Privacy Policy

Child safety Policy

WHO DOES THIS POLICY APPLY TO

This policy applies to all members of the School Community.

The purpose of this policy is to detail how Queensland Dance and Performing Arts (School) will meet these Standards and in doing so provide a strong foundation for a child safe environment. The Standards require policies and procedures to be implemented to ensure the safety of children is supported and to prevent and respond to and report allegations of child abuse.

The school has a clearly defined Child Safe Policy which is communicated thoroughly to all members of the School Community through the Statement of Commitment to Child Safety on the School’s website.
DEFINITIONS Child: (or young person) who is under 18 years of age. Child Safety Officer: the designated officer on the school staff who has a thorough knowledge of child safety issues and is the primary point of contact for any member of the School Community who has concerns or wishes to report an allegation of abuse.
Child Abuse: any act committed against a child involving:

Physical violence
Sexual abuse
Serious emotional or psychological abuse (this includes grooming)
Serious neglect.

WHO DOES THIS POLICY APPLY TO This policy applies to all members of the School Community.

POLICY This policy sets out the behaviour and conduct standards expected of all members of the School Community. The policy also operates in conjunction with the School’s Code of Conduct. All children enrolled at the school (including those undertaking casual/out-of-hours classes), and explicitly those under eighteen (18) years of age, have a right to feel and be safe; to be happy and empowered.

The policy confirms the school’s commitment to promoting children’s wellbeing and protecting children from abuse.

Child Safe Standards Policy

The school supports and respects all children and is committed to championing and fostering these aims. To reduce or remove child abuse dangers, a risk management strategy to identify, assess, prevent, and respond, by undertaking steps to reduce or remove these risks is embedded in this policy and includes:

All staff, direct-contact volunteers and regular contractors/consultants being required to be familiar with the School’s Child Safe Policies and Procedures and their legal obligations with respect to reporting child abuse through an induction process and being aware of the School’s Code of Conduct.

• Provide training to staff, direct-contact volunteers, and regular contractors/consultants regarding what to do when an allegation of child abuse is made. This includes the importance of information sharing and record keeping obligations.

• Inclusion of child safe obligations in staff position descriptions and the performance monitoring process.

• Child safety is a standard discussion item at School Executive Team meetings and all staff meetings.

• Incident reporting process.

• Annual review and identification of risk factors for the School.

The school has a zero-tolerance approach to child abuse.

All allegations and safety concerns will be treated seriously. The legal and moral obligations to contact authorities when there is concern for the safety of a child is paramount.

Queensland Dance and Performing Arts and staff are required by law to report to police if they reasonably believe or know that a sexual offence has been committed by an adult against a child under the age of 16 years. It is a criminal offence to fail to comply (failure to disclose) and is enforceable across jurisdictions.

Although all children are vulnerable, some children face additional vulnerabilities.

The following overarching principles for organizations to ensure equity is upheld and diverse needs are respected:

• Be aware of and sensitive to the diverse backgrounds, circumstances and needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, culturally and/or linguistically diverse children and children with disability.

• Attend to any adjustments to provide equal protection for all children.

• Give particular attention to the needs of children who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or intersex.

• Give particular attention to the needs of children unable to live at home.

The policy aims to develop and promote an organizational environment where child safety is embedded into everyday thinking and practice across the school, highlighting that all members of the school community have a responsibility to keep children safe from abuse, to be observant and to raise any concerns relating to child abuse with the Child Safety Officer.

To ensure this is achieved by the school, it is important that the Executive Team drive the policies, procedures and behaviours, along with appropriate annual training for staff and other members of the school community (where appropriate) to support an environment of child safety. Child Safe Standards Policy [Date] 4

6. PROCEDURES The director and team at the School is responsible for encouraging the attributes identified in the School’s Code of Conduct of mutual respect, openness, support, accountability and behaving ethically as a strong demonstration of the need to actively encourage any member of the School community, (including students), who observe or are subject to abuse or inappropriate behaviour to have the confidence to report this behaviour to the Child Safety Officer in the first instance.

Then, if necessary, the Director of the School and/or Ballet Mistress. These responsibilities are identified in the Position Descriptions of staff. If any person reading this document believes a child is at immediate risk of abuse, they should phone 000.

The Director of the School is to ensure legal regulations and their amendments are kept up to date, with any changes and their relevance communicated to all departments and supervisors along with amendments to relevant reference material, such as the School’s Code of Conduct. All allegations of child abuse will be treated very seriously.

