Expectations

If you choose to attend the evening classes, you will be required to comply with The HHDC’s Code of Conduct.

This code sets out expectations for student behaviour and the procedures used by The HHDC in order to resolve matters when students’ behaviour is unacceptable. If you breach any of the terms set out in the Code of Conduct, your child may be withdrawn from the evening classes with no refund given.

All students and parents should conduct themselves in a caring, polite and professional manner at all times.

This includes whilst waiting for classes to begin and in our social areas. We have a Zero Tolerance policy towards rude or disruptive behaviour and The HHDC maintains the right to remove any offending students and/or parents from the school.

Code of Conduct

The ethos of The HH Dance Company is one of respect. The highest standards of behaviour and support are demanded of everyone. Encouragement, kindness and generosity of spirit will be expected. Bullying in all its forms, including online, will not be tolerated.  

Ethos

The Helen Hawkins Dance Company will:

• Treat all people equally, with respect and dignity.
• Provide a range of high-quality tuition from experienced teachers, professional performers as well as those that are currently training for the performing arts industry.
• Build balanced relationships based on mutual trust in a safe and fun environment so that students thrive.
• Involve and inform parents and carers so that students feel fully supported.
• Strive to give constructive, positive feedback to allow students to improve and develop.
• Recognise that everyone has different abilities and aspirations.
• Ensure that a safe environment for learning is available. This will include valid DBS certificates for all staff; appropriate insurance cover; risk assessment and first aid cover.

Safeguarding Policy

The HHDC is fully committed to safeguarding the welfare of all children and young people.

We recognise our responsibility to take all reasonable steps to promote safe practice and protect children from harm, abuse and exploitation.

All staff and volunteers will endeavour to work together to encourage the development of an ethos which embraces difference and diversity and respects the rights of children, young people and adults.

The HHDC believes that:

• We have a responsibility to safeguard the welfare of the children we teach and to ensure that appropriate policies and procedures are in place so that a child may take part in class and events within a safe and secure environment.
• The welfare of the child is paramount.
• All children, whatever their age, culture, disability, gender, language, racial origin, religious beliefs and/or sexual identity have the right to protection from abuse.
• All disclosures and concerns should be taken seriously and responded to swiftly and appropriately.
• All staff should be clear on how to respond appropriately.

The HHDC will ensure that:

• We provide an environment in which children are safe, can learn and develop at their own pace and are aware that there are always adults in whom they can trust.
• All children are treated equally and with respect and dignity.
• The welfare of each child is always put first.
• Enthusiastic and constructive feedback is given rather than negative criticism.
• Bullying is not accepted or condoned.
• All staff/volunteers provide a positive role model for dealing with other people.
• Action is taken to stop any inappropriate verbal or physical behaviour.
• We work with the venues we hire to provide a safe and secure environment.
• We endeavour to keep up to date with changes in legislation and policies for the protection of children and health and safety.

In implementing this Safeguarding Policy The HHDC will:

• Communicate to all staff/volunteers their legal and moral responsibility to protect children and young people from harm, abuse and exploitation.
• Ensure that all staff/volunteers understand their duty to report concerns that arise about a child or young person, or any staff/volunteers conduct towards a child/young person, to the school’s Designated Safeguarding Lead.
• Ensure that the school’s Designated Safeguarding Lead understands his/her responsibility to refer any child protection concerns to the statutory child protection agencies (i.e. Police and/or Children’s Social Care).
• Ensure that any procedures relating to the conduct of staff/volunteers are implemented in a consistent and equitable manner.
• Ensure the children/young people and their parents or carers have access to this Child Safeguarding Policy.

Mobile Phone Policy

Photography and Video on Social MediaThe HHDC will follow a no phone policy. If students need to bring them to class, then please ensure they stay in your bag, out of sight, as soon as you enter the studio.

Photography and Video on Social Media

The Helen Hawkins Dance Company uses photography and video footage on all social media channels to share students progress and promote classes to others. It is necessary for all students in the class to give consent for photography and video footage to be taken by Helen Hawkins, visiting tutors and others in the group.

When video footage is taken by other students, this will be for rehearsal process only and must only be shared amongst students in the class. Breaking this agreement could lead to withdrawal from the class.

If there are any concerns with this, please email Helen Hawkins to discuss.

Communication with teachers and visiting tutors.

The company often has visiting tutors and guest teachers leading classes. It is important that these tutors are treated the same as all teachers in the company. Any communication must go through the official email channels for the company and not through social media.

Any messages sent via social media will be passed on to Helen Hawkins for her attention.

This policy will be regularly monitored by Helen Hawkins and will be subject to annual review. Last reviewed: 07/09/2025