making a Complaint:
If you have any concerns or complaints we encourage you to address it promptly. You have the right to raise a complaint by emailing mjcdance1@outlook.com or please email the office of the community centre or School where the sessions are being held. This information can be provided by the teacher or reception at the building.
Verbal complaints will be initially accepted, but a written follow-up is required to proceed with the formal complaint process.
What to Include in Your Complaint:
Full name and contact details.
A clear description of the issue, including dates and times.
The names of any staff involved (if known).
The outcome that you hope for.
Health & Safety
Our top priority is our staff, students and families safety and well-being. We are committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for everyone to learn and enjoy. This policy outlines our measures to ensure everyone’s safety and minimise risks.
The policy will be reviewed annually to ensure our responsibilities are met in relation to:
Health & Safety at Work Act (1974)
Management Regulations (1999)
Other relevant current legislations
Responsibilities:
Dance Sessions:
Maintain a safe and clean environment, including rented space, waiting areas, toilets.
Ensure all equipment is safe and in good working order.
Conduct regular risk assessments and address any hazards.
Provide clear and concise safety instructions before sessions begin.
Supervise students appropriately during sessions.
Have a first-aid kit readily available and staff trained in basic first aid.
Communicate effectively with parents/guardians and or emergency contacts in case of incident or injury.
Participants:
Arrive at class on time.
Wear appropriate and safe dance attire and footwear.
Remove all jewellery or cover items that cannot be removed.
Long hair tied back.
Follow all safety instructions provided by teachers.
Be mindful of themselves and others in the class, avoiding any actions that could cause harm.
Inform the teacher immediately of any incidents, injuries or medical conditions affecting participation.
All accidents and injuries must be reported to a staff member on site no matter how minor.
Report any unsafe situations or equipment to the dance lead immediately.
Participants are encouraged to bring water bottles for hydration during sessions.
First aid kits are readily available on site and at least one staff member will be trained in basic first aid.
Participants are encouraged to maintain personal hygiene to prevent spread of germs in shared spaces.
Parents/Guardians:
Ensure their child is appropriately dressed and has proper footwear for dance class.
Ensure their child has removed or covered any jewellery.
Informed the dance teacher of any medical conditions or limitations their child may have.
Advise their child to follow all safety precautions and report any concerns to the dance lead.
Supervise their child at all times when arriving, in class and leaving the session unless otherwise prearranged.
Staff Responsibilities:
Staff will actively supervise students throughout the class ensuring inclusive and safe practice.
Staff will conduct regular risk assessments of the session environment and address potential hazards.
All accidents and injuries will be documented by forms and reported to mjcdance1@outlook.com.
Staff will ensure all equipment is in safe working order.
Emergency Procedures:
Staff will be trained in emergency procedures, including fire evacuation and first aid.
All staff and participants will be familiar with the emergency evacuation procedures and participate in drills should they be necessary.
In the event of an injury, a qualified member of staff will administer first-aid and contact emergency services if necessary
Fire Evacuation Procedure:
Teachers are responsible for themselves and participants in their sessions.
if you discover a fire:
In the event of discovering a fire, activate the fire nearest alarm.
Your primary responsibility is to help supervise the safety and orderly evacuation of students and other people in you immediate vicinity. Keep calm.
Do not prolong your evacuation, but on passing check all corridors, toilets to ensure no one is left behind.
In the event of hearing the alarm:
Evacuate pupils in your class from the building immediately upon hearing the alarm by using the nearest fire exit. If possible, take a head count. Under no circumstances must you stop to gather personal belongings.
Assemble at the fire assembly point, organise a quiet line.
The dance lead will take the register and await instructions from the building Health and Safety officer.
Do not re-enter the building until you are informed by the Health and Safety officer or Fire Service where appropriate.
Safeguarding Policy
This child and Adults at Risk Policy outlines our commitment to safeguarding the well-being of children and adults at risk involved in our activities. We recognise our duty to safeguard and protect children and adults at risk from abuse, as defined in the Children’s Act 2004 and the Education Act 2002. Everyone at our organization shares the objective to:
Provide a safe learning environment.
Identify and respond to children, young people and adults at risk and in need of support or protection.
Support children's development while fostering a sense of self-esteem and independence.