These covers complying with all legal requirements, including reporting suspicions of child abuse to police and/or child protection. In all matters relating to the reporting of child abuse, authority within the school resides with the Director.

The school encourages a culturally safe and inclusive environment, where diversity and unique identities and experiences of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and their families are valued and respected.

The school has enunciated clear expectations, and guidance on acceptable and unacceptable behaviours towards children. At the commencement of each calendar year the Director and the Executive Director will ensure all staff and students receive appropriate general, wellbeing and health and safety updates or induction

The school fosters the involvement of the students in developing and maintaining a child safe environment. The school encourages children’s participation in the decision-making process, by seeking their views and demonstrating the value and respect this participation and feedback deserves.

Children are informed about all their rights, including to safety information and participation.

Together these programs provide students with the knowledge that all staff and members of the school community provide a group of approachable adults who children can feel confident they can speak to in relation to any concerns they may have, particularly in relation to safety.

When children believe their contributions are valued, they are more likely to speak up when harmed or feeling unsafe or isolated. The importance of families and communities in promoting child safety and wellbeing is identified.

The school has a Student Complaints and Appeals Policy and a Reportable Conduct Scheme Policy ensuring the processes for complaints and concerns are child focused.

The school identifies that it has a responsibility to ensure physical and online environments promote child safety and wellbeing without compromising a child’s right to privacy, access to information, social connections and learning opportunities

The school has cyber safety policies in place and conducts regular/annual information sessions for all students on these subjects.

COMPLAINTS AND APPEALS POLICY

WHO DOES THIS POLICY APPLY TO This policy applies to all staff members, students, and parents/carers of the school.

Queensland Dance and Performing Arts is committed to having clear and open mechanisms to deal with dissatisfaction, formal complaints and appeals of its students, staff members, and parents/carers of the school fairly, Confidentially, so far as the circumstances allow, and in an efficient manner.

The purpose of this policy is to provide direction for the management and resolution of complaints and appeals, while ensuring compliance with Standard 6 of the Registered Training Organisation (RTO)

This policy provides the guidelines the school has in place to manage dissatisfaction formal complaints and appeals of students, staff members and parents/carers of the school.

Nature of complaints and appeals: The School responds to all allegations involving the conduct of:

The RTO, its Trainers and Assessors and other staff.
Any student at the school.

Complaints may be made in relation to any services or activities provided by the school such as:

The application and enrolment process.
Marketing information.
The quality of training and assessment provided.
Training and assessment matters, including student progress, student support and assessment requirements.
The way someone has been treated.
The actions of another student.

An appeal is a request for a decision made by the school to be reviewed. Decisions may be made about:

Refunds.
Response to a complaint.
Assessment outcomes/results.
Other general decisions made by the school

Principles of resolution:

It is expected that in managing Complaints and Appeals, all parties involved will be honest, where everyone is treated with respect, fairness and Confidentiality is maintained, so far as the circumstances allow, recognising that there may be other points of view and perceptions and working towards an acceptable and positive outcome for all concerned.

The identity of the Complainant will be protected unless permission for disclosure is given.

In addition, the school will address complaints efficiently in accordance with the principles of Natural Justice and relevant regulatory frameworks. A timeline for investigation and resolution will be communicated with the Complainant.

The school will ensure that complaints and appeals are:

Responded to in a consistent and transparent manner.
Responded to promptly, objectively, with sensitivity and Confidentiality.
Able to be made at no cost to the individual.
Used as an opportunity to identify potential causes of the complaint or appeal and take actions to prevent the issues from recurring as well as identifying any areas for improvement. The School will inform all persons or parties involved in any allegations made as well as providing them with the opportunity to present their side of the matter.

Timeframes for resolution:

The school will endeavour to respond in writing to complaints within 10 working days or 10 days from when the school reopens if a complaint is received during a period of school closure;
Critical matters will be addressed within 24 hours in general unless the school is officially closed and unattended.
Complaints and appeals will be finalised as soon as practicable or at least within 30 calendar days unless there is a significant reason for the matter to take longer.

Where the School considers more than 60 calendar days are required to process and finalise the complaint or appeal the Complainant or Appellant will be informed in writing, including the reasons why more than 60 calendar days are required. Regular updates on the progress of the matter will be provided by the school until such time that the matter is resolved.

PROCEDURES

Making a complaint or appeal: Complaints about a particular incident should be made as soon as possible after the incident occurring and Appeals must be made within 30 calendar days of the original decision being made.

