Parent Handbook

Dear valued parents and students, Thank you for your enrolment and welcome to Premier School of Dance. Premier is committed to providing high quality dance tuition for students aged toddler – 21yrs. We offer dance classes in ballet, contemporary, jazz, hip hop, tap, acro/gymnastics, flexibility, and musical theatre. Premier offers a range of classes including examination, performance, just for fun classes, as well as specialist children’s classes. Premier’s talented and dedicated instructors provide a supportive learning environment encouraging correct technique, confidence and most importantly, enjoyment. Whether you are striving for excellence or want to learn for fun and personal development, Premier School of Dance will help you Reach Your Potential!

Our Parent Handbook is your guide to how everything works at Premier School of Dance.

Contact Details

Please ensure we have your current email, phone number and postal address.

Due Dates

• Term fees are payable per term prior to the term starting.

• Classes can only be attended when fees have been paid in full or a weekly payment plan has been organised.

Administration Fee An administration fee of $10.00 applies per term. Payment Methods Option 1. Credit Card Click on the link found on your invoice. Enter your unique code and pay online. 2.5% surcharge applies. Option 2. Direct Deposit Account Name: Premier School of Dance BSB: 065106 Account Number: 10331122 Reference: Invoice Number & Parent Surname. Please deposit the exact amount. Cash payments and cheques are not accepted.

Terms & Conditions

• All fees must be paid by the due dates.

• Students will be excluded from classes and performances if there are any outstanding fees.

Payment Plan

• Please email prior to the start of term if you prefer a weekly payment plan.

• The invoice total will be divided by the number of weeks remaining in the term. This will be the weekly amount payable. A payment plan fee of $20 applies.

• Weekly instalments can be paid via bank transfer only (EFT).

• Payment plans are for term fees only. If there are other fees such as costumes or entry fees etc.. these must be paid separately by the due dates. These other invoices can be paid in instalments but won’t be amalgamated with term fee payment plans. Payment plans from one term cannot be merged with another term.

• If weekly payments are not received, classes may be temporarily paused. Term fees must be paid prior to the new term starting before classes can commence.

• Any changes the payment plan due to missed payments or incorrect amounts paid will incur a cost of $10 towards covering additional administration costs to creating a new payment plan.

Debt Recovery

• Legal action will be sought for outstanding payments.

• Any debt recovery fees will be incurred by the late paying customer.

Invoicing for Separated Parents

• Two email addresses are allocated per student.

• One invoice is created per student.

• Separated parents can contribute their agreed amount separately towards the same invoice or be paid by one parent.

Fees are Non Refundable

• All fees are non refundable.

• Fees will not be refunded if the student changes their mind, misses classes, or if the student leaves the school mid term.

• Classes will not be credited or refunded if a student is isolating or unwell.

• Premier does not provide make up classes or refunds or credits when students are away. However, if a student is away for 4 weeks or longer, families will have the option to pay for the full term, and a credit will be created for the time away.

• Classes will be credited if cancelled by Premier.

Multi Class Discounts

f a student enrols in 4 or more classes per week, they receive discounts on all classes excluding adult classes, private tuition and additional classes.

Working up in Second Troupe Class

Selected students may be invited to work up in the next age group for troupe:

• This is a free class (unless the original troupe class has less than 8 students in that age group).

• This does not count as an additional class for the multi class discount.

• Costume fees and additional rehearsal fees apply.

Working in an Additional Class

If a student chooses to enrol in a second hip hop, acro, PBT, pointe, or IDT. If a student chooses to enrol in more than two ballet classes:

• Additional classes will be invoiced separately.

• Additional classes are not included in the multi class discount.

• Regular classes: The multi class discount percentage is applicable to the corresponding number of enrolled classes, excluding the additional classes.

• Additional classes: The additional classes will receive the discount percentage applicable to the corresponding number of enrolled classes excluding the additional classes.

Free Offering for Outstanding Exam Results

If a student receives Honours with Merit for a ballet exam they are invited to work up in the next grade free of charge (timetable permitting):

• Free ballet classes are not included in the multi class discount.

Online Enrolment New students may enrol anytime throughout the year. Fees can be adjusted for mid-term enrolments. Students only need to enrol online once through our website. Enrolment is ongoing unless we are notified of a cancellation. Class Suitability Premier will assist with finding classes best suited to a student’s technical ability. The teacher will determine if a student is suited to a class.

