In Motion Studios – Child Safe Policy
What makes In Motion Studios a great choice for your child's dance education
What makes In Motion Studios a great choice for your child's dance education
Prepared by: Skye Pendleton, Artistic Director – In Motion Studios
Reviewed & Updated: 18 January 2025
In Motion Studios complies with the Child Wellbeing and Safety Act (2005) and the 2022 Victorian Child Safe Standards.
In Motion Studios is committed to the safety and wellbeing of all children and young people. We aim to create a child-safe and child-friendly environment where all children are valued, included, and empowered.
We:
Have zero tolerance for child abuse
Prioritise the safety of children in every decision and activity
Respect cultural diversity, including Aboriginal cultural safety
Support children with diverse needs, including disability, CALD, and LGBTQIA+ identities
Empower children and involve them in decisions that affect them
Respond promptly and thoroughly to all concerns
We foster a culture of openness, inclusivity, and awareness of child safety risks
Leaders model child-safe behaviours and hold others accountable
Our Child Safe Policy is reviewed every two years or when legislation changes
Child safety responsibilities are clearly allocated to the Artistic Director and Child Safety Officers
Studio planning and decision-making considers child wellbeing
Risk assessments for programs and events consider potential harm
Children are informed of their rights and who to go to for help
Children are encouraged to speak up and participate in safety decisions
Children are supported to participate regardless of ability, background, or communication needs
Families are informed of our policies and safety expectations
Parents are included in decision-making and feedback regarding their child’s wellbeing
Families are encouraged to raise concerns
We create inclusive spaces that welcome all identities, abilities, and backgrounds
We actively support cultural safety for Aboriginal children and families
Our activities are inclusive of gender-diverse, LGBTQIA+, CALD, and neurodiverse children
All staff and volunteers must hold a current Working with Children Check (or VIT registration)
All personnel sign a Child Safe Acknowledgement
Child safety expectations are included in interviews, inductions, and performance reviews
All staff complete annual child safety training
Staff interactions with children are supervised
Additional support is provided for new and young staff
Our Child Safe Policy is available on request and updated regularly
Clear procedures exist for identifying, reporting, and responding to risks and incidents
Children and families are informed about the policy
Change spaces are clearly supervised and gender-inclusive
Photos and videos of students require signed parental consent
Social media is used only for approved purposes and is closely monitored
Online classes are supervised, with login protection and parental awareness
Feedback is collected from students and families
Policies are reviewed every two years
Practices are reviewed and improved following any incident or complaint
Open communication and timely resolution of concerns are encouraged
Concerns may be raised with a Child Safety Officer or any trusted staff member
All complaints are taken seriously, recorded, and acted upon promptly
Respecting children’s voices and cultural backgrounds
Encouraging participation and empowerment
Responding promptly to concerns
Discrimination or favouritism
Private one-on-one interactions without transparency
Inappropriate language or physical contact
Use of personal phones or social media to contact students
Skye Pendleton – Artistic Director
Melanie Naismith – Administrator & Lead Practitioner
If unavailable, any staff member must respond and escalate concerns as required.
Detailed procedures are outlined in our Reporting Procedure, including:
How to respond to disclosures
Who to report to (DHHS, Police, Child Safety Officer)
Incident reporting requirements
Mandatory reporting obligations