By participating in classes at Count Me In Dance School (CMIDS), you agree to the following terms and conditions. These guidelines help us maintain a safe, respectful, and enjoyable environment for all students, families, and staff.

Cancellations & Attendance

• We require a minimum of 2 hours written notice for any casual class cancellations or reschedules. Notice needs to be provided via email to countmeindanceschool@gmail.com

• Cancellations with less than 2 hours’ notice or no-shows will be charged the full class fee.

• Recurring students, Troupe, Competition and Private lessons cancellation policies are outlined in your class agreement.

Health, Safety & Risk

• At CMI, the safety and wellbeing of our students is very important to us. While we take great care to provide a safe environment and experienced instruction, dance is a physical activity and, like any form of exercise, carries a risk of injury. Participation in dance involves physical activity and some inherent risk.

• By attending classes, students and/or their guardians accept this risk and release CMIDS and its staff from liability for any injury that may occur during participation.

• CMIDS maintains a safe environment and follows all relevant safety guidelines.

• Any students participating in Cheer or Acro classes agree to our Cheer and Acro policy available below.

No Symptoms Policy

• At CMI we maintain a ‘symptom free’ policy. This is to help protect all members of our community, especially those who may be vulnerable.

• If your child or attending guardian is unwell please ensure to cancel your lesson in line with our cancellation policy.

We look forward to dancing with you!

CMI Dance School – Child Safety Policy and Code of Conduct

Purpose CMI Dance School is committed to providing a safe, inclusive, and nurturing environment for all children and young people. We are dedicated to upholding the rights of every child to feel and be safe, valued, and respected while participating in dance and associated activities.

1. Commitment to Child Safety

• CMI Dance School has a zero-tolerance policy for child abuse.
  

• We actively promote the safety and wellbeing of all children, with particular attention to the needs of Aboriginal children, children from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, children with disabilities, and LGBTQIA+ communities.
  

• We support the empowerment and participation of children in decisions affecting their lives.
  

2. Responsibilities of Staff, Teachers, Volunteers, and Contractors

All staff, volunteers, teachers, contractors, and anyone involved in our programs must:

• Prioritise the safety and wellbeing of children at all times.
  

• Take all reasonable steps to protect children from harm or abuse.
  

• Comply with all child safety policies and reporting obligations.
  

• Treat children and young people with respect, including listening to and valuing their ideas and opinions.
  

• Maintain appropriate physical and emotional boundaries at all times.
  

• Ensure any physical contact is necessary, respectful, and directly related to the teaching of dance skills.
  

• Immediately report any concerns, suspicions, or allegations of child abuse or harm to the Child Safety Officer or relevant authority.
  

3. Code of Conduct – Acceptable and Unacceptable Behaviour

Acceptable Behaviour

All personnel connected to CMI Dance School are expected to:

• Act in accordance with CMI Dance School’s child safety policy at all times.
  

• Behave in a way that upholds the dignity and rights of every child.
  

• Listen and respond to the views and concerns of children, particularly if they are telling you they are feeling unsafe or worried.
  

• Work with children in an open and transparent way
  

• Use positive and age-appropriate language and communication.
  

• Encourage children to speak up and raise any concerns.
  

Unacceptable Behaviour

Staff, volunteers, and other adults must NOT:

• Engage in any form of sexual conduct or grooming behaviour with or towards a child.
  

• Use physical punishment or aggressive discipline.
  

• Develop any 'special' relationships with children that could be seen as favouritism or grooming.
  

• Exchange personal contact details with a child, including phone numbers, social media, or email without parental consent.
  

• Take photos or videos of children without consent from parents/guardians and CMI Dance School management.

4. Reporting and Responding

• CMI Dance School takes all reports of child abuse, neglect, and inappropriate conduct seriously.
  

• Concerns should be raised with the Child Safety Officer (Natalie Tyler 0432875554), or reported to Child Protection or Victoria Police (or relevant local authorities).
  

• All staff are trained in how to identify and respond to child safety concerns.
  

5. Recruitment and Training

• All teachers, staff, and volunteers must have a valid Working with Children Check (WWCC).
  

• New personnel are carefully screened and inducted into our child safety practices.
  

• Ongoing training is provided to ensure awareness of child safety responsibilities.
  

6. Empowering Children and Families

• We provide age-appropriate education to children about their rights and safety.
  

• We encourage parent and guardian involvement in all aspects of our school’s activities.
  

• Families are informed of our commitment to child safety and are encouraged to communicate concerns.
  

7. Review and Implementation

This policy is reviewed every 12 months and after any significant child safety incident. It is communicated to all staff, families, and students and is available publicly on request.

Contact Information

Child Safety Officer: Natalie Tyler

Email: countmeindanceschool@gmail.com

Phone: 0432875554

Emergency (Child Protection): 1300 664 977 or Police 000

Organisation: Count Me In Dance School (CMIDS)

Effective Date: Jan 2025 Review Date: Jan 2026

1. Purpose

CMIDS is committed to creating an inclusive, culturally safe, and respectful environment where all children, families, staff, and volunteers feel valued and supported, regardless of their cultural background, ethnicity, religion, gender, ability, or identity.

