Safeguarding Policies

Blommaert Ballet School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all young people that access our teaching services. We honour our statutory responsibility to follow the guidelines outlined by the Department for Education in the Keeping Children Safe in Education publication.

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Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility, and BBS expects that all staff members, visitors, and parents familiarise themselves with our safeguarding policy, all policies hereby referred to, and thereby uphold our commitment.

Any type of maltreatment or bullying, whether physical, verbal, psychological or cyber is completely unacceptable and will not be tolerated. All concerns raised will be investigated immediately and in full through the appropriate designated channels. Our designated safeguarding lead is Sander Blommaert (Founder), and the deputy safeguarding lead is Denise Horsley. If you have concerns regarding the safety of any BBS pupil you must report these to the designated safeguarding lead. If you have any concerns regarding the conduct of any member of the teaching staff, again this must be reported to the safeguarding team.

All staff members are fully qualified ballet teachers who hold Personal Insurance, an Enhanced DBS Certificate, and engage in annual safeguarding training.

The aims of our Safeguarding Policy are to:

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• Provide a safe and nurturing environment for all young people, in which trust and openness are valued and upheld.

• Ensure that all teachers take the lead in ensuring that safeguarding policies are implemented effectively and actively promote positive attitudes and behaviours in relation to the maintenance of fairness and equality.

• All concerns raised will be acted upon and investigated swiftly, fairly and with consistency.

• All concerns and reports will be recorded in full.

The main objectives of the Safeguarding Policy are to ensure that all parties, teachers, parents and pupils understand what bullying and maltreatment are, how they might manifest themselves in this context, and how to raise concerns in the knowledge they will be supported, with all reports upheld, recorded and investigated thoroughly.

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​Safeguarding Information Specifically for Online Classes via Zoom Platform

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• Online classes should not take place in the child’s bedroom but in a suitable communal area set aside for the class.

• Ensure you create as much available space as you can for the class, removing any items from the floor that may present a trip hazard.

• A smooth, even floor is best for ballet, and far preferable to carpet, which is not recommended. Roll out dance floors may be used, ensuring that the corners do not present a trip hazard. Aside from this simple advice, BBS accepts no responsibility for the suitability of the space and the flooring during home sessions via Zoom.

• All members of the household need to be made aware of the class taking place to avoid any intrusive or embarrassing incidents.

• No images, moving or photographic, will be used in any capacity without first obtaining parental consent.

• Please do not record classes without prior consent.

• When entering the waiting room for a class, please ensure the child’s name is entered.

• Parents and Guardians are warmly invited and encouraged to be present, particularly during the assessment session if they would like to.