PURPOSE

Excite is committed to the safety, wellbeing and support of all children and young people. Staff, volunteers and visitors treat all children and young people with the utmost respect and understanding. Excite places strong emphasis on genuine engagement with children and young people. We endeavour to ensure each child feels safe, happy, secure and supported in our studio and gym environments and at all events. Our inclusive culture empowers all students voices to be heard.

We aim to empower children and young people who are vital and active participants in our studio. Excite involves children and young people when making decisions especially about matters that directly affect them. We listen to their views and respect what they have to say. Children’s voices will be heard about decisions that affect their lives. Particular attention will be paid to the culture safety of Aboriginal children and children from culturally and/or linguistically diverse backgrounds, as well as the safety of children with a disability. No one person is defined by their age, gender, ability, ethnicity or background. We value the positive bonds that connect our community as one. The privacy of children is paramount at all times. Students have the opportunity to immerse themselves in a range of classes and genres suited to their needs and individual goals.
 

SCOPE

Every person involved in Excite Dance and Cheer be it staff, volunteer, visitor, contractors or community member has a responsibility to understand the important and specific role they play individually and collectively to ensure that the wellbeing, privacy and safety of all children and young people is at the forefront of all they do and every decision they make.

All staff and volunteers are committed to identifying possible risk and significant harm to children and young people at Excite. We comprehend our duty of care responsibilities to protect children from all types of abuse and adhere to our obligations at all times.

Our aim is to prevent child abuse through training, risk assessment, supervision and planning our space and environment wisely.
 

RESPONSIBILITIES

Excite Dance and Cheer requires its staff to adhere to its Conduct requirements as

set out in our Code of Conduct. Spectators, dancers & athletes likewise are expected to adhere to Excite Dance and Cheer codes of conduct as outlined in Intensive and Rep Contracts.

• Personnel involved in protecting children include studio owner, reception, staff and volunteers within Excite. Those people have responsibilities in relation to protection of children and are expected to:

•  understand the rights of children, as appropriate to their role

•  respect the cultural and religious practices of families who access Excite's services, programs or events

•  appropriately act on any concerns raised by children

•  understand the definitions, indicators and impact of child abuse

• know and follow regulations in relation to the care of children

•  co-operate with police and/or other formal investigations to the best of their ability

• not harm or exploit children who access Excite's services, programs or events.

• All staff and volunteers have verified WWCC

 

CONTENT

A thorough recruitment process is undertaken for new staff aligning staff to our studio policies, code of conduct and Child Safe Policy. Excite grows and nurtures our very own student teacher program, educating and training staff of the future with strong emphasis on studio code of conduct and adhering to policies and procedures

Regular team meetings, goal setting workshops, Cheer Sister Programs, risk assessments are undertaken to ensure a safe environment for all, be it staff students, volunteers or visitors

Our students well being at Excite is of upmost importance with team building, goal setting, and positive interactive workshops regularly offered to students to participate in to continue to foster self confidence, build on social emotional skills, communication skills both verbal and non verbal along with health and well-being opportunities eg self care, healthy eating and workshops of interest from students providing empowerment for students.

PUBLICATION

Our beliefs, policies and procedures are communicated to families, students, staff and local community via our handbook, website, displays, concert and showcase volunteer meetings and team meetings.

 

IMPORTANT PHONE NUMBERS:

Child Protection Helpline – 132 111(24 hours/ 7 days) (DCJ)

Kids Helpline: 1800 551 800

Domestic Violence: 1800 656 463

​

REVIEW

The policy and guidelines is reviewed annually and incorporates comments and suggestions from children, families, teachers, volunteers and students.