POLICIES

Academy of Dance Taranaki Class Policies

• Class Absence: One makeup class is offered per month per class enrolled for. This is on the agreement that parents will contact the studio in advance of the missed class and inform the admin team that the child cannot make their class and inform us which class they will take as a makeup class. Parents must pay for the full term fee in order to enjoy this benefit. Make ups will expire at the end of the term. Make ups will not be moved into the next term.

• No refund is offered for class absence.

• Enrollment: Enrollment at Academy of Dance is organised by term. Full term enrollment is expected of all students. We do not accept monthly enrollments.

• Force Majeure: Academy of Dance shall not be deemed in default of this Agreement in the event that our ability to hold classes and fulfill our duties are delayed or prevented by reason of any act of fire, natural disaster, accident, Covid 19, protests, acts of governments, shortage of materials or supplies, or any other case beyond the reasonable control of such party; provided, that Academy of Dance gives the students written notice as soon as feasibly possible after the occurence of such an event, or when possible in anticipation of such an event.

• Make up classes & refund policy due to force majeure event: Academy of Dance is not liable to provide make up classes or financial refund for classes missed due to a force majeure event.

• No refund is offered if a student leaves the classes within the session or term.

• No food is allowed in the dance class. Only water may be consumed inside the studio. We have a no nuts policy on the premises.

• Dance is a physical activity that sometimes requires strenuous movements. Academy of Dance holds no liability for injuries occurring within the dance class. Teachers will follow company policies regarding accidents and emergencies no matter what venue they

• Parents agree that they will not hold Academy of Dance, Peacocke Studios Limited or any contracted teacher liable should an injury or accident occur.

• Photography and videos: Parents agree to allow Academy of Dance to utilize images of the students within the marketing on facebook, website, and graphic artwork for promotional purposes unless otherwise specified by the parent at the time of enrollment.

• Uniform: All students are required to purchase and wear the Academy Of Dance dance uniform for each class enrolled (optional for Tiger Tots and Sparkles levels)

• All students & accompanying adults must follow our health and safety procedures, these can be found on our website.

• All classes are currently held face to face at our physical location. We will only offer zoom/online classes in the event that physical limitations on in person classes are mandated by Government regulations.

• By enrolling at Academy of Dance and attending our classes you agree by default to our terms and conditions of our studio.

• Disclaimer: Our terms and conditions are subject to change without prior written notice. Academy of Dance retains the right of final decisions and interpretation of terms and conditions.

Child Protection Policy

The well-being and safety of children and young people are paramount concerns at Academy of Dance Taranaki. We are committed to responding to concerns about the safety and well-being of children promptly and effectively. We recognise that ensuring child safety may impact the status and reputation of our organisation, management, and staff; however, the interest and welfare of the child or young person will always be our primary consideration.

1. Child Abuse Definitions:
   • Physical abuse: Any acts that may result in physical harm to a child or young person.
   • Sexual abuse: Any acts that involve forcing or enticing a child to take part in sexual activities.
   • Emotional abuse: Any act or omission that results in adverse or impaired psychological, social, intellectual, and emotional functioning or development.
   • Neglect: The persistent failure to meet a child’s basic physical or psychological needs, leading to adverse or impaired physical or emotional functioning or development.
   • Family violence: May involve physical, sexual, and emotional abuse and may be witnessed/experienced by children.
2. Training:
   • All staff, including part-time, temporary roles, volunteers, and contractors, will undergo training to prevent, recognise, and respond to abuse effectively.
   • New staff will receive induction training covering program policies, procedures for supervising children, responding to abuse, and reporting concerns.
   • Annual in-house training on child protection policies will be conducted, with priority given to permanent and senior staff members. 

3. Identifying Child Abuse and Neglect:
   • Staff will be trained to recognise signs of potential abuse or neglect, such as physical injuries, developmental delays, emotional distress, and behavioral concerns.
   • Staff members will not reach conclusions but will consult when signs of abuse or neglect are observed.
4. Responding to Child Abuse:
   • Any suspicions or disclosures of abuse will be reported promptly to appropriate statutory agencies (Oranga Tamariki or Police).
   • Staff will maintain a confidential register of concerns and actions taken regarding suspected abuse or neglect.
   • Support will be provided to staff members responding to cases of suspected abuse.
5. Allegations Against Staff Members:
   • Suspected abuse involving staff members will be reported promptly to our director, or can be reported to our child safety officer Sarah Clarke.
   • Children involved will be protected, and appropriate actions will be taken according to employment agreements and statutory guidelines.
6. Peer Abuse:
   • Any form of harassment, violence, or abuse among peers will not be tolerated.
   • Children involved will be separated and provided with appropriate support and guidance.
7. Child and Staff Safety – Supervision and Conduct Guidelines:
   • Staff will adhere to strict guidelines to minimise the risk of inappropriate conduct and maintain a safe environment for children.
   • An open-door policy, monitoring of visitors, and appropriate physical contact guidelines will be followed.

By implementing this Child Safety Code of Conduct, Academy of Dance Taranaki aims to create a safe and nurturing environment where children can thrive and enjoy their dance education without compromising their safety and well-being.