Absent from Group Class Please email Premier the reason you will miss class.

Absent from Private Lesson

Your private lesson is scheduled at the START of a session Scenario (a) You have contacted admin and informed the teacher prior to the cancellation. Step 1: Use the customer portal to log your child's absence. Step 2: Contact admin via text between Mon - Fri 10am - 1pm so we can inform the teacher of the cancellation and they can arrive later. Step 3: We will add a credit for the class to be used on future invoices.

Scenario (b) You are cancelling the class out of office hours. Step 1: Use the customer portal to log your child's absence. Step 2: If the cancellation has happened out of hours and we haven't been notified, a credit will not be added as the teacher will have given their time. You may sell your time slot to someone else.

Your private lesson is scheduled at the END of a session Step 1: Use the customer portal to log your child's absence. Step 2: Contact admin via text between Mon - Fri 10am - 1pm so we can inform the teacher of the cancellation. If the cancellation has happened out of hours, the teacher will see the absence in the roll call. Step 3: We will add a credit for the class to be used on future invoices.

Your private lesson is scheduled BETWEEN other classes Step 1: Use the customer portal to log your child's absence. Step 2: Contact admin via text between Mon - Fri 10am - 1pm so we can inform the teacher of the cancellation. Step 3: A credit will not be added as the teacher will have given their time however you may sell your time slot to someone else. Please organise the sale of your time slot privately. Premier can not organise the sale of your time slot. Thank you.

Teacher Absent If a teacher is unwell, we will endeavour to find a relief teacher. We do not notify parents of the relief as the class will go ahead. If a relief can not be sourced, a text message will be issued and a credit for the class will be created.

Drop Off Students should arrive 15-30 minutes before class to prepare, stretch and go to the toilet. Parents must stay with students until they enter the class. Teachers can not supervise students outside of class hours.

Pick Up

Parents must arrive at least 5 minutes before the end of class to pick their child up from inside the waiting room. Students picked up late will incur a charge at $1.25 per minute for After School Care. We are required to compensate our teachers for their time.

Hot Weather Policy Studios are air conditioned. For health and safety reasons classes may be modified to be less physically strenuous in extreme temperatures over 40 degrees. Students will have regular drink breaks.

Attendance Terms and Conditions

• Students are expected to attend all scheduled classes, rehearsals and performances for the year, on time.
  

• Students may not join on a fortnightly basis for any choreography or technique classes.
  

• Classes may only be missed due to illness, dance competitions, and compulsory school commitments. Students with injuries must observe their classes.
  

• Classes, rehearsals and performances may not be missed for reasons such as birthday parties, family functions, other sporting commitments, social events, and holidays during the school term.
  

• If you are a private lesson student at the start or end of a session, please call admin between office hours prior to the cancellation to notify us so we can inform the teacher of the cancellation otherwise the lesson will be charged.
  

• If you are a private lesson student with lessons scheduled either side, missed classes will not be refunded or rescheduled as the teacher is giving their time whether the student is in attendance or not. You can sell your time slot to someone else and arrange between yourselves.
  

• Premier does not provide make up classes or refunds or credits when students are away. However, if a student is away for 4 weeks or longer we will create a credit for that period.
  

Troupe students Commitment to Premier

• Troupe students and competition solo students must exclusively attend dance classes at Premier School of Dance.
  

• Students who are absent from multiple classes or miss compulsory pre-performance rehearsals may be pulled out of a performance or part of the performance, or examination. Any pre-paid fees or costumes will be forfeited.
  

• Extra rehearsals are necessary for troupe and will be scheduled throughout the year. Attendance is compulsory. Students may be removed from competitions or the concert if they miss compulsory rehearsals.
  

• Workshops and master classes held at other venues are permitted.
  

• Students may perform with local amateur dance/theatre companies providing rehearsal and performance dates don’t clash with Premier commitments. Premier classes, rehearsals and performances must take priority.
  

• Recreational classes are permitted providing the dance school is not in direct competition with Premier. ie. not a competition dance school.
  

• Troupe students must remain committed until after the concert as this is a competition team.

