As professionals we all have a Safeguarding Duty to our students and sometimes that duty extends to physical contact with them, be that though administering First Aid, through comforting a distressed child or by making important technical corrections to support safe dance practice. Appropriate professional touch is often an essential part of teaching and can be beneficial as a kinaesthetic teaching strategy. It is essential therefore as dance teachers that we have a clear and legitimate purpose in physical contact in class so as not to cause distress and to always adhere to safeguarding policy and guidance.

As professional teachers here at CCC Dance and Fitness we agree with the following statements:

Do:

● Ask for consent - except in emergency situations, do not touch anyone else without their permission

● Ensure that all touch is explained, professional and unambiguous

● Physical contact should be necessary and proportionate to the presenting need, with regard to age, development, gender and ability

● Avoid touch in private situations

● Use the student’s name: make a connection with them: we are correcting an individual not just their body

● Always consider ‘how’ you touch not just ‘what you touch’

Don’t:

● Become involved with physical ‘play’ with your students

● Touch people who are not comfortable with touch.

Always:

● Get to know your pupils

● Communicate with pupils, parents and staff

● Be open, honest and keep no secrets

● Know who to contact if you have concerns

● Have full regard for the Safeguarding agenda with an understanding that unwarranted and unwelcome physical touch may be abusive

● Use your professional judgement

● Remember as teachers we are role models to our students our students use of touch in dance class will be mirrored by them and understood as acceptable

Date of Review: 24/08/23 by Courtney Souto

Next Review: 24/08/24