Marsh Tompsett School of Dance
ABINGDON
Dance classes for 3 - 18 yr olds
Ballet Modern Theatre Tap Street Dance
CHILD PROTECTION POLICY
MTSD will ensure that:-
The lines of communication remain open between teaching staff and parents/guardians – any concerns in relation to child protection will be brought to attention, treated seriously and handled sensitively.
Students are not discriminated against based on religion, race, background, age, gender, sexuality, medical condition or disability.
All health and safety regulations are adhered to while a student is in the school’s care.
All teaching staff hold appropriate insurance and DBS/CRB certificates.
A student who displays offensive and/or disruptive language or behaviour will be excluded for the safety and protection of other members.
Dance instruction is safe, well planned and up to date incorporating an age appropriate “warm up” and “cool down” where necessary to prevent injury.
A register of attendance, a list of names and emergency contact numbers and important medical information on students is kept.
Young students do not leave the premises without their parent/guardian or other authorised adult.
Physical corrections are carried out carefully and sensitively.
Parents are reminded that:-
MTSD is responsible for the students care within the boundaries of the hall where classes take place. We are not responsible for students in the changing room or elsewhere on the premises. During dress rehearsals and shows at the Amey Theatre, MTSD is responsible for children once they have signed in at the door and remain so until they sign out and exit the building.
On enrolling your child, a registration form must be completed giving up to date information on contact details and medical conditions. MTSD needs to be informed in writing if any of these details change.
COVID-19 Risk Assessment
DATE CARRIED OUT: 03/08/2021
COLLATED BY: Selina Marsh (Principal)
ACTIVITY: Dance tuition for students aged 3-18
LOCATION: Larkmead School Dance Studio
DATE TO BE REVIEWED: On a continual weekly basis and as new government guidance is published
RISK: THE TRANSMISSION OF COVID-19 BETWEEN STUDENTS AND THEIR FAMILIES
THE FOLLOWING RISK MITIGATION MEASURES ARE IN ACCORDANCE WITH STAGE 4 GOVERNMENT ADVICE SPECIFIC TO INDOOR SPORTS VENUES AND OUT OF SCHOOL SETTINGS FOR CHILDREN.
1. ARRIVING AT THE STUDIO
a. Entry will be via the main front doors only.
b. Parents and students advised to be mindful of social distancing whilst waiting, preferably outside.
c. The changing rooms will continue to be out of bounds to cut down on close contact in small spaces. Students to arrive in dance kit and store belongings inside the studio.
d. Parents are reminded that they are responsible for their children at all times outside of the studio and should follow guidelines closely.
e. Students to arrive with their own water in sealed bottle and not share with others.
f. Only the disabled toilet will be in operation to allow full control of hygiene.
g. No person may enter the building if they or any member of their household or social bubble have any of the following symptoms:-
*New and continuous cough
*High temperature
*Loss or change in sense of taste or smell
If this is the case the household concerned is to follow the government "stay at home guidance with possible or confirmed Covid-19 infection"
h. No person may attend if they have been informedto self isolate by Track & Trace.
TO ENSURE THE ABOVE MEASURES ARE CLOSELY FOLLOWED MTSD WILL: -
1. Communicate and remind all clients of all arrival policies regularly via email.
2. Display clear signage at the venue regarding social distancing, good hygiene practices and COVID-19 symptoms
2. IN BETWEEN CLASSES
a. A one-way travel system will be in operation – students will enter the studio from the corridor and exit and/or be collected by parents from the fire doors at the opposite end of the studio.
b. Hand sanitiser to be provided for every student on entry and exit.
c. All touch points to be disinfected including ballet barres, door handles, light switches and chairs in the corridor.
d. The one operational toilet and sink to be disinfected with sanitising spray.
e. Check performed on the toilet to ensure adequate supply of paper towels, soap and toilet paper.
f. If not already, all windows and doors to be opened to ensure good ventilation inside the studio.
TO ENSURE THE ABOVE MEASURES ARE CLOSELY FOLLOWED MTSD WILL: -
1. Communicate clearly by email that students are to be collected from the fire doors and respectfully ask that parents/guardians are ON TIME to pick up their child.