Solo Class: 1 student enrolled (Private Tuition Costs) Duo / Trio: 2 or 3 students enrolled (Private Tuition Costs) Small Group class: 4 students enrolled (Semi Private = 10% additional charge ) Group classes: 5 students and over enrolled (no additional charge)

Studios are air conditioned. For health and safety reasons classes may be modified to be less physically strenuous in extreme temperatures over 40 degrees. Students will have regular drink breaks.

To ensure everyone is on the same page, all Elite Troupe students are kindly asked to read and sign our Elite Troupe Policy Form. This helps them understand the level of commitment involved and what’s expected throughout the season. Thank you.

As a valued member of our performance troupe, your attendance at every lesson is crucial for our collective success and preparation for state competitions and concerts. Here's why:

• Team Dependence: Our routines rely on every member's presence for optimal spacing and synchronization. Each dancer's contribution is essential to achieving our best performance.
  

• Effective Learning: Each class is designed to be highly productive, whether we're learning new choreography or perfecting existing routines. Missing a class means missing critical progress, which impacts the entire team's development.
  

• Efficiency: Absences require us to revisit previous material, which delays our ability to advance and perfect new choreography.

While we understand that students may miss social events, consistent attendance fosters a strong sense of teamwork and dedication—qualities that will benefit them both on and off the stage. Our dancers exemplify commitment and resilience, traits that are invaluable in all areas of life.

Attendance Terms and Conditions:

• Students are expected to attend all scheduled classes and rehearsals punctually throughout the year.
  

• Absences are only excused for illness, dance competitions, or compulsory school commitments. Students with injuries are still required to observe and learn from their classes. Please notify us via the Parent Portal if your child will be absent.
  

• Absences due to birthday parties, family functions, other sporting commitments, social events, or holidays during the school term are not permitted.

Term Dates:

We record all rehearsals and performances on the Term Dates page of our website. Unlike some studios that provide only a few weeks' notice, we plan the entire year in advance to help families schedule around important dates.

To stay informed about any updates or changes, please make sure to check the Term Dates page regularly

Thank you for your understanding and support in maintaining the high standards of our troupe.

Showcase

The Showcase is a fun, all-Premier event for 6&U troupe students and soloists to practice on stage prior to the comps. This is a compulsory performance. Entry fees apply and tickets can be purchase prior to the event.

Comps

Troupe members are part of a competition team learning routines to compete at several state comps throughout the year. These are compulsory performances.

The competitions we enter are state competitions and the standard is extremely high. Troupe students will be assessed to see if they meet the criteria to be eligible to perform at competitions.

We encourage all students to practice at home regularly so the troupe will look cohesive on stage. We upload videos on the Parent Centre to assist. Practice makes progress!

Additional Rehearsals Extra rehearsals are necessary for troupe and will be scheduled throughout the year. They may be scheduled any day of the week including Sundays. Attendance is paramount. Students may be removed from competitions or the concert if they miss compulsory rehearsals.

Concert

Troupe students perform at the concert at the end of term 3. They will perform comps routines and learn a special finale for the concert only.

Costumes

Troupe students: 3 costumes per year. They will learn 2 new comp routines per year and a grand finale for the concert. Tap Troupe students: 1 costume per year.

Note: Stockings, makeup and hairpieces may also need to be purchased.

Costume costs vary based on the level of detail, fabric and style of costume. Costumes typically cost between $120 - $150 each. Tutus and other specialist costumes may cost more because of the labour involved in making them. All costumes are for the student to keep. They may be sold secondhand post use.

Showcase Fee

6&Us will perform at the Showcase. There is a Showcase Pass, a one-off fee of approximately $50 per family. The Showcase Pass covers entry for all classes, even if your child/children are in multiple performances.

Comp Entry Fee

Troupe and Tap Troupe students performing in competitions will need to pay an entry fee. The total cost will be divided by the number of students in a class and include wages for teachers attendance on the day, prop transportation, photos and videos.

Comp Photos & Videos

The cost of the videos from DLU will be divided amongst the number of performers in a routine to share the cost. They will be uploaded on OneDrive for all to access. The video will also assist in reviewing and polishing to help our students better prepare for the next comp. Evolution has high quality photos. They sell packages at a discounted price. The cost of the photos from Evolution (new performances only) will be divided amongst the number of performers in a routine to share the cost. They will be uploaded on OneDrive for all to access.

Comp Props

We are required to hire a truck to transport props to and from competitions, Showcases and concerts. the hiring fee is often included in the comp entry fees. Rather than charging each troupe that uses a prop, the fee is charged to all competition students as a studio fee to reduce the cost overall from year to year. The cost is minimal.