Foster a learning environment where everyone feels valued and able to express their wishes and feelings freely in an accepting and trusting atmosphere.
Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)
Mary Jane Chamberlain-Bean (MJ) is the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) and reachable on 07557409910.
The DSL is responsible for overseeing safeguarding practices, providing advice and support to staff, and reporting concerns to relevant agencies.
Everyone’s Responsibilities
All staff (employed and freelance), volunteers and anyone working with children or adults at risk must:
Be familiar with this policy and adhere to its guidelines.
Attend relevant safeguarding training as required.
Promote a culture of safety and respect.
Report any concerns about welfare of a child or adult risk to the DSL immediately.
Safe Recruitment Procedures
We employ a robust safe recruitment process to ensure the suitability of staff working with children or adults at risk. This includes:
Enhanced DBS checks for all staff.
Verification of employment records, Terence’s and qualifications.
Interviews exploring safeguarding knowledge and practices.
Statement of Intent
We are committed to:
Providing a safe and inclusive environment for all children and adults at risk.
Identifying and responding promptly to any concerns about abuse or neglect.
Working in partnership with parents/guardians, professionals and statutory agencies to safeguard children and adults at risk.
Key Safeguarding Principles
Promoting the well-being of children and adults at risk: we prioritise the safety and well-being of children and adults in all of our activities.
Prevention: We take proactive steps to prevent abuse and harm from occurring.
Protection: We have procedures in place to protect children and adults at risk if they are identified as being at risk of harm.
Partnership: We work collaboratively with parents/guardians, professions and statutory agencies to safeguard children and adults at risk.
Reporting Concerns
Anyone concerned about the well-being of a child or adult at risk should report to the DSL immediately.
Concerns can be reported in person, by phone or by email to mjcdance1@outlook.com.
All concerns will be taken seriously and investigated appropriately.
Everyone involved with MJ Movement has a role to play in safeguarding children and adults at risk. We encourage open communication and a culture of vigilance to ensure the safety and well-being of all.
Code of Professional Conduct
MJ Movement is committed to providing all students with a safe and positive learning environment. This Code of Professional Conduct and Practice outlines the expected behaviour and professional standards for our teachers.
Fundamental Principles
Teachers must:
Act with integrity in all professional and business relationships. This includes honesty, fairness, courtesy and consideration.
strive for objectivity in all professional judgements and avoid any conduct that could create a conflict of interest.
Be competent and qualified for the classes they teach and continually update their knowledge and skills through professional development.
Carry out their work with skill, care, diligence while prioritising punctuality, timekeeping, and the safety of students.
Professional Conduct
Teachers must:
Uphold the good reputation of MJ Movement sessions.
Collaborate and cooperate with other dance professionals and organisations.
Treat students and families with openness, fairness, and respect, ensuring non-discrimination based on protected characteristics.
Maintain confidentiality of participants' information and comply with data protection regulations.
Market their services professionally and ethically, avoiding disparaging comparisons with others.
Statutory and Safety Requirements
Teachers must:
Comply with all relevant laws and regulations, including health and safety, insurance and data protection (GDPR)
Ensure all classes are appropriate for students age, ability, and skill level.
Maintain safe and well-equipped teaching facilities.
Stay informed about Child Protection legislation and complete required checks.
Follow emergency procedures and maintain accident records.
Standards of Good Practice
MJ Movement will:
Have clear objectives for the sessions and teachers, outlining student benefits and safeguarding policies.
Employ qualified and experienced teachers who use appropriate teaching methods and assessment procedures.
Maintain sound business practices and ensure open communication with students and families.
Individual teachers will:
Foster positive student-teacher and student-student communication.
Share a passion for dance and inspire artistic development.
Demonstrate professional conduct, including punctuality, reliability and responsible student care.
Help students develop self-discipline, motivation and appreciation for different dance styles.
Recognise and address individual student potential, needs, and learning styles.
Deliver safe and anatomically sound instruction.
abide by terms and conditions, ethos and values of MJ Movement.
Data Protection
Teachers must comply with the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) principles. This includes ensuring data is processed lawfully, fairly and securely and used only for legitimate purposes.
This Code of Professional Conduct & Practice is a statement of our commitment to providing a high standard of teaching and safeguarding the welfare of our students. Regular review and updates will ensure its continued relevance and effectiveness.