Question 1

Admissions policy

Accepted Answer

• To join Performanze you must be aged between 2 and 21 years old
 • Entry  is subject to class availability
 • Performanze is non-selective; however we are not able to cater for the needs of children with significant behavioural and learning difficulties in group classes - please discuss with Miss Rosie as we may be able to offer one-to-one coaching for children with additional needs
 • Sign up for a free trial or a subscription should be done by clicking on the link at the bottom of the page

Question 2

Allegation of staff abuse policy

Accepted Answer

It is important that all staff uphold the values of our school by behaving in a proper and professional manner.  If a student or parent feels that there has been an incident of staff abuse or unprofessional behaviour, the following procedure should be followed immediately:

• Email directly to the Principal Rosie Baker:  performanze@live.co.uk (performanze@live.co.uk)
 • If Miss Rosie is unavailable – or is involved - the deputy head Jill Burnett or administrative lead Annie Jacobs accounts@performanze.co.uk (accounts@performanze.co.uk)should be informed 
 • An impartial and fair investigation will be performed to try and establish what has happened
 • If any party feels this is a safeguarding issue, it is advised to contact the Local Authority Designated Officer (01865 810603) 
 • https://www.oscb.org.uk/concerned-about-a-child/ (https://www.oscb.org.uk/concerned-about-a-child/)

Question 3

Anti-bullying policy

Accepted Answer

We aim to develop a school ethos that encourages civilised behaviour, recognises everyone’s individual strengths, and deems bullying of any type to be unacceptable.

• It needs to be made clear to all pupils that it is important to speak up about anything that is troubling them - bullying can only exist and thrive in an atmosphere of secrecy
 • Staff provide an environment where differences are not only accepted but are be embraced
 • If a there is a report of bullying then every incident will be taken seriously and followed up - the student should feel they can approach any member of staff and be heard
 • Allegations about bullying will be followed up with vigour and sensitivity. Under some circumstances, it may not be appropriate to identify the pupil making the allegation, but all those involved will usually be interviewed and, with the everyone's consent, might be brought together to help everyone appreciate the impact of the behaviour
 • Attempts will be made to defuse tensions between pupils and to repair relations so that the bullying does not develop
 • If the pupil continues to feel bullied, they must continue to seek help. Written statements from both sides may be asked for, and sanctions (e.g. moving classes or sitting out for a period) are likely to be imposed
 • Parents/carers are kept informed as necessary throughout the victim support process

Question 4

Behaviour and discipline policy

Accepted Answer

Good behaviour is a necessary condition for effective teaching and learning to take place.

It is our aim to:

• Ensure that staff and pupils know and understand what is meant by good behaviour and that they aspire to this 
 • Encourage the development of self-discipline and sense of responsibility
 • Encourage good relationships between pupils and teachers
 • Ensure that pupils respect others feelings, values, and beliefs - encouraging an environment where differences are not only accepted but embraced

Staff will be clear, fair, and friendly.  Teachers need to be consistent in the behaviour that they will accept or not accept.  They will maintain discipline throughout the class to ensure noise levels don't get too high and that children are following instructions safely. We will confidentially communicate with parents/carers where sanctions are necessary or poor behaviour choices have been shown.

Parents/carers are expected to ensure that their children arrive at class on time and that their children are dressed appropriately. Parents/carers are expected to support the staff in maintaining positive class behaviour and may be called into class if their child’s behaviour is poor. Parents/carers are  responsible for children outside the classroom, prior to, and after each class.

Question 5

Child protection policy

Accepted Answer

Performanze fully recognises its responsibilities for Safeguarding and Child Protection. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our pupils, regardless of age, ability, culture, religion, ethnicity, gender, or sexuality. The Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) is Rosie Baker. 
 
If there is immediate danger to a child contact 999.

If there is immediate concern for example:

• Allegations/concerns that the child has been sexually/physically abused
 • Concerns that the child is suffering from severe neglect or other severe health risks
 • Concern that a child is living in or will be returned to a situation that may place him/her at immediate risk
 • The child is frightened to return home
 • The child has been abandoned or parent is absent

Please contact the Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH) on 0345 050 7666 during office hours (8.30am – 5pm, Monday to Thursday, 8.30am – 4pm, Friday) or call the Emergency Duty Team 0800 833 408 during outside office hours.

If there are concerns or allegations about a professional working with children please contact the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) on 01865 810603  or email lado.safeguardingchildren@oxfordshire.gov.uk(mailto:lado.safeguardingchildren@oxfordshire.gov.uk)

More details about our policy:
 
This policy aims:
 • To ensure all our pupils are safe and protected from harm
 • To allow children to develop the skills they need to recognise and stay safe from abuse 
 • To raise the awareness of the whole school community (including staff, governors, volunteers, and contractors) of the importance of Safeguarding and Child Protection and of their responsibilities for identifying and reporting actual or suspected abuse
 
Prevention: Establish and maintain a positive and safe environment where children feel secure, are encouraged to talk, and are listened to, where there is accessible pastoral care, careful and vigilant teaching, and good adult role models.
Protection: Agreed procedures are followed; staff are trained and supported to respond appropriately and sensitively to any safeguarding concerns.
Support: For pupils who may have been at risk of significant harm, for staff and the way they respond to concerns, and for any subsequent work that may be required.
 