Students who feel they have a valid complaint in relation to any aspect of their studies, are advised to undertake the following:

Discuss the matter with the school director, relevant teacher and establish a strategy to manage the complaint with the expectation of a positive outcome;
If the matter is not resolved, details of the complaint and/or appeal must be lodged in writing by the Complainant and sent to Queensland Dance and Performing Arts 2/153 Railway Parade Thorneside 4158, attention to the Director; or · Formal complaints should be emailed: qdpa@outlook.com.au

When making a complaint or appeal, as much information as possible should be provided, including what happened, its effect, evidence of support and any steps already taken to resolve the issue. Suggestions about how the matter might be resolved can also be included.

There is no cost associated in lodging a complaint with the school, however costs may be incurred if independent parties are engaged to review a matter. The distribution of costs will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.

The identity of the Complainant will be protected, as far as the circumstances allow, but cannot be guaranteed.

The school will maintain a student’s enrolment and, where applicable, accommodation and well-being arrangements while the internal complaints process is being conducted, unless extenuating circumstances in relation to the student apply. This does not necessarily mean that a student must remain in class while the complaints/appeals process is being conducted.

Resolution of complaints and appeals:

Complaints will be assessed by members of senior management of the school.
Where a Complaint or Appeal involves another individual or organisation, they will be given the opportunity to respond to any allegations made.
Complainants will be provided with a written statement of the outcome, including details and reasons for the decision.
Complainants have the right of appeal.
In the case of an assessment appeal, an Assessor who is independent from the original decision will assess the original task again. The outcome of this assessment will be the result granted for the assessment task.

Independent Parties:

The school acknowledges the need for an appropriate independent, party to be appointed to review a matter where this is requested by the Complainant or Appellant and the internal processes have failed to resolve the matter. Costs associated with independent parties to review a matter must be covered by the Complainant/Appellant unless the decision to include an independent party was made by the school.
The school may also appoint the independent party to be involved in the resolution of a complaint or appeal where it is deemed necessary.
The school will provide complete cooperation with the independent party investigating the complaint/appeal and the recommendations arising out of this process.
The Director will ensure that recommendations made are implemented within twenty (20) days of being notified of the recommendations. The Complainant or Appellant will also be formally notified in writing of the outcome of the review.
If the outcome of the complaint, either internal or external, is favourable to the student, the School will immediately advise the student of this and implement any decision and/or corrective and preventative action as soon as required.

Records of complaints and appeals:

The school will maintain a record of all complaints and appeals and their outcomes on the Complaints and Appeals Register, which will be securely stored according to the School’s Privacy Policy.

These policies and procedures and the availability of a complaints and appeals process does not remove the right of the student to act under Australia’s Consumer Protection laws and it does not circumscribe an individual’s rights to pursue other legal remedies.

External complaints pathways: Complaints can also be made to the following:

National Training Complaints Hotline: The National Training Complaints Hotline is a national service for consumers to register complaints concerning vocational education and training. The service refers consumers to the appropriate agency/authority/jurisdiction to assist with their complaint.

Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA): Complainants may also complain to the Schools registering body, ASQA. ASQA can investigate complaints about the school in relation to: –

The quality of the school’s training assessment; –

The school’s marketing and advertising practices.

For students and other stakeholders: -

ASQA may not be able to investigate a complaint if you do not include evidence that you have already exhausted the school’s formal internal complaints process as detailed above. –

If your compliant does not fall within ASQA’s jurisdiction, it may be resolved more quickly if you directly contact the agency responsible as listed on the relevant webpage below. –

Please refer to the following webpage before making a complaint to ASQA: https://www.asqa.gov.au/students/complaints-about-providers

CODE OF CONDUCT

This Code of Conduct (Code) defines how all members of the School Community should conduct themselves and their responsibilities in relation to each other, the school and the broader community when representing themselves or the school.

The Code guides the school in realizing its Purpose and Values and serves as a foundation for the school’s policies and procedures relating to expected behaviours.

WHO DOES THIS POLICY APPLY TO This policy applies to all members of the School Community.CODE OF CONDUCT

This Code sets out the standards of conduct expected of all members of the School Community whilst on School Premises or engaged in School Activities.

Members of the School Community should be conscious that even when conducting themselves in private situations, their conduct may affect the school and its reputation.

All members of the School Community are expected to be familiar with and always comply with the Code.

Professional Behaviour:

Compliance with all policies and procedures of the school.
When alcohol is served to adult members of the School Community in connection with a School Activity, exhibiting a responsible attitude to the use of alcohol.
Adhering to professional standards and boundaries at all times and in particular, with regard to relationships with students of the school.
Avoiding conduct which may harm the school’s reputation.
Not making any statements to the media about the School unless expressly authorised to do so by the school.

