Yama policies are reviewed annually
[expand title=” HEALTH AND SAFETY POLICY “]
Policy updated May 2020
- All dance company and class attendees [heareafter called ‘members’] must complete a Registration Form when joining Yama, with clear information regarding emergency contacts and any relevant medical history.
- A copy of primary and emergency contact numbers will be kept on class registers and made available for visiting teachers and artists.
- It is the members’ responsibility to notify Yama of any changes to their emergency contact details or health information
Fire and emergencies - In case of a fire emergency at The Edge, leave the building via emergency exits, and follow any instructions by onsite Fire Wardens.
- Yama will undertake regular assessment of risks regarding our regular studio and any concerns will be raised with the owners.
- A fully equipped First Aid Box is present at The Edge. In case of an incident notify a member of staff onsite to access first aid equipment. A qualified first aider will be onsite or accessible through the university security team.
- Off site rehearsals and performances will be risk assessed and any risks or hazards removed or minimised as far as possible. All members will be made aware of any remaining hazards at the start of each session.
- If required, Yama will contact the emergency services first, then the emergency contact of the member involved by the telephone number on the class registers.
Safe teaching and dancing - Yama works with highly trained professionals to ensure a safe teaching practice and to minimise risk of injury. Members understand that injuries can happen during dancing, and attend class at their own risk.
- Members are encouraged to be mindful of their own limitations, and should inform the teacher of any special health considerations or existing injuries before participating in class
- Safe and comfortable clothing and footwear (soft dance shoes, socks or bare feet) should be worn for dance classes and rehearsals for safe dance practice.
- Only indoor dance shoes should be worn inside the studio to protect the floor and for health and safety reasons.
- No food is allowed in the studio. Water is permitted in cap bottles.
Online Classes - Online classes are undertaken at members’ own risk. Teachers are responsible for ensuring content is appropriate for home environments.
- Members should risk assess their environment before taking part in an online dance class, ensuring there is enough space. Members should remove any potential hazards, e.g. pets, rugs, ornaments
- Members should wear dance clothing and soft dance shoes, socks or bare feet, bearing in mind different floor surfaces e.g. carpet will be different to dancing in a studio.
- Members should take responsibility for adapting any movement to allow for individual health and physical limitations. [/expand]
Policy updated Feb 2020
This organisation is committed to creating and maintaining a safe and positive environment for all people involved in Yama Dance classes and rehearsals. It accepts its responsibility to assist in the welfare of all people and to safeguard them from poor practice, abuse and bullying.
All individuals within the organisation – attendees, members, staff, tutors, guest artists – have a role and responsibility to help ensure the safety and welfare of adults.
Yama Dance Company accepts that we are required to fulfil our duty of care, which means that we must do everything that can be reasonably expected of us to help safeguard and protect people from harm, and to act when we suspect that someone is being harmed, or is at risk of harm.
In order for Yama Dance Company to establish an environment that is; safe, enjoyable, educational and enables people to positively contribute to developments; delivery partners must be extra vigilant in creating a safe culture, this includes:
- Monitoring and evaluating projects and communicating with participants, members and partners;
- Setting high standards and ensuring that these are consistently adhered to;
- Engaging, understanding and promoting the culture of dance for older people;
- Respecting cultural difference;
- Ensuring an inclusive ethos;
- Establishing an environment that encourages feedback and where issues can be discussed;
- Acknowledging the increased vulnerability of specific individuals;
- Encouraging a partner wide approach to safeguarding, in order to create better communication, advice and support mechanisms.
- Ensure that instructor/leader ratios are appropriate for the number of individuals in attendance.
- Lone working and one-to-one environments are not advised.
Best practice in the dance studio
Attitudes and communication
Staff and volunteers should:
- Treat all adults with respect and dignity
- Foster a supportive atmosphere where each adult is confident to work safely and to their individual skill level
- Give constructive feedback rather than making negative comments
- Never intimidate individuals through excessive criticism or by excessively focusing on one person
One-to-one contact
Staff and volunteers should:
- Not spend excessive amounts of time alone with any particular individual, away from others
- In the event of having a one-to-one meeting with an individual make every effort to keep this meeting as open as possible.
Physical contact
Staff and volunteers should:
- Never engage in sexually provocative touch or rough physical games
- Avoid using excessive physical contact while giving corrections or as a tool for explanation
- Check an individual is comfortable with physical contact before touching them
- Respect the right to privacy
General
Staff and volunteers should:
- Be aware that someone might misinterpret our actions no matter how well intentioned
- Never draw any conclusions about others without checking the facts [/expand]