Child Safety & Protection
Dance studios should actively promote the safety, wellbeing, and emotional security of all children and young people. Policies should be in place to prevent abuse and harm, empower students to speak up, and ensure that allegations or concerns are taken seriously and handled confidentially. These practices should be embedded in recruitment, staff training, supervision, and reporting procedures.
Working With Children Checks & Screening
All teachers, staff, contractors, and volunteers who work with minors must have a valid NSW Working With Children Check (WWCC) that is sighted and recorded by the studio. Best practice also recommends ongoing verification and requiring staff to hold current first aid and CPR training.
Positive Studio Culture
Studios should foster environments that are respectful, inclusive, and free from discrimination, harassment, or bullying. This includes clear codes of conduct for students, parents/caregivers, and staff, outlining expected behaviours, communication standards, and respectful interactions.
Transparent Communication & Open Environment
Maintaining transparent communication builds trust with families. An open classroom policy, inviting parents to occasional structured viewing opportunities, supports safety and community engagement while minimising disruption.
Risk Management & Physical Safety
Studios should maintain safe and well-organised physical environments. This includes regular checks of floors, barres, lighting, ventilation, and equipment. Risk assessments, emergency procedures (including evacuation plans), adequate first-aid resources, and water availability for students are essential. Teachers should understand injury prevention, monitor student readiness for activities, and incorporate age-appropriate warm-ups and cool-downs. Teachers should understand injury prevention, monitor student readiness for activities, and incorporate age-appropriate warm-ups and cool-downs.
Work Health and Safety (WHS) Compliance
Under NSW law, dance studios are workplaces bound by the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (NSW). Studio owners must identify and manage hazards, consult with staff on safety practices, and implement measures to reduce physical and psychological risks. This includes documenting and immediately reporting incidents or injuries and ensuring all staff are aware of WHS procedures.
Injury Management & Medical Protocols
Studios should have clear policies for handling injuries and health issues, including documenting incidents, notifying families promptly, obtaining medical information for treatment plans, and ensuring students participate safely and within their physical capabilities.
Insurance & Liability Awareness
Proper public liability insurance, and, where applicable, workers’ compensation (for staff), is recommended to protect your studio against claims arising from injury or property loss related to studio activities. Studios should seek professional advice to ensure coverage meets operational needs (for studio premises and events).
Child Safe Standards & Continuous Training
Following established child safe standards and regularly updating staff through training in child safety, safeguarding, and ethical behaviour are considered best practice. Training ensures staff recognise signs of harm, understand appropriate conduct, and know how to respond effectively and legally.