Spectator Comp FeeWe need to hire a truck to transport props to and from competitions, showcases, and concerts. The cost of this hire is often included in the competition entry fees. Instead of charging each troupe that uses a prop, we distribute the truck hire fee as a studio fee across all competition students, which helps reduce the overall cost for everyone.

Some competitions have audience tickets for sale in the foyer for families to watch which can be purchased on the day. Other comps have a Competitor Pass. This is a one off cost for each performer and allows family members to watch.

Pre Comp Additional Rehearsal Fee

We will have a few additional rehearsals leading up to comps at the studio. These are compulsory and extremely beneficial for our competition teams.

Pre Comp Theatre Hire Fee

Premier hires a theatre for a day to assist students with spacing on a big stage. This is a compulsory attendance. There will be a theatre hire fee for the students. The total cost will be divided by the number of students.

Concert Performer Fee

Concert performers will pay a small performer fee to cover teacher wages and the professional filming and photography of the concert. The total cost will be divided by the number of students performing.

Concert Tickets

Tickets for family and friends are available to purchase online.

Students are expected to have good listening skills, follow instructions and participate in class. Premier does not tolerate hitting, uncontrollable screaming, spitting or other behaviour that may endanger or distract other students.

If a student's behaviour regularly distracts other students from learning in class, or creates an environment where the teacher is disproportionally devoting their time to one student, this will be raised with the parent. Feedback will be specific in the hopes behaviour and participation will improve. Moving forward, if the student isn't able to show good participation and behaviour in class, they may be withdrawn from class.

• Private lesson time slots are limited and by invitation only.
  

• Private lesson students must be enrolled in either little stars, or troupe or are exceptional ballet students enrolled in ballet at Premier.
  

• Acro class for private lesson students is compulsory from 6&U.
  

• The Director can choose to withdraw a student from tuition at any time. If a student chooses to cancel their private tuition, written notice two weeks prior to term commencing must be provided.
  

• Private lesson students must achieve left, right and middle splits prior to commencing solos.
  

• Private lesson students must enrol in acro gymnastics.
  

• Teachers will be allocated to students. Parents may not request a specific teacher due to the challenge of making the timetable work.
  

• Private lessons will not be rescheduled if the student misses a lesson. Parents may organise between themselves to swap lessons with another student for that week, or sell their time slot to another student.
  

• If you are a private lesson student at the start or end of a session, please call admin between office hours to notify us so we can inform the teacher of the cancellation otherwise the lesson will be charged.
  

• Parents must not ask teachers to alter their schedule or make up a missed class.
  

• If the teacher cancels a lesson a make up lesson may be organsied or a credit note will be created which can be applied to any invoice.
  

• If the private lesson is a duo or trio, and one or two students are away, the lesson will continue.
  

• Students wishing to learn musical theatre routines must receive regular singing tuition.
  

• The teacher will dictate the style, difficulty of choreography and amount of routines for each student. The student will only learn a new routine once the teacher feels the student has mastered the previous routine. This is decided on an individual basis. We strive for quality over quantity and have the student's best interest at heart.
  

• Solo students must exclusively attend dance classes at Premier School of Dance.
  

• If a student is not attending private lessons they will not be permitted to perform at comps. They are representing Premier and must have regular weekly classes to achieve a high standard.
  

• If a student is not attending regular lessons for any reason including illness or paused classes due to lack of payment, their time slot may be given to a another student who can commit to regular attendance.

For the wellbeing of your child, other students, parents and teachers, if your child has an infectious condition, you may need to keep them home to stop it from spreading.

Cold

Common symptoms and how it's spread

Common symptoms of a cold include

• coughing

• low-grade fever

• a sore throat

• sneezing and a blocked or runny nose.

Colds are spread through droplets in the air from coughs or sneezes and on surfaces.

Should I keep my child home from dance?

There is no need to exclude a child with the common cold if they seem well; however, colds and flu symptoms are very similar to the symptoms of COVID. Even if your child's symptoms are mild, they should get tested for COVID immediately and isolate at home until they have received a negative test result.

