Code of Conduct

We are committed to having a dance school that is safe for all children where child abuse and harm are not tolerated. Child safety is a priority for Times Performing Arts Academy (Times Dance) and the prevention and reporting of abuse is supported and encouraged. All staff, contractors and Management are responsible for promoting the safety, wellbeing and empowerment of children. Times Dance recognises that discrimination can harm children and we treat all children with dignity and respect.

This Code of Conduct sets expectations for how staff, contractors and Management at Times Dance should behave around children. This helps children participate safely in our school and have fun.

All Times Dance staff and contractors must always follow these standards of behaviour, including when at the Times Dance studios, attending a competition, in our online classes and when engaging with Times Dance students and their families at any time:

Caring for children brings additional responsibilities for our staff.  All staff and management are responsible for promoting and protecting the safety and wellbeing of children by:-

  • adhering to Times Dance’s child safe policy at all times and taking all reasonable steps to ensure the safety and protection of children
  • treating everyone including those of different race, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, social class, physical ability or attributes and religious beliefs with respect and honesty and ensure equity is upheld
  • being a positive role model to children in all conduct with them
  • setting clear boundaries about appropriate behaviour between ourself and children – boundaries help everyone to understand their roles
  • listening and responding appropriately to the views and concerns of children
  • being alert to bullying behaviours and responding promptly and appropriately
  • ensuring another adult is always present or in sight when conducting one to one coaching, instruction or other activity
  • being alert to children who have been harmed, or may be at risk of harm and reporting this quickly to the Child Abuse Report Line (13 14 78) or the Victoria Police.
  • responding quickly, fairly and transparently to any complaints made by a child or their parent/guardian
  • encouraging children to “have a say” on issues that are important to them

All staff must not:-

  • engage in rough physical games
  • develop any “special” relationships with children that could be seen as favouritism such as the offering of gifts or special treatment
  • do things of a personal nature that a child can do for themselves such as toileting or changing clothes
  • discriminate against any child because of age, gender, cultural background, religion, vulnerability or sexuality

 

Breaches or suspected breaches of the Code of Conduct

  • Breaches or suspected breaches of the Code of Conduct must be reported as soon as practicable to our Responsible Person, Nancy Wang. Nancy can be contacted on 0421 848 805 or via email: 2010acda@gmail.com
  • Breaches or suspected breaches of the Code of Conduct will be taken seriously and dealt with quickly, fairly and transparently.
  • Some breaches of this Code of Conduct may need to be reported to the Victorian Police.
  • Staff and contractors who breach the Code of Conduct will face disciplinary action and depending on severity of the breach, the staff and contractor may have their employment/engagement terminated.

 

PLEASE NOTE:

If any person in a position of authority within our school becomes aware of a substantial risk that a child may become the victim of a sexual offence committed by an adult associated with the school (for example, an employee or contractor), and they have the power or responsibility to reduce or remove the risk, then they must take all reasonable steps to do so. A person in authority who negligently fails to take appropriate action to address the risk may be charged with the criminal offence of ‘failing to protect’ and may face a term of imprisonment.

If an adult reasonably believes a sexual offence has been committed by an adult against a child under the age of 16, they must report it to Victoria Police by calling 000 or going to their local police station. Failure to disclose the information may be a criminal offence.