Respect:

Treating all members of the School Community with courtesy and respect.
Upholding the dignity and welfare of all members of the School Community.
Upholding the School’s commitment to child safety.
In respecting the health and safety of all members of the School Community: not using, supplying or being affected by illegal drugs or substances injurious to human health, and not using or supplying tobacco or similar products.
Supporting students to live their lives authentically, and to be challenged and stimulated in their education and growth.
Not circulating any explicit, offensive or harassing material.
Respecting the School’s property

Fairness:

Being fair in all dealings with members of the school community.
Promoting and upholding the principle of equality.
Reporting any conduct which is in breach of this Code.
Participating fully and promptly when involved in any investigation or response to complaints conducted by or on behalf of the school.

Integrity:

Being honest in all dealings with members of the school community.
Immediately disclosing any potential, perceived or actual conflict of interest (whether direct or indirect) and complying with any directions from the school to eliminate or reduce any conflict.
Only accepting or offering gifts, entertainment, or other business courtesies in accordance with the School’s Conflict of Interest Policy.
Maintaining financial integrity and responsibility.
At all times, behaving in a way that upholds the school’s values and the integrity and good reputation of the school.

Compliance with law:

Compliance with all applicable laws.
Compliance with all lawful instructions given by the school.
Compliance with all policies and procedures in relation to Child Safety Standards, including understanding and complying with all reporting and disclosure obligations concerning child safety.
Avoiding harassment, victimization and bullying in any form.
Avoiding discrimination in any form based on persona personal characteristics including age, disability, race, sex, intersex status, gender identity and sexual orientation.
Observing all health and safety rules and responsibilities.
Reporting any detected or suspected fraud or corruption.
Supporting the reporting and investigation of any unlawful or unfair treatment.

Teamwork:

Pursuing the interests of the school and its students at all times;
Promoting opportunities for staff and students to reach their full potential, acknowledging creative and personal development and educational requirements.
Upholding the School’s commitment to working together to achieve the school’s Purpose and Values and its commitments to stakeholders.

Confidentiality:

Supporting openness and transparency, with appropriate safeguards of Confidentiality as appropriate to the circumstances
Observing any contractual obligations of confidentiality

These procedures for administering this Code and managing potential breaches of the Code have been developed to foster consistency in process. They cannot cover all circumstances but should be used as guidelines.

Investigation of Potential Code Violations:

All reports of potential breaches of the Code will be investigated thoroughly and promptly. Investigation of potential breaches of the Code will be conducted Confidentially and in accordance with the principles of Natural Justice.

In general, an investigation will be conducted by the Director and/or the Executive Director (the Investigator). Depending on the nature of the investigation, the School Counsellor and Board members may be involved. Background information may be sourced from staff and any other source that may aid the investigation.

If there is the possibility of a conflict of interest, the Board may decide to appoint an external Investigator.

Breaches of the Code and Determination:

The school aims to take such disciplinary action as is appropriate to the nature of any breach of the Code. Disciplinary action may include corrective and/or preventative actions such as training and counselling to address any breaches and prevent future occurrences.

The Investigator will decide about any potential breach of the Code and recommend any disciplinary action. A person determined to have breached the Code may seek review of the determination and any recommended disciplinary action, consistent with Natural Justice.

Students:

A student may be suspended or expelled for any breach of the Code or other activity which the school considers inappropriate (as reflected in the School’s Student Handbook), including:

suspension from a class or area of the school for a specified period of time.
suspension from the school for a specified period of time.
in cases of Serious Misconduct, expulsion.

For any suspension for a period of greater than one day or expulsion, the student must be provided with written reasons for the determination and the period of suspension or end date of enrolment (as applicable). The school will also provide the student with information on the School’s Student Complaints & Appeals Policy.

Staff Members:

A Staff Member may be suspended from the school for any breach of the Code for a specified period depending upon the nature of the breach. Where a breach of the Code involves Serious Misconduct, this may result in summary dismissal.

For any suspension or termination of employment, the staff member must be provided with written reasons for the determination and, the period of suspension or end date of employment (as applicable).

Other Members of the School Community:

Depending on the nature of any breach of the Code, in respect of a member of the School Community who does not fall within disciplinary action may include but is not limited to being:

required to make an apology.
refused access to the School Premises or participation in School Activities for a specified period of time.