Flu

Common symptoms and how it's spread

Influenza, or 'the flu' spreads from person to person through droplets in the air. Common symptoms include

• high fever

• dry cough

• muscle ache

• fatigue

Less common symptoms include

• sore throat

• runny nose

Children may also have

• abdominal pain

• nausea

• vomiting

Should I keep my child home from dance?

Yes, until they are well. However, colds and flu symptoms are very similar to the symptoms of COVID. Even if your child's symptoms are mild, they should get tested for COVID immediately and isolate at home until they have received a negative test result.

Covid

Common symptoms and how it's spread

COVID symptoms range in severity. The following symptoms are considered mild symptoms in children:

• congested or runny nose

• sneezing

• scratchy or sore throat

• cough

• mild vomiting and diarrhoea

• mild headache or body aches

• mild fever

• mild fatigue

It’s also possible to have COVID-19 but have no symptoms at all.

Should I keep my child home from dance?

If your child displays symptoms of COVID, or is diagnosed with COVID keep them home from dance for 5 days or until their symptoms have gone.

If your child is a close contact of someone who has COVID, you should follow the close contact recommendations for South Australia.

Vomiting & or Diarrhoea

Common symptoms and how it's spread

Gastroenteritis, also known as ‘gastro’, can cause vomiting and diarrhoea, as well as nausea and stomach pains. It spreads easily from having contact with an infected person. It can also spread via contaminated food or water.

Should I keep my child home from dance?

Yes, isolate at home for 48 hours.

For more information visit:

The correct uniform is required a week from enrolment. The uniform policy is found on the website.

Premier Tees and Crop Tops can be ordered anytime. They will be placed in studio 1 the following Monday for the student to collect from the teacher.

Premier Jackets and Bags that have personalised printing are ordered once per term. Place your order anytime though the Premier website. The can take several weeks to be completed.

The Premier Jacket is compulsory for troupe students to wear proudly at competitions and other performances.

The personalised Premier bag is compulsory for troupe students to bring to competitions, concert and other performances. The supervisors can easily identify each students bag.

Costume Payment Policy

Costume due dates are final. If the costume fee is not paid in full by due date, the student won’t receive a costume, and therefore cannot perform. Credit card payment options are provided to assist families with timely payment. We hope you can appreciate the complex task of organising hundreds of costumes and the need to order on time so that costumes prior to performances.

Non-refundable & Non-exchangeable: Costumes cannot be refunded, or exchanged.

Why do we Need Costumes

Costumes are an important part of the performance and are either purchased ready-made, or are made to measure by a dressmaker. Premier School of Dance organises exquisite costumes. We order costumes in bulk up to 10 weeks prior to a performance.

Competition Costumes Troupe students / 2 costumes approximately

Tap Troupe students / 1 costume Private lesson students / Depends on student Concert Costumes Little Stars / 1 costume Troupe students / 1 costume

Contemporary / 1 costume Commercial Jazz / 1 costume Hip Hop students / 1 costume (same as competition costume) Cost Costume costs vary based on the level of detail, fabric and style of costume. Online costumes cost approximately. $120 - $150.

Custom made costumes with a lot of fabric and may $150 - $170 each.

Tutus typically cost $200 - $450+ due to the labour involved in making them. All costumes are for the student to keep.

New Students

If a new student enrols in a class after the costumes have been ordered, the student will not be able to perform in that routine. They may be included in future routines. Please enquire upon enrolment if costumes have already been ordered for their class.

Shipping Delay

If there is a delay with shipping or customs, Premier School of Dance does not hold any responsibility. Costumes are non-refundable and non-exchangeable. If a performance is cancelled due to Covid, costumes are non-refundable and non-exchangeable.

Additional Purchases

Performers may also require a hairpiece, wigs, makeup, stockings, underwear, or bodysuits to be purchased. Some costumes will have crystal embellishments, this may be charged as a separate additional cost. Parents are encouraged to put money aside for costumes throughout the year.

Sizing Online costumes are ordered as per sizing leotards however there is no guarantee that costumes will be a perfect fit. Costumes cannot be returned or refunded. Any alterations will be charged to the parents. Premier School of Dance does not hold any responsibility for a costume not fitting perfectly. Sewing Parents do not need to sew complete costumes but some hand-sewing may be required such as sewing sequins, decorations, buttons, straps, fastenings etc. If the parent does not wish to complete this, we will assist with finding someone who can complete it for them at a fee. Students will not be allowed on stage if their costume is incomplete or altered. Second Hand Troupe Costumes: Past troupe costumes may be reused. Take 30% off the price at every sale.