2. Scope

This policy applies to all CMIDS programs, activities, staff, volunteers, children, families, and community members.

3. Principles

• Respect for Diversity: Recognise and respect the cultural identities, beliefs, practices, and values of all individuals.
  

• Equity and Access: Provide equitable opportunities for participation and engagement in all CMIDS activities.
  

• Cultural Safety: Create spaces where individuals feel safe to express their culture without fear of discrimination, harassment, or marginalisation.
  

• Anti-Discrimination: Zero tolerance for any form of racism, discrimination, bullying, or harassment.
  

• Cultural Competency: Staff and volunteers commit to ongoing learning and understanding of diverse cultures and inclusive practices.
  

4. Inclusion Strategies

• Develop and deliver programs that are accessible and welcoming to children from diverse cultural backgrounds and abilities.
  

• Use inclusive language and teaching practices that reflect and honour cultural diversity.
  

• Celebrate cultural events and encourage sharing of cultural traditions in appropriate ways.
  

• Provide reasonable adjustments to ensure children with disabilities or additional needs can participate fully.
  

• Engage with families and community leaders to better understand and support cultural needs.
  

5. Cultural Safety Practices

• Staff and volunteers will undertake cultural awareness and safety training regularly.
  

• Create an environment free from discrimination and bullying through clear behaviour expectations and respectful communication.
  

• Address and respond promptly to any incidents of cultural insensitivity or discrimination.
  

• Encourage open dialogue and feedback from children and families about cultural inclusion and safety.
  

• Ensure visible cultural safety indicators such as respectful signage, artwork, or resources representing diverse cultures.
  

6. Responsibilities

RoleResponsibilitiesCMIDS LeadershipPromote and model inclusive and culturally safe practices; provide resources and training.Staff & VolunteersImplement inclusive practices; respect cultural differences; participate in training; address incidents appropriately.Families & CommunityEngage with CMIDS to support inclusive practices and provide feedback.

7. Reporting and Addressing Concerns

• Any concerns related to cultural safety or discrimination should be reported to the Child Safety Officer or CMIDS leadership.
  

• All reports will be taken seriously, investigated promptly, and managed confidentially.
  

• Appropriate actions will be taken to support affected individuals and prevent recurrence.
  

8. Review

This policy will be reviewed annually or following any incidents related to inclusion or cultural safety.

This policy outlines our commitment to the safety, wellbeing, and inclusion of all children involved in our Cheerleading and Acro programs. We prioritise physical and emotional safety in all activities and promote a culture where children feel safe, respected, and empowered.

We are committed to:

• Creating a safe and inclusive environment for all athletes.
  

• Promoting safe cheerleading and acro practices through training and supervision.
  

• Ensuring that all physical contact is appropriate and respectful.
  

• Upholding our legal obligations regarding child protection and reporting.
  

Cheerleading and Acro may involve: High-risk skills and stunts, so injury prevention and physical safety protocols are critical.

Physical Safety in Cheerleading and Acro

We recognise that cheerleading and acro involve high-risk activities such as stunting, tumbling, lifting, and partner-based movements. To minimise risks, we implement the following safeguards:

• Regular safety training and procedure updates for our teaching team.
  

• Spotters are required during all relevant stunting, tumbling, and acro-based partner skills.
  

• Mats and equipment must be regularly inspected for safety and maintained in good condition.
  

• Training areas must be free from hazards, with adequate space between groups.
  

• Athletes must only perform stunts, tumbling, and acro skills appropriate to their age, strength, and experience, as outlined in CMIDS class skills criteria.
  

Physical Contact Guidelines

Physical contact may be necessary to teach correct technique or ensure safety but must always be:

• Professional and explained beforehand.
  

• Observable and conducted in the presence of others.
  

• Subject to the athlete’s ongoing consent – athletes may withdraw consent at any time.
  

Injury Prevention and Management

• Warm-up and stretching are required in class and encouraged outside class to maintain safe body practices.
  

• All injuries must be reported and documented through an incident report.
  

• A return-to-play clearance may be required for certain injuries to ensure safe participation.
  

Emotional Safety and Positive Culture

We foster a team culture that values:

• Respect for all athletes, regardless of skill level or background.
  

• Encouragement and positive reinforcement over fear or criticism.
  

• Zero tolerance for bullying, hazing, or exclusion in any form.
  

Acknowledgement and Waiver

I acknowledge that participation in cheerleading and acro activities at CMIDS involves physical movement and carries a risk of injury. I voluntarily assume all such risks on behalf of my child and release CMIDS and its staff from any liability for injuries or accidents that may occur during classes, rehearsals, or performances. As the parent or legal guardian of the participating minor, I confirm that I have read and understood this waiver and provide my full consent for their participation.