Safeguarding Policy

BURLOV DANCE SCHOOL

Safeguarding Policy

1. Statement of intent
Burlov Dance School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children and young people (anyone under 18) who take part in our classes, workshops, and courses. Every young dancer has the right to be safe, respected, and protected from harm, and safeguarding is treated as everyone's responsibility — not just that of a designated lead.
This policy applies to all teachers, guest teachers, freelancers, and volunteers working with Burlov Dance School, across all venues used (including partner venues such as the London School of Flamenco).

2. Designated Safeguarding Lead
Kirill Burlov is the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) for Burlov Dance School and is the first point of contact for any safeguarding concern raised by a student, parent, or member of staff.
[If a second person can act as deputy DSL when Kirill is teaching or unavailable, add their name and contact details here — it's good practice to have a deputy.]

3. Recruitment and staff conduct
All teachers and guest teachers working directly with under-18s hold an enhanced DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check appropriate to their role, renewed in line with current guidance.
Staff are briefed on appropriate physical contact for corrections (e.g. hands-on technique adjustments), which is kept professional, necessary, and explained to the student in advance.
One-to-one contact with a young dancer (e.g. private coaching) takes place in a visible or semi-open space wherever possible.
Staff do not contact under-18 students individually via personal social media or personal phone numbers; communication with minors goes through a parent/guardian.

4. Photography and video
Written parental consent is obtained before any photo or video of a participant under 18 is used publicly (for example, footage from the closing Sharing). Consent is recorded and can be withdrawn at any time.

5. Recognising and responding to a concern
If a student discloses something concerning, or a member of staff notices signs that a child may be at risk of harm:
Listen calmly, don't promise confidentiality, and avoid asking leading questions.
Record what was said or observed as soon as possible, factually and in the child's own words where possible.
Report it to the Designated Safeguarding Lead the same day.
The DSL decides next steps, which may include contacting Camden's children's safeguarding services (below).
If a child is in immediate danger, call 999.

6. Working with Camden Council's safeguarding services
As we're based in the London Borough of Camden, we follow the procedures set out by the Camden Safeguarding Children Partnership (CSCP), the multi-agency body responsible for ensuring local organisations work together to protect children in Camden (cscp.org.uk).
To raise a concern about a child's welfare or safety:
Camden's Children and Families Contact Service (which incorporates the Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub, MASH)
Telephone: 020 7974 3317 (9am–5pm, Monday–Friday)
Out of hours: 020 7974 4444
Emergency: 999
If an allegation is made against a member of staff or volunteer (rather than a general welfare concern), this is referred to Camden's Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO), whose role is to oversee how such allegations are handled:
Email: LADO@camden.gov.uk
The Designated Safeguarding Lead is responsible for making this contact, unless the situation is an emergency, in which case anyone can and should call 999 directly.

7. Training and review
The Designated Safeguarding Lead completes safeguarding training appropriate to working with children (for example, CSCP-recognised or NSPCC/CPSU training), refreshed periodically in line with current guidance. This policy is reviewed at least annually, or sooner following any change in guidance from the CSCP or a safeguarding incident.
Policy last reviewed: 20.07.2026
Next review due: 20.07.2027