Hire

You may hire solo or old troupe costumes. There is a flat rate of $30 per costume, per performance. Costumes must be returned within 7 days. You may ask for a deposit. Organise between yourselves. Collection Costumes can be collected from the studio during opening hours and are usually handed out during class. Costumes will not be posted to student’s residence. Costumes must be collected within a two month period.

Troupes may have props to enhance the performance. The total cost will be divided by number of students in that class and invoiced.

In Term 4 the timetable may change and students may move up an age group.

Visit the Term Dates page on the website for term dates, performance dates, examination dates and pupil free days.

The Concert is usually held in week 9 of term 3. Visit Term Dates. Ensure availability. Premier’s concerts are entertaining extravaganzas held in a seated theatre. The annual concert is an invaluable opportunity for students of all ages to gain performance experience and build self-esteem.

The students wear beautiful costumes.

The concert is professionally filmed by a videographer and a photographer so the students can relive the event and have as an important keepsake.

There is a compulsory performer fee approximately $40. This covers the cost of the videographer, photographer and teacher attendance for the day. Concert tickets are available for purchase online. Tickets are approximately $25 - $35ea. The following classes perform in the concert:

• Little Stars

• Elite Troupes

• Rec Troupes

• Hip hop students

• Award-winning soloists

Examinations are held in November during term 4. Ensure availability.

The exam levels are Pre Primary, Primary, Grades 1-6, Intermediate, Advanced 1, Advanced 2 and Solo Seal. Exams are typically entered anually although some students or higher grades may train over 2 years to achieve the standard required to enter.

Solo Seal is en pointe and only a select few will be ready to do this pre professional exam.

To enter Major exams (Intermediate and older) students must have successfully passed their previous exam.

Examinations set a goal for the students to achieve every year providing them with a challenge, which in turn teaches students commitment and dedication.

Exam students are rewarded with national accreditation, certificates, medals and an examiner report. Exam fees apply. The examiner is from interstate.

Students are taught the Australian Institute of Classical Dance national exam syllabus, which includes a range of exercises and dance routines. We want to ensure each student will achieve his or her maximum potential in an exam situation. This is why ballet students in 10&U and above must participate in a minimum of two classes per week.

Students follow a national syllabus and are held to a national standard. Students are graded. If a student doesn't have the necessary standard or experience it is possible to fail an exam. For this reason the teachers at Premier will assess the students to see who is ready to enter their exam. Older student who start later, and don't have the foundational training from a young age, may or may not be ready to enter an exam.

If a student aims to enter an exam but isn’t yet at the required standard, private training may be necessary. This tailored instruction can help address specific areas where the student might need improvement, build confidence, and ensure they’re well-prepared for the exam.

Students injured or sick at the time of an examination may withdraw with a doctor’s certificate. A credit will applied to the following years exam.

Mock exams will be held for 6&U / 8&U / 10&U. A fee will apply. Exam uniform must be worn on the day.

All choreography and edited music remain the property of Premier School of Dance, and must not be used or sold without permission if no longer attending the school.

By enrolling you give consent for your child to be filmed by teachers or professionals for marketing purposes. Please notify us if you would like to exclude your child from marketing photos and the teachers will be notified.

Everyone refers to Parents/ Guardians, Students and Teachers.

Everyone must work towards making Premier School of Dance a safe and pleasant environment.

Complaint Process:

If an incident occurs, parents may contact the Director during office hours.

Conflict Resolution:

1. Email the Director with your concerns. Please explain the specifics of the incident.

2. The Director will hold a restorative conversation with all involved and discuss the best outcome/action.

• Everyone must treat one-another with respect.

• Everyone must not bully, gossip, yell, intimidate, threaten or use physical violence.

• Everyone must make an effort to be polite and friendly to create a harmonious environment.

• Everyone must respect the rights and dignity and of everyone regardless of their gender, cultural background or religion.

• Everyone must respect and care for studio equipment and facilities.

• Everyone must keep studios and waiting rooms neat and tidy.

If one does not abide by our Code of Conduct, there will be consequences to their actions.

Child Safe Policy

This policy was written to demonstrate the strong commitment of Premier School of Dance to child safety and establishing and maintaining child safe and child friendly environments.