All staff

Are:
 • familiar with this safeguarding policy and have an opportunity to contribute to its review
 • alert to the signs and symptoms of possible abuse
 • able to record and report concerns as set out in this policy
 • able to deal with a disclosure of abuse from a pupil
 • involved in the implementation of individual education programmes, integrated support plans, child in need plans, and inter-agency child protection plans as required
 
Do:
 • create a safe environment by offering the child a private and safe place if possible
 • stay calm and reassure the child, and stress that he/she is not to blame
 • tell the child that they were right to tell you, and that you know how difficult it must have been to confide in you
 • listen carefully and tell the child that you believe them and are taking what is being said seriously, and that you have to speak to someone who can help to keep them safe
 • keep questions to a minimum and encourage the child to use their own words; questioning should only include T. E. D. questions: 
			o Tell me more about.... 
			o Explain to me...
			o Describe to me...
 • and/or use the mirroring technique: i.e. ‘My dad hit me last night’ respond with ‘Your dad hit you last night?’
 • tell only the Designated Safeguarding Lead and contact any of the above numbers if deemed necessary
 • record in detail using the Child Welfare/Child Protection Incident or Concern Form without delay, using the child’s own words where possible, what you heard or what you saw
 • explain what the next steps are to the child
 
Do not:
 • take photographs of any injuries
 • postpone or delay the opportunity for the child to talk
 • take notes while the pupil is speaking or record the conversation on any device
 • ask the child to write down what they said or repeat it to another adult
 • promise confidentiality, e.g. saying you will keep ‘the secret’/promising not to tell anyone else
 • investigate the allegation yourself
 • approach or inform the alleged abuser

Question 6

Collection, non-collection, and missing children policy

Accepted Answer

At the end of the class, children will be handed over to the parents/carers or other authorised adults from a designated area outside the dance studio. Parents/carers are reminded that once the handover has taken place, they are responsible for their children’s safety, behaviour, and well-being.

In the event that a child is not collected by an authorised adult at the end of a class, Performanze puts into practice agreed procedures. These ensure the child is cared for safely by an experienced teacher/adult who is known to the child.

Procedures for non-collection

• Parents/carers of children starting at Performanze are asked to provide specific information which is included in our registration form, including home address and telephone numbers
 • On occasions when parents/carers or the persons normally authorised to collect their children are not able to do this, parents can email in advance or speak directly with the teacher at drop off to discuss who will be collecting and when (such information will not be accepted verbally from young children (primary age) themselves)
 • If a child is not collected at the end of class, parents/carers are contacted using the contact details they have given us
 • If this is unsuccessful, the adults who are authorised by the parents to collect the children, and whose telephone numbers are recorded, are contacted
 • While the above procedures are taking place, children are kept safe in the next class within the studio 
 • At the end of the dance school time and after every effort has been made to make contact with parents/carers and as a last resort, we would contact Children’s Services of the Local Authority in accordance with agreed inter-agency procedures

Procedures for missing children

• The missing child will be looked for thoroughly and efficiently. Other children will be supervised by a senior student teacher. 
 • Parent/carers will be contacted
 • If there is no response, or the parent/carer does not have knowledge of the child's whereabouts, the police will be called and their missing child protocols will be followed

Question 7

Complaints policy

Accepted Answer

Performanze is committed to ensuring that complaints will be treated seriously and that there are no impediments to anyone with a legitimate interest making representations or complaints.

A complaint is an expression of dissatisfaction by a parent with a real or perceived problem. At all times, the aim will be to resolve concerns as quickly as possible and at the right level.  Procedures will be applied with the aim of enabling individuals to raise any concerns and to allow a full and open evaluation of all the relevant issues.

Complaints against staff will generally be dealt with by the Principal Rosie Baker - performanze@live.co.uk (performanze@live.co.uk).  If Miss Rosie Baker is unavailable – or is involved - the deputy head Jill Burnett or administrative lead Annie Jacobs accounts@performanze.co.uk (accounts@performanze.co.uk)should be informed as soon as once.

• Stage 1:  Informal Resolution:  It is hoped that most complaints and concerns will be resolved quickly and informally. If parents/carers have a complaint, they should contact their child’s class teacher. Each complaint will be taken seriously and investigated impartially. In many cases, the matter will be resolved straight away, in an informal manner, and to the parent/carer’s satisfaction. 
 • Stage 2:  Formal Resolution:  If the complaint cannot be resolved on an informal basis, then the parent/carers will be asked to put their complaint in writing to the Principal (or as above, if Miss Rosie is involved to either Miss Jill or Annie Jacobs), who will decide, after considering the complaint, the appropriate and next action to take. In most cases, the investigating member of staff will speak to the parents/carers concerned within forty-eight hours of receiving the complaint to discuss the matter. If possible a resolution will be reached at this stage. It may be necessary for the the investigating member of staff to carry out further investigations; these will be completed in seven working days.

