Safeguarding Policy for Children

RAVE WORKOUT LTD ("RAVE") is committed to safeguarding the welfare of all children who participate in our Mini Rave classes. This policy sets out our approach to child protection and establishes the responsibilities of everyone involved in delivering or attending Mini Rave sessions.

This policy applies to all instructors, staff, volunteers, and parents/guardians attending Mini Rave classes.

Our Beliefs

At RAVE, we believe that:

• Children and young people should never experience abuse of any kind.
• We have a responsibility to promote the welfare of all children, to keep them safe, and to practise in a way that protects them.

We recognise that:

• The welfare of children is paramount in all the work we do and in all the decisions we take.
• Working in partnership with children, young people, their parents, carers and other agencies is essential in promoting children's welfare.
• All children, regardless of age, disability, gender, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation have an equal right to protection from all types of harm or abuse.
• Some children are additionally vulnerable because of the impact of previous experiences, their level of dependency, communication needs, or other issues, and extra safeguards may be needed to keep them safe.

1. Purpose and Scope

This policy applies specifically to Mini Rave classes, which are designed for children accompanied by a parent or guardian. The purpose of this policy is:

• To protect children participating in Mini Rave sessions from harm.
• To provide instructors, staff, volunteers, and parents/guardians with the overarching principles that guide our approach to child protection.
• To ensure all adults involved in Mini Rave understand their responsibilities to safeguard children.

2. Legal Framework

This policy has been drawn up on the basis of legislation, policy and guidance seeking to protect children in England. Key legislation includes:

• The Children Act 1989 and 2004
• The Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006
• Working Together to Safeguard Children (2023)
• Keeping Children Safe in Education (2023, where applicable)

A summary of key legislation and guidance is available from nspcc.org.uk/childprotection.

3. Supervision and Ratios

3.1 Every child attending a Mini Rave class must be accompanied by a parent or responsible adult guardian (aged 18+) at all times throughout the session.

3.2 The accompanying adult is responsible for the supervision and welfare of their child during the class. Instructors will lead the class activity but are not acting as sole supervisors of children.

3.3 Children must remain with their parent or guardian and may not be left unattended in any studio space or communal area.

4. Responsibilities of Instructors and Staff

4.1 Instructors and staff must maintain professional boundaries with all children at all times.

4.2 Any physical guidance or correction must be proportionate, necessary for safe instruction, and only carried out with clear verbal communication to the child and their parent/guardian.

4.3 Instructors must never be alone with a child in a one-to-one setting in a closed or private space.

4.4 Instructors must treat all children with respect, dignity and care, regardless of age, gender, ability, ethnicity, religion, or background.

4.5 Instructors are trained to be alert to signs of abuse, distress, or neglect and must report any concern to the RAVE Safeguarding Lead without delay (see Section 7).

5. Responsibilities of Parents and Guardians

By bringing your child to a Mini Rave class, you agree to:

• Remain present and responsible for your child throughout the entire session.
• Ensure your child is in suitable physical health to participate in dance activity.
• Inform the instructor before the class of any medical condition, injury, allergy, or additional need that may affect your child's participation.
• Treat instructors, staff, and other families with respect and courtesy.
• Ensure your child is aware of and follows the behaviour expectations below.
• Not take photographs or video of other children without the explicit consent of their parent or guardian.

6. Children's Behaviour Expectations

We ask all children attending Mini Rave classes to:

• Listen to and follow the instructor's guidance.
• Be kind and respectful to all other children and adults in the class.
• Let their parent or the instructor know if they feel unwell, scared, or uncomfortable.
• Not behave in a way that could hurt themselves or others.

7. Recognising and Reporting Concerns

7.1 Any safeguarding concern — including any disclosure made by a child, or any suspicion of abuse or neglect — must be reported to the RAVE Safeguarding Lead as soon as possible.

7.2 The current Safeguarding Lead is the studio owner. Contact details are available on our Contact page.

7.3 If a child is in immediate danger, contact the emergency services on 999 before reporting internally.

7.4 NSPCC Helpline: If you are concerned about a child and unsure who to speak to, you can contact the NSPCC Helpline free on 0808 800 5000 (available 24/7).

7.5 All concerns will be handled confidentially and information shared only with those who need to know. Records will be kept factually and stored securely in line with UK data protection law.

8. Responding to a Disclosure

If a child discloses abuse or a safeguarding concern:

• Listen calmly and without asking leading questions.
• Do not promise confidentiality — explain that you will share the information only with those who need to know to keep them safe.
• Reassure the child that they have done the right thing by telling you.
• Record what was said as soon as possible, using the child's own words.
• Report to the Safeguarding Lead immediately.

9. Photography and Media

9.1 RAVE may take photographs during Mini Rave classes for promotional purposes. Consent for photography is captured during registration and can be withdrawn at any time by contacting us.

9.2 Photographs of children will only be used with explicit, documented parental or guardian consent.

9.3 No parent, guardian, or visitor may take photographs or video of children other than their own without the explicit consent of that child's parent or guardian.

10. Health and Safety

10.1 Instructors will ensure the studio is safe before each session, including checking the floor, equipment, and emergency exits.

10.2 A first aid kit is available at every venue, and at least one instructor holds a valid first aid qualification.

10.3 Parents and guardians must inform the instructor before the class of any medical condition, allergy, or additional need relevant to their child.

11. Safer Recruitment

11.1 All instructors and staff who work with children hold a valid enhanced DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check.

11.2 References are sought for all new instructors and staff before they begin working with children.

11.3 All instructors and staff complete safeguarding training appropriate to their role before leading or supporting Mini Rave classes.

12. Review of this Policy

This Safeguarding Policy for Children will be reviewed at least annually, or sooner if there is a change in legislation, guidance, or circumstances. The most current version will always be posted on our website.

13. Contact

If you have any questions about this policy, or wish to report a safeguarding concern, please contact us using the details provided on our Contact page, or call the NSPCC Helpline on 0808 800 5000.