health and safety policy.
1. Purpose
This policy establishes the health and safety requirements at Ace Dance Studios, ensuring a safe, healthy and supportive environment for all students, staff, parents and visitors while minimising risks associated with dance activities and studio operations.
2. General Health & Safety
2.1 All students, staff and visitors must follow studio safety procedures and reasonable instructions provided by Management.
2.2 Studio facilities, equipment, entrances and exits must be maintained in a clean and safe condition, with identified hazards managed appropriately.
2.3 Students must wear appropriate dance attire and footwear during all classes. School uniforms, unsuitable clothing and inappropriate footwear are not permitted. Appropriate footwear includes clean sneakers or trainers that provide adequate support, grip and flexibility. Bare feet, socks, slides, sandals, boots and school shoes are not permitted unless otherwise approved by the tutor for specific dance activities.
2.4 Unsafe behaviour, including rough play, misuse of equipment or actions that may endanger others, is prohibited.
2.5 Any identified hazards, damaged equipment or safety concerns must be reported to Management or Staff promptly.
3. Injuries, Illness & First Aid
3.1 Students and parents/caregivers must inform Management of any relevant injuries, medical conditions or physical limitations that may affect safe participation.
3.2 Management may request medical certificates, physiotherapy reports or written medical clearance to assess a student's ability to safely participate in dance activities. Students must comply with any restrictions or recommendations provided by their healthcare professional. These documents will be kept private under our privacy policy.
3.3 Students with significant injuries must not participate in physical dance activities until medically cleared or otherwise deemed safe to return under appropriate professional guidance.
3.4 Competition students who are injured may still be required to attend scheduled training sessions for observation and learning purposes, provided attendance is medically appropriate. Injured students must not physically participate in activities that may aggravate their injury.
3.5 Students and staff experiencing contagious illnesses or symptoms that may affect safe participation should not attend classes.
3.6 First aid supplies will be maintained and accessible onsite.
3.7 All accidents, injuries and significant incidents must be reported to Management and documented using the studio's Incident Report Form.
3.8 In the event of a serious injury or medical emergency, staff will contact emergency services (111) where necessary and notify the student's parent or emergency contact as soon as practicable.
3.9 Medication, including over-the-counter pain relief, must not be administered to students under 18 without prior written parent/caregiver consent. Any medication administered must be appropriate for the student, given in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions and documented by Management. Staff may decline to administer medication where safety concerns exist.
4. Student Supervision & Safety
4.1 Tutors are responsible for providing appropriate supervision and maintaining a safe learning environment during scheduled classes.
4.2 Students must follow tutor instructions and must not use studio equipment without permission.
4.3 Parents and caregivers are responsible for ensuring appropriate drop-off and collection arrangements for their children.
4.4 Students must remain within designated studio areas and must not enter restricted spaces without authorisation.
4.5 Studio entry doors will remain locked from 6:30PM onwards. Late arrivals and visitors must use the designated doorbell at the front door to request entry. Emergency exits must remain readily accessible from inside.
4.6 Students remaining onsite after the final scheduled class of the evening will not be left unattended. At least one staff member will remain onsite until all students have been safely collected by their parent/caregiver or authorised person.
4.7 Where a student has not been collected within twenty (20) minutes of their scheduled class finish time, the staff member onsite will contact the student's parent/caregiver or emergency contact to arrange collection. Parents/caregivers are expected to communicate any anticipated delays to Management as soon as practicable.
5. Emergency Procedures
5.1 All staff must familiarise themselves with the studio's emergency exits, evacuation procedures and designated assembly point.
5.2 In the event of a fire, earthquake or other emergency, students and visitors must follow staff instructions promptly.
5.3 Emergency exits and evacuation routes must remain unobstructed at all times.
5.4 Staff must account for students following an evacuation and ensure they remain supervised until it is safe to return or they are collected.
5.5 All emergencies and significant safety incidents must be reported to Management as soon as practicable. Management will notify WorkSafe New Zealand where legally required.
6. Staff Responsibilities
6.1 All staff must take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions.
6.2 Tutors must ensure classes are appropriate for the age, ability and physical capabilities of participating students.
6.3 Appropriate warm-ups, safe teaching techniques and injury-prevention measures must be incorporated into classes.
6.4 Staff must identify and report hazards, respond appropriately to incidents and comply with studio health and safety procedures.
6.5 Management is responsible for assessing and managing identified risks, maintaining safe facilities and equipment, and ensuring staff receive appropriate safety information and guidance.
7. Policy Compliance & Review
7.1 All students, staff and visitors are expected to comply with this policy and any additional health and safety instructions issued by Management.
7.2 Failure to comply with safety requirements may result in appropriate action, including restrictions on participation where necessary to protect others.
7.3 Management will review this policy annually, following significant incidents or when changes to studio operations or legal requirements make a review necessary.
7.4 This policy operates alongside the Ace Dance Studios Student Agreement and applicable New Zealand health and safety legislation.
8. Smoking, Vaping, Alcohol & Drugs
8.1 Smoking and vaping are strictly prohibited for students under 18 during all Ace Dance Studios activities, regardless of parental consent.
8.2 Students aged 18 and over may only smoke or vape during breaks in designated outdoor areas approved by Management, where legally permitted.
8.3 Smoking and vaping are prohibited inside the studio and while representing Ace at competitions or performances.
8.4 Alcohol and illegal drugs are prohibited during all studio activities. Students, teachers and staff must not participate in or supervise activities while impaired by alcohol or drugs.
8.5 All students must follow the Ace Dance Studios Smoking & Vaping Policy, which outlines further restrictions and consequences.