Child Protection and Privacy Policy


Emily Baker School of Dance recognises its responsibility for child protection, Data Protection and Confidentiality


General

The School acknowledges that children should be given the best possible opportunity to learn. To do this the school commits to providing a secure, safe, and familiar environment in which to work.

The School syllabus is planned and taught in such a way to encourage positive learning, focussing on positive corrections and praise rather than criticism. Children who are genuinely trying to learn should never feel that they have “got it wrong”.

Children are supervised at all times when in the care of The School.


Safeguarding Children

All teachers at The School are subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.

Regular support staff and School Chaperones are also subject to a DBS check.

Any additional helpers are supervised at all times by checked support staff.

Should there be any concerns about a child the Principal will act appropriately in line with their Child Protection Training.

Any concerns noticed by Support Staff will be reported directly to the Principal, who will follow the guidelines set out in this policy.

The School seeks to use all of its branches in the best way possible with regard to child safety and will regularly review the way it uses the facilities.


Data Protection

To comply with GDPR updates as of May 2018, the School agrees to handle and process all data received by it’s customers in keeping with these regulations. Named data controllers/processors include the School Principal Emily Baker, Carole Grainger the Administrative Assistant and Rebecca Johnson, the Accounts Administrator.

By becoming a member/friend of the School and signing a Registration form with us, you agree for us to use your data where there is legitimate reason/interest, including receiving emails regarding School events, relevant School information and class updates/details. Your data shall be obtained for lawful purposes and shall be processed lawfully and fairly. Communication via email, telephone or letter shall be adequate, relevant and not excessive for purpose. The information we communicate with you shall be accurate and kept up-to-date.

We will not hold your details for longer than necessary and this information will be removed from our School database once you have left the School and your notice period has elapsed. Previous Examination results and invoice information may be stored in the School filing cabinet where relevant.

Technical and organisational measures will be taken to protect data. Data collected will include that which is collected from your signed Registration form upon joining the School, including any additional information requested such as parental permission forms, photograph or video consent forms. Data collected for examination entries will also be shared upon request with the appropriate Dance Organisation e.g RAD/ISTD who use their own data protection systems to ensure they also comply with GDPR. Sometimes this information may be used for relevant activities such as competition entry forms/application forms for other dance related activities upon obtaining specific permission.

Personal data will not be disclosed to other members of the School and their families. Only The School Principal, Accounts Administrator and School Administrator shall have access to this data and it will not be shared with teaching staff except in the event of an emergency or with prior permission from the parent.

The School uses contact numbers and email addresses for Newsletters, class updates, information regarding relevant School activities, individual communication, invoicing and general information. Should you wish to opt out of any of these communications, please contact the School Office, or complete the online contact form.

Personal data is stored in a locked password encrypted online database. Paper registration forms are stored in a secured filing cabinet at the School’s office. Confidential information which is no longer needed to be kept on file is destroyed via secure information shredding service.


Confidentiality

The School’s emails and letters contain confidential and/or privileged information and are intended for only the person to whom it is addressed. Any unauthorised copying, forwarding, disclosure or distribution of he material contained in emails and any attachment is strictly prohibited. All personal information at the school is kept confidential and will not be discussed or shared by the school with any other parent or student.


Covid-19 safety measures

As a School we are committed to ensuring that we offer our classes in an environment which is as safe as possible for our students & customers. All members of the teaching faculty have carried out training in Infection, Prevention and Control and gained certificates in this. Following the latest government advice, as well as that from the International Dance Organisations we represent, we have taken careful measures to allow for safe distancing in our hygienic settings.