Ensemble Working & Code of Conduct

Our approach

Dance works best when everyone feels safe, respected and included. We expect considerate behaviour in studios, waiting areas, performances, online groups and events. Adults have additional responsibilities to safeguard children. We respond proportionately, listen to those involved and consider a student’s age, disability and support needs.

Students

Arrive ready for class, follow reasonable teaching and safety instructions, wear the class clothing and footwear described in the OPDA Handbook, and use equipment only with permission. Treat other students, teachers, staff and visitors with respect. Do not bully, threaten, discriminate against, humiliate or deliberately exclude anyone. Respect personal space, belongings and changing-room privacy. Tell a teacher or the safeguarding lead if something feels unsafe or if another student needs help. Do not film, photograph or post other students without permission and the applicable event rules.

Parents and guardians

Give accurate contact, collection and relevant health or support information and update it when circumstances change. Arrange prompt collection and tell OPDA in advance about any change to the authorised collector. Follow studio and performance instructions, speak respectfully to staff and families, and raise concerns using the Complaints Procedure. Do not confront or identify another child publicly or post images of other children without appropriate permission. Talk to us early if adjustments could help your child participate safely and comfortably.

Staff and other adults working with OPDA

Put children’s welfare first. Follow the Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy, safer working practices and role-specific training. Maintain professional boundaries: use approved communication channels, avoid private social-media contact with children, avoid unnecessary one-to-one isolation, and keep any physical guidance necessary, explained, age-appropriate and responsive to the child’s wishes. Do not use humiliating discipline, favouritism, threats, inappropriate language or unnecessary physical contact. Report incidents, safeguarding concerns, bullying, boundary concerns and unsafe practice promptly. Protect personal information and follow OPDA’s photography and online-safety arrangements.

Bullying or a breach of this code

Tell a teacher, the safeguarding lead [name/contact] or hello@opda.co.uk. We will listen, record and assess the concern, take immediate steps to keep people safe, and follow safeguarding referral procedures where appropriate. We may speak to those involved, agree support or reasonable adjustments, set behaviour expectations, or restrict participation when necessary for safety. Serious misconduct may lead to suspension or ending involvement after a fair review. Where a student’s enrolment ends, any fees or refund will be assessed under the enrolment terms and applicable consumer rights; exclusion does not automatically make all unused fees non-refundable.

A person may appeal a non-safeguarding behaviour decision through the Complaints Procedure. Allegations against adults working with children follow safeguarding and LADO procedures, not an informal behaviour resolution process.