This policy applies to all employees, volunteers, children and individuals involved. It complies with our obligations under the Children & Young People (Safety) Act 2017. It also complies with the National Principles for Child Safe Organisations.

All staff are required to view and sign this policy as part of their employment or engagement within the organisation.

This policy was approved on 01.2.23 and is reviewed every 5 years with the next review to occur in February 2026. A new compliance statement will be lodged with the Department of Human Services each time the policy is reviewed/updated.

Commitment to child safety

All children who come to Premier School of Dance have a right to feel and be safe. We are committed to the safety and wellbeing of all children and young people accessing our services and the welfare of the children in our care will always be our first priority. We aim to create a child safe and child friendly environment where all children are valued and feel safe.

All children and young people of diverse backgrounds, ages, abilities and identities are embraced regardless of their abilities, sex, gender, or social economic or cultural background and equity.

Harassment and bullying

Premier School of Dance opposes all forms of harassment and bullying. We take this issue seriously and encourage anyone who believes that they, or another person, has been harassed, or bullied and to raise this issue with Nikki Abdilla in management.

Recruitment of Staff

Premier School of Dance seeks to attract and retain the best employees and volunteers. Positions of employment are advertised with job descriptions that includes child safeguarding. Candidates must submit a CV, and undergo a face-to-face interview. Successful candidates will have their references checked. All new employees undergo induction and receive a copy of our Child Safe Policy and Code of Conduct to sign. All staff and volunteers over the age of 14 years, working with children and young people must hold the following

1. A valid, ‘Not Prohibited’ WWCC issued by the Screening Unit of the Department of Human Services. A DCSI clearance can be held until it expires then a WWCC from DHS must be obtained. All checks will be verified by Nikki Abdilla in the DHS Screening unit portal. WWCCS will be updated every 5 years.

2. A Safe Environments – Through Their Eyes training or RRHAN-EC Training certificate. Valid for 3 years. Provide CPR certificates. Valid for 1 year. Provide Certification in HLTAID011 Provide First Aid. Valid for 3 years.

3. The Department of Human Services Screening Unit will be contacted if Premier School of Dance becomes aware of information regarding any person involved with in the organisation, including any serious criminal offence, child protection information, or disciplinary or misconduct information.

4. At quarterly meetings, staff review the Child Safe Policy and Code of Conduct Policy. These policies are available on the Premier website for all to access.

Children’s participation

Premier School of Dance encourages and respects the views of children and young people who access our services. We encourage children to speak to a teacher before, during or after a class if they have any concerns or feedback.

We have age-appropriate feedback forms available in the waiting room.

Our email is advertised on the website. Business cards are also available in the waiting room for children and young people to access phone and email details.

We have a student teacher Youth Programme. Children and young people can speak with them. Student teachers must report any feedback to Premier.

Children and young people with access to Facebook and Instagram can contact Premier with any concerns or feedback.

We listen to and act upon any concerns that children, young people, or their families raise with us. We teach children what they can do if they feel unsafe.

Reporting and responding to reasonable suspicion of harm or risk of harm.

Reporting:

All employees are mandated notifiers. Employees and volunteers are required to report to Child Abuse Report Line (CARL) 13 14 78 if they have a reasonable suspicion of harm or risk of harm in compliance with Children & Young People (Safety) Act 2017. Report is made to SA Police on 000 if a child or young person is at immediate risk.

Staff at Premier are required to notify management after they have made a report to CARL/SAPOL regarding a child or young person receiving a service from the organisation.

Non-harm related complaints processes are kept separate from harm related reporting and responding to harm and risk of harm concerns.

Reports regarding the reasonable belief that a child or young person is, or may be, at risk of harm are to be made to the Child Abuse Report Line (CARL) on 13 14 78.

In cases involving Aboriginal children and young people, support is provided by Yaitya Tirramangkotti - an Aboriginal team, via the CARL number.

Counselling will be offered to support staff, volunteers, children, young people and their families after a report to CARL/SAPOL has been made.

Reports are made confidentially. Anyone making the report will be advised to keep their findings confidential and not to discuss with anyone within the organisation or outside of the organisation.

Types of risk and harm

Physical, social, emotional, sexual. Negatively effecting the wellbeing and safety of a child and their development.

Types of neglect

Supervisory neglect, physical neglect, medical neglect, and emotional neglect.