Question 8

Equal opportunities policy

Accepted Answer

Promoting equal opportunities is fundamental to the aims and ethos of Performanze. Indeed, we value the individuality of all within our community. We are especially committed to giving children and adults every opportunity to achieve the highest standards. Applications from candidates with a diverse a range of backgrounds are welcomed. This enriches our community and is vital in preparing our pupils for the world. We concentrate on educating the individual and providing a comfortable and welcoming atmosphere, where each individual feels valued and can flourish.

Performanze is committed to equal treatment for all, regardless of an individual’s ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, gender, disability, learning difficulty, body image, or social background. Bursaries are offered in order to make it possible for as many local children to attend - please speak to Miss Rosie performanze@live.co.uk (performanze@live.co.uk)if you are struggling financially.

Question 9

GDPR policy

Accepted Answer

GDPR stands for General Data Protection Regulation and replaces the previous Data Protection. GDPR states that personal data should be ‘processed fairly and lawfully’ and ‘collected for specified, explicit, and legitimate purposes’ and that individuals' data is not processed without their knowledge and is only processed with their explicit consent. The Data Protection Act gives individuals the right to know what information is held about them. It provides a framework to ensure that personal information is handled properly.
​
What we do at Performanze

• We store our registration data on software 'Club manager' (which is being phased out) and 'ClassForKids' - each software is an encrypted online database and is password-protected
 • Hard copy information is shredded 
 • We do not disclose or sell personal data to third parties
 • In the interest of child safety, as per our safeguarding policy, details may be shared with relevant authorities
 • Where children need licences for events, details are passed to relevant companies with parents'/carers' prior permission
 • The school uses contact numbers and emails for newsletters, updates, whole-school and individual communication
 • Please note that parents/carers have various WhatsApp groups; these are optional groups that you can choose to join and it should be noted that we cannot maintain GDPR for your telephone information if you add yourself to these WhatsApp groups. 
 • Emergency parent/carer contact numbers are given to teachers for the use of emergency contact only
 • Performanze stores personal data held visually in the form of photographs or video clips, or as sound recordings. No names are stored with images in photo albums, displays, on the website or on Performanze social media sites

Question 10

Photography and filming policy

Accepted Answer

Parents/carers can request on registration if they do not want their children to be in photos or filmed.  In circumstances where we are taking group photos or filming (e.g. during a show), we will contact these parents/carers in advance to ask what they would like us to do, and if the parent/carer feels is is necessary we will ask these children to stand to one side if we are taking photos or filming.

If a parent/carer wishes to photograph or film classes, they may do so with the permission of the Principal and the teacher's consent: however we operate a policy that protects families that do not wish their children to be photographed or filmed (see above). Any such recordings must not be posted on any form of social media.  If this policy is found to be breached we will ask you to remove all evidence of the photography/filming.

Performanze uses our own photographs/filming as a platform to advertise the school and to celebrate its students' achievements.

Question 11

Adverse weather policy

Accepted Answer

The decision to close  in adverse weather conditions is not taken lightly and is always a last resort. In the event of closure we aim to inform parents by lunchtime if it is necessary to close. We will do this by texting on WhatsApp, posting on Facebook, putting a message on our website, and emailing.

The welfare of the children, parents/carers and staff is always paramount. We do not want people unnecessarily placed at risk.

Question 12

Illness policy

Accepted Answer

Performanze dance school provides physical activity and involves aerobic activity in an enclosed space; with this is in mind it is important that children who are feeling unwell (beyond mild cold symptoms) should be kept at home.

If your child has:

• had sickness or diarrhoea in the last 48 hours
 • needed paracetamol during the day
 • flu like or Covid symptoms
 • a fever
 • not been in school

then it is really important that they do NOT attend the dance school.   Similarly, if a parent is symptomatic - we ask that they do not come into the building.  If you send the teacher a WhatsApp message on the correct group, they will walk them out to the car for you.

As a school, we ask parents to also do the following to help us reduce the risk of spreading the winter bugs by:

• bringing your own named water bottle and encourage children not to share
 • naming all your items 
 • having a dance bag or basket for your items to go in
 • wearing the correct uniform and bring ballet cardigans/Performanze jackets to stay warm
 • bringing personal hand sanitiser
 • bringing tissues and a plastic bag to dispose of the dirty tissues

If you need any dance bags, cardigans, uniform or Performanze jackets please email Jill@performanze.co.uk (mailto:Jill@performanze.co.uk)

Contact us

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