Health and Safety Policy
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General First Aid:
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The designated first aiders are: Joanna Walker & Kylie Watson and a first aid kit is carried at all times.
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Upon registering your child to the dance school, any allergies or long-term illnesses should be stated on the registration form. It is also the duty of the parent/guardian to keep teachers updated and informed if there are any changes to their childs health.
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It is the responsibility of the parent/guardian to ensure any medication that their child may need is bought with them in a bag to their lesson. For example, any inhalers or EpiPens.
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Should any accidents occur, and first aid is used, an accident form will be filled out and signed by both the first aider and the parent/guardian. It will then be stored in our confidential medical files.
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Looking After Yourself:
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All dancers must come to dance with long hair tied up
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The correct uniform must be worn at all times so that teachers can correct technique to avoid any injuries which may otherwise be hidden under baggy clothing.
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Appropriate footwear (depending on the style of dance) must be worn at all times (e.g. jazz shoes for freestyle, barefoot or half shoes for lyrical/contemporary).
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Dancers are encouraged to bring a bottle of water to class to keep hydrated
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It is important for dancers to be well nourished as a lot of physical activity requires lots of energy. If dancers do not look after their body and do not fuel themselves adequately, this can lead to serious health implications.
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Any dancer who has an injury must ensure they rest and recover and seek medical guidance if needed.
Mental Health:
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It is not only important to look after your physical health, but also your mental health too. Any dancers experiencing symptoms of low mood, anxiety, eating disorders etc must seek help and guidance. 1 in 3 will suffer from mental health issues and there is always support available so please do not suffer in silence.
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If a dancer (or parent) is worried about their mental health (or their child’s) and is unsure what first steps to make, there are plenty of resources available from dance principal Joanna Walker.
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Any issues discussed will be dealt with confidentially but may be shared with relevant others should there be a concern to danger, a threat to others, or if under the age of 16.
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Mental Health Resources:
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General Mental Health Support
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YoungMinds: https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/
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Child and Adolescent Mental Health: https://camhs.mpft.nhs.uk/south-staffordshire
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Midland Health Community Services: https://www.mpft.nhs.uk/services/mental-health-community-services
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Eating Disorder Support
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First Steps Derbyshire: https://firststepsed.co.uk
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NHS: https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/feelings-symptoms-behaviours/behaviours/eating-disorders/overview/
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Midlands Partnership: https://eatingdisorders.mpft.nhs.uk
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Body Image Support for Dancers: https://dancenutrition.com/dancer-body-acceptance/
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