At Maria Nicola’s Academy of Dance (MNAD), the safety, wellbeing and best interests of every child and young person are our highest priority.

We are committed to providing a safe, supportive, inclusive and respectful environment where all students can learn, develop and enjoy dance free from harm, abuse, neglect, bullying, discrimination or exploitation.

Maria Nicola’s Academy of Dance recognises that every child has the right to feel safe, be heard and be treated with dignity and respect.

We are committed to complying with:

• NSW Child Safe Standards
• NSW Working With Children Check legislation
• Child Protection (Working with Children) Act 2012
• Reportable Conduct Scheme (where applicable)
• National Principles for Child Safe Organisations

Maria Nicola’s Academy of Dance is committed to:

• Protecting every child from abuse or harm.
• Promoting children’s physical, emotional and psychological wellbeing.
• Creating a positive and inclusive learning environment.
• Encouraging students to express concerns without fear.
• Ensuring all staff understand their safeguarding responsibilities.
• Maintaining clear professional boundaries between staff and students.
• Responding promptly to any concerns regarding child safety.

Our aim is to provide dance education that allows students to develop:

• Confidence
• Discipline
• Creativity
• Musicality
• Physical strength
• Respect for others
• Self-esteem
• Lifelong enjoyment of dance

While learning in an environment where their safety always comes first.

Maria Nicola’s Academy of Dance is committed to safe recruitment practices.

Before commencing employment or volunteer work, staff must:

• Hold a valid NSW Working With Children Check (WWCC) where required.
• Provide appropriate references.
• Participate in an interview process.
• Demonstrate appropriate experience and professionalism.
• Agree to comply with all studio child safeguarding policies.

All new staff complete an induction regarding:

• Child protection
• Professional conduct
• Reporting obligations
• Appropriate physical contact
• Code of Conduct

All teachers and staff are expected to maintain professional relationships with students at all times.

Staff will:

• Avoid situations where they are alone with a child whenever reasonably possible.
• Never engage in behaviour that could be interpreted as grooming.
• Use respectful, age-appropriate language.
• Act as positive role models.
• Maintain appropriate professional boundaries inside and outside the studio.

Dance training occasionally requires physical guidance to assist students with posture, alignment and safe technique.

Where physical correction is necessary, teachers will:

• Explain the correction beforehand whenever appropriate.
• Use the minimum physical contact required.
• Always maintain professionalism and respect.
• Ensure contact is solely for educational purposes.
• Avoid any unnecessary or inappropriate physical contact.

Students will always be treated respectfully and with dignity.

Maria Nicola’s Academy of Dance promotes a culture where children:

• Feel safe.
• Feel respected.
• Feel included.
• Know their voices matter.
• Can report concerns without fear.

Bullying, harassment, discrimination and inappropriate behaviour are not tolerated.

We encourage open communication between parents, guardians and staff.

Parents are welcome to discuss:

• Student wellbeing
• Safety concerns
• Behavioural concerns
• Attendance
• Injuries
• Any safeguarding concerns

All concerns will be treated respectfully and confidentially.

Information relating to children and families will be kept confidential unless disclosure is required:

• to protect a child,
• by law,
• or with parental consent.

Student information is only shared with staff who require the information to provide appropriate care and instruction.

Maria Nicola’s Academy of Dance respects student privacy. 

Photographs or videos will only be used:

• with parent/guardian consent;
• for studio promotional purposes;
• on official MNAD platforms.

Parents are asked to respect the privacy of all students when taking photographs or videos at performances and events. Parents must sign the T&Cs within our Welcome Pack to reflect their consent for the studio to use photographs and/or videos of their child.

Any concern regarding:

• inappropriate behaviour,
• suspected abuse,
• neglect,
• grooming,
• bullying,
• harassment,
• unsafe conduct,

must be reported immediately to the Studio Principal.

All concerns will be:

• documented,
• investigated where appropriate,
• handled confidentially,
• referred to the appropriate authorities where legally required.

The safety of the child will always take priority.

All staff agree to:

• Treat every child fairly and respectfully.
• Provide equal opportunities for all students.
• Use positive teaching practices.
• Maintain professional boundaries.
• Never engage in abusive, intimidating or humiliating behaviour.
• Never use physical punishment.
• Follow all child safeguarding procedures.
• Report concerns immediately.

The Principal is responsible for:

• Implementing this policy.
• Ensuring compliance with NSW Child Safe Standards.
• Maintaining staff WWCC records.
• Responding to safeguarding concerns.
• Providing staff training.
• Reviewing this policy annually.

Staff are responsible for:

• Following this policy.
• Maintaining professional conduct.
• Reporting concerns immediately.
• Creating a safe learning environment.
• Completing safeguarding training where required.

Parents and guardians are encouraged to:

• Support the studio’s child safe practices.
• Inform staff of any relevant wellbeing concerns.
• Respect studio policies.
• Report any safeguarding concerns promptly.

This Child Safeguarding Policy will be reviewed annually or earlier if legislation or best practice changes.

Our Commitment

“Every child deserves to dance in an environment where they feel safe, valued, respected and supported. At Maria Nicola’s Academy of Dance, safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility, and the wellbeing of our students will always come first.”