2. Regularly check and replace stock of cleaning products and hand sanitiser.
3. Provide training and protective gloves to teaching assistants if they are directed to undertake cleaning duties.
4. Make clear to students/families that they are only to enter the studio when permitted.
3. DURING CLASSES
a. Once students enter the class, it is advised that a maximum of 5 parents only wait in the front section of the lobby
b. Students to be briefed on good hygiene practices and limiting physical contact
c. Classes will not enforce but be mindful of social distancing. Physical contact will be limited.
d. Any objects or props used will be sanitised before and after use.
e. Doors and windows to be propped open if safe to do so to allow good ventilation. Air conditioning unit will not be in operation.
f. Teaching assistant to accompany younger children to toilet (remaining outside of the cubicle itself) to encourage and check thorough hand washing. Good handwashing procedure poster also to be displayed in the toilet.
g. End of term open classes with parent spectators are now permitted, but this will be reviewed before Christmas.
h. In an emergency, first aid will be given using appropriate mitigating factors e.g. wearing gloves and a face shield and handwashing after the event. CPR only to be delivered by chest compressions and not rescue breaths.
i. Any child displaying symptoms during a class will be isolated in a corner of the studio. If they need to use the toilet, they will be directed to one of the extra toilets not in general use which will then be shut down and disinfected before anyone else is permitted to use it. Parents will be contacted to come and collect the child ASAP.
j. Face coverings during exercise are not advised but may be worn if the student chooses to do so.
TO ENSURE THE ABOVE MEASURES ARE CLOSELY FOLLOWED MTSD WILL: -
1. Use clear signage requesting a compliance with new Stage 4 measures.
2. Provide training to teaching assistant on all policies outlined during classes.
3. Ensure first aid knowledge is up to date and first aid kit well stocked, including a contactless thermometer.
4. Communicate via email the importance of parents being easily contactable by phone during classes if their child is showing symptoms and needs to be collected early.
4. IF A CONFIRMED CASE OF COVID-19 IS REPORTED
a. A precise register of attendance for all sessions to be kept in order to assist the government with Track & Trace / Test & Trace.
b. Parents/guardians instructed to inform MTSD if a member of their household tests positive for COVID-19.
c. MTSD to react swiftly and appropriately if contacted either by Track and Trace / Test & Trace representatives or a parent/guardian regarding a confirmed case and follow official government advise on how to proceed regarding isolation.
TO ENSURE THE ABOVE MEASURES ARE CLOSELY FOLLOWED MTSD WILL: -
1. Retain records of attendance throughout the term.
2. Communicate clearly with clients via email regarding the reporting of a confirmed case.
3. In the event of an outbreak, communicate clearly with clients and Larkmead staff via email if MTSD is advised to temporarily close by Department of Education.
5. ADDITIONAL MEASURES
a. Classes are now permitted to take place with no maximum number, but MTSD will cap participants at 20.
b. Most documents such as letters and invoices to be emailed rather than handed out in hard copy format.
c. MTSD’s policy on safeguarding and well-being to be reviewed in respect of potential harm caused to children and young people as a result of the pandemic.
d. Larkmead School to undertake a full clean before and after MTSD’s hire each day.
e. Teacher will be conducting twice weekly lateral flow tests to provide extra reassurance
f. It is advised that secondary aged children continue to take regular lateral flow tests throughout the autumn term.
PHOTOGRAGHY AND VIDEO POLICY
There is an option to allow photos/videos at end of term displays and shows on our registration form. Only images and videos that are accompanied with a signed parental consent form will be used as publicity on the school website or social media.
Any footage taken in an end of term open class, must be of their child only and must not be uploaded to any social media sites.
GENERAL DATA PROTECTION POLICY
Any personal data that MTSD holds is kept on a protected computer system and securely stored paper files, which where
necessary are confidentially shredded. Your information is not shared with any third party with the exception of the ISTD, in the event
that your child is entered for an examination (name and date of birth only). MTSD will continue to review how data is protected.
COMPLAINT POLICY
We are always happy to receive feedback and welcome parents input. Email is the preferred method of contact as time between classes is so short. We aim to resolve any issues as quickly and smoothly as possible.
HEALTH AND SAFETY POLICY
MTSD will ensure that:-
A risk assessment is conducted and regularly reviewed.
Measures are taken to liaise with Larkmead School and reduce any potential hazards.
Appropriate control of risks to health and safety are taken when they arise unexpectedly during a class.
Teaching staff are equipped with a first aid bag, are first aid trained and act accordingly in an emergency.
Emphasis is put on safe dance practice when teaching.
EVACUATION POLICY
FIRE ALARM
On hearing a low pitched pulsing siren:-
1. Selina will gather all students/parents who are inside the studio, in the changing rooms and in the waiting room. Do not collect belongings.
2. We will exit through the main doors and proceed across the playground, through the green security gates and assemble on the field beyond the gates. (should the fire be at the front of the building, we will exit through the fire doors at the back of the studio).
3. A register will be taken and all members accounted for.
4. The Duty Manager and emergency services will be contacted.
5. We will then await further instruction.
INTRUDER ALARM (fast pulsing screeching)
LOCKDOWN ALARM (single high pitched whine)
On hearing either of these alarms:-
If outside on the playground, come inside the Dance Studio immediately. Selina will lock everybody inside the building. The Duty Manager will be contacted and we will await further instruction.
Thank you.