Seeking Help from Premier Staff:

Students and parents can speak to a teacher on arrival, during or end of class. We have approachable staff for Premier families to seek help and support if needed. Concerns can also be phoned, emailed or text messaged, and Premier will follow up asap.

Investigation Procedure:

Anyone charged with, or under investigation for a serious criminal offence will be asked to remove themselves from our premises until the matter has been dealt with. Premier School of Dance will work with the Child Abuse Report Line (CARL) and SA Police to discuss the best approach for all parties involved.

Supporting children, young people and their families

Premier School of Dance recognises that even when a report is made, we may still have a role in supporting the child or young person. This support may include:

Students can contact KidsHepline on 1800551800 or Lifeline on 13 11 14. Following the investigation, management may determine to take disciplinary action such as education, training, suspension, or termination.

During the investigation, other protective actions may also be introduced to ensure the safety of children and young people within our organisation such as education and training or new policies.

Please include in your process examples of action you will take such as education, training, suspension, or termination.

Child Protection guidelines for employees and volunteers

Caring for children and young people brings additional responsibilities for employees and volunteers of this organisation. All employees and volunteers are responsible for promoting the safety and well-being of children and young people by:

• Notifying the Child Abuse Report Line on 13 14 78 as soon as possible if they have a reasonable suspicion that a child or young person has been/is being harmed or is at risk of harm.

• Staff and volunteers at Premier are required to notify management after they have made a report to CARL/SAPOL regarding a child or young person receiving a service from the organisation.

• Treating all children and young people with dignity, equality and respect.

• Adhering to this organisation’s child safe policy at all times.

• Listening and responding appropriately to the views and concerns of children and young people within the organisation.

• Taking all reasonable steps to ensure the safety and protection of children and young people within the organisation.

• Ensuring children and young people understand their rights and explaining to the child in age-appropriate language what they can expect when participating in a service, activity or program offered by the organisation.

• Responding quickly, fairly and transparently to any serious complaints made by a child, young person or their parent/guardian.

• Employees/volunteers will not take part in any unnecessary physical contact with a child or young person.

• Use of physical contact only in the circumstance where it is necessary for primarily dance teachers to place a child’s or young person’s feet or arms in the correct position or costume measuring, and permission of the child has been gained after the reason for touching has been explained.

• Employees/volunteers will not discriminate against any child or young person because of age, gender, cultural background, religion, vulnerability, or sexuality.
  

Risk Management Plan

Accessing the outside toilets alone: Child will be chaperoned by a volunteer with WWCC or Student teacher if parent is not available.

Dance injuries: Is managed by teachers instructing safe dance practices. All teachers are First Aid trained. Staff are to follow our procedures for completing incident reports. Reports are to be provided to Director Nikki Abdilla and are kept on file. First aid supplies are available in studio 1 and ice packs are available and accessible from the freezer in waiting room of studio 1&2.

Student Drop Off & Pick Up: Students should arrive 15-30 minutes before class to warm up and stretch. Students should wait in the waiting room. Parents must supervise until class has started. Parents must arrive at least 5 minutes before the end of class to pick their child up from inside the waiting room. Waiting Rooms are accessible by security code provided to attending families only. Students and families are aware by signage to not answer the door to strangers.

Parents are advised that Premier School of Dance cannot provide supervision for students when they are not in class. This includes the waiting room, outside access toilet, and car park. Parents or guardians must supervise their child or organise a nominated adult to supervise their child. This includes breaks between classes.

Hot Weather Policy: Studios are air conditioned. For health and safety reasons classes may be modified to be less physically strenuous in extreme temperatures over 40 degrees. Students will have regular drink breaks. Child says that they do not want to go home with parent: Ask student for reason, go with the student to greet the parent. Speak to the parent. If there is suspicion of harm to the child, staff or volunteer will action a call to (CARL): 13 14 78 as soon as possible.

Parent witnesses another parent harming a child whilst at the studio. Parent must contact 000 if the child is in immediate danger. If the child isn’t in immediate danger, the parent can contact (CARL): 13 14 78 as soon as possible.

Child discloses bullying by another parent or student: Speak to all involved. Speak to witnesses. If the bullying is harmful, staff or volunteer will action a call to (CARL): 13 14 78 as soon as possible. The person causing harm or risk or harm will be asked to leave the premises.